Day 386 | Friday, 9 April 2021

Day 386 - Audio Verison

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Day 386 | Friday, 9 April 2021

 Psalm 57

57 Have mercy on me, God; have mercy on me because I have taken refuge in you.

    I take refuge in the shadow of your wings until destruction passes by.

2 I call out to God Most High—to God, who comes through for me. 3 He sends orders from heaven and saves me, rebukes the one who tramples me. Selah

God sends his loyal love and faithfulness.

4 My life is in the middle of a pack of lions. I lie down among those who devour humans.  Their teeth are spears and arrows; their tongues are sharpened swords.  5 Exalt yourself, God, higher than heaven!  Let your glory be over all the earth!  6 They laid a net for my feet to bring me down; they dug a pit for me, but they fell into it instead! Selah

7 My heart is unwavering, God— my heart is unwavering. I will sing and make music.  8Wake up, my glory!  Wake up, harp and lyre!  I will wake the dawn itself!  9 I will give thanks to you, my Lord, among all the peoples; I will make music to you among the nations 10because your faithful love is as high as heaven; your faithfulness reaches the clouds.  11 Exalt yourself, God, higher than heaven! Let your glory be over all the earth!

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 57:1

Today’s reflection comes from Our Daily Bread – “Refuge for the Rejected” by James Banks

“George Whitefield (1714–1770) was one of the most gifted and effective preachers in history, leading thousands to faith in Jesus. But his life wasn’t without controversy. His practice of preaching outdoors (to accommodate large crowds) was sometimes criticized by those who questioned his motives and felt he should speak only within the four walls of a church building. Whitefield’s epitaph sheds light on his response to others’ harsh words: “I am content to wait till the Day of Judgment for the clearing up of my character; and after I am dead, I desire no other epitaph than this, ‘Here lies George Whitefield—what sort of a man he was, the great day will discover.’”

“In the Old Testament, when David faced harsh criticism from others, he too entrusted himself to God. When Saul falsely accused David of leading a rebellion and he was forced to hide from Saul’s approaching army in a cave, David described being “in the midst of lions,” among “men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords” (Psalm 57:4). But even in that difficult place, he turned to God and found comfort in Him: “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies” (v. 10).”

“When others misunderstand or reject us, God is our “refuge” (v. 1). May He be forever praised for His unfailing and merciful love!”

Reflect & Pray
“How does dwelling on God’s mercy help you when you’re discouraged? How can you demonstrate God’s love to another?”

“Abba Father, I praise You that I can be accepted by You forever because of Your Son. I take refuge in Your perfect love today.”
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Today: When was the last time you sought refuge in God’s love?