en-US Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:41:17 +0200 1415733http://www.feedburner.com http://www.godrev.com/devotionals/?/360/Your-Refuge.html http://www.godrev.com/devotionals/?/360/Your-Refuge.html The heading of this psalm says that David sang this ''to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.'' Who was this man? We do not know for certain but some think it was King Saul, a Benjamite. What we know is that David faced a situation that seemed hopeless. Although he was innocent, overwhelming forces pursued him, threatening his life. Yet he was able to stop and sing to the Lord. He allowed God to search his heart, to be sure that he was innocent. Then, he trusted that God would defend and protect him. David wholeheartedly committed himself to God. ''The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me'' (v. 8). He could depend upon God, regardless of what others did or said: ''My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge'' (vs. 9-11). But he needed to stay focused on doing right, and being clean before God. And, in the end, David was filled with thanksgiving and[...]]]> Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:00:00 +0200 http://www.godrev.com/devotionals/?/359/Singing-Praises.html http://www.godrev.com/devotionals/?/359/Singing-Praises.html According to this psalm's heading, David wrote this ''when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him.'' So David cried out to God for help and deliverance. He knew that God was not impressed by the might of armies. He would ''laugh at them'' and ''scoff at all the nations.'' He knew that God was his ''stronghold.'' He knew that ''my God in His lovingkindness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes'' (vs. 8-10). Trusting in God, David knew that he would emerge triumphant. And he could not contain his gratefulness but had to sing God's praises. He felt compelled to ''joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning.'' He sang because he wanted to express what was in his heart, and because singing involved his entire being: His minds and emotions, voice and body. Through singing he could express his relief and gratitude, thanks and praise. Today, no matter what problems you face, how hopeless[...]]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:00:00 +0200 http://www.godrev.com/devotionals/?/358/Sacrificing-and-Giving-Thanks.html http://www.godrev.com/devotionals/?/358/Sacrificing-and-Giving-Thanks.html According to the heading, David wrote this ''when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, 'Is not David hiding himself among us?''' It was a desperate situation, in which David feared for his life. Trapped, outnumbered, and overwhelmed, he cried out for God. He realized that ''God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.'' He realized that he could depend upon God. He was faithful, and He defended and delivered him. David responded in two ways. First, he looked for a way to give God an offering. He wanted to do something to show his gratitude to Him. But this had to be something that cost something. It had to be a sacrifice or it would not be meaningful. He did not feel forced to make this sacrifice, but made it ''willingly.'' He delighted to give to God from the bounty to which he had been blessed. Second, David responded with thankfulness. He realized that God had ''delivered me from all trouble.'' He no longer was trapped and hiding, but[...]]]> Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:00:00 +0200