Having predicted your success in battle against the attacks of the devil (Psalm 91:5–10), this Psalm continues with several commitments from the Lord. He has promised to give you a tactical advantage, which the songwriter enumerates in the final verses. Assistance against Evil. God has promised to send angelic assistance when we face attacks from supernatural realms.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Crisis
God in Your Midst
The psalmist’s reaction to nature in upheaval was, “I will not fear” (Psalm 46:2–3). His response to feelings of personal weakness continues in Psalm 46 with a change of scene, which prompts another resolution. I Will Not Be Moved. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
Read MoreRemember God’s Faithfulness
David’s battle with turmoil, recounted in Psalms 42 and 43, results in longing for God’s presence. My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (42:3) God certainly has not forsaken His child, but at low moments all of us could testify that there are times when it feels like He has! What do we do to become reassured?
Read MoreWaiting on God
David’s cry for help doesn’t end with an account of God’s sudden and miraculous provision. Instead, the songwriter committed to doing what comes least naturally to people in fear. He committed to doing nothing. He chose to wait on God. Read that again—aloud. Exhortation to Wait: Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14)
Read MoreA Song of New Hope
As David’s song—preserved for us as Psalm 13—reaches its climax, David’s posture has changed once again. David on His Feet. “But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5–6)
Read MoreFrom Despondency to Ecstasy
David’s struggle with despondency grew very intense, perhaps prompting him to write the song we know today as Psalm 13. We can’t be certain of the issue plaguing the poet-king. We do know, however, that some of David’s darkest days came before he was officially promoted to the throne of Israel. God was preparing him for an immense task, and He used the trials to shape him into a man of maturity and inner strength.
Read MoreFor Endurance in Trials
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Lord, we all remember times of passing through the waters and going through the fire—overwhelming tests and furnace-like trials. And we have the scars to prove it.
Read MoreFor Protection and Strength in the Face of Terrorism
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Psalm 46:10–11) O God, as never before in this generation, we are dependent upon You for protection and strength. Though the mountains quake, though bridges fall, though tunnels are destroyed, though ships sink
Read MoreTears
When words fail, tears flow. Tears have a language all their own, a tongue that needs no interpreter. In some mysterious way, our complex inner-communication system knows when to admit its verbal limitations . . . and the tears come. Eyes that flashed and sparkled only moments before are flooded from a secret reservoir. We try in vain to restrain the flow, but even strong men falter.
Read MoreFeeling Apprehensive
THE SCENE IS FAMILIAR: a hospital lobby with all the expected surroundings . . . soft sofas and folded newspapers . . . matching carpets and drapes illumined by eerie lighting . . . a uniformed lady at the desk, weary from answering the same questions . . . strange smells . . . and lots of people. Everywhere there are people. A steady stream pours in and out, the faces marked by hurry and worry.
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