“Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your UNFAILING LOVE, and I have lived ACCORDING TO YOUR TRUTH. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I WASH MY HANDS TO DECLARE MY INNOCENCE. I come to your altar, O LORD, SINGING a song of thanksgiving and TELLING of all your wonders.” (Psa. 26:2-7) David recognized that the sweetest times of his life were those found in God’s house, where God’s glory was most predominant. It was these times that sustained him even in his most desperate hours. Even from his youth as a shepherd, David gave God the praise for His help in this conversation with King Saul when Goliath was challenging Israel. “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear WILL DELIVER ME from the hand of this Philistine (Goliath).” (1 Sam. 17:37)
When trouble swirls around us and we seem to face trial after trial, let us remember the Lord our God who SEES ALL AND FAITHFULLY TAKES CARE OF His children. Let’s pray for strength to walk in the integrity of the Lord; and for a spirit of love toward the place where GOD’S GLORY DWELLS. Let us also, by the grace of god, find ourselves CONTINUALLY IN HIS WORD and IN PRAYER. We live in a chaotic time, and one has to ask the question, “WHERE ARE THE BELIEVERS?” we must take care that we do not find ourselves so engrossed in the things of this world that we NEGLECT THE THINGS OF GOD.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham