Victory in Christ

According to the Psalmist there are things that God provides for those who live righteously. “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” (Psalms 97:11) Peter tells us that this joy we have with Christ is beyond description. “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9) If we are living for Him, this joy will be part of the fruit that is produced in our life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Today’s reading: Psalms 95, 97-99

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Psalm 57 is said to be written by David when he fled from King Saul into the cave. His life was in danger, but he knew where to gain strength. “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.” (Psalms 57:1) We may not be fearful of someone taking our life as David was, but we all face calamities in our life at times. We have that same merciful God that we can fully trust still today!

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57

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Part of a song that we sometimes sing comes from the words of Psalm 42. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.” (Psalms 42:1) It is not known for sure, but David may be the writer of this Psalm. How great would it be if we all could be writers of these words and truly mean it. That strong of a desire to live a life with God would be hard to hide. “In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.” (Psalms 44:8) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 5, 38, 41-42

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In 2 Samuel chapter 22 we read a song of David praising God for His deliverance of David from his enemies. This song is also in Psalms 18 with some slight differences. One of the things David is thanking God for is making his walk easier. “For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness.” (2 Samuel 22:29) “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” (2 Samuel 22:34) “You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip;” (2 Samuel 22:37) David knew that he sometimes made mistakes and needed help daily to stay on track. We also need help with our daily walk. If we are looking in the right place we can find that help. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 19-21

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David made his share of mistakes, but he knew where salvation could be found. “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!” (Psalms 40:16) David’s words remind us that salvation is available to everyone, but it requires us to seek God by studying and following His word. If we consider all He has done for us, we should want to do what this verse encourages us to do; say continually, “Great is the LORD!” 

Today’s reading: Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64

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David’s son Absalom and those with him who were trying to overtake David, trusted the wrong advisor.  “So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.’” (2 Samuel 17:14) Trusting in the wrong source ended up causing Absalom to lose his life. “And ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, and struck and killed him.” (2 Samuel 18:15) Today we have the best source of advice for both our current life and our eternal life. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It is up to use to use that advice daily.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 16-18

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David had the best sleeping medicine known to man. In Psalms 4:8 we read “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” We can know just as David did that no matter what happens, God is in control. He gives us life on this earth, but even more wonderful is the life we can have with Him in heaven one day if we follow His word. (Psalms 3:8)“Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!…” 

Today’s reading: Psalms 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55

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David’s own son Absalom conspired against his father to take over as king. He gained power and then he had soldiers go out to try and kill David. In the battle, Absalom was killed by some of David’s men even though that is not what he had commanded them to do. “And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.” (2 Samuel 18:5) With Absalom being killed, David’s life was spared but that was no comfort to David. “And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33) David knew that death on this earth was not the worst thing that could have happened to him. He was much more concerned about the soul of his son.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 13-15

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We have all heard the saying that you can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink. If you have ever tried to lead a mule you know how obstinate they can be when they set their mind to something. In Psalm 32 David tells us to not be like those animals. “Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” (Psalm 32:9) We should not have an attitude of only doing the absolute least that is required of us. We should desire to go the extra mile to serve our Lord who has blessed us so richly. 

Today’s reading: Psalms 32, 51, 86, 122

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David was chosen by God to be king. He was also known as a man after God’s own heart. But there were times when God was not pleased with the things David did. When he had Uriah killed and married Bathsheba, God sent Nathan to talk to David. Nathan told a story of a rich man who needed a lamb to feed his guests so he took one from a certain poor man. The poor man only owned the one lamb and it was like a pet to him. David’s response was one of anger toward the rich man and he told Nathan this man deserved to die. “Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.” (2 Samuel 12:7) Like David, it is usually easier for us to see others faults before we see our own. Jesus teaches us this lesson as well. “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5)

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20

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