READING: Psalms 17-20
The psalmist knew he had enemies out to destroy him, “like a lion hungry for prey” (Psalm 17:12). As we've noted before, David certainly knew such enemies during his lifetime. At the same time, let these words from today’s readings sink into your heart as you consider the reality of spiritual battles today:
“Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes” (Psalm 17:7).
“My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge . . . He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me” (Psalm 18:2, 17).
“You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me” (Psalm 18:39).
With these truths in mind, the psalmist reminds us of our choice — and, in fact, of our foolishness at times: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). It is so easy to turn to “horses and chariots” (that is, to human means to fight battles) rather than turn to God in the battle that most of us learn this lesson the hard way. We put our trust in our ability, our training, our experience, our knowledge, our power — and we learn that all we offer in our own abilities is no match for our enemies.
Don’t make that mistake today. It is God’s perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, and firm word that warns us against that tendency (Psalm 19:7-9).
ACTION STEPS:
- Read Psalm 19:7-11 again, and ask yourself this question: “Is God’s Word truly sweeter to me than honeycomb?”
- Live in such godliness today that God can reward you with victory “according to the cleanness of [your] hands” (Psalm 18:20, 24).
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You again for victory. My enemies are too strong for me, but no one’s too strong for You. Praise You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 21-25