“I for my part shall trust even in you…in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid” – Psalm (56: 3-4).
David was a young man out in the fields tending his father Jesse’s sheep when he was sent out on an errand to deliver food to his bothers down at the battle field. He spotted a 6’9 giant named Goliath who was mocking the Israelites.
Everyone was scared. But David after one glance and he was decided. Unlike others, he was not cowered and went out to King Saul, whom he pleaded to go and fight Goliath.
Goliath despised David. But never mind, David ignored and challenged him by crying out, “I am coming to you in the name of Jehovah” and then delivered a fatal blow using stones from his pouch. The Philistine giant fell down dead. That’s when the rest of the Israel army drew strength and chased out the Philistines (I Sam 17:45).
Where did David draw his strength? It is clear where others had been afraid David wasn’t ruffled. His secret lay in looking up to the Lord from whom he drew his strength. That spirit of valor based on looking up to the Lord even when faced with giant obstacles was to feature through his life and bring him victory.
What mountain are you facing today? Is it a giant mocking at you like Goliath? Instead of looking at its size and listening in to all the discouraging noise around, just look up to the Lord who will bring victory.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus that whatever giant of a problem I may seem to face I look up to you for strength, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
