I have started a homeschool journey with my child, and one thing I am enjoying about the curriculum we are using is that it tries to draw things in the lessons back to God, and to remind us to be thankful and grateful in our lives. I think when we start with “Praise the LORD” it can shift our focus and alter the way we live our lives.
115:1 – Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
As humans, we often crave praise and glory, but when we seek after those things, we create idols (though maybe not the physical ones mentioned in the following verses).
But our God is great and wonderful, and we need to trust in Him – He blesses people, He gives to us. And simply because of who God is, we ought to offer Him praise, “both now and forevermore.” (verse 18b).
I have enjoyed reading the Psalms, and I appreciate how so many of them are focused on praising God. I think if we re-framed our life to have that much focus on that, we would be better off.
~Stephanie Fletcher
Reflection Questions
What stood out to you most in these Psalms?
What have you praised God for this week?
What happens when we don’t praise God?
How can you be more intentional about praising God more regularly?
I picked just one Psalm today to write about (139), but I think you can grow and find comfort in all of them.
1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
This is both comforting and frightening. God knows us fully, He knows all that we think and do. That can be scary when we think about how unruly our minds sometimes are. But it is also an amazing comfort and blessing to know that there is someone that knows you 100%.
Though we often try and hide aspects of our lives, I believe that most people do have a desire inside to be fully known. To have someone you can go to and have no façade and completely let your guard down. We search for that in people, but it isn’t something that we can find in them, only God. I think that desire can even cause us hurt and frustrations in our relationships with people because we want that other person to fully know us, and when they don’t [can’t], we can feel let down if we aren’t viewing them in the proper light.
I often wish my husband could read my mind when I say that I want a snack, but I don’t know what I want – I want him to know what I want. But other people weren’t made to know us fully. Only God gets to hold that position, and that is a good thing. People are imperfect, they can let us down by their imperfections, but God never does. And so thanks be to Him that He is the one that knows us completely.
The following verses continue a similar idea and expand into the fact that there is nowhere we can go that is away from God’s Spirit. I want to just copy all the verses and paste them here, but you can go read them.
Even when we try and run from God, there is no where we can go that He is not there. And not only is He there, but He loves you so fully and deeply.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Before you were even born, God knew you, and He loved you so fully and completely that our human minds cannot understand. But we can trust and know that that is true.
I’ve had the privilege to carry two children within me, and that concept of loving someone in an inexplicable way before you have even met them connects with me. And what is crazy to me is to think of how much deeper and wider the love God has for us – stronger than any earthly parent can have for their child, and I know, that love is already deep. And it humbles me and brings me to tears to know that God loves my children more than I ever could. And I am so thankful for that, and that He loves us all in that way.
~Stephanie Fletcher
Reflection Questions
What do you find most striking in Psalm 139?
In what ways do you desire to be known by others? How have you been disappointed when they have not met your expectations and desire?
How do you feel knowing God knows everything about you, and always has, and loves you still?
In today’s reading, I couldn’t help but see some parallels between David and Jesus. In both of these passages, we see a crying out to God in a time of true despair or suffering.
In Psalm 28, we read David’s heartfelt words:
1 To you, Lord, I call;
you are my Rock,
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place. (NIV)
The words, “For if you remain silent” stood out to me. Up until that point, David clearly felt that God had been silent. He wanted to be reminded that God was on his side and actively fighting for him.
In Matthew 27:46, Jesus also cried out to God in distress:
46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). NIV
To me, that sentence contains some of the most poignant words in scripture. Jesus is truly taking on the weight of the world at this moment by bearing all of humanity’s sins. The weight of it must have been crushing. It must have felt so terribly dark and cold. In this case, he alone had to pay the price and it was not the plan for God to rescue him from death; however, we know how the story ends. We know God did not forsake him in the grave. We read in Acts 2:31:
31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. (NIV)
When we are in the depths of despair or metaphorically running from danger, it can seem like God is silent and turning a deaf ear to us. However, His word assures us in Romans 8:28 that He is not turning His back to us.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
In the latter portion of Psalm 28, we read David’s recognition that God came through for him.
6 Praise be to the Lord,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him. (NIV)
Notice the words from verse 7: “my heart trusts in him.” How do we cultivate trust in God? One of the best ways is to learn about Him through His word. His character radiates beautifully all throughout scripture. One aspect of God’s character that really spoke to me in today’s reading is His tenderness. In Psalm 28:9 we read: “Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.” (NLT)
Isaiah 40:11 gives us more insight into how He shepherds His flock:
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. (NIV)
God carries us close to His heart. Now that’s an amazing image! Where we are might feel very cold and alone in the moment, but God is there holding us close to His heart. Unlike Jesus on the cross, we never have to bear the weight of our burdens alone. He is working things out for the good for those who love Him. It might not look like how we imagined, but it will be beautiful in the long run. Trust His timing. Trust His goodness.
