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How to Get Your Prayers Answered—Psalm 79:9

May 19, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Depression, Divorce, Failure, Family, Finances, Health, leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Prayer, Spiritual Disciplines, Tough Times, Trials, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalms 79 through 82

Do you struggle in knowing how to pray?

Do you question the discipline of prayer when your prayers aren’t answered?

Then I would encourage you to read Psalm 79 out loud.

As you read this imagine Asaph as a mediator between the Israelites and God. His way of talking to God in this psalm reminds me of Moses.

Asaph gives God the gory details of everything that is going on in “His” (God’s) land.  It’s the same old story:  complaint, prayer, and promise to be good next time (Does this sound familiar?)

But in verse nine it takes an interesting turn.  Here’s the prayer we can learn from Asaph—

Help us, O God of our salvation!

Help us for the glory of your name.

Save us and forgive our sins

For the honor of Your Name.

Psalm 78:9

What could happen–

–if–

the only thing we cared about was making sure our life glorified and honored the name of Jesus?

I know Asaph wanted God to go in and kill their enemies, so his motive may not have been entirely pure, but there’s still a lesson for us to learn.

This life is not about our glory.

It’s not about our leaders’ glory.

It’s not about our country’s glory.

It’s about pointing EVERYTHING and EVERYONE to Jesus so that He receives the glory and the honor.

What if our prayers sounded something like this…

  • when we prayed for finances– we prayed for God to intervene so that He would receive glory and honor
  • when we prayed for a spouse– we prayed for God to divinely place us with the person in whom He could get the most glory
  • when we prayed for a career change– we believed God for His Glory and Honor to be noticed is His career choice for us
  • when we prayed for our healing –we first asked God what we needed to do to facilitate the healing process and then we asked him to intervene in our health in a way that would bring His Kingdom the most glory

Friends, make no mistake, I am not here yet!

But I want to be; I’m moving toward this goal by “Knowing Him More.”

The bottom line: 

If every prayer we prayed asked God to work the circumstances so that He received the glory and the honor, ALL of our prayers would be answered!

 

To God Be The Glory!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 83; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2: 13 through 3:4; 2 Chronicles 1: 2-6; 1 Kings 3: 5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-13

I Don’t Need Your Cows! –Psalm 50:9

May 17, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Giving Our Best to God, Prayer, Psalms, Trials with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 50, Psalms 73-74

Have you ever had a day when you were feeling “all that” and someone comes along and puts you in your place?

It happens to me quite often.  I remember a few years ago  when I was going to college and sitting in the head of the adult education department’s office talking about my “wealth” of experience as a 50 year-old and he proceeded to correct my pronunciation of the word “exegetical.”

—I felt pretty stupid!

I promise you being corrected by a professor was nothing compared to the living God of the universe tapping the Israelites on the shoulder through the Psalmist Asaph.

7 “O my people, listen as I speak.
Here are my charges against you, O Israel:
I am God, your God!
8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices
or the burnt offerings you constantly offer.
9 But I do not need the bulls from your barns
or the goats from your pens.
10 For all the animals of the forest are mine,
and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird on the mountains,
and all the animals of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for all the world is mine and everything in it.
13 Do I eat the meat of bulls?
Do I drink the blood of goats?
14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.” 

–Psalm 50:7-15

Do you feel as small as I do?

The Lord doesn’t depend on my worship for survival. He instituted the sacrifices not because He needed the animals but because the people desperately needed Him.

The good news is we now know what pleases God!

THANKFULNESS

Once again, I see God as a parent.

Isn’t it wonderful when your kids are thankful?

There’s nothing like it; it makes you want to give them more.  I think our heavenly Father feels the same way.

He said, “If you’re thankful, then you can call on me when you are in trouble and I will rescue you and you will be more thankful! (My paraphrase)

He says this again in verse 23 of Psalm 50:

 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.  If you keep to my path,

I will reveal to you the salvation of God.

After reading this Psalm is sounds pretty simple:

God wants his people to be thankful, to fulfill their vows, and to follow His ways.

And…

He wants us to call on Him when we’re in trouble and He will rescue us.

And, then…

He wants us to give Him the Glory.

 

Heavenly Father, help us, to have a thankful heart!  Holy Spirit, show us Your way!   Thank you for Jesus!

Amen and Amen!


©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Psalms 75 through 78

9 Things to Do When You Feel Hopeless–Psalm 143

May 15, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Choices, Depression, Failure, Fear, Health, Prayer, Tough Times, Trials, Trust with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 131, 133; Psalms 138-141, 143

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. –Psalms 143:7

Have you ever been in this place?

