Psalm 31:1-5
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, deliver me. Turn your ear toward me. Hurry! Rescue me! Be a rock where I take refuge, a fortified place that saves me. Yes, you are my rocky cliff and my stronghold. For the sake of your name, you will lead me and guide me. You will pull me out of the net that they hid for me, because you are my refuge. Into your hand, I commit my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Many people want to offer us ways to get relief from this world’s challenges. They suggest remedies, programs, self-help, books, medicine, and the list goes on and on, but none help overcome the source of our guilt or shame. All those things answer the surface problems but never address the underlying cause of our problems: sin. There is nowhere on earth where we can turn for help except You. We take refuge in You. Like David, we ask that You deliver us in Your righteousness. Just as You answered David’s prayer and rescued him, hear our prayer today and save us.
Your salvation came to us through David’s greater Son, Jesus. He was a descendant of David and was your Son. Jesus lived his life perfectly to credit us with his righteousness and perfection. Then, on the cross, Jesus took our every sin into himself to redeem us lost and condemned creatures so that we would be restored to you. His victory was on Calvary, also defeating death and Satan by placing His spirit into your hands. So sin, death, and the devil are now powerless against us. Through Jesus, You have pulled us from their web. Please strengthen our faith in You through Your Holy Spirit so that by faith, we, too, will commit our spirit to Your hands. So that we are confident in our salvation because Jesus has already defeated sin, death, and Satan.
Lord, you are the only way to receive true relief through the forgiveness of sins, your love, and mercy. We pray that you will allow us to share this good news with those who do not yet know your love. We pray that they will not reject you or your love for them, that in the end, they, too, will abide in you their stronghold and defense. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Peace is for all and comes to you by faith, knowing, and trusting God’s love for you. We will continue to be attacked throughout this life, but God hears your prayers and knows your situation. He will guide and keep you until this life comes to an end.