Scripture: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”- (17:5)
Observation: In this chapter, David is praying for God to uphold and protect him. He shares that his enemy is near and seeks to destroy him. Before he sleeps, he offers this prayer to the Lor, knowing that upon awakening, he will see the faithfulness of God.
Application: So many times in my life, I have prayed as a last resort. I have a very bad habit of facing any challenges in life on my own, trying to manipulate and control the outcomes. Sadly, I remember to pray when my efforts fail, and I find myself surrounded by “the enemy”, and feeling completely out of control! This is so easily avoidable when I seek the Lord first in all things!
Prayer needs to become the “first order of business” in any situation, good or bad. Believing that I need to be the one in control makes no sense whatsoever! First of all, to think I have the intelligence or wisdom to influence every challenge in life the way I want is crazy! Secondly, to not reach out to the One who does have the intelligence, wisdom, and ability to do that is folly on my part. Thirdly, to repeatedly do the same thing over and over knowing that the odds of me controlling a situation’s outcome is unlikely is an exercise in futility.
Now, having said all that, let me flip the switch and put a positive spin on today’s verse. There are a few things I do know about God, and I need to imprint them on my brain!
- God is faithful: “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
- God is good: “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” – Nahum 1:7
- God is wisdom: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” – Romans 11:33
- God is all-knowing. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” – 1 John 3:20
- God is all-powerful: “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
- God loves me: “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3
- God is my Father: “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18
Why wouldn’t I go to Him first? He can do anything; He knows everything, and He loves me deeply. He is my Father in heaven. I can depend on Him for anything.
Prayer should be everyone’s number one priority every day and for everything…including me!
Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much! Your patience with me is incredible! Forgive my pride in thinking I can handle anything that comes my way. I am so weak, and You are so strong! Help me to remember that You are the One who created all things, sustains all things, and knows no bounds in what You can do. Help me remember to seek Your face every day and for every need, knowing that You will protect me, guide me, chastise me when needed, forgive me, and love me forever! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future, for I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.
I don't know about tomorrow, it may bring me poverty;
But the one who feeds the sparrow is the one who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion, may be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me, and I'm covered with His blood.
Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.
(from “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira F. Stanphill)
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“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7