The Power of an Image

Ps. 102:1-11

As the psalmist pours out his heart to God, he conveys so much more than words by creating an image to describe his situation. Because he is severely afflicted and in distress, he petitions God to answer him speedily. Why should God do this? Because,

• His days pass away like smoke.
• His bones burn like a furnace.
• His heart is struck down like grass and has withered.
• He is like a desert owl of the wilderness.
• He is like an owl of the waste places.
• He is like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.
• He eats bread like ashes.
• His days are like an evening shadow.
• He withers away like grass.

Along with these images, he states some facts about himself as well.

• He forgets to eat his bread.
• He lies awake.
• His enemies taunt him and use his name for a curse.
• His tears mingle with his drink.

Whoa! This guy is in bad shape. But the neat thing is that he has come to God to resolve these issues. Later in the psalm he states that God is sovereign, enthroned forever. In his great power, he laid the foundations of the world and will establish his children. Because of His constant and unending power, the psalmist knows that God can meet his need as well. So he cries out with everything in his being! He has declared his helplessness before God and now he waits for God to answer.

Father,
Draw me ever to You in my times of need. Constantly show me the foolishness of trying to resolve my issues on my own. Teach me to wait and trust in You.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Deep Emotion

Ps. 88:1

"Everyday I call upon You, O Lord; I cry out day and night before You."

The psalmist's emotions were in full play as he came before the Lord. He began with "crying out day and night." Even though his heart was in deep distress, he brought his pain before the Lord constantly. What better place to go for comfort and healing! As he prayed, he asked the Lord to 'incline' His ear, to listen to his cries because His pain was almost beyond enduring. He was full of troubles with no strength, feeling like he was among the dead. In his heart, he felt that God was the author of all his pain including being in the depths, cut off from God's hand, and shunned by his friends. In this acute loneliness when all else was removed, he went to the only One left, God calling out every day with his hands spread upwards. His eyes were growing dim with sorrow. Until finally, he prayed in his helplessness knowing that he could do nothing to change his situation.

God uses sorrow, hardships, trials, and afflictions to reveal and destroy my self-sufficiency. It is in complete helplessness that He wants me to cry out to Him. When my own resources have come to an end, I must rely on His. This is His place of blessing for me! "For to this I have been called, because Christ also suffered for me, leaving me an example, so that I might follow in His steps." Such suffering reveals those "weights and sins which clings so closely" so that I might "run with endurance the race that is set before me, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." What an example for me! When trials pour on, do I cry out to God day and night? Do I open up my heart and reveal all my deep feelings to God?

Father,

Keep me ever crying out to You. Help me to crucify my self-sufficiency so that I might come to You in helplessness. Give me Your faith and strength to accept all my life as Your best for me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Praises

Ps. 92:1-4

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, O most High; to declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness at night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of Your hands I sing for joy."

The psalmist's heart opens up in praise in Psalms 92 and 93. Beyond the fact that it is good to praise the Lord, praises need to flow morning and night and include instruments and voice because praising God brings unbelievable joy. It takes my mind off self and puts in on the character and attributes of God. The psalmist has personally related to God in all these areas:

• His steadfast love
• His faithfulness
• His great works
• His deep thoughts
• His eternal presence
• His exalting of  the psalmist and pouring of fresh oil over him.
• His uprightness
• He is a Rock.
• He is completely righteous.
• He reigns.
• He is majestic.
• He is mighty.
• His decrees are trustworthy.
• He is holy.

What do I praise God for each day? How much time do I take to praise God? Do I look behind the daily circumstances of my life to see His sovereign hand? Am I familiar and intimate with God? What is my focus in praise?

Father,

Give me a heart of praise. Take my focus off myself and reveal to me Your great heart so that I might know You more. Teach me Your way of thankfulness.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Right Perspective

Ps. 73:17

"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end."

In this psalm Asaph shares his near fall when his feet almost stumbled causing him to slip. But thankfully, it was an 'almost' situation. As he took his eyes off God, he looked at the arrogant and the wicked. From a human perspective, they were prosperous with sleek, fat bodies, and successful, in fact, more so than most men. "Pride was their necklace and violence covered them as a garment." Their words contained malice, threats, and threatenings. But the worst was that they set themselves against the heavens, against God.

As people questioned God's knowledge of them, they compared their lives to the lives of these people. They wondered what was the purpose of their religious cleanliness if these ungodly people could be so at ease in their riches. Did God even know what was going on? Asaph was weary to understand this inequity until he went to the sanctuary of the Lord. It was there that his perspective changed! As soon as he understood their end from God's perspective, his heart was pricked. He confessed his attitude and behavior and drew near to God. He knew God would put an end to those who were unfaithful to Him, but for him, he must only stay near to God. God was in control.

What an insight! It is so easy to fall into the sin of comparison, looking at others and wondering why. Those actions and attitudes only end in doubt, in stumbling, and in falling. Asaph learned that he could rest in a Sovereign God and trust His plan and purpose. Like him, I need to keep my focus on God and my relationship with Him and not be concerned about others, about their successes and failures, and about their riches and arrogance.

