Day 55 – Fearful Closeness with the LORD
Psalm 25:12-14 Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land. The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.
Story: What characterizes a person who fears the LORD? The answer David highlights is a humility to be instructed by the LORD, which seems simple, but it’s not quite. The LORD’s teaching includes rebuke and correction. It points out sin in us. To be taught by the LORD is an awareness that we don’t know it all, and that we don’t get it all right. But with this humble fear of the LORD comes great benefit. I don’t stay in a teacher-student relationship. Instead, He invites me into close fellowship with Him. He reveals to me His covenant.
My Prayer Response: Father, give me a humble heart to be taught and corrected by You. I want this close fellowship with you. But I have to lay my pride down; that’s easier said than done. Thank You that You forgive and that You are patient. Finish the transforming work You’ve begun in my heart!
May you enjoy close fellowship with the LORD today!
Day 56 – Whom Shall I Fear?
Psalm 27:1, 3 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? … Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.
Story (by Rebekah Moni): Not many of us will experience the terror of warfare in the way David had. He not only fought in battles and wars, but he escaped armies, both from his own countrymen and from other nations. For him to worship and focus on the only reality that truly mattered–that God was his ever-victorious Defender and Savior–is not only inspiration, but also a challenge to look closely at the “enemies” in our lives that keep us from the same peace and confidence David writes about. Though it’s not an easy or painless place to get to, there will always be room under God’s wings for us to stand boldly in such a faith.
My Prayer Response: Father, though our human nature cries otherwise, there is none to be feared but You. Please continue drawing our hearts to the Truth of Your power, sustenance and Light.
May the LORD be your light and salvation today!
Day 57 – Wait for the LORD
Psalm 31:19 How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men!
Story: David was facing some heavy challenges. He was in a besieged city (v. 19). He eye, soul, and body are wasted away with grief (v. 9). He has many adversaries who are plotting to take his life (v. 13). So what does he do? He trusts in His LORD (v. 1, 5, 14). Even though much of his life is trouble and distress, he trusts that the LORD has goodness stored up to give to David – because David fears and takes refuge in the LORD. As the Psalm ends and the challenge has passed, David presents the lesson he has learned, “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!”
My Prayer Response: Father, I’m very thankful that I don’t face now the challenges and difficulties of David. And yet, though mine are minor in comparison, he gives me the pathway I must walk – fear You, trust in You, take refuge in You, wait for You. Jesus did this too; into Your hands, He committed His spirit. I asked You for help this morning with my struggles; and here is Your answer. You didn’t fix things, like magic. You presented me with truth to obey. So be gracious so that I am a doer of Your Word today!
May the LORD give His great goodness to you today!
Day 58 – He delivers me from all my fears
Psalm 34:4, 7-11 I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. … The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Story: David writes this in a period of great fear – running away from Saul, hiding among the Philistines, and pretending to be insane! But David doesn’t focus this Psalm on how he fears his enemies, but on how he fears the LORD. He speaks of how the LORD is the one who answers his prayer and delivers him from all of his fear (v. 4; see also v. 17-18). Those who fear the LORD receive the protection and goodness of the LORD (v. 7-10). Having learned about the fear of the LORD in a fearful situation, David can begin to teach others the fear of the LORD (v. 11).
My Prayer Response: Father, You reign over all the details of my life. What is good and what frightens me. I don’t have to master everything – which is such a relief – but can entrust all of myself and my circumstances into Your hands. Which means I need patience, that I let You do Your good work instead of trying to do it myself. You know the pressure I feel this day. Here, they are Yours. I will instead fear and take refuge in You!
May the LORD deliver and protect you from all your fears today!