King David, “The man after God’s own heart,” who wrote these words knew about depression.  He probably didn’t call it depression. Depression is a term that has become a household word only in the last 40-50 years, but he certainly mentioned one of the common characteristics of depression–hopelessness:

What do you do when you’ve lost all hope?

God allowed David to go through times of depression and hopelessness. He also  had David journal these times in the Psalms so that you and I can make it through our times of hopelessness.

If you are severely depressed by all means seek medical help, but for many of us following David’s example could be the missing piece in our pursuit of hope.

Here’s what David did:

1. Go to God–Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea (Psalm 143:1).

2. Tell Him exactly how you feel-My enemy has chased me.  He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to lie in darkness like those in the grave.  I’m losing all hope; I’m paralyzed with fear (Psalms 143:3-4).

3. Remember–I remember the days of old, I ponder all Your great works and think about what You have done (Psalms 143:5).

4. Spend time worshiping God–I lift my hands to You in prayer.  I thirst for You as parched land thirsts for rain (Psalms 143:9).

5. Update God on your Progress–Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depressions deepens.  Don’t turn away from me, or I will die (Psalms 143:7).

6. Trust God for the outcome–Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You (Psalms 143:8).

7. Ask for direction–Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you (Psalms 143:8b).  May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing (Psalm 143:10b).

8. Be teachable–Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God (Psalm 143:10).

9. Have the right motive–For the glory of Your name, O Lord, preserve my life.  Because of Your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress (Psalms 143:11).

Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends who feel hopeless tonight. Pursue them. Come close.  Lord, help them to know that Your Word is their lifeline. Holy Spirit, speak to them. Give them hope.  Heal their sadness.  Replace it with Your joy.  Lord, do it for the Glory of Your Name.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!



©2013, Dianne Guthmuller
 
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 144-145; Psalm 88-89

Who Do You Know That’s Crying for Help? –Psalm 69

May 13, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Obedience, Prayer, The Hurting World, Tough Times with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 68 through 70; Psalm 86; Psalm 101

Many years ago I had a dear friend who made a one night mistake that wound up taking her life.

For years I didn’t know what was wrong; finally about ten months before she died she told me—she had A.I.D.S.  I knew she had been very sick, but the naïve person that I am would have never suspected that dreaded disease.

A few days following that life-changing conversation the Holy Spirit prompted me to write prayers from the scriptures everyday for my friend and mail them to her.

Not long after I began the daily prayers I came across Psalm 69.  The Lord used this Psalm to show me the pain, sadness, shame, loneliness and desperation my friend was going through.

Save me, O God,
for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
2 Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;
I can’t find a foothold.
I am in deep water,
and the floods overwhelm me.
3 I am exhausted from crying for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes are swollen with weeping,
waiting for my God to help me.
4 Those who hate me without cause
outnumber the hairs on my head.
Many enemies try to destroy me with lies,
demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

5 O God, you know how foolish I am;
my sins cannot be hidden from you.
6 Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me,
O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated,
O God of Israel.
7 For I endure insults for your sake;
humiliation is written all over my face.
8 Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me;
they treat me like a stranger.

9 Passion for your house has consumed me,
and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
10 When I weep and fast,
they scoff at me.
11 When I dress in burlap to show sorrow,
they make fun of me.
12 I am the favorite topic of town gossip,
and all the drunks sing about me.

13 But I keep praying to you, Lord,
hoping this time you will show me favor.
In your unfailing love, O God,
answer my prayer with your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the mud;
don’t let me sink any deeper!
Save me from those who hate me,
and pull me from these deep waters.
15 Don’t let the floods overwhelm me,
or the deep waters swallow me,
or the pit of death devour me.

16 Answer my prayers, O Lord,
for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me,
for your mercy is so plentiful.
17 Don’t hide from your servant;
answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!
18 Come and redeem me;
free me from my enemies.

19 You know of my shame, scorn, and disgrace.
You see all that my enemies are doing.
20 Their insults have broken my heart,
and I am in despair.
If only one person would show some pity;
if only one would turn and comfort me.
21 But instead, they give me poison[a] for food;
they offer me sour wine for my thirst.

I am suffering and in pain.
Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.

30 Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
31 For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle,
more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.
32 The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.
 33 For the Lord hears the cries of the needy;
he does not despise his imprisoned people.

Friends, someone you know is crying for help today!

No, my friend wasn’t healed of her sickness.

