As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
--Psalm 55:16-17 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on March 18, 2013 of Psalm 55:12-23; Acts 21:1-16; Numbers 20:14-21.
David endured some extremely tough times in his life, usually of his own making but not always. In this psalm he acknowledges being betrayed by one he considered a close friend. His prayer shows anguish for himself, anger for his treacherous friend, and trust in God. This last is our message, that like David, we can find assurance in God no matter what happens to us. David says that even though this evil was done against him, he will still call out and pray to the Lord, morning, noon, and night.
I fear that we Christians may not pray very often, if at all. Maybe once a month or so, or just when times are harsh and we want help. Maybe once a week in church, or even daily if we are a little more serious about our relationship with God. But how many pray all day long? The Apostle Paul echos David's sentiments when he instructs us to "pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks" (reference 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18a). We should give thanks in all things. Even when we find ourselves at wit's end or against insurmountable odds or if we've been betrayed by our best friend, we can still find something to thank God for, to give Him praise, even if it's only the breath and strength to face a new hour. David does this. He's been chased by his enemies and double-crossed by a friend but he still trusts God and thanks Him for what He will do. David anticipates and awaits God's salvation. He knows God will hear his voice and save him. We should follow this example, and the Lord's grace will pour out on us as it did on David. Thank the Lord! Amen.
Merciful Lord, we pray to You and ask that You hear our voice. We may not always come to You all day long, or even daily. And we may not always give You thanks and glory. Please forgive us these lapses and know we love You. We do want to be closer to You. Please help us to remember we can build a stronger and closer relationship with You through prayer. All praise to You, Lord of all! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
I fear that we Christians may not pray very often, if at all. Maybe once a month or so, or just when times are harsh and we want help. Maybe once a week in church, or even daily if we are a little more serious about our relationship with God. But how many pray all day long? The Apostle Paul echos David's sentiments when he instructs us to "pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks" (reference 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18a). We should give thanks in all things. Even when we find ourselves at wit's end or against insurmountable odds or if we've been betrayed by our best friend, we can still find something to thank God for, to give Him praise, even if it's only the breath and strength to face a new hour. David does this. He's been chased by his enemies and double-crossed by a friend but he still trusts God and thanks Him for what He will do. David anticipates and awaits God's salvation. He knows God will hear his voice and save him. We should follow this example, and the Lord's grace will pour out on us as it did on David. Thank the Lord! Amen.
Merciful Lord, we pray to You and ask that You hear our voice. We may not always come to You all day long, or even daily. And we may not always give You thanks and glory. Please forgive us these lapses and know we love You. We do want to be closer to You. Please help us to remember we can build a stronger and closer relationship with You through prayer. All praise to You, Lord of all! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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