Daily Devotional

-July 7, 2021-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

-The Lord Is With Us For Our Good-

“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”

(Psalm 18:30).

Psalm 18 is a rich and beautiful psalm. With 50 verses, it is the second longest psalm. It was written by David after God delivered him from the hand of Saul. The title of this psalm is: “God the Sovereign Savior.” Nearly the same words are found in 2 Samuel 22.

David walked closely with the Lord, trusted in Him, and was victorious in all his battles. Today’s text summarizes how he felt about God’s constant care. We find here God’s perfect way, proven word, and protection.

• His way is perfect – God is perfect and His ways are perfect. We often use the word perfect in our language, but few if anything in this world is perfect and sinful man is far from perfect. God never makes mistakes and never fails. He is sovereign, meaning He is King and everything He does is right, just, and fair. Thus we should never complain or second guess His decisions. Our knowledge of anything is at best limited, God’s knowledge is limitless and perfect. Even when God’s will doesn’t sense to us, it is always right and His timing is the best.

• His word is proven – The word of the Lord is proven. Over and over in both the OT and the NT, God’s word shows us promises kept, principles that work, and amazing answers to prayers. The Bible speaks to every subject and offers answers to our questions, solutions to our problems, and guidance for our decisions.

• His shield is our protection – He is a shield to those who trust in him. David fought with sword and shield. The former was offensive and the latter was defensive. Nonetheless, David knew God was his protection. When Satan complained that God protected Job from and hardship, he said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land” (Job 1:9-10). Satan had to get God’s permission to touch him. The Lord is our shield. One part of our spiritual armor is the shield of faith, by which we can quench as the fiery darts or as can be translated flaming missiles of the evil one.

It is so encouraging to know that the Lord is with us day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. He does not leave alone to fend for ourselves in this world. His way is perfect, His word is proven, and His shield is protective. Let us thank Him every day for taking such good care of us. The hymn writer Martin Luther wrote, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He — Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle.”

Have a blessed and victorious day trusting in God’s power and presence. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean