Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 53:1-6
Ps 53:1-6
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4 Will the evildoers never learn--those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on God? 5 There they were, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them. 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
On more than one occasion in the Old Testament, God used fear to defeat the enemies of his people. Satan has always used fear to try to defeat the people of the Lord. Many times Jesus began a statement with “do not be afraid” or words similar to these. Paul told Timothy that we do not live our lives in fear but in the power of the Holy Spirit. We put our trust in God and rely on his strength.
When Joshua took over the leadership of Israel, God told him to only be strong and courageous several times. Paul said our battle is against spiritual forces of darkness so we are to stand in the strength of his might. He prayed that the Ephesians would be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being. He then concludes his prayer with: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory forever and ever.”
Too often our fear, our frustrations, anxieties, and worries are because of a lack of trust in God and in his ability to take care of us. In this context the Psalmist says that the fool says in his heart there is no God. We all say with our lips that God is real but do we believe it in our hearts and show it in our lives. Do not be afraid, the Lord is near! Do not worry about anything but pray about everything.
1 Thess 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Heavenly Father I am so glad that I can trust in you for everything in my life. Take away the fear, the frustrations and all that distracts me from serving you with my whole heart. Increase my faith and fill me with your Spirit. Give me patience with myself and with others. Help me to show your love by my kindness and gentle spirit. Forgive me when I fail. Use me where you want me to be used, in your way and in your time. May your name be honored in my life. In Jesus name.
Robert
