6 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Zechariah 4:1–5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Psalm 142:5 (NLT): “Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, ‘You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.’”
Reflections from Scripture:
The book of Psalm is rugged. It is not intended to be a book of theology. It is instead designed to be a book about reality. It isn’t a book that originates in the mind; instead, it begins in the heart and speaks to the heart.
So, don’t build your belief system out of what comes from the book of Psalms. Instead, realize that it demonstrates the honest emotions of someone who loves the Lord but struggles in this life.
In Psalm 142:5, 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 is expressing exactly what he felt in his heart.
Psalm 142:5 (NLT): “Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, ‘You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.’”
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 just relish in the fact that the Lord could protect him – he relished 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.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, sometimes life can get hard. It can even seem overwhelming. But, Lord, ‘You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.’” So, thank You. Help me to come into a greater awareness and experience of these truths. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook.
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