The Daily Bread: Nourishment for the Soul

MONDAY, 1 JULY 2024

TEXT: Psalm 59:1-17

1. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

2. Deliver me from those who work evil; from the bloodthirsty save me.

3. Even now they lie in wait for my life; the mighty stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord,

4. for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Rouse yourself, come to my help and see!

5. You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel. Awake to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. (selah)

6. Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.

7. There they are, bellowing with their mouths, with sharp words on their lips- for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?”

8. But you laugh at them, O Lord; you hold all nations in derision.

9. O my strength, I will watch for you; for you, O God, are my fortress.

10. My God in his steadfast love will meet me; my God will make me look in triumph on my enemies.

11. Do not kill them, or my people may forget; make them totter by your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.

12. For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter,

13. consume them in wrath; consume them until they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. (Selah)

14. Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.

15. They roam about for food, and growl if they do not get their fill.

16. But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress.

17. O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.

(New Revised Standard Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: TRUST GOD IN YOUR CHALLENGES

We are living in challenging times. Days when nothing seems to be working, when our lives are targeted for elimination by those who feel that they have every right to do whatever they want. They trail us on the streets and even into our houses because no one can stop their plans. Fear has overtaken us and we seem to be confused about what to do.

In today's Psalm, Saul sent soldiers to kill David. However, David draws our attention to God's ability to intervene during all challenging times. God can always manifest Himself and rescue us from the hands of the wicked.

David prayed as well as praised God because of His constant love that never fails. He is our strength and refuge as we pass through the challenges of this wicked world.

QUESTION: How do you respond to the challenges of this wicked world?

PRAYER: Dear loving father, please show Yourself to us as we pass through the challenges of this world and give us a testimony to honour You for the rest of our lives, in Jesus name. Amen.