Father,

Keep my eyes on You alone so that I don't stumble and fall into the trap of comparison. Help me to rest in Your sovereign plan for my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Whom in Heaven but You?

Ps. 73:25-26

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Asaph's heart was overflowing with an acute awareness of God as opposed to what the world had to offer. His desires were no longer horizontal but vertical, focused on the very presence of God.  It was here that he realized that God was the only one that mattered, all else on earth paled in the light of God's glory. What a powerful insight! How had he arrived at this understanding? Perhaps it was from a personal relationship with God where God Himself was Asaph's strength and portion. God had opened Asaph's eyes to the true, eternal realities. Paul echoed these same insights when he said,"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." I desire this same focus. How, Lord?

Father,
I so want you to be my only desire, but I know the world has a hold on me. I confess that and ask You to fill me with Your grace and power so that You will be my only focus.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Of God

I Chron. 5:20, 22

"...for they cried out to God in the battle, and He granted their urgent plea, because they trusted in Him...for many fell, because the war was of God."

The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had valiant warriors who were well versed in war, in carrying the shield, sword, and drawing the bow. Their army had 44,760 warriors who were expert in the art of war. Yet, in the midst of their war, they cried out to God asking for His help, and He granted their plea because they trusted in Him. Since the outcome of the war was God's, many fell because the war was of God.

Even though these men were experts in war and had a huge supply of man power, they didn't rely on their own strength for the victory. Similarly, my spiritual war against the flesh is one that I often think I have a degree of expertise in. Foolishly, I often think I can handle whatever comes up only to find out that the outcome is failure. If I want my life to be "of God," then I must cry out to Him. I must rely on His strength for the daily battle against my flesh. When I am doing this, then He is my urgent plea and my daily life is of God. It seems like a no-brainer. Why wouldn't I cry out to God? Why wouldn't this be my constant choice?Why do I listen to my flesh and trust in my own strength? 

Father,

Teach me to cry out to You constantly. I want my daily battle to be all of You. Reveal to me where I am still grasping my self-sufficiency. Give me the strength to hold only to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Doorkeeper

Ps. 84:10

"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

What emotion filled the psalmist's heart! He loved the Lord's dwelling so much that it made him physically ill if he was not in the courts of the Lord. His heart and flesh cried out for joy. God was his lifeline. Without Him, the psalmist was weak to the point of not functioning. Do I long for the house of the Lord like this? Do I feel physically ill if I can not be in God's house? Can I function apart from God?

He blessing in the house of the Lord brought protection and a dwelling place. In this safety, he poured out his songs of joy. Such abiding created intimacy with God!  Not only that, but he experienced the strength of God, a strength that was never ending. He didn't have to fail prey to his flesh as long as he was abiding with God. Am I experiencing this intimacy with God? Does my strength go from strength to strength?

The psalmist concluded by choosing a day in the courts of the Lord over a thousand elsewhere. Being a doorkeeper in God's house was supremely better than dwelling in the tents of wickedness. The world had nothing for him because He rested in God's sovereign good. He knew he was blessed because he trusted in God. Amazingly, I am blessed in this same way. What a great a glorious God!

Father,

Make the truths and emotions of Ps. 84 resonate within my life. Give me that same joy and delight in You.

In Jesus name.

Amen

Chosen Portion

Ps. 16:2

"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.'"

David's heart is full of joy because of his relationship with God. He knows that:

• He has no good apart from God.
• The Lord is his chosen portion and his cup.
• The Lord holds his lot.
• The Lord gives him counsel.
• He has set the Lord always before him.
• The Lord is his right hand.
• The Lord will not abandon his soul to Sheol or see corruption.
• The Lord made known the path of life.
• The Lord's presence was fullness of joy.
• The Lord's right hand is pleasure forevermore.

God is his all! Without God, he knows that he would be nothing:  lost, without portion or cup, without counsel, and abandoned to corruption. God has changed the focus of his life from death to abundant life, from lack of direction to perfect direction, and from solitariness to a companionship of joy and pleasure. It all sounds so good, and actually easy, but it is not! David had to choose this life by giving up control of his life to God. Many people are not able to do that because somehow they feel that they know best for their life. How foolish! Yet many times, I don't go to God for my counsel. I don't keep Him ever before myself. I still try and figure out what I should do instead of resting in His joy and pleasure, the joy and pleasure that comes from His perfect will and purpose for my life. To read about living this way is glorious, but to do it is another syself. My flesh wars with my spirit and tries constantly to cheat me out of this perfect relationship, but the wonderful thing is that it is possible through His grace. David's psalm gives me hope! 

Father,

Even though I choose You, my flesh needs constant defeating. Give me Your grace and strength for this constant struggle. I want to know other good but yours.

In Jesus name,

Amen

More than Fine Gold

Ps. 19:10

"More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."

