Encouragement for Today - July 1, 2009

 

July 1, 2009

 

A Statement of Power

 Wendy Pope

 

 “"But the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth."

Psalm 11:4 (NLT)

         

Devotion:

Are you in a season of uncertainty?  Do you find yourself in need of an infusion of power?  Today’s key verse holds the key to the infusion you need.  The power is summed up in three simple words: But the Lord.

 

“But the Lord” is a powerful phrase. The word “but” is a conjunction and used in this sentence it means “contrary to.” Contrary to what? In the proceeding verses of Psalm 11, David proclaims how he trusts the Lord for his protection. He followed his proclamation with the details of how the wicked are preparing their weapons for attack against him. Then he belts out the transition statement of power: But the Lord.

 

Maybe you feel like King David. You have been surrounded by the Lord’s protection in the past.  You have marveled at His work in your life, however, in this present season of life you feel as if the enemy is stocking his armory against you.  It seems Satan spends his days sharpening the arrows and stringing his bow.

 

Regardless of his current circumstances, David could be assured of two certainties: the Lord is in His Holy Temple and the Lord still rules from heaven. Oh, the peace this must have given King David. God is constant.

 

This statement of power can infuse you and help you look at your life through a different set of lenses.  In the midst of downsizing or divorce, buyouts or payoffs, layoffs or let downs, disappointments and despair, we can count on the same two certainties as the great King David. We can put our faith in the certainty that the Lord is in His Holy Temple and the Lord still rules from heaven.  Oh, the peace this can bring to us.  Rest in the peace this statement of power offers and don't look back.

 

Dear Lord, Your power is indescribable.  Forgive me for failing to remember the power that is mine as a child of God.  Thank You for remaining constant when life is not.  I rest today in the comfort that You are in Your Holy Temple and You still rule from Heaven. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

 

Walk with Me Today, Lord: Inspiring Devotions for Women by Emilie Barnes

 

Trials for Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life by Jan Eckles

 

For more from Wendy, visit her blog and resource page.

 

Application Steps: 

Claim this powerful phrase for yourself. Write down a current circumstance that you feel is uncertain. Copy Psalm 11:4 as your next sentence. Then read the entire passage a prayer.

 

Reflections: 

What is my usual way of handling life’s uncertain circumstances?

 

Do I truly trust the Lord to change my perspective of life’s uncertainties?  If not, why?

 

Power Verses:

Psalm 14:6, “You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.” (NIV)

 

Psalm 18:18, “They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.” (NIV)

 

Psalm 118:13, “I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.” (NIV)

 

 

© 2009 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

 

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

Originally published Wednesday, 01 July 2009.

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