-Kristy Cisneros
Kristy is married to Pastor Andy Cisneros who pastors Guthrie Grove Church in Pelzer, SC. This May they will celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary! They are the proud parents of two awesome children: Brooke and Logan.
(originally posted January 29, 2023 when our Bible reading plan for the year included a New Testament reading from Matthew 27 and a Psalm, 28)
Reflection Questions:
Do you feel that you trust in God’s timing and goodness? If not or maybe not as much as you should, make it an intentional prayer that God will help you grow in these areas.
How can you use this year’s Bible reading plan to grow further in your appreciation of God’s timing and goodness?
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we remember the name of Yahweh our God. – Psalm 20:7 (REV)
It is very easy to rely on our modern technologies for help. The United States spent around 1 trillion dollars on defense last year, and it is easy to look at that high spending and have some confidence that the US would have an upper hand in any conflicts that it is engaged in, and that soldiers might enjoy a higher level of safety. We can look at medical technologies and pharmaceuticals and have confidence that something out there can diagnose and treat our potential maladies.
Yet despite these great resources, soldiers still die, and people still get sick and do not receive the diagnosis or treatment that they want or need. Confidence can lead to letdowns when placed in earthly things.
In 1 Chronicles 19, we see King David extend kindness to his potential foes, only for it to be repaid with treachery and opposition. When the Ammonites realize that they have put themselves at odds with David, they amass a significant force of chariots to fend off any attacks. They put confidence in the technology of the day to help deliver them from the potential conflict with Israel.
As Psalm 20:7 says, some people put their trust in chariots and horses, but we remember – or put our trust in – Yahweh. David trusted his God to deliver him and his armies from whatever his enemies devised as a means of attack or defense strategy. David recognized God as sovereign and that God is capable of anything. Historically and personally, David knew that God used underdogs and laughably small forces to conquer the enemies of his chosen people.
We do not have promises from God that we will never suffer or experience pain, death, or illness. God does promise us redemption through the blood of his son Jesus. We have a promise of restoration for the earth, which is something that has never been accomplished by human effort, whether governmental or environmental.
-JJ Fletcher
Reflection Questions
What will you put your trust in?
Who will you put your trust in?
Why is God’s provision so much more powerful than earthly promises?
With the rates rising steadily over the years, I can bet that about 20% of you reading this now are struggling with anxiety of some kind. I understand this struggle personally, having navigated periods of severe anxiety that required medication and endured panic attacks with lingering effects, to feeling totally and completely normal. I won’t pretend to have any fabulous cure-all to share with you, but I can tell you something that has helped me and others.
Cultivating gratitude can shift your perspective and reduce stress. Experts confirm that gratitude releases dopamine, lowers cortisol levels, and improves sleep. While gratitude won’t eliminate life’s challenges, it can provide balance and stability.
If you’re searching for things to be thankful for, explore the Psalms- many of which sing praises about the great things God has done. Psalm 33 is one worth bookmarking to have handy when you’re searching for things to be grateful for.
Psalm 33 reminds us that we can praise God because his word is upright, and he is faithful. We can be thankful that by His words, God created the heavens and the earth and knows the depths of the sea. We can be grateful that God shares his wisdom with us and that it is unchanging and reliable. What’s more, we needn’t worry because everything is in God’s hands. Even kings can’t guarantee their safety, just like the strongest among us can’t guarantee our success. The same God that created this world is the same God that created you. Throughout our anxiety, we are encouraged to “wait for the Lord” and trust that our creator can handle it.
-Hope Fletcher
Reflection Questions
When do you feel anxious?
Practice gratitude. Remember back to a difficult time in your life. What can you be grateful for even during those troubles? What can you be thankful for today?
Read through Psalm 33 again. Look for all the things God has done and all He is that you can give thanks for and that can give you peace. What will it look like to wait on Him today?
When was the last time you made a truly eternal promise? If you’re married, hopefully, you’ve made an eternal promise of love and commitment. I’m sure if you have children, you’ve vowed to love and cherish them always. Even something as seemingly simple as getting a tattoo is a promise to yourself that you’ll carry that image on your body for the rest of your life.
