Today’s Devotional Theme
God is Faithful
Daily Scripture
Psalm 72:12 (HCSB)
"God my King is from ancient times, performing saving acts on the earth."
Encouragement
In this psalm, the psalmist is feeling the fire of persecution and the possibility of the absence of God. He is crying out to God asking, "How long?" This is a familiar question in many psalms, and I am thankful for it because it reminds me of my life, as I'm sure it does many others as well. After the psalmist describes how Israel's enemies have desecrated their place of worship, he reflects upon the wondrous acts and accounts that only God could accomplish. He also reflects upon God's power over all the earth and how he knows how He has acted in past times. Further, he reflects upon God's covenant with Israel, and asks Him to remember it. The psalmist, here, is contemplating on God's wonders, power and covenant and asking Him to show up and show out in the power that only He can do.
Apply God’s Word
In the midst of persecution, the psalmist reflected upon God's wondrous works, power and His covenant with His people, Israel. Today, if you are a Christian, you too are one of God's chosen people (see Romans 11:17). This means that God's covenant with His chosen people applies to you, too. You have to actively walk in it, however, for it to work because God's covenant calls for fellowship and fellowship goes both ways. Like the psalmist, we have the opportunity to focus upon God's wondrous works, power, and His covenant with us. He will deliver us from our circumstances and our faith and trust in Him will be stronger for it. But one other thing is interesting: even though the psalmist knew all of these things about God, he was still scared and wrestled with doubt. He came to God just as he was and wasn't afraid to bare his true feelings. Listen, God knows how you already feel. He knows everything about you (see psalm 139). So don't try to put on the "tough guy" act. Speak freely to Him and know that you can trust Him with everything, just as everyone else who has gone before you has.
Come into His Presence
Heavenly Father, even while I'm walking through life's trials and tribulations, I choose to remember how You acted in the past and trust that You do not change in how You deal with Your covenant people. Cause me to trust You even more as You're changing me more and more into Your likeness. In Jesus' name, amen.
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