Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 17:11-15
Ps 17:11-15
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. 12 They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover. 13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. 14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. 15 And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
1 Tim 2:1-4
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
David was king of Israel, which was an emerging nation, rapidly becoming one of the most powerful and wealthy nations on earth. But he had his enemies, both from within and from other nations around him. While we think of him as the young shepherd boy or the sweet psalmist, he was actually the greatest general and war hero in the world of his day. He was a ruthless destroyer of the enemies of God but was a compassionate and loving king toward his own people.
David knew he was in this position because God had called him to rule. He knew that it was not by his own power, wisdom or might that he had ascended to the throne and that he was able to subdue the nations around him. Every battle he fought was at the direction of God and every victory was by his power.
Ever ruler in power today is there because God has appointed or allowed them to be in that position. They are servants of God. As God’s people we are citizens of his kingdom first and foremost so our citizenship on earth must be secondary to his. Regardless of our political persuasion we are to pray for our rulers that we may live peaceful and godly lives. We are to respect our rulers (even when we disagree with them) and show respect toward them in all we do and say.
Heavenly Father I am thankful for the great nation in which I live. Thank you for the men and women who have given so much for the freedoms I enjoy and for the economic stability we often take for granted. Help me never forget that we exist only because you have allowed us to do so and we are great because you have given it to us. I pray that our leaders will recognize this as well. Give them wisdom and guide them in their decisions and actions that we can be at peace at home as well as abroad. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus my Lord and King.
Robert
