Author: Champion Forest

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 12

May 1, 2020

This psalm celebrates God, the King of Glory, and his holiness. It begins recounting God as Maker and Creator and highlighting God’s personal involvement in all aspects of life, from the biggest mountains to the tiniest molecule.

Then, there is a shift to knowing this God who is holy and highly exalted. As a sinful person, David knows there is a problem: mankind needs clean hands and a pure heart, and this cannot be acquired through traditions or rituals. Those who seek God need his righteousness.

The King of Glory must come, and in the person of Jesus he made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can come to him!

Psalm 24

The King of Glory
A Psalm of David.

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
    the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And lift them up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord of hosts,
    he is the King of glory! Selah

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

God, thank You for making me and this world. I’m grateful that You care for every part of it, especially my personal world.

You are bigger than any problem or struggle I have, and I trust You with all of it. I want to love and seek You more. Thank You for making a way through Jesus.

Examine my heart for anything that is unclean, impure, or false, and give me the courage to confess it and repent from it. You are the King of Glory, the Lord of Hosts, and I will exalt You today!

Amen.

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 11

April 30, 2020

One of the most beloved chapters in the entire Bible, Psalm 23 is a beautiful picture of providence — of a loving God who both guides and provides, who journeys with us along the way. 

Poetic word phrases like “my shepherd”, “I shall not want”, “restores my soul”, “leads me beside still waters”, “comfort me”, “my cup overflows” provide soothing respite to our frazzled, stressed out lives.  Reading Psalm 23, is sort of like turning on a sound machine and letting the world disappear in the white noise of its peacefulness. 

Rest here today!

Psalm 23

The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank You for being a Good Shepherd that I can trust my life to.   

For your guidance and care in all my days, thank you. 

For giving me rest, thank you.

For restoring my soul when no one else could, thank you.  

For leading me, even in hard places, thank you.

For Your comfort, thank You. 

For protection and provision, thank you. In you, I have everything that I need.

For peace, thank you.  

For hope in all my tomorrows, thank you. 

For ongoing goodness and mercy, thank you. 

Thank you that I have everything I need right now.  Because of you, I lack for nothing. 

I couldn’t be more grateful.

Amen.

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 10

April 29, 2020

Psalm 22 is not only the experience of every believer, but it is also a very specific prophecy of the sufferings of Jesus. It begins with the most anguished cry in human history, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus spoke these words at the depth of His suffering on the cross. 

We may have thought this cry was unique to Him, but Jesus was actually quoting Psalm 22:1, where we see these words first uttered by the psalmist, speaking for all of God’s people who struggle over and over in the flesh with a sense of being forsaken by God.

When we express our sadness and feelings of forsakenness to God, we “lament”. This psalm is indeed a lament, but teaches us a follow up in talking to God. The psalmist switches from expressing his great sadness to remembering his great God, a God who is holy and sovereign, a God who rescues His people!

Agonized prayer and hopelessness turn to ardent praise for the success of the cause of God! Failure is swallowed up in victory, and victory is celebrated in a worldwide kingdom, among the nations. And best of all, continuance is woven into our stories – it shall be told to the next generation, to a people yet unborn. What a great God!

Psalm 22

Why Have You Forsaken Me?
To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.

22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
    and by night, but I find no rest.

3 Yet you are holy,
    enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our fathers trusted;
    they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried and were rescued;
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,
    scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
    they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;
    let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;
    you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
10 On you was I cast from my birth,
    and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Be not far from me,
    for trouble is near,
    and there is none to help.

12 Many bulls encompass me;
    strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
13 they open wide their mouths at me,
    like a ravening and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water,
    and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
    it is melted within my breast;
15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,
    and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
    you lay me in the dust of death.

16 For dogs encompass me;
    a company of evildoers encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet—
17 I can count all my bones—
they stare and gloat over me;
18 they divide my garments among them,
    and for my clothing they cast lots.

19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off!
    O you my help, come quickly to my aid!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
    my precious life from the power of the dog!
21     Save me from the mouth of the lion!
You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!

22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;
    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
    All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
    and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or abhorred
    the affliction of the afflicted,
and he has not hidden his face from him,
    but has heard, when he cried to him.

25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
    my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
    those who seek him shall praise the Lord!
    May your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
    and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
    shall worship before you.
28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,
    and he rules over the nations.

29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;
    before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
    even the one who could not keep himself alive.
30 Posterity shall serve him;
    it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
    that he has done it.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

Father, 

We cry out to you today in all our humanity. Why are You so far from saving us?  Why do You not answer? We know you are acquainted with suffering. We believe You understand our sadness and feelings of being forsaken. We know that you care for us.

But sometimes we feel so alone. Sometimes we don’t know where you are. Be present in our lives. We need you. Help us live in assurance that You are here.

We also know you are a great God. You are the Ruler of all. You do not despise those who seek You. So we praise Your n ame among the nations. We know that You rescue and deliver those who glorify You and stand in awe of Your great name. Help us to recognize Your work in our world, so indeed we share Your story with the next generation! 

Thank you for Your promises to Your people, Oh God!

Amen

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 9

April 28, 2020

Here in Psalm 20 we find an example of a liturgical song that would have possibly been used on the day of battle. This psalm is a cry on behalf of the King as he enters into battle! It evokes a sense of holy confidence in the Lord and his ability to overcome the enemy!

As we approach prayers of supplication on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can proclaim the Lord’s might over the enemy with bold confidence, and we can (although we often forget to) “shout for joy” when the Lord shows His dominion over the enemy!

Psalm 20

Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
    May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings
    and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

4 May he grant you your heart’s desire
    and fulfill all your plans!
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation,
    and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!

6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
    but we rise and stand upright.

9 O Lord, save the king!
    May he answer us when we call.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

God of all power & dominion, I ask You to do a mighty work in _______ today. As I lift them to You in prayer, I pronounce Your power over sin and darkness, and claim Your promise to be faithful to Your will!

May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done. Hear my prayer, O God!

Amen

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 8

April 27, 2020

Here in Psalm 19 we see some of the more famous words of the Psalms displayed: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.” We find hope for things such as: revival of the soul and wisdom (v.7), rejoicing and enlightenment (v.8), a clean heart and righteousness (v.9).

But as we read, we see those elements we desire in life as coming from the outflow of our loving the perfect law and testimony of the Lord! We have to understand the value of God’s commandments and precepts (v.8), and develop a holy and righteous fear of the Lord (v.9).

Hence, the author pleads with his master on the outset, to let His mouth and his heart be pleasing to the Lord!

Psalm 19

The Law of the Lord Is Perfect
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5     which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?
    Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
    and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

O God, Your name is holy. Your glory is displayed in everything I see around me.

Please teach me Your ways and help me look to the truths You have provided through Your word as I walk with You today.

Make clear to me the places I am most vulnerable to fail You, and give me strength to walk upright in the face of temptation.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight!

Amen.

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 7

April 26, 2020

We are taking 21 days as a church to focus on prayer. During this time we are going to use the prayer and songbook of the people of God, the Psalms. Read and meditate on the psalm each day with us and then, in response, pray that Psalm in your own words. Our devotional authors have provided an example of their own prayer of the psalm to help! Our desire is to see our people grow in their prayer life during this time.

Psalm 17 is a special use of the psalm of lament; it is a prayer of protection and a protest of innocence. Though David sometimes suffered under the heavy hand of God due to unconfessed sin in his life, there were other occasions in which he insists that his present troubles are not caused by any fault in his life. In such a case he calls upon God to vindicate him. 

God indicates through this psalm that He has special concern for people who experience undeserved suffering, even though He allows the trouble to come for reasons that may never be known in this life. 

