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November 10, 2012
Day 5
The Upper Hand
Dear Praying Friend,
Yesterday we read as the psalmist, Asaph, began to realize his only hope of getting out of his deperate situation was to look up (to God) and to look back (on all the Lord's wonderful works). The same God ,Who had delivered Israel out of human bondage (i.e. Egypt), was at work delivering them out of spiritual bondage so they would eventually live a life of freedom in the Lord (unfortunately this required moving them miles from their home so they would be reignited with a strong desire to find their way back again - both physically and spiritually!). Our God is the great deliverer and His great plan encompasses the entire world. We, as believers, are a long way from home (heaven); however the Lord is waking us up to prepare for our pilgrimage journey home, and He desires for us to bring some travelers home with us! As we meditate on Psalm 77:13-15 today, let the words of Asaph sink in and take root, "What god is so great as our God?...You display your power among your peoples..." Truly, what other god is doing any work at all? All other god's are made of wood, hay, and stubble; purely figmants of the human imagination, incapable of acting on behalf of anyone, and completely worthless! Why then to we get fearful when evil men seem to have the upper hand? No one has any power that the Lord has not given them in order to accomplish His plans (John 19:11; Romans 13:1). Our fear should rest in God alone. "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure" (Isaiah 33:6). May we find confidence in His Word as we pray (Jeremiah 17:7): "Remember the former things, those of long ago: I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do what I please... What I have said, that will I bring about: what I have planned, that will I do. Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. I am bringing My righteousness near, it is not far away; and My salvation will not be delayed." (Isaiah 46:9-13a)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You that You are the One true and living God; indeed, there is no one other than You who acts on behalf of Your people. We praise You that You have revealed Yourself to us and have redeemed us with Your blood so that we can know You personally and live with You eternally - there is no greater miracle than this - we long to see the whole earth come to Your salvation. We praise You that You are always working to fulfill Your purposes. We ask for strength in those times that Your plans require us to be disciplined. Give us peace when evil men seem to have the upper hand; we trust that there is nothing they can do to us that You have not allowed. All power rests in Your mighty arm. Although You have made us see troubles, many and bitter, we trust that You will restore us once again. You are our ever-present help in times of trouble. Our hope is always in You and we will praise You all the more - we delight in You regardless of our difficulties. We know that our Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. We exalt no other name than the glorious name of Jesus Christ. The name that is above all names and in Whose name we pray. Amen.
Steadfast in Prayer,
Traci Alexander Trumpet and Torch Ministries Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Job 19:25; Psalm 42:8; 46:1; 71:19-21; Isaiah 43:12; 46:4; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:20; Philippians 2:9;1 Peter 4:13. |