What riches are found within the Word of God! For David, and all mankind who receive these riches, the Word revives the soul, makes wise the simple, enlightens the eyes, rejoices the heart, endures forever, and is righteous altogether. It is the way to life eternal and life abundant! For all of these reasons, the Word is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. Not only do they give man an entire new life, but they warn him about his life. In fact, David's awareness was so heightened by this knowledge of the Word that he asked God to show him his hidden faults and protect him from his sins of presumption. His desire was that sin would not dominate him but that the Word of God would be in total control of his life. He ended the psalm with a heartfelt prayer, " Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  What is my response to the Word? Do I value it as something greater than any earthly riches? Do I use it as a mirror for my soul? Is is my source of wisdom and rejoicing?

Father,

Thank You for Your saving and sanctifying Words. Even though I love them so much, I still act carelessly toward them at times. Teach me to love them more. Convict me of hidden and presumptuous sins. Make my words and meditations pleasing to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Lord Repays

II Sam. 3:39

"And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The Lord repay the evildoers according to his wickedness."

Even though David had made peace with Abner, Joab and his brother, Abishai went to him privately to kill him since he had killed their brother, Asahel. Although their primary motive was revenge for their brother's death, they felt he couldn't be trusted to switch sides and loyalties. So they took matters into their own hands ridding David of what they felt was a bad situation. Their actions totally countered what David had arranged with Abner. Once again, David was resting in God as the handler of situations, as the repayer of the evildoers.  

Similarly, when Christ was crucified, he committed no sin. There was no deceit in his mouth, nor did he revile in return or threaten those who unjustly abused him. Instead he entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. Accomplishing the will of God was the most important thing to Him. I Peter tells me to follow in Christ's example in His suffering and resting in the hands of God. I, too, must entrust my soul to God and let Him repay the evildoers because God is sovereign in power, will, and purpose. He doesn't need my help in handling people.

Father,

Keep me trusting in You as the handler of all the people and events that come into my life. Keep my eyes focused on You and Your plan for me.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

I Lift Up My Eyes

Ps. 121:1-2

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made the heaven and earth."

The psalmist lifts his eyes to the hills. Perhaps he is looking for an attack or for enemies lodged there for an ambush as he journeys to Jerusalem for worship. But whatever is there, his fear is consumed by his spiritual relationship with God. He knows personally that his help comes from the Creator of the universe. His personal relationship with God has shown him certain things about his great God. First, he knows that God doesn't slumber but is ever watchful of who is in the hills. He even knows their plan and exactly what needs to be done to protect the psalmist. Secondly, He is the psalmist's keeper and the shade on his right hand. He not only protects from the scorching sun and the chilling moon, but from the enemies that attack during the day and the night. Thirdly, the Lord will keep the psalmist from evil and protect his quality of life, especially the evil in those who pursue and seek to destroy his life. Finally, the Lord will keep his going in and going out today and forever. Such assurance as this comes only from intimacy with God! 

This psalm also uses a single word repeatedly, keep or keeper. He keeps you, He keeps Israel, He is your Keeper, He keeps you from evil, He keeps your life, and He keeps your going in and going out.... God's watchful care and constant guard characterizes his relationship with the psalmist. The psalmist knows he will not be lost or misplaced because the Keeper of the universe is his personal keeper. How safe and secure it is to rest in the care of the Creator, in the purposes of the sovereign Planner, and in the promises of the faithful Word. 

Father,

Thank You for being my keeper. Help me not to forget You when I begin to  fear what is in the hills. Give me Your grace and strength to rest completely in Your plan and promises.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Timeless

Ps. 18:1-3

"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."

David's heart was full of praise for God! He had been faithful to God by not taking things into his own hands, but instead trusting in God for His timing. Even though he knew he was called and anointed to be king, he refused to take Saul's life. He waited patiently on the Lord to work out the details of his life. And God did! David was finally free of Saul's continual attempts upon his life.

David's praise expressed not only his heartfelt emotion but the quality of his relationship with God. His heart was overflowing with love, love for a God who had been his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold. What a relationship they had! David knew he could call upon the Lord, because he had done so repeatedly and would continue to do so in the future. He knew personally that God was worthy of praise because God had answered him repeatedly, and now had saved him from his enemies.

These words that flowed from David's heart are just as true for me today as they were for David then. I love God! He is my strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold. I call upon Him repeatedly and know personally that He is worthy to be praised. "This God--His way is perfect, the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him."  What a great God who never ceases to love those who call upon His name! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! I praise Him for who He is!

I wonder if the ease of my life dulls the edge of my praise or diminishes my emotions? Even though God is the same for me, is my response as charged as David's was?

Father,

Teach me how to love you from a pure heart. Help me to run to You when I fear or falter. Build our relationship to 'David proportions.'

In Jesus name,

Amen

Worship

Ps. 63:1-4

"O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You: my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live, in Your name I will lift up my hands."

