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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 4 August 2024:
Psalm 31:1 – In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!
Secure in the righteousness of Jesus. The message of the Gospel is that we are saved by the righteous of Jesus (God), not our own righteousness, which is no righteousness at all. A simple way to think of the meaning of righteousness is to think of it as being ‘right with God,’ to be reconciled, to have all matters or debts settled. Jesus paid our debts on the cross and made us eternally right with God, righteous. Of our own account, we are unworthy. Jesus made us worthy. In Christ, there is no shame – read Romans 8
- Romans 8:1, 31-39 — There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 31:3 — For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me….
God leads and guides you for His name’s sake. The biblical concept of name isn’t just what you call someone but it is who they are, their identify, their character. This verse says, God leads and guides you because it is His nature. God is Love, so for the sake of Love itself, God loves you. All blessings come from God as the outpouring of His nature. The closer you get to Him and know Him. The more you are naturally blessed.
Psalm 31:5 – Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Redeem means to buy back, or to make something that was once bad good again. Note that the Psalmist says, God does the redeeming. Again, Jesus made us righteous, redeemed. God is faithful though we are not faithful, our salvation rests securely on His unconditional love for us, not on our imperfect, always failing love for Him. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ.
God bought you back with Jesus on the Cross. How valuable are you to God even though you sin? How much does He love you? If He were willing to pay such a price for you, do you think He would in any way neglect you? No, God provides for and blesses His precious children perfectly. In Christ, whatever you are going through isn’t happening to you; it is happening for you.
Psalm 31:7, 8 – I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.
Bible verses like this are here to remind us to rejoice when we don’t feel like it. These verses remind us during hard times that God’s love for us is unconditional, enduring, everlasting, and overpowering. God is the Creator; God is Sovereign and Almighty, and God is love. When the God who made and controls everything loves you perfectly and promises the very best for you, how should you view what you are going through? God is loving you through your challenges, drawing you closer to His love, and using your circumstances for an ultimate good that exceeds your wildest imagination. “…you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy….” Sometimes you might be tempted to think God has abandoned you, turned you over to your circumstances. No, He will never leave you or forsake you. Trust in Him.
- Romans 8:28-29 — And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Psalm 31:6 – I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.
The more you love God, the more you hate what He hates.
Psalm 31:9 – Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress.
Distress is inevitable in this broken world. But when hard times come, we should draw closer to the Lord who will guide, protect, comfort, and love us through them.
- Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 31:12 – I have been forgotten like one who is dead.
Your friends might abandon you, like the disciples abandoned Jesus during his darkest hour, but God will never abandon you.
Psalm 31:14, 15 – But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand….
Faith trusts God now; and hope trust God with the future. Trust God in the moment and obey Him confidently; then trust Him with the outcomes by waiting upon Him with peace and joy. You can rest easy knowing your times are in God’s hands. Jesus rested in the boat while the disciples panicked in the great storm, fearing death. Jesus knew who was in control. We just read about how Paul remained confident through a shipwreck because he knew who was in control. Jesus said, “Peace I give you.” Rest easy, be confident, rejoice. Your God has you in the palm of His hand. He is in complete control and loves you immeasurably.
Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
The strength of your courage is dependent upon your actual faith in God. Faith makes you courageous.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 4 August 2024: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24) Focus today on seeing things (circumstances and relationships) through the reality of God’s sovereignty and perfect love for you. Walk by faith, hope, and love. Have the faith to courageously obey in the moment of decision, and then trust God with the future (hope); while resting in the secure refuge of God’s love, you can freely love others without risk, so make that your priority, particularly since the One you loves you perfectly said this is His greatest command for you.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 