12/08/2020
Look to the Lord
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”
─ Psalm 34:4-7 ESV
“If the battle is the Lord’s, then why am I the one getting shot at, beaten, bruised and feel like I’m navigating through a land mine field?” Kristen spoke through her deep sobs.
Kristen’s harsh words had echoed all day, in her friend Amy’s mind. The answer she wanted to give wouldn’t have come out right, at least not in that moment. Instead, she just held her friend and let her cry.
How many times have you asked, “Where are you, God?” or “Why haven’t you done what you promised?” It’s a natural response to the pain and hurt we can feel in the battles we fight in the fallen world.
As you read the Psalms, many of the words from the Psalmist are bold and challenging with some of the same questions you may have asked. In today’s verse, the psalm reminds you to look to the Lord. He is the one who delivers you from all your fears.
When you feel like you’re fighting all alone, remember the angel of the Lord is with you. Even when it looks like defeat is imminent, hold fast to the promise that God will deliver you.
Today’s One Thing
Think of the times you thought the battle was over and you’d lost. Then remind yourself of what God did to turn it around. If you don’t have a memory of your own, encourage yourself by reading about David’s battles. Start with 1 Samuel 17, when David faces Goliath.