Psalm 56, 1 Peter 5:6-7

There are many fears in the world today. And while some are real, legitimate, fears, most are rooted in the lies of the Enemy. For he knows the power he wields when we are afraid. And as cunning as he is, Satan offers ample, worldly solutions to overcoming our worries. Because for every fear and phobia, there’s a book, exercise, or yoga pose hailed as a cure. Anything and everything, except the only thing, that can truly help us defeat our fear. And that’s having a close, personal, relationship with God.

Fear is an emotion that not even the mightiest Christian is immune to. David, who walked closely with the Lord, knew it well. Captured by the Philistines, his life hung in the balance. Afraid, I’m sure the mighty king of Israel cried his fair share of tears. I’m also sure he felt no less of a man in doing so. Because there is no sin in crying. No shame in letting out the pain we feel inside. God knows our wanderings, sorrows, and fears. He feels every groan of our souls and hears every cry of our hearts. And from His own loving heart, collects every tear in His bottle of remembrance, recording each hurt in His book.

That’s why even through tears David could declare, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Ps. 56:3-4) And by trusting, praising, and claiming the promises of God, we too can live unafraid. 

In 2 Timothy 1:7, God promises to give us bravery, authority, and power. Everything we need to rebuke the Enemy and take captive every fearful thought. In Psalm 115:11, He promises that if we respect and obey Him, not only will He provide divine help, but will be our mighty, impenetrable shield. One that can stand against any worry. And in Psalm 139:5, the Lord promises that wherever we go His protective hand of blessing is upon us, keeping watch on every side.

God cares about every aspect of our lives. He knows our hopes, dreams, fears, and doubts. And He loves us beyond measure. So much so that every tear we cry, our Father remembers. And one day, in one of the most wonderful promises of all, He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.(Rev. 21:4) And never again will we be afraid!

Pause and Reflect - 

When we are surrounded by enemies, it’s natural to want to run away. But God wants us to face each one hand in hand with Him and in His strength. Have you trusted God with every worry on your heart, and laid your fears at His feet?

Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is alive and active,” and “sharper than any double-edged sword.” Memorize a few verses that give you strength. And when fear calls, say those verses out loud. Because nothing stops Satan quicker than the spoken Word of God.

Lets pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we thank You that there is nothing to fear from any man, nor the Enemy himself. For You have promised to keep us safe from all the evils and from those that oppose us. Father, we know that You do not give us the spirit of fear but instead power, love, and a sound mind. Please minister to our anxious hearts and replace all worry, anxiety, and fear with Your peace and calm assurance. And remind us of Your truth, which is greater than anything we might come up against. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen

Psalm 54, 2 Samuel 12:1-24 

Just before His arrest and Crucifixion, Jesus dropped some bombshells on His disciples. He warned them about His upcoming death, the betrayal of one of His own, and Peter’s denials. Yet the Lord also comforted them with these words. “Do not let your heart be troubled.” (John 14:1) How could their hearts not be troubled after hearing that kind of news? Because rather than being the end, Jesus’ death was the beginning of some wonderful blessings.

After being anointed the next king of Israel, David learned firsthand about betrayal. Not only was he hunted by Saul, a man he loved dearly, but David was also betrayed by his own kinsman. Twice David came to his fellow Israelites in the city of Ziph to hide from Saul. And twice the Ziphites betrayed him by revealing where he was hiding. Yet David’s heart was not troubled. For he had already experienced some wonderful blessings from God. And David knew this time would be no exception. 

We all have Ziphites in our lives. Those close to us we turn to in times of trouble, who then use that trouble as a weapon against us. To our face they comfort, encourage, and commiserate as loved ones and friends do. But behind our backs they gossip, spread rumors, and stir up others against us. Often passive aggressive, their words are sweet, while they devise evil in their hearts. But by following the example of David and leaving our vindication to the Lord, we too can have hearts that aren’t troubled by the betrayal of others. 

David didn’t seek his own retribution. Instead he trusted in God’s faithfulness to perfectly fight for him, silence his critics, and use his pain for good. Because just like Joseph, who was betrayed by his family, what his brothers meant for harm, God used for a good greater than anyone could have dreamed possible. (Gen. 50:20) 

David also considered the source. Those who delight in betrayal and slander, Christians or not, don’t have a right relationship with God. And if they have a lack of regard for the Lord, they surely aren’t going to respect His people. Finally, David praised God for the victory he was sure to receive. For he knew the Lord promises to go before us to secure the triumph. And because of that surety, David willingly sacrificed his anger, fear, ego, and need for vengeance, laying them all at God’s feet. 

We waste so much time and energy fighting battles that are God’s alone. The Lord delivered David mightily against Saul, the Ziphites, and every other enemy. And if we’ll let Him, God will defeat the Ziphites in our lives as well! 

Pause and Reflect -

When persecution strikes and enemies surround you, do you take matters into your own hands? Do you dole out your own vengeance, crying out for retribution? Or do you keep your tongue still and your eyes on God? 

In verse 7 David credits the Lord with his deliverance “from every trouble.” Sometimes that deliverance was miraculous. Other times it came as God worked through David’s efforts to bring an end to his trouble. Think over the last couple of days. How has God delivered you “from every trouble?” 

Finally lets pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. O, Father how we thank you for Your faithfulness. When others hurt and betray us, You are always perfectly trustworthy. And when others fail, we can rely on Your never ending love. Father you know well the pain of betrayal and the hurt it causes. But instead of seeking our own justice, Father we pray for Your peace, perspective, and self control. May we hand the reins of vengeance over to You, who promises to deliver us from every trouble. Father in You alone can we have hearts of peace. For You are our Helper, and Sustainer of our souls. May we rest in Your love and trust in Your goodness all the days of our lives. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen. 

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I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings. Love Lisa 💖

Saturday, March 24, 2018