Day 9
Today's Scripture:
Psalm 37:1-5
Key Verse:
Psalm 37:5
"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
The Point:
A Trusting Heart – God is Worthy of Our Trust
Who are you going to trust? This is a critical decision when we seek revival. A clear indicator of a revived heart is a renewed trust in God. A revived heart will not only trust Him for every circumstance, but also in His greater plan for our lives. This trust is not a "blind trust" or a "forced trust," but a deep reliance on the One who is sovereign.
The word sovereign comes from the Latin meaning "above" or "supreme." Paul captures this truth in Colossians when he declares that Christ is "before all things, and by him all things consist" (Colossians 1:15-18). To trust in God's sovereignty is to acknowledge His supreme authority, while having the assurance that He is always in control - always "above" our trials, fears, and circumstances.
Too often, we doubt God's presence and power when life grows difficult. Yet we should follow king David's example and clearly express our trust in God by acknowledging his sovereignty. Consider I Chronicles 29:11: "Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: fall all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all." When we trust Him fully, He not only guides our steps, but He also gives us peace; which reminds us that nothing is outside His sovereign hand.
Example:
There's a famous story of a painting titled Checkmate that hung in an art gallery. It depicted a man playing chess with the devil, and it appeared the man had no moves left - he was defeated. A world champion chess player once saw the painting and, after studying it, exclaimed: "The king still has one more move!"
In the same way, when we trust in God's sovereignty, we remember that no matter how hopeless life looks, our King always has the final move. What seems like defeat to us is never beyond His control. The King can never be defeated!
Study Today's Scripture and answer these Reflection Questions:
- Do I tend to rely more on my own understanding or on God's promises when I face uncertainty?
- Am I only trusting in God based on our circumstances, rather than because He is worthy of our trust?
- Am I trusting God for my present, and my future?
- What can I trust God for this week?
Prayer Time
Worship:
- Take time to worship God for His presence and His power that is displayed around you and through you in every situation.
Praise:
- "Lord, I praise You for your guidance and direction in my life."
Confession:
- "Father, I confess that I am trusting in my ways and my knowledge in my daily life. Forgive me for not trusting in you for my present and my future."
Intercessory Prayers:
- Pray for your family, friends, and church to trust God, and to be led by His Spirit.
Petitions:
- "Lord, we thank You that You are sovereign. Help us to trust You fully, not leaning on our own understanding but resting in Your wisdom and power. Teach us to surrender our worries, and to find peace in Your presence."
Action:
Take a card or small piece of paper and write down one situation in your life where you struggle to trust God's control. Take some time to pray over it, and surrender it to God!