She went through tremendous physical and emotional suffering but at God’s perfect time she was rescued from it all; like David she praised God’s name with singing and honored Him with thanksgiving.  She told me of multiple “God moments” during her last days and wrote many beautiful songs that are still blessing others today.

There are many, many people suffering today and crying out for help.  You and I may be God’s answer to their prayers.  Yes, we feel helpless, but if we step out to help them God will make a way for us to know how they feel.

Thank you David for being obedient to God and opening up your heart to give us a glimpse your pain so that we may comfort others.

Lord, I pray that you will use us to help the hurting!  No, we can’t help everyone, but we can help someone.  Show us the “one”  Holy Spirit.   Help them to “Hold Fast, Help is on the Way.”  Use us Jesus, to be your hands to the hurting.

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

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 ”Hold Fast, Help is on the Way” by Mercy Me

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 103; Psalms 108 through 110; Psalms 122, 124

I said, “Yes!”–Psalm 27:8

May 9, 2013 in 2013 Journey, God Speaks today, Prayer, Psalms with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 27-32

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”  –Psalm 27: 8

A few months ago I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me…

Dianne, what if I had special things I wanted to talk to you about on early morning walks?  What if you are missing special times with me because you’re not making the effort to take a daily walk?

While I feel bad most days about not exercising, I had never thought that not taking a walk was sacrificing “God time.”

But now that I think about it, almost every time I go for a walk I feel closer to God; I feel like He speaks to me.

What if the God of the universe was saying to me “Come and walk with me.  Come and talk with me?”

Just so you know, I ignored God.

Yep, just went on about my life.  You see, I write my blog posts in the morning, so early morning walks are difficult. I just couldn’t fit it in.

For some reason this morning I postponed writing my devotion and went on a walk.  No sooner than I had gotten out of the subdivision, I felt this question bubble up in my mind:

Will you write your blog post at a different time of day and come on a walk with Me each morning?

I said, YES!

I encourage you to ask God where, when, and how He wants to communicate with YOU.  He will answer you…and then SAY YES!

Blessings in Jesus!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 35-38

Do You Ever Wonder…?

May 6, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 1 Kings, 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Prayer, Psalms, Trust, Word of God with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 2: 1-9, 2 Samuel 23: 1-7, 1 Kings 2: 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29: 26-30, Psalms 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—

the moon and the stars you set in place—

what are mere mortals that you should think about them,

human beings that you should care for them?  –Psalm 8:3-4

Do you ever wonder if God really

sees you?

knows you?

cares about you?

hears your prayers?

I am so insignificant compared to the mighty universe we live in, it’s easy when I’m using my intellect to think, “it just sounds too good to be true that the God of the Universe would think about me!”

David wasn’t doubting God’s love and care in Psalm eight; he was completely in awe of it!

Maybe you’re thinking, “How can I know that the Living God is not just David’s God, He’s MY God?

We must do what David did:

  • Observe nature and realize YOUR Heavenly Father spoke it into existence
  • Hold, read, and meditate on God’s Word and realize when He inspired each word, He was thinking of YOU
  • Talk to Him and take the time to wait for Him to talk to you
  • Keep a journal of the times you’ve heard God speak, answered a prayer, or saw something supernatural

David was a shepherd until he was anointed to be king. Think about how much time David spent observing God through nature, being alone with God and meditating on his Word, talking and listening to Him, and recording his thoughts– we have a record of his journaling in the Psalms.

While group worship services, Bible studies, and prayer gatherings play an important part in the growth of our relationship with God; they’re not meant to replace your personal time with God.  In today’s digital world, it is harder than ever to unplug from technology and get quiet with God, but make the effort (that’s what the journey is all about), you’ll be so glad you did.

If we’re willing to do what David did, we can have what David had…a heart full of love and amazement for our Lord!

Heavenly Father, I’m amazed that You know me, see me, and care about me.  Lord, I want to know You more.  Holy Spirit pull me away, like a magnet, from the busyness and noise of this world.  Speak to me Lord, teach me Your ways, and use me for Your Glory.

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Psalms 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21

Lord, Have Mercy on Our Wayward Children–2 Samuel 18:5

April 29, 2013 in 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Depression, Divorce, Failure, Family, Forgiveness, Parenting, Prayer with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 17: 15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63, 2 Samuel 18: 1 through 19:30

My heart breaks for King David.

His son

not his friend

not a co-worker

but

his son—flesh of his flesh and blood of his blood betrayed him and was trying to kill him.

I had my share of trials when my kids were teenagers. At some point I probably “thought” I was going to die but my life was a walk in the park compared to David and it’s was a walk in the park compared to what some of you are dealing with today.