Since David was on the run for his life, he could not experience God in the sanctuary, the place of corporate worship. Because of this, his soul was sorely tested, depleted to the degree that he was thirsting and fainting for God. His lack of spiritual life had left him physically exhausted, but it had not left him without his desire for God. In fact, the wilderness had increased his desire to be with God in worship. He vividly remembered seeing God in the sanctuary, His great glory and power. In essence, worship was his lifeline, something that he would do as long as he lived. His memory was so vivid that not only was his heart praising God, but his hands were lifted up as well. His was a wilderness worship of the God that he loved.

How many times have I been depleted by life's circumstances and allowed them to weaken my worship? Instead of crying out to God in thirst and longing, I have allowed my circumstances to become my focus. Sadly, when I take my eyes off the God of my circumstances, then my flesh falters in the face of the circumstances. I see in David's response two things. First, the worship of God was his primary focus. Although he longed to be in the sanctuary to worship, he was able to worship in the wilderness. Worship described his personal relationship with God! Secondly, he allowed his circumstances to increase his desire to be with God not to take him away from God. 

Father,

Teach me how to let my circumstances increase my love and devotion to You. I want You to be my primary focus, but  I confess I often falter and fall. I need Your grace and strength to praise and bless Your name!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Resting in God's Plan

I Sam. 26:10

"As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord's anointed."

This time David was so close to Saul that he was able to take his spear and jug of water which were lying  beside Saul's head as he was sleeping. In fact, none of Saul's guard woke up because the Lord had put them in a deep sleep. David's companion, Abishai, wanted to pin him to the earth with one stroke, yet David would not allow it. He knew that when God was ready he would take him, but it was not up to David to touch the Lord's anointed. Instead, David was resting in God's plan and purpose. But that didn't make his life easy. He was still under attack and on the run. He still feared for his life on a daily basis.

 Many times people think that if they are 'resting' in God, their life should be one of ease, but not so. Resting in God's sovereign plan means having his grace in place of their self-sufficiency. It means not responding to the threats and difficulties in a fleshly manner, but entrusting their souls to a faithful creator while doing good.  Just as Jesus did not sin with his mouth when he was reviled. When He suffered and was threatened, He endured silently, and continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly. Resting in God's plan means that I realize that all the circumstances of my life are used by God for my good even though I may not understand these circumstances.  His plan requires my trust and rest and His grace and strength.

Father,

Teach me how to rest in You and not react to difficult circumstances. Keep my trust off myself. Teach me to wait on You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Fear

Ps. 56:3-4

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"

David had many reasons to fear since Saul and his armies were seeking his life. He was constantly on the move with food, provisions, and shelter scarce or totally lacking. Making it more difficult, David would not take the life of Saul because he was God's anointed. So what was David's only course of action? Running! Such a life style as this seems fraught with impossibilities that would create unparalleled fear. But David did not let fear run his life? Instead he turned to God. When fear tried to consume him, he turned to the God he could trust, the God whose words were the basis of his life, the God he loved and worshiped was sufficient for his every need and his every fear.  He did not fear what man, or specifically Saul, could do, because he knew God was sovereignly in control of all life. 

What amazing trust! I know that I have experienced fear that I couldn't shake no matter what I tried including prayer and Bible verses. So what is the difference? Perhaps I am using prayer and verses as a band-aid, something that I use when times get out of control. Whereas in David's life, I see these verses as reflective of a deep and abiding relationship with God, a communing with God in the good and the bad times. God was his life; in fact, God's call on his life was the reason he was on the run.

If I am to have this constant Communion with God, His grace must be my lifeline! "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." All  grace as my sufficiency is what I need to eliminate fear, to live in close communion with God, and to trust Him for my daily circumstances.

Father,

Make Your grace abound in me so that I have Your sufficiency for all that You want me to do. Give me the strength to put off my self and put on Your grace.
In Jesus name,
Amen

One Thing

Ps. 27:4-6

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord."

David had been running from Saul living a life away from his home, from any comforts, and from the house of the Lord. His very existence had been in danger, yet in the midst of this, David's heart was for God. He yearned to be close to God, to have the time to gaze upon the Lord, but Saul gave him no such time. As a man who was pursued vigilantly, he had to be constantly watchful, running, and hiding. Even though survival left no time for the life he truly desired, it did not change the desire of his heart

Since David had done no wrong, he could have blamed God for this unending conflict with Saul. He could have regretted God's choosing him and rather chosen to live a life of ease and safety, but he did not. The singular goal of his heart was to dwell in the house of the Lord gazing on His beauty and inquiring of the Lord. God was his all! He longed for the day when he could be free of this struggle, when his head would be lifted high above his enemy. Even now, he believed that God would hide him in His own shelter and under the cover of His tent. He knew that his footing would be established on the rock that God provided for him. Such love and devotion flourished in the midst of injustice and danger. He knew that he would eventually see the goodness of the Lord if he would just wait, be strong, and take courage. God's own presence was his personal strength and courage. How does my heart fare in the midst of strife and conflict? Do I maintain my focus and love for God? Am I singular in my love and devotion, or does survival negate the spiritual quality of my life? God answered David's prayer by giving him that one thing he desired. He became a man after God's own heart. Such devotion and love grew out of the fires of affliction, injustice, and helplessness.

