Day 63 – A United Heart
Psalm 86:11 “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.”
Story: I count 15 prayer requests in 17 verses by David. He’s facing another challenging situation that includes ruthless enemies intent to end his life (v.14). But at the same time, David holds fast to what he knows is true about God – that there is none like Him (v. 8, 10), that He is gracious and merciful (v. 14). So this request in verse 11 for a united or undivided heart comes when David is absorbed with these two heavy thoughts – his enemies and his God. David wants all of him focused on all of God; not wavering or drifting away. David prays to have an undivided heart so that instead of fearing his enemies, David fears God alone!
My Prayer Response: Father, please, I ask this for myself too! Give me an undivided heart, so that I no longer fear what others may think or do, but that I only fear You. Truly, You are the awesome God, and none can compare to You. I give thanks to You from my whole heart for Your great salvation and love towards me!
May the LORD give you a united heart to fear Him!
Day 64 – Nightmares No More
Psalm 91:5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Story: I have a good imagination, which often exaggerates, if not creates, fears. So at night, a sudden sound could be a robber, a tree about to crash, or something breaking in our house. During the day, a phone call could mean something’s wrong, a meeting could be a confrontation; and a stranger could yell at me for believing in Jesus. It seems funny when I put these down, but they’re not funny to me in the moment. But the LORD God is our refuge and fortress (v. 2). Because of His protection and faithfulness (v. 4), I will not be afraid day or night. Nothing can harm me without His good permission. Even the worst – bringing death by terror, arrow, or pestilence – cannot touch me, because I abide in the shelter of the Almighty God!
My Prayer Response: Father, I confess my struggles with fear. Which are really moments of doubt in You. And these can seem so absurd. Thank You for Your patience; thank You for your faithful protection – far better than any security system for You are always alert, always working, and always personal. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You!
May the LORD be your refuge today!
Day 65 – Fearful Worship
Psalm 96:4, 9 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. … Worship the Lord in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth.
Story: Is the adoration of God a neglected practice these days? To pause and consider His greatness? God is glorious. There is none like Him. No gods, no people, no things can compare with Him. He reigns over the world, and He will come to judge the earth in righteousness and faithfulness. So, yes, we are to worship Him, fear Him, tremble before Him, and adore Him!
My Prayer Response: Father, You are the Almighty God! Glory and strength belong to You and You alone. We worship and adore You, for who You are and for Your awesome works. As we adore You, we fear You, seeing that we are not Your equals. We humble ourselves before You in adoration. You alone reign!
May you worship the LORD today!
Day 66 – Bless the LORD!
Psalm 103:11, 13, 17 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,
Story: What a great Psalm of David, which starts and ends with ‘Bless the LORD, O my soul.’ He gives so many reasons to bless our God, such as He forgives, He heals, He redeems, He crowns, and He satisfies (v. 2-5). Then comes His lovingkindness and compassion on those who fear Him – as high as the heavens, as deep as a father’s and as long as eternity! To fear the LORD is to be overwhelmed by His love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and greatness. It is to be left speechless in consideration of His many benefits that He freely gives.
My Prayer Response: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and let all that is within me, bless Your holy Name! How great and awesome You are; and then also are Your works of such love and compassion to me! You know our sins and our frailties, yet You forgive and do not repay us according to our sins! Thank You for saving me through Jesus Christ, Your Son. I bless You, O LORD!
May you bless the LORD today!
Day 67 – The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
Psalm 111:5, 10 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.
Story: Praise begins and ends this Psalm in consideration for the great works of the LORD. He takes care of His people in accordance with His promise/covenant; He gives us our daily bread. As we put together all the different works of the LORD, our sum total response is to fear Him. This is the beginning of wisdom, the starting point or source to live life well.
My Prayer Response: Father, it seems so simple. I just pause my life, my activity and remember how great You are, and how awesome are Your works. This is the fear of You, which gives me the wisdom I need as I resume my life and activity. Why is this hard for me to practice? I have a full day planned; I need to pause and remember You!
May you remember the LORD and His great works today!