December 23: “The Lord, Our Shelter”

4 Minute Read + Scripture readings

TODAY’S BIBLE READING:

Zechariah 4:1–5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23

TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 142:5 (CSB): “I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my shelter, my portion in the land of the living.'”

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The book of Psalm is rugged. It is not intended to be a book of theology. It is instead intended to be a book about reality. It isn’t a book that originates in the mind; instead, it originates in the heart.

So, don’t build your belief system out of what comes from the book of Psalms. Instead, realize that it demonstrates the rugged emotions of someone who loves the Lord but is often struggling in this life.

In our Verse for Today, we read what the Psalmist thought about the Lord. Remember, this isn’t simply head knowledge. Since this appears in the Psalms, you can rest assured that the writer was expressing exactly what he felt in his heart.

Psalm 142:5 (CSB): “I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my shelter, my portion in the land of the living.'”

Isn’t that incredible?! While the writer was struggling with folks who were out to get him, the Psalmist found comfort in the fact that the Lord was his place of refuge. He could pray or meditate on the Lord and find a great sense of comfort and safety.

How so? He knew that the Lord was All-Mighty and nothing could happen unless the Lord allowed it to happen. Further, he realized that the Lord could hear his prayer and protect him, and quite possibly punish his enemies.

But, also realize that the Psalmist didn’t simply rest in the fact that the Lord could protect him – he rested in the fact that the Lord was all he really wanted. He realized that a meaningful relationship with the Lord satisfied his heart’s deepest longings. And it made him happy even as all around him sought to defeat him.

Do you have this kind of heart relationship with the Lord? Do you find comfort in the fact that He is your refuge? Do you delight in Him even if you had nothing else?

The Psalmist stands as an example for us to follow. Which begs the question: “Will we follow him?”

I certainly hope so.