Father,

This is what I desire too, but even as I read David's prayer, human fear grips my heart. Give me Your grace to believe and stand true.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Timing

I Sam.24:6

"The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed."

Even Saul knew that the kingdom had been taken from him and given to David, but it did not stop Saul from trying to kill David. He wanted the kingdom for his offspring regardless of what God had decreed. Since he had lost the kingdom because of disobedience, he was once again asserting his own self-will in trying to keep the kingdom even to the point of having 85 priests of the Lord slaughtered. What was David's response? He ran for his life. Together with the 400 men who had joined him, he stayed out of harm's way. The normal, human response would have been to make a plan and take Saul out thus eliminating the threat. After all, David was to be the king. God had said so, and Samuel had anointed him. Yet, when David and Saul came close in the cave, David spared his life and only cut off the edge of his robe. Even David's men could not understand this action. To them it seemed the perfect time to end the threat. After Saul left the cave, David called out to him telling him that he had spared his life because he was the Lord's anointed. Saul recognized the righteousness in David because he had repaid good for the evil Saul was sending his way. But did this stop Saul's pursuit of him? No, the threat continued.

David was waiting for God's timing. Even though he knew God had decreed his kingship, his men wanted Saul dead, and Saul admitted he was doing evil, he didn't move ahead and take the throne. He didn't want God's will apart from God's timing. What a valuable lesson! How hard it is to wait for what is God's will in God's time! Am I patiently waiting for the Lord to work out the details of my life? Do I weaken when things get tough and seek to destroy the perceived threats? Do I see the sovereign hand of God behind all the details of my life?

Father,

Keep my eyes wide open so that I may constantly see your hand in my life. Teach me to rest in Your goodness being worked out in all that You allow in my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Knit Together

I Sam. 18:1

"As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."

How did this relationship grow to such depth? So much is  not mentioned in the text, but it is obvious that God gave this relationship to them, not only that, but God used it for His purposes. Initially after David had killed Goliath, Jonathan took his own robe, armor, and sword and gave it to David. Looking to the future, this act was symbolic because Jonathan did indeed give up his right to the throne for David.

Saul told Jonathan that they should kill David because his successes far outweighed Saul's, but Jonathan did not agree because he delighted in David. What a basis for a deep friendship! Not only did he delight in him, but he warned him of his father's desires. He protected David's very life by discovering what his father intended to do.

Later, when the situation seemed worse. David and Jonathan made a plan, a plan to preserve the life of David. Jonathan would again sound out his father before he warned David. At this time, Jonathan made a covenant with David that included David showing love to his house forever which he did when he showed kindness to Mephibosheth. David and Jonathan loved each other as their own souls. 

When David did not show up at the king's table, Saul confronted Jonathan. He told him that if David was not dead, he would lose his claim to the throne. This did not sway Jonathan! When Jonathan defended David to his father, Saul threw a spear at him. The next day, Jonathan went to the field and shot the arrows sending the encoded message. When they were alone, 'they kissed one another and wept with one another. David weeping the most." Then they departed with the Lord between them.

Such love as this is hard to understand. Jonathan was so selfless and gave up more more than most people would ever be willing to do. But when God knits hearts together, that love supersedes the bounds of earthly family, of position, and of security. Is my heart focused on the good of my friends over my own good? Do I delight in being with them? Do I care enough to warn and protect them about spiritual danger? Is the Lord always between us? Do I love my friends as my own soul?

Father,

Teach me how to be Your friend so that might love others in this same way. Reveal the motives of my heart and show me how to be self-less.

In Jesus name,

Amen

On the Heart

I Sam. 16:7

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees:man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

God was instructing Samuel on the reasons for His choice of a new king. The first king, Saul, was chosen because he looked the part. He was a "handsome, young man," in fact more handsome than any other man in Israel, and "from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people" as well. But in spite of this, his track record was not good. He was plagued by disobedience, fear, willfulness, and blame shifting. All of those things might work with men, but not with God. The final straw was in the case of the Amalekites whom he was to destroy utterly. When Samuel came to him, he claimed to have done what God had commanded, but Samuel could heart the bleating and lowing of the livestock. He knew that the Amalekite king was there. When confronted, Saul said the he feared the people and obeyed their voice. Really...I think not. Saul no doubt thought if he asked for pardoned, Samuel would do it. But not this time. Samuel said, "For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king of Israel...The Lord has torn the kingdom from you this day and has given it to a neighbor."  With God. obedience is not an option! The Lord delights in nothing as much as in obedience.

