Day 169

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God's Presence God's Promises!

Scripture

June 17—Psalms 84-89: God's Persistent Promises

Observation

Four different authors penned the psalms you will read today, and the subject matter is as diverse as the composers! Korah yearns to a place in the house of the Lord (84) and for God's rule to be established over the nations (85) so that the greatness of God may be displayed in the city of God (87). David seeks for revival and restoration in the midst of opposition (86). Heman cries from the doorstep of death for God to come to his rescue (88). And Ethan bursts into song at the thought of God's faithfulness (89).

Application

If someone has made a promise to you, and then circumstances change, making it seemingly impossible for that person to keep his word, you are faced with a choice: you can either let your problem cast a shadow on his promise, or allow his promise to shed light on your problems. It all depends on the trustworthiness of your promise-maker.

God made a promise to David (89:3-4). You'll find it recorded in 2 Samuel 7:13-16. God promised David an everlasting house, throne, and kingdom. Yet at times it appeared David's family line was doomed. On at least two occasions the "royal family" was reduced to but a single member (2 Chronicles 21:4; 22:1-12). Did that mean God's promise was faulty? Not at all! It only highlighted the importance of daily faith in the Promise-Giver, for when the darkness is most severe, God's promises only shine the more brightly.

To spark your faith in the God who keeps his word, find a sheet of paper; and label one side, Promises God Made to People in the Bible but Never Kept"; the other, "Promises God Made—and Kept—to People in the Bible." Then do your own survey of Noah, Abraham, Jonah and others. You'll find only one side of the paper filling up! What did they discover about the promises of God? And does that cast a shadow or shed light on God's promises for you?

Prayer

Dear God, we are dwelling with you and on you. Teach us to live on you because we know that we will not starve because we are feeding on your promises. Your presence and promises is all we need. Thank you for our safety nest in you. In Jesus name! Amen!

Safety in God!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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