How abundant are the good things that You have stored up for those who fear You, that You bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in You. In the shelter of Your presence You hide them from all human plots; You keep them safe in Your dwelling from accusing tongues. Praise be to the LORD, for He showed me the wonders of His love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from Your sight!" Yet You heard my cry for mercy when I called to You for help. Love the LORD, all His faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to Him, but the proud He pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:19-24)
- - - - -
Mondays, Mondays, Mondays... Unlike the majority of human beings, this day is - without a doubt - one of my favorites. Yes, feel free to take some time and judge me for this.
But now... let's talk about you. Odds are that you are tired. Worn out. Dreading today's schedule at work. Not ready for this week's practice or to-do's. Not looking forward to being home alone with the kids - once again. Or simply bored, ready to waste your day with Netflix.
Too often, we can start off our week clouded by the fear, anxiety, or mundaneness that we foresee in it.
But please remind yourself of the glorious promises found in this Psalm. No matter how we feel regarding today - or this week - the reality is that God has abundantly good things stored up for His children.
I do not know about you, but this is something that I do not realize enough.
In some "unseen, spiritual warehouse" are all of these good things that God is storing up for me; things that He is so excited to bring into my life - into your life. They are gifts, challenges, situations, opportunities, or excursions that He is slowly preparing us for.
All He asks is for us to take refuge in Him. Webster says that refuge is "a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble."
When I read this, the word "condition" stands out to me.
Too often, we apply this exact wording when thinking about taking refuge in Christ; that it is a "condition" or circumstance that we seek ONLY when we need it. I mean, refuge is something that only really broken people need... right?
But in this Psalm, David is making known to us that those good things - God's good plans - are only for those who consistently find refuge in Him; for refuge is something we all need.
Behind the scenes, there are pursuits, plots, and troubles made against us...every day. Our enemy is constantly at work.
Though your Monday feels tiresome, God desires for you to open your eyes and see the chaos that is all around you - the city that is under attack - and go to Him for support, safety, and shelter.
It is there that He begins to prepare us for what is coming. It is there that He begins to soften our hearts, widen our perspectives, strengthen our gifts, and define our calling.
So this week, I challenge you to remain alert to your surroundings and "be strong and take heart," remembering that the Lord "preserves" those who are true. And finally, discover those good things that God has in store, for they are there.
Thank you for starting your week off with us! Feel free to share today's devotion and join in tomorrow.
Blessings,
Greg, Declare Glory