Who was this neighbor? Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse where he began going through son after son. Of course, when he first saw Eliab, he thought this must be the one. He looked the part! But God's choice was not the likely one from man's point of view, it was the youngest son who was still out keeping the sheep. His father had not even brought him in for Samuel to see. When David came in from the fields, Samuel took his oil and anointed him. "And the spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward." What was David like? It says that he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes, and handsome. Later when he was chosen to be Saul's musician and armor bearer, he was described as "a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech,and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him."  Perhaps, the most important thing is that the Lord was with him. He was chosen by God not on the qualifications of his appearance, but on the priorities of his heart. God looked on his heart and found what delighted him: obedience.

Father,

Keep my heart tender and obedient. Take away my concern over the opinions of others and appearance. Let me see You in all that I do, think, and say.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Poor Decisions

I Sam. 13:13

"You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which He commanded you."

Saul couldn't wait either out of fear or impatience so he took things in his own hands. Instead of waiting for Samuel to get his direction, he offered the sacrifice himself, a job that was to be done only by a priest. He was afraid of losing control. His eyes focused only on the scattering people not on obedience to God's commands. He was using a religious form without obedience to the heart of the command. The result was harsh. Samuel told him that his kingdom would not continue, but the Lord was seeking out a man after His heart.

In the midst of great military victory, Saul made another foolish statement about eating honey. Even though the people were wasted from the battle, they could not eat the honey that was abundant. But Jonathan did saying his father had troubled the land. Later, Saul couldn't get the answer that he wanted from the priest so he thought sin must be among the leaders. He discovered what Jonathan had done and was ready to kill him, but the people rose up in his defense since he had worked a great salvation for Israel that day.

Saul wanted  his own way immediately. He was ever seeking to defend himself either by making excuses or blaming someone else. If he couldn't get the answer when he wanted it, he took it into his own hands. Do I wait patiently on the Lord? Do I justify what I have done instead of being honest before the Lord?

Father,

As Your Spirit reveals my wrong actions and motives, give me the strength to admit and forsake my sin. Teach me to wait patiently for You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Handsome and Tall

I Sam. 9:2

"And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people."

Israel wanted a king. Who better than someone visually imposing, but should these be the requirements for kingship? Saul seemed to fit the bill since he was very tall and handsome. Indeed, he looked the part! But what about his character? The first incident that described Saul's character and prowess is when he was searching for his father's donkeys. After searching awhile, Saul was ready to go back home, to abandon the task, but his servant came up with the idea of talking to the man of God. Even though this was God's appointed time for Samuel and Saul to meet, what does it reveal about his character? What about his intelligence, problem solving, and perseverance?

After doing all Samuel commanded him, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him. Not only did He prophesy, but God gave him another heart. God was with him! When Samuel was ready to introduce Saul to the people as their king, he was nowhere to be found. He was hidden among the baggage! Even though he was afraid and reluctant to do what he was called and empowered to do, the people applauded and shouted, 'Long live the king.' Their desires were fulfilled.

Sadly, I see myself many times reflected in Saul. I have been chosen and called by God, given me a new heart with His Spirit living within me. Yet at times I am afraid of what God has called me to do. Sometimes I am at a loss about knowing what to do. Even though I am God's to be used by Him, I still have my flesh seeking to bring me down. Its power often undoes me and makes me entirely ineffective. Just like God's Spirit rushed upon Saul so His Spirit leads, guides, convicts, and teaches me. The crux is in the listening. When I am not listening to the Spirit, I will be hiding in the baggage or dumbfounded by the situation. God doesn't ask me to do His will alone or with my own strength, but in the power of His Spirit. His grace is perfected in my weakness. What am I to do? I must obey, believe, submit, and trust. 

Father,

Help me to be strong in You and Your grace and not to let my flesh rule my life. Keep me out of the baggage and of growing weary of the task. Give me Your grace in a mighty way.

In Jesus name,

Amen

New Situation-Same Problem

I Sam. 8:19

"But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, 'No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles."

It seems as if Israel was obsessed with being like those nations around them. Originally, they wanted the women and the gods of the other nations refusing to obey all God's clear commands to rid the land of these people. He warned them that taking their women as wives would be a snare for them leading them into idolatry. And it did!

And now once again, they have explicitly stated this desire. They wanted a king so they could be like other nations, so that he could judge them and go before them into battle. Aren't all those things precisely what God had done for them? He had judged them and gone before them into battle bringing them the victory. But apparently, God, the King of all Kings, was not enough for these people. No wonder Samuel was grieved by their request. But God told Samuel that it was not his fault "for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them." How sad!

God answered their request, "Obey their voice and make them a king." Samuel obeyed. His heart was always obedient toward God, but the hearts of his sons were not. They wanted gain so they took bribes and perverted justice. How that must have grieved Samuel's heart as well! His nation and his sons were rejecting the God he loved and served. Following God and His commands can often be a lonely and discouraging path, a path that was fast becoming Samuel's.

