Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.” – (22:4)

Observation: This is a Messianic psalm written by David. There are many verses in this psalm where the connection to the Saviour is easily seen. In the key verse for today, David remembers that his forefathers trusted the Lord and that God provided deliverance for His people.

Application: The Lord never changes! Malachi 3:6 also records God’s declaration, “For I am the LORD, I change not…” The consistency of God is quite amazing! Hebrews 13:8 proclaims, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” We can take great comfort knowing that God is unchanging and therefore 100% dependable.

The Bible tells us that God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent! That never changes! God’s attributes never diminish with time, and perhaps the most incredible thing about God’s immutability is that even our sins against Him do not cause Him to change His redemptive love for us. He will never reject us. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

His mercies do not change; His love never changes; His faithfulness is ongoing… there is so much that we read in the Scriptures about our immutable God that it is impossible to not praise and worship Him! David understood this, and that was why when he faced overwhelming odds against him, he was confident that God would deliver him! The God that consistently protected David from his enemies is the same God that watches over His children today! Isn’t that simply amazing?

Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, what an awesome God you are! To think that You are unchanging for all eternity is incredible! Your promises are everlasting! Your truth is eternal! Thank You for Your Word that tells me all about You, and I know it is 100% true! Wow! I am in awe of Who You are! I praise Your holy name and lift it high! What a mighty God You are! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Great is the Lord, He is holy and just,
By His power we trust in His love.
Great is the Lord, He is faithful and true,
By His mercy He proves He is love.

Great is the Lord, and worthy of glory.
Great is the Lord, and worthy of praise.
Great is the Lord, now lift up your voice,
Now lift up your voice! Great is the Lord! Great is the Lord!

(from “Great is the Lord” by Deborah and Michael Smith)

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“Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.” – Psalm 22:23

Scripture: “Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.” – (21:2)

Observation: David writes of how the Lord has blessed him as king. God has protected him from the enemy and secured his throne.

Application: It amazes me how God gives us our heart’s desire! What’s even more amazing is that often we don’t even know what our heart’s desire truly is, but God does! Interesting to note, the Lord doesn’t “grant wishes” like a genie in a lamp, but His giving of our heart’s desire is conditional.

Psalm 37:4 states, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” If you delight yourself in the Lord, your desires will be satisfied through God. How do we delight in Him?

• Trust in the Lord – “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)
• Commit your ways to the Lord – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)
• Rest in the Lord – “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him…” (Psalm 37:7)

The more we know of God through His Word, the more we learn how to trust, commit, and rest in Him. As we learn how to be more like Christ, we please the Father, and the desires of our heart begin to align with His will for our lives!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your Word. Your promises are everlasting, and I know without a doubt that You keep your promises! I know also that You’ve given me so much more than I could ever desire, and for that I am so grateful! I praise You for Your great wisdom, and for the promise that whatever You bless me with and however You bless, is according to Your perfect plan for me! Thank You!! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire. and I long to worship Thee
You alone are my Strength, my Shield, to You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee.

(from “As the Deer” by Martin Nystrom)

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“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11

Scripture: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” – (20:7)

Observation: In this psalm, David is writing in response to the deliverance the Lord has given him in difficult situations. Before David was known as a mighty warrior, he was a shepherd. As a young boy, God gave David the strength to overcome the bear and the lion in the protection of the sheep. Later in in life, God gave David victory in battle over the enemies of Israel. In this writing, David acknowledges that the Lord is the One who saves.

Application: People will go to amazing lengths to protect themselves. They tend to place their trust in what they can see. Some trust in massive fortresses; some trust in weaponry. Nations trust in their military might; cities have their peace officers. The show of power through articles of warfare can provide a temporary sense of security until someone shows up to the fight with a bigger gun.

In today’s key verse, David writes that it is the Lord who is the true Deliverer. It is He who saves. Who better to have as your protector than the One who created the universe, controls every element of nature, and is all-powerful? But consider this, as omnipotent as God is, Philippians 2:8 tell us an amazing thing that God did to save us. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

When Jesus was led to the cross, He knew that He could summon all the angels of heaven to stop the execution that was before Him, and that those angels would wipe out all of His enemies in a heartbeat. After all, He was and is the Son of God! But Jesus didn’t call for the mighty armies of heaven to intervene on His behalf. Instead, He chose to endure the tortuous suffering and unbearable agony of a rugged cross to do what only God could do… save humanity from their sin by shedding His sinless blood. Jesus is the Deliverer, the Saviour of the world. It is through His name alone that we can find true security, protection, and peace for our lives… for our souls.

