Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

Psalm 34:1-8 (NRSV)

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant;
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD,
and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him.

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Reflect

Some months ago I was in a thrift store shopping for small furniture to restore when I encountered two ladies who were shopping for children’s clothing. As they found a suitable piece, one lady would say, “Praise the Lord,” and the other would respond, “God is good!” The second lady looked straight at me upon discovering one great deal and loudly said, “God is good!” She was obviously expecting a response from me, which I was glad to give, replying, “Yes, God is good.” Her next remark was, “You know it, girl.”

Saul was chasing David all over the countryside, wanting to kill him. David had tried to seek refuge in various places, ending up in a cave with other people who were hiding. Yet David continued to magnify the Lord despite his circumstances. He even encouraged others to join him in doing so. As a Christian it is our duty to magnify the Lord and encourage others to do the same. If we truly seek the Lord, God will hear us and deliver us from our fears.

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Pray

Dear God, help us to believe and magnify you when we are in a good place or in a dark cave of life. Thank you for the promise of deliverance. Amen.

Go with God.