Passage of the Day:
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.10 For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.11 They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.”12 Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me.13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm m be covered with scorn and disgrace.14 As for me, I will always have hope I will praise you more and more, Psalm 71:9-14.
Reflection:
The older I become, the less hope I have in some of my dreams of ever becoming a reality. Perhaps, the Psalmist is taking a moment to reflect upon his own life, realizing that he isn’t young anymore. Meanwhile, as more and more enemies vocalize their hatred, King David is overwhelmed by all the people conspiring to kill him and claim his throne. Yet, as David turns to prayer to express his emotional concerns, something supernatural occurs. The Lord shifts his attention toward hope and praise.
Prayerful Action:
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all.16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone, Psalm 71:15-16.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
King David’s life is a like a series of peaks and valleys from a lowly shepherd to a war hero. From a musician for royalty to the leader of Israel. While David possessed a heart after God, his sinful nature was as hungry and out of control as a drug addict. Although God forgives sin, there are always consequences that one must face. Nonetheless, when you turn to the Lord in prayer, a moment of despair can quickly be transformed into hope and praise.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Staying optimistic through unexpected trials in life isn’t easy. However, as the Holy Spirit begins to change Christians from the inside out, hope and change often follows.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 