Today’s scripture, 2 Samuel 7, reveals the profound truth of God’s eternal promises. This passage contains the Davidic Covenant, where God promises that David’s house will rule forever. We know this promise will be fully realized when Jesus returns to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Think about it: God has been keeping this promise for over 3,000 years! Despite Israel’s occasional disappointments and frustrations, God remains steadfast.
While our most sincere promises can falter due to betrayal, anger, misunderstanding, or irreconcilable differences, a promise from God is unwavering. That’s a reason for a true celebration!
David’s response to this incredible promise is one of humility and awe: “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” Today, may we find ways to celebrate God’s faithfulness that has endured all this time and will continue long past us.
-Hope Fletcher
Reflection Questions
When have you witnessed or experienced God’s enduring faithfulness?
When have you responded to God with humility and awe saying (similar): ““How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you…”?
How are you at keeping your promises? Can your word be trusted?
I recently had a baby boy, who decided, after about 3.5 weeks of false labor contractions and me walking around 4cm dilated for a week, he would grace us with his appearance 2 days after his due date. For comparison, my firstborn came a week early with only those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions leading up to his debut. Anyone who has known me over the past 9 months knows that I was fully convinced this second baby was coming early. It felt like my entire mind was consumed by thinking about going into labor every moment of every day! I was grouchy, distracted, and mentally exhausted. My yearning brought me no closer to my baby, and really only made me more distant from everything positive going on around me.
The sons of Korah write in Psalm 84:2 “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (NIV). The NET translation phrases it as “with my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God”. This verse paints a picture of absolute, consuming, desire for closeness with God. The chapter continues on to describe a blessed happiness that can be found when focused on praising the Almighty, when trusting in the Lord of Hosts! (v. 4, 12).
Psalm 85 continues this picture of desiring closeness with God, but takes a slightly different perspective. In Psalm 84, I get this imagery of excitement, anticipation, energized passion for God, whereas Psalm 85 depicts an image of peace, protection, and righteousness in relationship. There is still a deep longing for a connection, but it’s like comparing the honeymoon, “puppy-love” phase of a new marriage, to a secure, content, lifelong covenant marriage.
Verse 9 describes this type of relationship through salvation by fearing God. This “fear” is derived from the Hebrew word “yare”, which means to revere, or be afraid of because of profound respect . It’s not meant to be a fear that causes us to avoid approaching the throne, but rather a fear that places us in rightful, humble, submission to an awesome God, worthy of being revered, and yearned for. One that should make us say, “my whole source of joy is in you” (Ps. 87:7).
Even though babies are one of the greatest gifts, my yearning to deliver my son began to impact my relationship with God (and others!) as I began to prioritize birth over my spiritual relationship with the One who made life. I wanted to control the timing, and I wanted it to be now! But, when I started to misplace my priorities, I felt less joy, less excitement, and less peace about the whole situation. How often does this happen in our lives? We begin to place closeness to someone or something above our desire for closeness with God… and unsurprisingly, we don’t get the same satisfaction we may have been hoping for. We can become bitter, resentful, stressed, you name it… anything but joyful. Yearning with such intenseness for the wrong things in life, even when they are good things, will never lead to a joy-filled life. BUT, when we keep ourselves yearning intensely for a relationship with God, and when we humble ourselves to Him, we experience true joy, true peace, and true satisfaction, only He can deliver!
(And baby boy arrived healthy and happy, just when God intended him too 🙂)
Sarah (Blanchard) Johnson
Reflection Questions
Evaluate your faith walk right now – would you describe yourself as yearning for a relationship with God? What other aspects in your life might you be misplacing above your relationship with Him?
What steps can you take to practice fearing, or revering, God today?
This week we will be primarily focusing on the Psalms passages, although you can find some very interesting name ideas as you read through the lineage passages in 1 Chronicles 🙂
All of the Psalms we are reading today are said to be written of “the sons of Korah”. If you’re like me, you may not be completely aware of who these people are. Although there are multiple ‘Korah’s mentioned in Scripture, most scholars believe the Psalmists come from the line of Korah who led the rebellion against Moses, and as a result was swallowed up by the earth and his followers burned with heavenly fire (Numbers 16). BUT, Korah’s sons did not die as we see in Numbers 26:11. With this historical knowledge, it can be helpful to put some of these Psalms into perspective.
