My Daily Pause

As David is crowned king of all Israel, there is a massive increase in the size of his army. Mighty men with great strength and well seasoned for battle were willing to follow him into battle because they saw the strength of his God. You too could live and demonstrate God’s love by being ready to answer His call. 1 Peter 3:13-16 is a great place to start. Be ready to talk about the hope inside you.

Every Christian I’ve ever asked has wondered why God allows atheist and evil people to materially prosper. It is apparently an age old question going back at least to David in Psalm 10. He seems to think that they are so spiritually poor that the riches never really satisfy them, yet it becomes their main pursuit.

Jesus said to lay up our treasure in heaven, not here in this life where it will decay away (Matthew 6:19-21). God will settle the accounts in the end (1 Thessalonians 1:3-10). If we concentrate on God’s work, the rest will take care of itself. (Matthew 6:25-33)

Temptation of Christ – 16th Century – Simon Bening (circa 1483/1484–1561)

Jesus came to earth to live as a man, including the trials and temptations man faces. Luke 4:1-12 is rich with examples we can apply to our lives:

• Jesus resisted each test to show us the standard of living
• Jesus already had everything Satan promised him
• Satan will wait for an opportune time
• Scripture can be twisted against you.

This challenge complete, Jesus begins his ministry on earth in earnest. In this same way, we can grow from the sins, challenges and hardships we face every day. James said to let these things be a joy to us (James 1:3-4)

In Psalm 6, David is apparently surrounded by his enemy, but he knows that God will hear his prayer. He knows God detests the wickedness of His enemies and will ultimately destroy them.

Like David, we face the enemies of God at every turn.

Like David, we can ask the Lord to make the way straight for us.

Like David, we can rejoice that we have a loving God to care for us.

In Psalm 4, David shines light on the state of man’s heart. (v2) Why does one seek out the pleasure of fleshly things when in the bottom of his heart he knows he needs God?

James called these people – these friends of the world – the enemy of God. (James 4:3-4)

David reminds those who are friendly with the wrong things that God only hears the prayers from the godly. A good question to ask is if we are seeking the right treasure. When this is true for us, we can “lie down in peace and safety.” (v8)