David’s prayer begins with a plea for vindication. By protesting his innocence, David hopes to convince God to move on his behalf and deliver him from his trouble.

In verses 3-5, David acknowledges God’s testing. God knows David’s needs as well as what is in his heart; David’s prayer helps him to focus on the source of his strength and reaffirm his determination to live a pure life.  

In verses 6-9 David presents in poetic language the mercy of God. David asks for God to show the wonder of His great love and hide him in the shadow of His wings.   

David renews his plea for vindication in verses 13-14. In the last verse David, having rejected the idea that the pleasures of this life are ultimately fulfilling, anticipates the day when he will awake in glory and be made in the likeness of God.

This psalm is a protest of injustice and a plea to God for His justice to prevail. Christians can be equally honest with God in prayer: taking our concerns about injustice and suffering to God is a basic part of the Christian response to evil and suffering!

If we experience injustice, we can approach God, knowing that eventually He will correct the situation. And while we may not see that correction in this life, we can rest assured that God will one day correct all injustice and have complete victory!

Read Psalm 17 then pray, seek God’s protection, and be honest with God. It will make a difference in your relationship with Him and in your prayer life!

Psalm 17

In the Shadow of Your Wings
A Prayer of David.

1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry!
    Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
2 From your presence let my vindication come!
    Let your eyes behold the right!

3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,
    you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
    I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
    I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths;
    my feet have not slipped.

6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence,
    my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They close their hearts to pity;
    with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps;
    they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear,
    as a young lion lurking in ambush.

13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!
    Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
14 from men by your hand, O Lord,
    from men of the world whose portion is in this life.
You fill their womb with treasure;
    they are satisfied with children,
    and they leave their abundance to their infants.

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
    when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

Father hear my prayer! I do not understand why Christians go through suffering and frankly I do not like it. But I know your ways are greater than mine and your knowledge exceeds my comprehension.

Lord I trust in your mercy and grace for I know your justice will prevail.  Your justice may not occur in my lifetime, but the final victory is yours.  I think you Lord for being a righteous judge, a saving Lord, and a comforting spirit.

Lord please protect my family, my church family, my friends, and myself through the Covid-19 pandemic. Father I know what satan meant it for harm, but you can turn it into good.  Help us to see your hand at work.  May people see your mercy and grace! May this pandemic draw people back to you and a spiritual awakening occur throughout the world.  May your name be glorified.

In name of Jesus I pray, amen!

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 6

April 25, 2020

It makes all the difference when you take refuge in God alone, doesn’t it?

This Psalm begins with a petition. David is simply asking God to “Keep me safe.” During this pandemic, it seems like this prayer is on a lot of our lips! Yet the psalmist does not look to anything or anyone but God alone for safety. He trusts Him fully for his safety as seen in verses 2-4.

In verses 5–6 the psalmist addresses the Lord himself as his true, spiritual inheritance and credits him with good gifts in life. David’s life was blessed, and he realized he had a delightful earthly inheritance; however, David recognized that no earthly inheritance was greater than his spiritual inheritance which was his relationship with God!

The next stanza of the psalm, verses 7–8, shows us the natural result of turning to God and trusting him for our needs: praise! This praise is met with affirmation that God will not abandon His followers. 

Finally, the Psalm concludes with the psalmist’s joy and the confidence that the Lord will protect him from death. This shows us how awareness of God’s presence brings both direction in this life and hope for all eternity!

Psalm 16 is an ancient hymn of Confidence in the Lord and early Christian communities applied it to the resurrection of Christ. Peter and Paul (Acts 2:25–28; 13:35) extend this interpretation to Jesus, the ultimate Davidic heir in whom the psalm is fulfilled!

Today Psalm 16 can show us that we can experience joy in God’s presence and catch a glimpse of our salvation as eternal life.  Read Psalm 16 and take refuge in the Lord alone: ask Him to keep you safe, and continually proclaim the joy of your salvation!  It will make all the difference in your life.