David ends this psalm thusly, “Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.” Whenever one of God’s own calls His name, He will respond; He will save. He always has; He always will. “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” – Psalm 121:7-8.

Jehoshaphat stated this truth in 2 Chronicles 20:6, “And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?”

Don’t look to your fellow man for safety; put your faith and trust in the One who never fails… God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise in the Word that You will never leave me nor forsake me. You are my refuge and strength. You are my Protector. You saved me from my sins; You keep me in Your hand. I am Yours and You are mine! You, O Lord, are my Saviour. I love You! In Your sweet, holy name, I pray. Amen.

In heavenly armor We'll enter the land,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that's fashioned against us will stand,
The battle belongs to the Lord!

We sing glory, honor, Power and strength to the Lord!
We sing glory, honor, Power and strength to the Lord!

When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord!
Take courage my friend, your deliverance is near
The battle belongs to the Lord!

We sing glory, honor, Power and strength to the Lord!
We sing glory, honor, Power and strength to the Lord!

(from “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” by Phil Wickham)

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“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” – Isaiah 54:10

Scripture: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” – (19:1)

Observation: In this psalm, David writes about the glory of God and His Word. He also asks God to guard his thoughts and the words he speaks.

Application: Everything that God created praises His name! Psalm 148 details the parts of God’s creation that praise Him. When Jesus was told to quiet the crowds that were praising Him, His response was “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40).

In spite of all the praise coming from these things that God made, He still wanted something even more special. He wanted a personal relationship with His creation, so He made man. Imagine that! God doesn’t just sit on a big throne listening to all creation sing praises to His name, He wants to interact with each one of us!

In the first part of Genesis 3:8, we read that God came to the garden to commune with Adam and Eve. “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:” Unfortunately, their sin severed the relationship that God had with them and that separation was passed on to all of humanity. But God was not thwarted; He had a plan. You see, more than the heavens, more than the stars, more than any other part of His creation, God loves US with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Because of that love, He sacrificed His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay for sin… past, present, and future! Through our acceptance of the work Jesus finished on the cross for us, our relationship with the Lord can be restored!

Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That means when we ask Jesus to forgive us and become our Lord and Saviour, our personal relationship with God begins!! And it will last forever because in John 10:29, referring to His followers, Jesus said, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” That, my friend, is truly blessed assurance!

Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You for saving my soul! Thank You for the sweet communion we have through Your Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. What a blessing to be a new creation in Jesus! In His precious name and with great thanksgiving, I pray. Amen.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)

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“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

Scripture: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” – (18:2)

Observation: David was known as a warrior king. He fought and won battle after battle because the Lord was on his side. David trusted God and acknowledged Him as the One who delivers.

Application: In Australia, Ayers Rock is a massive sandstone monolith and is the largest single rock in the world. In the United States, El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park, is the largest monolith. This granite rock stands more than 3,000 ft. high. California also is home to Giant Rock, which covers almost 6000 square feet of ground and stands approximately seven stories high! These are three impressive rocks, and it cannot be argued that it would be impossible for anyone to move them! No wonder David often refers to God as his ROCK.

David mentions three times in this psalm alone that God is his rock. Like those huge rocks, God is immovable. He never changes; His Word never changes. He is steadfast, dependable, eternally the same. What God says He will do, He does. What God says will happen, does come to pass. Truly, our God is a rock!

However, there is one thing that will definitely move God, and that is our prayers. When we pray, our words touch the heart of God and He responds. Here are four biblical examples of those whose prayers moved the Lord to act.

• Hannah prayed for a child after being barren for years.
  • “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.”- 1 Samuel 1:20
• King Hezekiah prayed for healing after being told he would die.
  • “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”  – Isaiah 38:5
• Jabez prayed for God to be with him and keep him from evil.
  • “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” – 1 Chronicles 4:10
• The early church prayed for Peter when he was imprisoned.
  • “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” – Acts 12:7

Never doubt that God does not hear the prayers of His children. He desires our prayers greatly, and even tells us in I Thessalonians 5:17 that we should “Pray without ceasing.” Our God is a ROCK, but praise His name that He can be moved with simply a heartfelt prayer!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You truly are the ROCK of my salvation, and I praise Your holy name! You alone are worthy of glory, honor, and worship! Thank You for wanting a personal relationship with me, and providing that through Your precious Son, Jesus. It is such a comfort to know I can come boldly to Your throne and share anything and everything that is on my heart, and You listen. What a blessing to be Your child! I love You! In Jesus’ precious and most holy name, I pray. Amen.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge-- take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

(from “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Medlicott Scriven)

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“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” – Psalm 18:46

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

Scripture: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”- (16:11)

Observation: This chapter is full of praises to the Lord. David writes about having a “goodly heritage”, and how God has provided counsel and guidance throughout his life. He then ends with our key verse, having the faith that God will continue to lead him and give him joy forever.

