Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Increase the days of the king’s life,
his years for many generations.
May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.
– Psalm 61 NIV
Devotion
Have you ever felt when you prayed that God was far away up in the heavens, somewhere beyond your reach? David expresses that feeling in this Psalm. He wants to be heard by God but feels that he is calling to Him from the ends of the earth. David needs God to lift him up onto a rock that is higher than he is able to climb on his own, closer to where God is. It is ironic that the more we know about God, the more we realize just how far above us He is! Amazingly, because of His love for us, He reached down and provided the rock for us, Jesus Christ. Through faith in the redemption provided for us through Christ, we have been given the heritage of those who fear God’s name. Because of Christ, we can live in the tent of God forever, sheltered by His wings and protected by His love and faithfulness. We, like David, should be singing His praises and serving God day after day. As we draw close to God through praise, we find that He is not far away up in the heavens, He is right beside us, listening to every word.
The Big Question
What are the first thoughts that run through your mind in the morning? Are you praising God or planning, and possibly dreading, the day to come? If you have trouble praising God each day, make a list of things you are thankful for right now. How can you remind yourself of these things each morning and throughout the day? When your day gets ugly and frustrating, do you try to control circumstances all by yourself? Talk to God about what is bothering you, He is not far away. Take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings and trust in His love and faithfulness.