David was running for his life from his own son; hiding like an animal pursued by a hunter.

I know that most of us aren’t hiding in caves to keep from being killed by one of our children.  But I do know there are parents out there who didn’t get a good night’s sleep last night because of one of their children.

And yes, for all you young parents, that instinct to protect your children from life’s hard knocks is still there when your kids are adults.

And yes, when someone just “seems” to be treating your adult child poorly, you come unglued and want “to hurt somebody!”

When King David heard the news of Absalom’s death he took his King hat off and began to grieve like a parent.

The King was overcome with emotion.  He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears.  And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom!  My son, my son Absalom!  If only I had died instead of you!  O Absalom, my son, my son.   –2 Samuel 18: 33

I have many friends who are walking with God on a road they never wanted to travel with one of their children.  Like David, this was NOT the way you planned it.  Whether it’s teenage rebellion, a gay or lesbian lifestyle, an addiction, divorce, criminal conviction, financial irresponsibility, teenage pregnancy, or a host of other issues.

I’m sure you can relate to David when he said to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.  –2 Samuel 18:5

As parents, we have pleaded and begged for mercy for our wayward children, just like David.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep going; to even keep praying.  What do we do when it seems no mercy is coming?

We keep asking!

Father, I pray for my friends who are going through a heart-breaking time with their “Absalom” child.  Holy Spirit comfort them as only you can comfort.  I join them is asking for mercy on their child’s behalf.  I pray that today is a day of miracles for those wayward children. Bring them home like the prodigal son.  Help those children to “come to themselves” and run to You, Jesus!   Give these parents strength for today and hope for tomorrow!  Heavenly Father, we trust you with our children!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!  Let it be so Lord!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 19:31 through 20:26; Psalm 7; 2 Samuel 21: 1-22;1 Chronicles 20: 4-8

Is It Possible to Remove the Stains of Sin AND Guilt? Psalm 51:1-9

April 26, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Divorce, Failure, Forgiveness, Prayer, Psalms, Sin with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11: 1 through 12: 14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12: 15-25; 2 Samuel 5: 14-16; 1 Chronicles 14: 3-7; 1 Chronicles 3: 5-9

Can I be candid?

I’ve often wondered how David could have been a murderer and an adulterer and still have been “a man after God’s own heart.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m so thankful he was, because it gives me hope; it’s just hard to understand.

After reading David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, I think I know a bit more about the heart of the man who touched the heart of the God of the Universe.

David revealed his broken spirit and repentant heart in that Psalm.  He came clean before the Lord.  David prayed to the Lord in verse 17, The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit, You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

I encourage you to read Psalm 51 out loud; David said the words we would like to say but can never articulate.  I’ve prayed David’s prayer many times when I needed God’s forgiveness but couldn’t put my feelings into words.

There were two phrases that caught my eye in this beautiful Psalm, “blot out the stain of my sins” (1 b) and “remove the stain of my guilt” (9 b).

What do you do with a garment that has a stain that you can’t get out?

I either save it for yard work or give it to Goodwill.  I can’t stand to wear clothes with stains on them.  I wonder if David felt the same way about stains and worried that he would be cast aside because of his imperfections.

Oh the wisdom of David.

He knew these were two separate issues.

He knew he couldn’t get rid of the stain of either by himself.

I have asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins many, many times but I can  never remember asking Him to take away my guilt.  I have often thought that guilt was a consequence of sin that I had to live with; a battle I had to fight alone.

Friends, I have good news!

God answered David’s prayer and He will answer ours as well!

I can’t wait for you the read the rest of the Psalms and see

  • the joy flowing out of David’s heart
  • the confidence that could only come from a life that was stain-free before the Lord

Both the sin and the guilt were gone forever!

David found out how he could be perfect, even after committed sins so bad that he is remembered for them to this very day.

From his own lips…

  • God is my strong fortress and He makes my way perfect (2 Samuel 22: 33).
  • God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect (Psalm 18:32)

It’s God who makes us perfect.

It’s God who removes the stain of sin and the stain of guilt.

Father, we pray with David…

Create in us a clean heart, O God. 
Renew a loyal spirit within us.
Do not banish us from your presence,
And don’t take your Holy Spirit from us.
Restore to us the joy of your salvation
and make us willing to obey you.
                                                      Psalm 51: 10-12
 
 

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 
©2013, Dianne GuthmullerTomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 12: 26-31; 1 Chronicles 20: 2-3;2 Samuel 13: 1 through 14:33

Could Your Assumptions Be Completely Wrong?

