Highlights:

God's blessing upon His people; His judgment upon enemies; David's reminder to the Lord of his affliction; prayer of thanksgiving.

God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land (Ps. 68:6).

Christianity has often been misunderstood as a gloomy, uninteresting existence. But just the opposite is true — it is those who rebel against God that dwell in a dry land. Without God, the brightest prospects of sinful enjoyment eventually leave its victim empty and miserable. Sin is life's worst disease. It eats away at every aspect of our lives. Our families, jobs, and even our mortal bodies are slowly broken down by sin. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Rom. 6:16). But those who trust in God experience peace and shall be abundantly satisfied (Ps. 36:8). Even the trying experiences of life are often blessings in disguise.

God's master plan is always at work. For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jer. 29:11). Though, we, as believers, should expect to go through trials and tribulations, normally, God is carrying us to a better place and that is the reason we are walking on this particular road. It may not always appear that God has the best intended for those who trust life's greatest decisions to Him. However, we are held in the hands of our Almighty God. We are under His provision and protection at all times. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God (Rev. 21:3).

So, regardless of external circumstances, the Christian's ultimate future is radiant, beautiful, and inviting as he looks forward to meeting his Savior, Jesus Christ. We are clearly told that this life will have many problems, but the life to come promises an endless life of joy, the beauty of heaven, and bountiful blessings. Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty . . . There the glorious Lord will be unto us in a place of broad rivers and streams (Is. 33:17-21).

Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).

Thought for Today:

Our life is like a raging sea until we turn to the Lord; He then brings sweet peace.

Christ Revealed:

As the One who led captivity captive (Ps. 68:18). With His resurrection power, Jesus broke the captive power of Satan. When He led the Old Testament saints from paradise into heaven, He led captivity captive (comp. Eph. 4:8; also Gal. 5:1; Rev. 1:18).

Word Studies:

67:2 saving health, salvation; 68:4 JAH is an abbreviation for Jehovah — the Eternal, Self-Existent One — and corresponds to I AM THAT I AM; 68:13 pots, sheepfolds; 68:18 led captivity captive, led your captives captive — a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:8-9); 68:20 issues, escapes; 68:35 terrible, awesome, astonishing; 70:3 Aha, aha, an expression of scorn.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter and Penny Swanson • Staff: Beth Carlton • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in time of trouble, for He promises to hear us (Ps. 18:6).

Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 22:12