LIGHTHOUSE DAILY DEVOTION
(Sent daily except Sunday)
August 31, 2022
MY HEART IS GLAD
Psalm 16: 8-9 - “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”
As David penned these words, he knew first-hand the comfort and help that comes from dependence upon God. Our steadfastness is not found in personal resolve or human determination. It is a very unwise person who places his confidence in the arm of the flesh. The psalmist declared, “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
We have the promise of God’s abiding presence with us at all times. It is in His presence and power that we “rest in hope.” He has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5.) This is a promise in which God’s people need to be completely confident. He is at our right hand. By night and by day, in times of rest and great activity, in private as well as in public, we are assured that we are never alone. We should train our minds to always know that God is with us. This assurance is not based on some feeling we have, but on the sure promises of God’s Word.
Because He is our constant Companion, we trust in His protection and care. To have Him at our right hand is to know He will defend us. We do not fight our battles alone. When our circumstances seem overwhelming and our enemies are multiplied against us, He has promised to sustain us. We rely upon His unceasing support, and we have confidence that He will enable us to be steadfast in our purpose; “I shall not be moved.” What peace and joy this brings to those who trust in Him! How many we have known who have been moved from their place of devotion, obedience, and service. Since we can know that He is with us and will support and defend us, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”
Faith gives us the ability to have joy, knowing that it is in God that we place our trust. Where can joy be found in a world that assaults our values on every hand? Joy can be found in the heart of the trusting servant who learns to lean on his ever-present Friend for support and strength. Jesus told us we could be of good cheer in a world full of tribulation because He overcomes the world. When we know He is with us, we too can say, “my heart is glad.”
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Wit and Wisdom – The more we appreciate God’s presence the less we will test it.
Point to Ponder – The best way to teach character is to have it around the house.
