Today’s scripture: Psalm 18:1-3, 17-19, 31 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
OK, we can relax now! No need to rush! I believe God wants you to take some time to savor the rich meaning of each of these phrases. Enjoy their truth like you enjoy a morning cup of coffee, a sunrise, a flower, or the peaceful ambience of the first open window of spring . . .
I love you, O Lord, my strength. What a wonderful way to begin! Whatever strength we have, God has lovingly given it to us. I invite you to think back on a time when God have you the strength to make it through a time that otherwise would have overwhelmed you.
The Lord is my rock . . . God is unmovable, always there, stronger than any human, any army, any terrorist, any earthquake, any evil.
my fortress . . . Sometimes life is like a battle. The battle can be in our minds, our bodies, our families, our workplaces, or even a literal war. But God is our safe haven.
my deliverer . . . God changes things. Whether it’s in this life or the next, evil situations will change into good.
my God . . . my everything! My creator, leader, Lord, the one I praise and worship.
in whom I take refuge . . . when I learn to take refuge in God, instead of anything less, then I am safe. I can totally trust.
my shield . . . like a bulletproof vest that protects our heart!
the horn of my salvation . . . when was the last time you had to deliver a difficult message? God is like a horn that announces salvation. God can help us deliver important messages.
my stronghold . . . in the “battle of life,” the enemy can take away many things, but can never steal God’s love from us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? In the end, nothing! In all things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us (Romans 8).
Sometimes the fear, the addiction, the sickness, the pain, the emptiness, the regret is “too mighty for me.” And, like the first step of Alcoholics Anonymous teaches — I am powerless against it. But, when I humbly tap into God’s power, I am led through the pain and into the peaceful harbor of God’s love!
Thought for the day: Just think, God’s deliverance for you is inevitable, either in this life or the next!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.