We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Joe Mummert.
Bible Reading:
Psalm 144
Grab your Bible or you can read these verses by scrolling down to the end.
Word:
My favorite line in this Psalm is in verse 3 where David says again, “Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?” When I read this, I imagine David laying on a hill at night, looking up at the stars. I am sure we’ve all had those moments, where we gaze out at the vast, expansive beauty that makes up this Earth and just take a minute to go, “Wow!”
It’s incredible to think that the One who created all of that radiant beauty took the time to number the hairs on our head. It is definitely overwhelming at times to see what is out there and feel insignificant, yet all the while know that God sent his son for you like you were the only one on Earth. So many times in my life I decide that I am going to take control! Yes, God, you helped me last time and I understand that, BUT, I am a big boy now and can do it on my own!
I wonder how often God chuckles at our feeble attempts. The truth of the matter is, we aren’t asked or expected to do it on our own. We are never alone even when we feel the furthest from God. HE is the source of our strength. In the book of John, Jesus says “apart from me, you can do nothing.”
I have always taken that as literally as possible…He gave us the breath of life so we couldn’t even breathe if it weren’t for Him and His goodness and grace. It’s ok to be overwhelmed by Him, lets try not to get caught up in wondering WHY he cares so much and just rest in the fact that HE DOES!
Prayer:
Lord, give me eyes to see that you are the source of my strength. Help me to put you at the center of everything I do. Help me to realize that even though I am the one completing the task, that you are the sole source of my strength and the reason for why I do it all. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Skillwork:
Consider the source…where does your strength lie? Are you depending on your own strength? Are you depending on the help of others? Is God at the center? Get with a trusted friend and take inventory of your strength sources…adjust where needed.
Bible Verses:
Psalm 144 (ESV)
1 Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him?4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down! Touch the mountains so that they smoke!6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; send out your arrows and rout them!7 Stretch out your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, from the hand of foreigners,8 whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.9 I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,10 who gives victory to kings, who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.12 May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace;13 may our granaries be full, providing all kinds of produce; may our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;14 may our cattle be heavy with young, suffering no mishap or failure in bearing; may there be no cry of distress in our streets!15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!
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