Father,

Keep my eyes and desires free from the world's allure. Keep me true to You in all that I do. Give my Your strength and grace as I follow You path.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Will

I Sam. 2:25

"But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death."

Hophni and Phineas were worthless men who did not know the Lord even though they were the sons of Eli and served as priests at Shiloh. Not only did they treat the offering of the Lord with contempt, but they did immoral acts with woman serving at the tent of meeting. Eli was not ignorant their behavior and spoke to them asking why. Even though that seems pretty weak, he did tell them that their would be no one to mediate for them with God. As a result, God declared that Eli's house would be cut off from the service of the Lord and his two sons would die on the same day. How sad! Eli's spiritual vision was so clouded that he couldn't see or deal properly with his sons. In his mind, he knew what God would do, but in his heart and his life he could do nothing.

As I read this story, I wonder who was to blame. Did Eli educate his sons in the ways of the Lord, or was Eli's heart far from the Lord as well? Was Eli's spiritual insight so dulled that all he did was go through the motions of being a priest? Was he just an indulgent father? Whatever the problem, the sons would not listen or heed their father. Perhaps they were very strong-willed and would not listen to their father, but at the same time, it says that it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. This story poses all kinds of questions about parenting and training, but at the same time I see that the will of God outweighs anything man can do. God was working out His plan for Israel by bringing Samuel to the forefront. It is good for me to remember that God's will always orchestras the ways of man. Certainly, Eli should have been a good father, but these were the circumstances that God chose to have his man Samuel as His voice.  How man's actions and God's will operate together is a great mystery, a mystery that doesn't negate human obedience and faithfulness or negate God's will and purpose. What is my answer? I must be obedient to God's word and seek to bring Him glory. I must trust His sovereign will and plan for my life. What He says will come to pass!

Father,

Help me trust You even though I don't understand many things. Thank You for Your words that guide me and give me life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

No King

Judges 21:25

"In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

Where was Israel without a king, either human or divine? Sadly, they did what was right in their own eyes. If everyone acted independently of the others and pleased themselves, then strife, conflict, and confusion would result. Specifically, the men of Gilead would be aggressively violent to others. The whole incident toward the Levite and his concubine ended with the nation going to war against the tribe of Benjamin, nearly eliminating one tribe. However, at the conclusion of the event the tribe of Benjamin was intact, and the others went back to their inheritances.

Where would I be without my King? No doubt, I would be doing what would be right in my own eyes. Without Jesus as my Lord and Master, all forms of evil would result. But thankfully, Jesus is my King and I have His Words as my guide and my lifeline. How revealing is this account about the heart of man! Without the King of Kings in the life, evil runs rampant. There is no hope for peace. As I look at the world around me, I see that men still are doing what is right in their own eyes. Mankind still needs a king, the King of Kings. Jesus is the only answer for the evil, selfish heart of man.

Father,

Keep my eyes on You, my King. Give me the strength to have Your grace be my all sufficiency for all things and at all times.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The End

Judges 16:30

"And Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines.'Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life."

How sad! Samson achieved more in his death than he did in his life. The phenomenal strength that God had given him to deliver Israel was wasted over the fleeting pleasures of a woman. His flesh won out over his spirit until the very end of his life when finally he cried out to God for help and killed 3000 men and women.  Even with this, Israel was not delivered. "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." 

Micah, a man of the hill country, crafted his own shrine, made an ephod and household gods, and even ordained one of his sons to be a priest believing that God would bless him now that he had his own priest.  Later, a group of 600 Danite men spied out an area for their inheritance. But before, taking the land, they heard about Micah's gods and priest so they came and took them. Micah could do nothing in retaliation because of their strength. Religion had degenerated so far as to be something that could be stolen having nothing to do with their hearts. How far from God were His chosen people! Sadly, doing what was right in their own eyes, did not involve following the commands of God in any way. Instead, they patterned their lives after the heathen people that God had commanded them to destroy. 

It didn't matter if it was Samson, Micah, a tribe, or a nation, when their eyes were away from God, sin resulted! Man can not do what is right in his own eyes and be pleasing to God! Man can only please God when his eyes are on Him and his heart is obedient to all that God says.

Father,

Thank You for choosing me as Your child. Help me to keep my eyes always on You. Show me how to 'put off' and 'put on' so that I might be used of You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Father,

The Glorious Beginning

Judges 13:3-6

"And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, 'Behold you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines."

What a glorious beginning! Not only was his birth foretold by the angel of the Lord, but his and his mother's lifestyle was described before it began. He was to be a Nazirite, someone set apart for God. He was to save Israel from the Philistines. Surely, out of such a beginning as this, greatness would follow, but sadly it didn't. The account says that the woman bore a son named Samson who grew and was blessed by the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord began to stir in him, but his vision was clouded. He saw a Philistine woman and wanted her as his wife. Disregarding the advice of his parents,  he took her and she became his first break with God. He blatantly disobeyed God's instruction about marriage. Even though he had done this, God did use him. The Spirit of God did rush upon him at times in miraculous ways, and he did judge Israel for 20 years. But what would his life have been like if he had wholly obeyed God? What a parallel to Israel! Up and down, times of obedience and miracles, and times of disobedience, idolatry, and foreign women. So sad to see someone chosen by God begin in such a way and throw it all away for the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh. Am I up and down in my spiritual life? Do I still see the world and desire its pleasures?

