July 5

Psalms 60

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The reason for praise to our faithful God is revealed in these seven psalms. They begin with thanksgiving for restored fellowship. Today's reading will put in your heart a desire to give praise and more praise to our marvelous Creator.

The country to the east of Jordan into which David had been forced to retreat from Absalom was not part of the Lord's promised land. In what seemed like a foreign country, the psalmist felt exiled from God's people and banished from God's presence: O God, Thou hast cast us off, Thou hast scattered us, Thou hast been displeased; O turn Thyself to us again (60:1). He was far from the city that he loved most, from his home, from his throne, and from the Tabernacle of his God. But even more serious and fearful: Thou hast cast us off.

This desolate place seemed like the end of the earth, and he prayed: O God. . . . Lead me to the rock that is higher than I (61:1-2). This is the cry of a man who knows he is unable to properly choose what he should do. It is also a testimony of David's sense of his great need of being led by One who was far above him in wisdom and power. Consequently, prayer was not a mere theory or spiritual exercise with David, for he knew its reality and power by past experience: Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy (61:3)

Why is it possible that Christians feel that they cannot afford to spend at least fifteen minutes a day alone with God in reading His Word? When a friend comes to see us or there is anything to our advantage or pleasure — we easily take time to be interrupted. The things that are really important to us are the things that we can always find time to do (Matthew 6:33).

As indispensible as the food we eat in order to maintain good health is our time with God in His Word (4:4). Wise disciples determine that, no matter what is left undone, God must have priority and they take time for God — others make excuses (Psalm 63:1).

In His wondrous love, our great God longs for us to spend time with Him so that He may communicate to us His life and strength. As we spend time in earnest prayer and meditation on the Word of God, the Holy Spirit reveals His will to us.

Dear child of God, the most important, blessed, and profitable time of the day is the time we spend alone with God and His Word. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. . . . teach me Thy statutes (119:11-12).

O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy Name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them (John 17:25-26).

Thought for Today:

The busier we become, the more important it is to spend time with God and His Word. Time is not lost that is spent with God.

Christ Revealed:

As the Rock — the unmovable, eternal, unchanging Savior (Psalms 61:2; 62:2,6-7). Jesus is the Rock of our salvation and that spiritual Rock (Petras) that followed (accompanied) them (the Israelites) (I Corinthians 10:4).

Word Studies:

60:12 do valiantly =b> gain the victory, do great things; 61:4 covert =b> shelter, protecting power; 62:9 to be laid in the balance =b> they prove to be worthless; 63:5 marrow and fatness =b> the richest of foods; 64:6 search out iniquities =b> devise injustices; 64:8 their own tongue to fall upon themselves =b> their own words will bring them to ruin; 66:3 terrible =b> awesome.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Todd Akin (MO), Rep. David Dreier (CA), Rep. Nita Lowey (NY), and Rep. Roger Wicker (MS) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede fervently in prayer for others (James 5:16).

Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:7