Your Identity in Christ
In Christ, I am the Lord’s and will commit my way to God, waiting patiently for Him to vindicate me in any situation.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
~ King David
Pondering Point
How tempting is it to take matters into our own hands and seek self-vindication rather than letting God be our defender. This is especially tough if we feel that we have been mistreated.
Soon-to-be-King David had been there with current King Saul; Moses went through it with, among others, His siblings (see Saturday’s story).
Our encouragement today is to remember whose we are – and to know that because He has chosen us, we can choose to wait patiently for Him to vindicate us, no matter our situation.
We do not need to take matters into our own hands. This is especially true when we find ourselves getting angry over a situation. Maybe this is why Jesus reminds us that there's blessing in meekness, in waiting for God, and that there's danger in anger and not waiting on Him.
Prayer
Lord God, help me to believe that Your vindication is going to be better than what I come up with. Help me find hope in the vindication stories of people like David and Moses, Your servants. As Your servant today, I too want to trust You and commit my ways to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:73-80 10th letter: Yodh (י)
- Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands. - May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word. - I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. - May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant. - Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight. - May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts. - May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes. - May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Isaiah 55:7
- Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
The Promise
John 14:26
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Pondering Point
The Psalmist believes God is justified in using affliction to shape us. (v.75). How have you come to terms with such a belief? Talk with God about it in prayer.