April 21, 2013 in 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, God Speaks today, leadership, Prayer with 4 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 3:6 through 2 Samuel 4:12

  • The Amalekite man assumed David would be happy Saul was dead (2 Samuel 1: 1-16)
  • Joab assumed David would approve of his revenging his brother Asahel’s death by killing Abner (2 Samuel 3: 22-30)
  • Recab and Baanah assumed David would be pleased when they brought him the head of Ishbosheth, Saul’s son after they killed him while he slept in his bed (2 Samuel 4: 1-3)

I have to remind myself as I read the scriptures each day that the people we’re reading about didn’t know what we know. We are reading their story!  This is history to us but for them they were making decisions in the present!

It seems they were clueless about David’s heart.  They assumed David wrote funeral songs for Saul and Abner and mourned them for days to win the favor of men.  But David’s heart was genuinely grieved.

All of these guys assumed and it ultimately cost them their lives.

I wonder how many times in today’s world our assumptions are completely wrong?

  • We assume God doesn’t really know everything we do and think
  • We assume we will have plenty of time to ask for forgiveness
  • We assume God’s okay with a little white lie

Just like these men were clueless about David’s heart, we are clueless about the heart of the living, all-knowing God of the Universe.

The best way to keep from assuming is to ask and don’t do anything until you get an answer.

Dear Heavenly Father, there is one thing I can assume…You love me with an everlasting love and your desire is for me to know Your Son as my personal savior.  Help me to never assume I know what You are thinking–Your ways are not my ways.  Help me to remember to go to Your Word and pray when I am tempted to assume.

In the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 5: 1-3, 1 Chronicles 11: 1-3,1 Chronicles 12: 23-40,2 Samuel 5: 17-25, 1 Chronicles 14:8-17, 2 Samuel 5: 6-10, 1 Chronicles 11: 4-9, 1 Chronicles 3: 4b, 2 Samuel 5:13, 4:5,11:12, 1 Chronicles 14: 1-2, 1 Chronicles 13: 1-5, 2 Samuel 6:  1-11,1 Chronicles 13: 6-14

What Do You Do When You Get the Answer You don’t Want to Hear? 1Samuel 23:10-12

April 16, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 1 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Prayer, Psalms with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Samuel 22: 1-2, Psalm 57, Psalm 142, 1 Chronicles 12:8-18, 1 Samuel 22:3-23, Psalm 52, 1 Samuel 23:1-12

David prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, I have heard that Saul is planning to come and destroy Keilah because I am here.  Will the leaders of Keilah betray me to him?  And will Saul actually come as I have heard?  O Lord, God of Israel, please tell me.”

And the Lord said, “He will come.”

Again David asked, “Will the leaders of Keilah betray me and my men to Saul?

And the Lord replied, “Yes, they will betray you.”–1 Samuel 23:10-12

What do you say after the Lord speaks this clearly and directly?

Do we argue with the God who made us?

This was not the answer David wanted to hear.

David had just heard that Saul had killed Ahimelech and all his family because of him.  He was hiding in a cave with 400 discontented fugitives, waiting for the danger to pass (Ps. 57:1).

But the danger didn’t pass…

It got worse.

Let’s look at three verses from these two Psalms that describe David’s thoughts and feelings in the cave and during the time Doeg the Edomite betrayed him to Saul:

  • Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!  I look to you for protection.  I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. (Ps. 57:1)
  • My heart is confident in you O God; my heart is confident.  No wonder I can sing your praise! (Ps. 57:7)
  • I look for someone to come and help me; but no one gives me a passing thought!  No one cares a bit what happens to me.  Then I pray to you, O Lord.  I say, “You are my place of refuge.  You are all I really want in life. (Ps. 142:4-5)

David penned these words BEFORE he got the Word from the Lord—”Yes, Saul is coming and yes, the leaders of Keilah will betray you and your men to Saul.”

The Bible doesn’t say this, but from what I’ve seen in David’s level of trust in the Lord, I believe David sang those Psalms again after he got the news.  David believed God to protect him through the battle.

What do we do when we get the answer we don’t want to hear?

  • We ask for mercy
  • We look to God for protection
  • We put our confidence in God
  • We sing the praises of the Lord
  • We know that while people may fail us during difficult times, God will be our place of refuge
  • We let God be enough

Father, thank you for the example of David!

I’m Hiding Under the Shadow of Your wings.

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©2013, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 23:13-29, Psalm 54, 1 Samuel 24:1 through 25:44

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