Lord,
Thank You for gloriously choosing me to be Your child. Help me to stay strong and faithful to You by the power of Your grace. Keep my eyes on You and  not on the pleasures of the flesh.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Power of Words

Judges 11:35

"...For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow."

Jephthah told the Lord that if He would give the Ammonites into his hand, then whatever came out from the doors of his house to meet him would be the Lord's as a burnt offering. The Lord did as Jephthah requested giving him the victory over the Ammonites. As Jephthah approached his house, his daughter came running out to him. His grief was immediate. His only child was to be sacrificed because of his words. He saw firsthand the power of words and their consequences.

However, his daughter responded differently to the vow. Willingly and submissively, she told her father to do as he vowed, but to allow her a 2 month period to mourn her virginity. At the end of that time, she returned and her father completed his vow. Her life was over, but God had destroyed the enemy.

How powerful are words! Is making a vow like this an effort to coerce God or to get something from God? God is sovereign, and His power overrules all man's desires, thoughts, and plan. Since this is true, would the Ammonites have been destroyed without Jephthah's vow? Would his daughter have lived a longer life? Or was the vow the method that God chose to work? I do not know, but I can say wholeheartedly, words are powerful!

Father,

Keep me constantly resting in Your sovereign power and purpose, Help me to desire Your will above all my plans and desires. Teach me to be submissive and dependent.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

How Soon!

Judges 8:33-34

"As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals and made Baal-berith their God. And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side..."

Forty years of rest had vanished because the people whored after idols. Their memories of God were replaced with a cheap and false substitute. Not only did they forget what God had done for them, but they forgot Gideon's family. Once Gideon was off the scene physically, he had lost their honor and respect. Sadly, there was no enduring love for God's man or God Himself! Good was consumed with evil.

The power of the flesh is so strong that its false pleasures obliterate God. What a warning! Idolatry can not coexist with God. Two opposing masters are an impossibility within the human heart. How often do I remember what God has done in my life? Do I keep Him and His servants as my priority? Do I guard against my flesh as it ever seeks to take hold in my heart? 

Father,

Keep my memories of You and all You have done strong in my mind. Strengthen me in my battle against my flesh. Grow me in Your grace. 

In Jesus name,

Amen 

For the Lord and for Gideon

Judges 7:16

"When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, 'For the Lord and for Gideon."

The angel of the Lord recognized Gideon as a mighty man of valor who was called to save Israel from the Midianites. But Gideon, from a human point of view, was a man of fear, excuses, and tests. First he declared that his clan was the weakest in Manasseh, and if that was not enough, he was the least in his father's house. God reassured him telling him he would attack Midian as one man, one man empowered by God. Should this have been enough for Gideon?

Strangely enough, it was not. Gideon asked God for further signs to prove to him that he was to really do what God had said. After the first test, he declared that he had seen the angel of the Lord. He even built an altar there calling it "The Lord is peace.' Certainly, Gideon would be alright now.

God called him to pull down the altar of Baal and replace it with an altar to the one, true God. Gideon obeyed, but he was so afraid of his family and the men of the town, that he did it by night.The men came for him, but his father defended him. From that day on, he was known as Jerubbaal which means 'Let Baal contend against him.' God used him mightily in spite of his fear.

As the Midianites approached, the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon. Even though he bravely called for his men, he had his own private conversation with God where he asked God to show him two more signs confirming his mission. Even though fear was his ever present companion, God was patient with him.

Before the battle, God told Gideon that he had too many men in his army. Finally there were only 300 men. God spoke to him that night and told him that the Midianites would be delivered into his hands, but that if he was still afraid, he could take his servant with him when he went into the enemy camp to hear what they had to say. He did take his servant! But after hearing the words of the enemy, his heart was strengthened. He went back to his men and gave the orders. With a trumpet and a shout, he yelled,  'For the Lord and for Gideon.' The battle was decidedly the Lord's. His power was sufficient in the face of Gideon's overwhelming fear.

When God chooses a man to be his servant, it doesn't matter if he is fearful because God's power is what enables the man. Whatever the weaknesses of any servant of God, God's grace is still stronger and more abundant. "For my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Does this apply to me? Yes, Yes! All my weaknesses are opportunities for service because of the grace of God. God does not want my talents or my gifts; instead, He wants my dependence on Him. Is that why He used Gideon? Even though Gideon was afraid, he came to God for what he needed. He didn't do anything in his human strength or with his own plan. His way was completely God orchestrated!

Father,
Help me to see all my weaknesses so that I might come to You for Your grace. Use me as you did Gideon.
In Jesus name,
Amen