Psalm 16

You Will Not Abandon My Soul
A Miktam of David.

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
    in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

Father I thank you for loving me and sending your son Jesus to pay the price for my sins.

Thank you for giving me eternal life through trusting and believing in Jesus. 

Father help me to remember I can take refuge in you and give me the confidence and strength to follow you daily. Father You are a great God and there is no one greater than you!

I praise you because I know that You will always guide me to what is best for me.  Father there is nothing greater than having a relationship with you and knowing you have given me eternal life. 

“You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”(Psalm 16:2 NIV) Father teach me to relentlessly proclaim the joy of my salvation that brings glory to you and that points others to Jesus, for it is in name of Jesus I pray.

Amen. 

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 5

April 24, 2020

The first 4 words of this Psalm accurately describes so many of us now. “How long, Oh Lord?!” How long will this virus last, how long will the economy suffer. How long Lord!? It’s totally okay to have honest prayers with God and to pour out your heart to Him!

We have to trust God and His answers. Even when He tells us “no” or “wait”, we must remember that God does the very best things, in the very best ways, at the very best times, and always works things out for our good and for His glory.

Our job is to trust Him even in times of waiting and uncertainty. Don’t allow what you are seeing to cause you to doubt what God has said. Remember that He has promised never to leave us or forsake us!

Psalm 13

How Long, O Lord?
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

Father, I bring everything to you: my doubt, fear, and anxiety. Thank you that you care for me and that I can bring everything to you in prayer.

Help me to wait on you patiently knowing that, even when I don’t see or feel you, you are behind the scenes working all things out for my good and for your glory.

Help me to be confident in your steadfast love, knowing that you promise to never leave me or forsake me. Lord, I put my faith, hope, and confidence in you and you alone.

Amen.

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 4

April 23, 2020

In the Bible the name reflects the character and reputation of the person; so, praising God’s name is praising God…meaning that this psalm is a hymn of praise!

God’s name is most magnificent and He is worthy of all praise, glory, and honor that we give him. Because of its language this Psalm can be categorized as a “Nature” Psalm. Consider taking a walk today and admiring the beauty of God’s creation and His attention to detail.

And remember that you have been fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of God!

Psalm 8

How Majestic Is Your Name
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.

1 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
    to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank you for being our majestic King and Sovereign Lord. Thank you for creating me in your image, with your hands, and with a divine purpose. With the dominion and glory that you have given me, help me to be a wise steward and live for your glory. Thank you for being mindful of me and caring for me. And Lord even in the midst of hard times help me to focus on your majesty and always praise you great name! In Jesus name, Amen.

Rhythm

RHYTHM: DAY 3

April 22, 2020

This psalm is known as an individual lament, whose primary function is to lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help.

This is the first instance of a psalm with prayers for the personal downfall of enemies. It is an honest call for help that expresses urgency and expectation. The psalmist praises God for loving what is right and hating what is evil. He recognizes that it is only because of the abundant and steadfast love of God that we can have a relationship with Him.

The warning to evildoers in this psalm would serve also as a warning to the singers of a potential judgment to come if they followed a similar path, but faithful believers can sing for joy as the Lord “spreads his protection” over his children.

Psalm 5

Lead Me in Your Righteousness
To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
    consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to you do I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
    in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
    evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
    you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
    the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies;
    make your way straight before me.

9 For there is no truth in their mouth;
    their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
    they flatter with their tongue.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
    let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
    for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Prayer:

Father,

I am desperately crying out to you. Please hear my prayer.

I know you are not a god that delights in wickedness. Your character is holy, righteous and just. Help me to allow you to deal with those that might do me harm.

Thank you, Lord, that because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I have direct access to you.

Lead me in your righteousness and make my choices obvious. Help me to rejoice in your presence and protection even if I don’t feel like rejoicing.

May the joy of my salvation be contagious and a witness for you!

Amen.