Starting off in verse 1 of Psalm 43, I am immediately resonating with the writers as I consider our own nation for the last decade (and then some). No matter what someone’s political perspective is, I feel confident we can all agree that this world, our nation, is in desperate need of God’s light and truth to lead us (v. 3). It can be easy to feel rejected or abandoned by God when we focus on the world around us. The Korahites express this very sentiment in chapter 44, calling an immortal, omnipotent Creator to Wake Up (v. 23) and remember them in their affliction. Interestingly, the writers here don’t ask for rescue because they are so holy, or because of their own personal status. Rather, they ask God to redeem them for the sake of His steadfast love (v. 26). Their motive in asking is based in an understanding of the love of a powerful Father. Despite their affliction, their feelings, and their very real enemy oppression, they are recognizing the love of God and praising His name, calling Him their greatest joy (43:4). They are acknowledging His power while also acknowledging that they are in a pretty sucky situation they didn’t actively pursue like generations past.
Of all people, the Korahites understood the power God had and what He could do to those who did not follow Him. They knew this because of what their own generational line experienced! They would have been painfully aware of Korah’s poor choices, and of God’s miraculous provisions for the Israelites throughout the years, because of their ancestors (44:1). Rather than lashing out at God for His decision with Korah, or living in crippling fear with the knowledge of His mighty hand, they instead tied themselves closely to a God they saw as loving, protective, and desiring to redeem them (49:15). They placed their trust in an Almighty authority with the capacity to bring eternal salvation, rather than the things of this world that wouldn’t follow them beyond the grave (49:17).
When we experience challenges in life, it’s easy to place blame outside of ourselves (sometimes rightfully so!), become angry, or focus on all of the sucky parts around us. During these moments, we can instead consider our greatest joy, remember our Sovereign God, and His redeeming love. This doesn’t mean we have to ignore or hide the situations we’re in – that isn’t what these Psalmists did at all! Instead, they placed their situations in perspective of a God they knew to be loving and eternal, worthy of praise no matter the circumstance. Do you?
-Sarah Johnson
Reflection Questions
What is your first response when you experience or observe injustice in the world? Does this reflect the knowledge you have of God?
How can you place your current situations into perspective of God’s power? How does this change your attitude about your situation?
Do you pull a different theme from the Psalms today? What was God speaking into your unique circumstance?
Like Psalm 34, which we highlighted yesterday, Psalm 56 for today was also written when the Philistines had seized David in Gath. And just like yesterday’s psalm, this one starts with David begging God for help.
Then, in verses 3 and 4, David says this, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
I see a pattern here that David liked to repeat:
He acknowledged his fear, “When I am afraid.” Fear is a natural reaction when in danger – either real or perceived.
David then made a deliberate decision to trust God. This is not a normal reaction, it is an intentional decision, flying in the face of the natural fear.
David praised God for delivering him – before he had been delivered. (In this case, David praised God’s word, but often, he just praised God.) When David did this, he was stepping out on faith, believing God would answer his prayers.
Finally, in the assurance God would help him, David banished his fear, “I will not be afraid.”. Notice he chose to not fear what mortal man could do to him.
This reminds me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This is a pattern I have also tried to follow in my own life. Many times, I have cried out to God, confessing my fear. I have then made a deliberate decision to trust that whatever God has for me is best, whether I know it (or like it) or not. Then praise God for his promise that all things work together for my good – because I love God. Finally, with God’s help, I let Him lift my burden off my shoulders, whether it is fear, or whatever else it is.
With the fears swirling around now, whether Covid-19, or unemployment, or difficulty finding what you want at the grocery store, or … You have a choice. You can succumb to fear, or you can follow David’s example.
I challenge you to try this pattern with whatever makes you fearful today. Then you can say, like David wrote in yesterday’s reading from Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” And from today’s reading in 56:11, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
–Steve Mattison
(originally posted April 15, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
What have you been afraid about in the past? What has God already successfully brought you through?
When is fear helpful? Do you have a healthy fear of God? Do you fear only God?
What makes you fearful today (besides God)? Would you like to conquer this fear? Write out David’s steps to replace fear with faith and keep them in a place you will see often and practice working through the steps – over and over again.
This week we are choosing past devotions to repost, but I had a hard time choosing just one – so here are 3 for you! SeekGrowLove today!
ON PSALM 27 –
(from 2021) You may have noticed that the SeekGrowLove blog features a key verse: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” from Jeremiah 29:13. The LORD confirms that our seeking is worth it, because ultimately, we will find Him. However, there is an important requirement; we need to seek with all our heart. What does this phrase “with all our heart” really look like? How can we seek “with all our heart”? Perhaps “with all our heart” seeking is completely and sincerely devoted. Maybe determined and enthusiastic. This type of seeking is relentless, full of passion for what is right. It can’t be stopped. Psalm 27:4 states, “The one thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Verse 8 continues, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” You can hear the determination in that statement. The writer wants to be in the presence of the LORD. They are completely and sincerely devoted. Enthusiastic for the presence of the LORD. They are pursuing him ‘with all their heart.’