Application: There is no doubt that life is unpredictable. There are always unexpected obstacles that can make navigating through each day very challenging. We have to use real caution when determining from whom we seek advice for the many trials and tribulations that come our way, or we may be given counse that will take us down paths that are not beneficial nor healthy when it comes to achieving the goals we have set for ourselves. So to whom do we go?

David knew the answer. He clearly put his trust in the Lord. Here is what he says in this psalm about God.

• God preserves His own (v1)
• God protects the inheritance found in Him (v5).
• God provides dependable counsel (v7).
• God leads us (v8).
• God will not abandon us (v10).
• God will show us the path we should follow through life (v11).
• God provides eternal pleasures (v11).
• God provides full joy (v11).

Having God on our side as we go through life will not prevent unwanted circumstances from occurring, but with God, we will never be alone, and He will always provide the way through whatever happens. His Word is our life manual, providing guidance in handling all of life’s problems. The Scriptures give us encouragement, guidance, problem-solving skills, and hope. It offer forgiveness when we mess up and promises that give comfort and peace. It is filled with examples of people who chose to follow God despite adversity. People like Noah, Daniel, Elijah, Paul, Esther, Ruth, etc. People like you and me; people who made mistakes, but sought God’s help and redemption to find that joy and peace He offers. Lastly, but most importantly, the Bible also gives us the greatest example of how to live our lives through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is not easy choosing to live a life modeled after the Saviour, but it is only through Him and His saving grace that we truly have the promised fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. If you’ve never trusted Christ as Your Saviour, why not do so today? You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for the Bible. I know that whatever I need You have provided in Your Word. I know I can trust each promise You have made for You are trustworthy and faithful. Thank You for Your truth. You have given me comfort, love, joy and hope! I am so blessed! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Joyful, joyful, we adore You, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You, op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

Always giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,

Well-spring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother, let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

(from “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” by Henry Van Dyke)

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“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10b

Scripture: “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” – (15:2)

Observation: In the previous chapter, David described the unrighteous individual. In this one, he lists characteristics that are applicable to the opposite – one who is righteous. He states in the first verse of this chapter that it is the one who “walketh uprightly” that shall abide in the tabernacle of the Lord.

Application: Most people have heard of the 10 Commandments. These were ten laws that God gave to Moses to teach the people what they needed to do to “abide” with the Lord. Today, it is highly unlikely that the majority of individuals could list those commandments, much less follow them. Truth be told, the world actually declares that doing the exact opposite is better.

God’s Word – Exodus 20	World Philosophy
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (3)	1. Worship celebrities, athletes, false gods, even yourself.
2. Thou shalt not make… any graven image. (4)	2. Worship money, fame, power (modern day idols)
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain. (7)	3. Using the Lord’s name is commonplace: media, books, conversations, etc.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (8)	4. Church attendance is not valued.
5. Honor thy father and mother. (12)	5. Children have their own rights outside of parental control. Obedience is not warranted.
6. Thou shalt not kill. (13)	6. Violence is accepted and even applauded.
7. Thou shalt not comment adultery. (14)	7. Marriage is not sacred; monogamy is not honored; affairs are sensationalized in the media.
8. Thou shalt not steal. (15)	8. If you want it, take it.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (16)	9. Truth is relative; there is no absolute truth.
10. Thou shalt not covet…(17)	10. It’s important to “keep up with the Joneses” at all costs.

Regardless of what we say or do, we can never be righteous in the eyes of God. It is only through the salvation that Jesus Christ offers that we become clothed in His righteousness and thereby acceptable to God. Philippians 3:9 states, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”

We cannot do the impossible, which would be to redeem ourselves, but God made a way through His Son because He loves us with an everlasting love!

Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, how amazing that You would love such sinful people as we all are. We have ignored Your Word and exchanged Your truth for a lie. Help us, O God, to see the error of our ways, turn to Jesus for salvation and become new creations in Him. Thank You for Your longsuffering and your unwillingness that any should perish. Your forgiveness knows no bounds, and Your love is never-ending. How great Thou art! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!

Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to his call,
To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!

Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.

(from “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” by Edward Perronet)

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“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2

Scripture: “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” – (14:3)

Observation: David is no stranger to sin. He was, after all, human like us, and born in sin, again, like us. Here he writes that there is no one who is righteous; no one whom God can find that is good. Yet in the last verse, he shares hope. The hope that God is the One who will ultimately save His people.

Application: This world places so much worth in things that are temporal… things that don’t last. Fame, riches, beauty, educational degrees, athletic prowess, etc. all are the keys to the label of success in today’s culture. In our key verse, David writes that there is no person who can claim they are “good”, especially in the sight of God.

This sounds pretty hopeless until we realize that God has provided a way for us to become “righteous” in His standing. 1 John 4:14 records God’s remedy for our lost state. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” God sent His beloved Son to redeem us, offer forgiveness of our sins and acceptance into His family. When Jesus died on the cross, He became sin for us… in our place! We all deserve to be punished, eternally separated from God, because of our iniquities, but in His great love, God said “No!” He didn’t want that to be our fate. John 3:16-17 explains His plan. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

His plan, set in motion in Genesis 3:15, provided salvation and eternal life for us if we so choose. God chose to offer us a gift that He purchased with His own blood! We must choose to accept this gift. If you want that wonderfully amazing gift of forgiveness, peace, and everlasting life in heaven, the Bible says you only need to understand that you are a sinner, believe in the work that Jesus finished for us through His death on the cross and glorious resurrection, and ask Him to forgive you and be your Lord and Saviour! So simple, but He promises in His Word that He will hear, forgive, restore, and accept you no matter what sins you’ve committed when you ask Him! True success in life comes from the joy of personally knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and following in His footsteps every day!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for what You did for me! I am a sinner; I am not a perfect person by any stretch of the imagination, yet You love me, and You died for me. Thank You so much! Thank You for Your forgiveness of my sins, Your preparing a place for me in heaven, and Your promise to one day come for me to be with You forever! My heart sings with gratitude for Your goodness to me! What a wonderful Saviour You are! In Your precious and blessed name, I pray, with eternal thanksgiving! Amen!

Once I was straying in sin's dark valley
No hope within could I see,
But they searched through Heaven
And found a Savior to save a poor lost soul like me

O what a Savior, O Hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scared, His side was riven
He gave His life's blood for even me

(from “O What a Savior” by Marvin Dalton)

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“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” – John 6:37

Scripture: “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?” – (13:1)

Observation: In this psalm, David is experiencing great sorrow waiting for God to respond to his prayer. However, even though he is in despair, he chooses to trust God and rejoice because God has been good to him in the past. His expectation is that God will do the same at this time.

Application: Like David, there are many times when I’ve wondered, “How long until You answer me, Lord?” This is often the heart’s cry when one is hurting. Regardless of whether you’ve been saved recently or for a long time, learning to trust the Lord is an ongoing process. As we experience struggles in our lives, God uses them to grow our faith and trust in Him. Sometimes, the answers we seek come immediately, but more often than not, we find ourselves waiting.

It is so important to remember that God sees the big picture. He knows how to answer prayers in the best interest of all involved. Additionally, He has a perfect plan for each one of us and knows the paths we must take to bring those plans to fruition. Notice that this psalm doesn’t say that God answered David right away. However, it does reveal David’s heart for the Lord. Despite the pain in waiting, David ends this psalm with these two verses:

• “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” (13:4)
• “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (13:5)

God had shown Himself faithful to deliver David in the past, and now the Psalmist praises God by acknowledging that truth and choosing to rejoice and sing to God. Despite the wait, David is confident that the Lord will deliver him once again and reflects that in his words of praise!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, great is Your faithfulness! Your mercies are truly new every morning! I am so grateful that I can come to You in prayer whenever I want, and You listen. Thank You for always doing what is best for me. Help me to trust You more each day. In Your sweet, precious name, I pray. Amen.

Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! your best, your heav’nly friend
Thru' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

(from “Be Still, My Soul” by Kathrina von Schlegel)

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“But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.” – Psalm 141:8