Scripture:
Psalm 59
Mon, 27 December 2021

Deliver Me, O God!

Observation:

What is the basis of the Psalmist’s confidence when faced with a life-threatening situation?

Deeper Reflection
THIS PSALM is attributed to David who wrote it in the context of King Saul sending men to put David’s house under surveillance for an opportunity to take his life (see 1 Sam 19:11).23 To David, this scheme to attack and murder him was without cause and an outworking of evil. David calls upon God for help (vv.1-2). He prays to God for protection and deliverance from his enemies. They are fierce and bloodthirsty like wild dogs (vv.6, 14), seeking an opportune time to kill David. Yet he expresses full confidence in God’s timely deliverance – David will watch for God, who will give him the victory in due time (vv.9-10). This kind of confidence in God is certainly not easy to maintain in such a situation. It is an example of walking by faith and not by sight. Because what David sees with his physical eyes are fierce and imminent threats to his life (vv.6-7, 14-15). Did you notice the “But” in verse 16? This little conjunction contrasts and highlights David’s internal convictions in the face of the external threats. The dangers are real and the enemies fearsome, but God is with David! God is his Strength every day and all his days! Likewise for us, days of distress will come and go throughout life’s journey on this side of eternity. But God is our Strength! God’s steadfast love endures forever and is expressed in our today. Day by day we can experience God’s loyal love, faithful protection and deliverance: “I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of Your steadfast love in the morning” (v.16).
23 There seems to be wider context as well, because David also referred to “all the nations” (vv.5, 8), that is, the enemies of Israel. Therefore, part of David’s petition to God was for Him to punish those enemies in such a way that the nations will know that the God of Israel is almighty and sovereign over all the earth (vv.11-13).
Application:

How will I respond to a life-threatening situation?

Prayer:
O God, You are my Strength! You are all-powerful and all-wise. Full of mercy and grace, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. None can compare with You. You are a King like no other! You are so personal to me — making known Your loving presence, reassuring nearness and timely deliverance. In times of distress, You are my fortress and refuge. I will continually praise You and put my trust in You again and again. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:7-17
Wed, 31 May 2023

Answering God’s Call in Vocation

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
Daniel did not choose to serve Babylonian kings in Babylon. It was circumstances – a national crisis of his country – that compelled Daniel to be where he was and doing what he was doing. Daniel did not have the privilege, opportunity or freedom to pursue a career of his own desire. However, it was out of these adverse circumstances, that Daniel discovered God’s call for him: To serve God through serving Babylonian kings. And God gave him the specific competency to fulfil God’s call (Dan 1:17). After Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar about his dream and the interpretation, he was “promoted” to be “ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon” (Dan 2:48).When Belshazzar gathered his wise men to interpret for him the inscription on the wall, Daniel was not among them. Daniel was not unknown to Belshazzar.59 He knew him as “one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah” and “appointed him chief ” over all the wise men of Babylon (vv.11-12). It was only when the queen mentioned Daniel to him, that Belshazzar called for him (vv.10-11). Belshazzar “deliberately ignored Daniel”60 . Daniel was sidelined. How do you respond to being sidelined? For Daniel, he felt secure. Daniel was secure because he had no ambition to climb the corporate ladder. He had no interest in rewards and promotion. Daniel said to Belshazzar, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else” (vv.16-17). But Daniel interpreted the inscription for Belshazzar. Daniel was answering God’s call for him.
59 Ernest C. Lucas, 131 60 Ernest C. Lucas, 131
Application:

What positive attitudes do I need to cultivate in my workplace?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: To view their vocation as answering God’s call for their lives
  • Pray for self
 

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