April 26
________________________________________TRUST THE LORD WHO IS YOUR HELP AND SHIELD
9 O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
12 The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel;
He will bless the house of Aaron; 13 he will bless those who fear the LORD,
Both the small and the great.14 May the LORD give you increase,
You and your children! 15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!
16 The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.
17 The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the LORD!– Psalm 115:9-18
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Proverbs 3:5-8 says to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
These verses clearly illustrate what “trusting in the Lord” means. It involves the heart, not just the mind. It is recognizing God as sovereign and omnipotent who is the only source of knowledge and deliverance. It is not depending on our human reasoning and knowledge but revering God and turning away from wickedness. To trust in the Lord brings about healing to the body and sustenance for our bones. This entire verses in Psalm 115 echoes Solomon’s words in Proverbs 3. Trusting the Lord is a challenge to do because we are by nature sinners, but it can be done when we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. When we do, we are delivered and protected.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is our shield and deliverer.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord whenever I try to figure things out and not depend on You.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for the steadfast love you have shown to all your people.
SUPPLICATION: May all God’s people run to God as their shield and deliverer.
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REFLECTION
• How can we develop a trust in God especially in times of suffering?