This is what the LORD desires for us. “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” (Psalm 14:2) He wants us to seek him wholeheartedly. Passionately. Relentlessly. In life, we can be distracted with many pursuits, desires, and distractions. However, we can choose to refocus on the one who matters. We can choose to seek “with all our heart.” The benefits of this type of “with all our heart” seeking is great. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This desire to be close to God will be rewarded. We are rewarded today with our close loving relationship with God and later when we see Him face to face. So, if you start to feel discouraged or distracted, remember who our seeking will lead to: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)
-Rebecca Dauksas (originally posted February 25, 2021 for SeekGrowLove)
ON PSALM 34 –
In yesterday’s lesson, I neglected to point out a story from 1 Samuel 21 that is relevant to today’s reading. When David ran away from Saul, he escaped to Gath (enemy territory) so Saul wouldn’t keep chasing him. The king’s servants pointed out that David was the man about which they sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid, so he pretended he was insane – scratching on the doors, and letting his saliva run down his beard. When the king saw this, he thought David was crazy, and sent him away.
David wrote Psalm 34 after this experience. Here are some verses that stand out to me.
V 3, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”
V 4, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
V 6, “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.”
V 7, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
V 8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
V 12-14, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
V 15, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;”
V 19, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all’
We need to be quick to praise God for whatever he does for us, just like David did. It’s easy to cry out to God when times are tough, but sometimes it’s harder to remember to praise Him and let others know what He has done for us. This is important too.
What I really like about this chapter are the multiple times that David points out that we will experience difficult times, but God sees us through those times. I like the image conveyed by verse 7. When I’m going through a hard time, it’s comforting to imagine God sending an angel to protect me. This doesn’t mean I won’t have difficulties, but God sees me through. God is attentive to the righteous.
In verse 8, I picture David saying, “I’ve been through some hard times, but I’ve remained faithful to God, and God has pulled me through. I want to encourage you to develop a close relationship with the Lord. Once you experience that relationship and experience His helping you through those difficulties, then you too can understand how good God is.”
I have to echo David’s words, because I’ve been there. So I encourage you too, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
–Steve Mattison (originally posted April 14, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
ON PSALM 52 –
For the Christian it is considered a “no brainer” that our trust is supposed to be found in God. But so often the stresses and worries of the world come against us, and we may forget that we serve a mighty God who cares deeply for us.
Here in Psalm 52 we are shown a great contrast between David here and his enemy. David wrote this Psalm during the time when he was constantly on the run from Saul, who was chasing him down to kill him, out of jealousy. David lost many years of his life running from Saul but he never lost his trust in God. At this time David had amassed a group of strong men who were ready to fight for him, but Saul, having the armies of Israel behind him, had the greater strength. David had support from people who gave him food and supplies as he ran from place to place, but Saul had all the riches of Israel behind him. But the important thing is that David had God with him, and God had promised him the throne of Israel that Saul currently sat on.
David was able to stay strong in his faith because he had seen God help him against overwhelming odds again and again, the most notable time was when he took on the nine foot tall giant, Goliath all on his own. There were actually two times during David’s years of running, that we are told about, where David had the chance to rely on his own strength to defeat Saul. Once was when Saul went to relieve himself in a cave, not knowing that David was hiding in the cave. The other time, the Bible says that God caused the entire army that was with Saul to go into a deep sleep and David was able to sneak right up next to Saul. Both times the man who was with David encouraged him to kill Saul and take the throne. But each time David refused, saying that he would not harm the Lord’s anointed. It would have been so easy for David to trust in his own strength in that moment, and no longer have to keep running for his life, but just like when David faced Goliath, David put his trust in God and not in himself. And because David did trust God, he never had to draw his sword against Saul or anyone in his family. In one single battle, Saul and all of his sons were taken out by the Philistines. God provided David the throne without David having to shed blood. David’s faith in what probably seemed like the hopeless situation of being relentlessly chased down by King Saul, paid off in the end. Years later after David had become king, he penned another Psalm, in which he said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” I hope and pray each day to have the kind of faith and trust in God like David had, and I hope you do as well.
-Jonny Smith (originally posted February 22, 2023 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
Is there a time you have trusted in God through a tough situation? What was the result? Who have you seen trust God through a tough situation and emerge with an even stronger faith in God?
What do you sometimes put your trust in instead? How does that work? Why?
What has God shown about Himself in your reading today?
Seek Grow Love 
