4th. February. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Psalm 34
Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.
I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
GOD’S MIGHTY ANGELS
Chiffon wings and meringue sweetness? Perhaps for angels in the gift books and specialty shops, but God’s angels are marked by indescribable strength. Paul says Christ will come with his mighty angels (2 Thessalonians 1:7). From the word translated mighty, we have the English word dynamic. Angels pack dynamic force. It took only one angel to slay the firstborn of Egypt and only one angel to close the mouths of the lions to protect Daniel. David called angels “mighty warriors who do what he says and who obey his voice” (Psalm 103:20).
No need for you to talk to angels; they won’t listen. Their ears incline only to God’s voice. They are “spirits who serve God,” responding to his command and following only his directions (Hebrews 1:14). Jesus said they “are always with my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). Only one sound matters to angels—God’s voice. from Come Thirsty ML
Prayer of Thanks for God’s Creation
O Lord God of Israel and God of the nations, you are the only God in heaven above or the earth below. I walk before you with all my heart. I bless your name in the morning when I rise and, in the evening, when I sleep, and all day as your creation is there before me.
Bless me as I think of you today. When I see and hear the miracle of your creation, remind me that you created everything; that I may live in your presence amid the wonders I often take for granted. In Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
For Refuge
Oh God, who has been the refuge of my fathers through many generations, be my refuge today in every time and circumstance of need. Be my guide through all that is dark and doubtful. Be my guard against all that threatens my spirit’s welfare. Be my strength in time of testing. Gladden my heart with your peace through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. John Baillie, 1942
Meditation
“God always answers prayers. Sometimes it’s ‘yes.’ Sometimes the answer is ‘no.’ Sometimes it’s ‘you gotta be kidding.’” ~ Jimmy Carter.
How life has slowed down!
I used to be engaged in frenetic activity.
Now I am limited by constraints from Covid-19.
I always wanted to rest, to simply have time to be at peace.
Now I have that time.
But instead, I am anxious, upset and worried
about getting back to the way it was.
Maybe my idea of peace is not the Lord’s.
Now I am beginning to understand that verse
from John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Lord help me to take advantage of this time
to accept the peace that only you can give. ~ By a Columban Missionary
