He Is My Defender And Refuge
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Ezekiel 35, 36 and Psalm 9 (NIV)
(Alex Seow, SWR Committee Member)
READ:
Psalm 9 (NKJV)
OBSERVE:
Key observations:
Vv. 1-2: Praising God requires my whole heart and nothing less. Moreover, I must share this Good News with others who do not yet know Him.
Vv. 3-5: Comforts and assures me that the Lord is my protector and judge.
Vv. 9-10: I like the observation from Dave Guzik (Enduring Word): “David understood that the help of God wasn’t given just because God favoured some and opposed others. It was because His people have relationship with Him (know Your name), they have faith in Him ( trust in You), and they seek Him (who seek You).”
APPLY:
1. God Expects All of Me
God expects me to be fully present when I worship Him. Sadly, on occasion I have given Him lip service or rushed through prayer and worship with a distracted mind. However, God is more than worthy of my praise!
2. He Protects Me
I have been in situations when others have judged me wrongly for actions that were well intended. The verse above provides comfort that the Lord will do His part for me. I do not have to vindicate myself.
3. He Is My Refuge and Will Not Abandon Me.
Whenever trouble arises – I will remain steadfast, knowing that I can turn to and confide in Him. But I do need to trust and seek Him.
DO:
- God wants me to worship Him wholeheartedly. It means committing my thoughts, actions, and words to Him.
- I will trust in His justice for me. I will not take matters into my own hands.
- He is my safe refuge. I will seek Him and put my trust in Him.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, thank You for who You are.
For being the God who protects and judges righteously and fairly.
For being my refuge in times of trouble, for defending me from my enemies.
I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praises to Your name on High. Amen!