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November 9, 2012
Day 4
My Hands Are Tied
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Dear Praying Friend,
In times of difficulty and trial we can easily get caught up in the moment, and become so overwhelmed by our emotions, that we fail to see clearly the place we are in. It helps to take a step back from the situation to gain a better perspective of what the Lord is doing; reminding ourselves that He has already been at work and all we may simply need is a jumpstart! "Why so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." (Psalm 42:5).
As we meditate on Psalm 77:10-12 today, we find relief with the psalmist as he experiences a moment of clarity in the midst of his anguish - realizing he was focusing too intently on what God wasn't doing, instead of what He had already done, as well as, questioning God instead of trusting Him. This reprieve was surely the hand of God calling his attention to past teachings from His Word; exhorting him, and encouraging him, to place his hope for the future in the past miracles, deeds, promises, and work of the Lord (reference Psalm 119:48, 78, 98, 148; 143:5; 145:5). "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts...tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads" (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
The psalmist may have glanced at the clock and realized he was on God's time table, and, as a result, was then able to tune out his present despair and turn his attention to the past wondrous activity of God. Whenever we fail to keep the Lord's Word in the forefront of our minds we give the enemy an opening to enter in and invade our thoughtlife with discouragement and despair. The battle we are facing begins first in foremost in our minds; therefore, we must remain vigilant as we carry His Word with us wherever we go! "...like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of the LORD is to be on your lips" (Exodus 13:9a).
"They refused to listen and they failed to remember
the miracles you performed among them.
They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion
appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.
But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love."
(Nehemiah 9:17)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise you for bringing to the forefront of our minds the portions of your Word that we so desperately need to be reminded of as we face the challenges of each day. Guide us to diligently meditate on your Word so we will be equipped with an artillery of righteous ammunition ready to take out the enemy who is bent on capturing our hearts and minds. Forgive us for allowing the enemy entrance because we have failed to put on Your mind daily. We have neglected the highest wisdom for foolish choices that have us tied op in knots instead of being set free to spread hope. May our hope continually be in You as we focus on Your past miracles, wonders, and ways. Help us to daily bind Your word on our hearts and hands; letting Your wisdom adorn us like beautiful jewelry to capture the attention of a watching world. Tie Your Word to our hands that we might carry it wherever we may go and speak boldly from our lips Your Truth in love to everyone You place in our path. Release us to simply do Your will that we might bring glory, honor, and praise to Your holy name. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 42:5; 119:15, 27, 48, 97, 148; 143:5; Proverbs 3:3, 6:21-22; 7:3; Ephesians 4:14-16; 6:11, 17-18). | 
