The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 23 February 2024 – God Is My Defence
TOPIC: God Is My Defence
READ: Psalm 59: 1-17(NKJV)
- To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me.
- Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, And save me from bloodthirsty men.
- For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, Not [for] my transgression nor [for] my sin, O LORD.
- They run and prepare themselves through no fault [of mine.] Awake to help me, and behold!
- You therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah
- At evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
- Indeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords [are] in their lips; For [they say,] “Who hears?”
- But You, O LORD, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision.
- I will wait for You, [O You] his Strength; For God [is] my defense;
- My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see [my desire] on my enemies.
- Do not slay them, lest my people forget; Scatter them by Your power, And bring them down, O Lord our shield.
- [For] the sin of their mouth [and] the words of their lips, Let them even be taken in their pride, And for the cursing and lying [which] they speak.
- Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them,] That they [may] not [be;] And let them know that God rules in Jacob To the ends of the earth. Selah
- And at evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
- They wander up and down for food, And howl if they are not satisfied.
- But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.
- To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God [is] my defense, My God of mercy.
The MESSAGE:
Our text reveals that the life of the Psalmist is in danger and he asks God to deliver, defend, save, and be awake to help him. He calls on the God of hosts to punish, laugh at, scatter, bring down, consume and utterly destroy the wicked. Twice, he confesses that God is his defence and promises to sing praises to God concerning His power, mercy and strength.
When you are weak you should pray for strength. When pursued, you should seek for shelter or safety. David knew that in a time of adversity, he should wait upon God for his defence. When things get tough in your life, who do you run to? Some people depend on their friends, relatives, titles, position or wealth when faced with challenges. Some even go to idols for power and protection which sooner or later, disappoint them. Make God your hiding place and He will preserve you in the time of trouble (Psa. 32: 7). Do you feel weak and helpless because of your problems? Take it to the Lord in prayer and He will surprise you. Spend more time daily in reading and studying God’s word and He will be your defence.
PRAYER: Father, I lift my heart to You and make You my hiding place in Jesus’ name. Amen.
