Living in the Spirit

August 4, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 34
Praise for Deliverance from Trouble

[Of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.]

I will bless the Lord at all times;
   his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
   let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
   and let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
   and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant;
   so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
   and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the Lord encamps
   Around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good;
   happy are those who take refuge in him.

David is one of the most human people in the Bible. Crafty at evading his enemies, at times, he was blind to avoiding personal sin. Yet, in all ways, David maintained a close relationship with God. He willingly gave God glory in his successes and repented asking for forgiveness in his moments of moral weakness. Psalm 34 is an excellent example of the close relationship he maintained with God. How well do we nurture our relationship with God? Is God a part of all our lives? Do we only seek God when we think we need God’s help? Are we willing servants when God desires our help?

God loves us and empowers us with the ability to love one another. Our world stands in great need of being flooded by God’s love, and we are designate conduits called to fulfill that obligation. Let it be so.

Prayer: God of Grace and Mercy, open the flood gates of the love you provide through us so that our world may be healed from all the evil that harms us. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.