Praising God and Gratitude Are Acts of Humility | A SOAP Devotional by Pastor Jamie

Read 2 Samuel 22 2 Samuel 22 NLT - David’s Song of Praise - David sang - Bible Gateway   2 Samuel 22:1-3, 28- "David sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: 'The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.' You rescue the humble, but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them."

Yesterday we talked about the dangers and temptations of prosperity to lead us to be prideful and think of all we accomplished in our own power. Today we see the other side of the coin. This chapter is essentially Psalm 18 as well. Before David details his many near death experiences at the hands of King Saul, he joyfully and exuberantly proclaims his victory is from the hand of the living God. David wants everyone to know that in the midst of the worst and most challenging moments of his life God was with him and for him. The God of Israel cared about him personally and rescued him continually. Later in his life, however, David would succumb to the temptation of prosperity that led away from humility and into a spirit of entitlement.

Isn't it great to know (not guess, not think, not wonder, but to KNOW!) we have the privilege of worshiping, serving, and loving a God who truly is with us and for us? No matter what "enemy" in life comes against us and opposes us (health problems, relationship challenges, fear of the future, gossip, injustice, financial worries, emotional distress, all kinds of hurts, habits, and hang ups) we can humbly put our trust in God. Whatever we are up against we get to remember that God promises to deliver us as we submit our lives to Him. It may look different than we want or anticipate, but God has the ability to change our negative circumstances or walk with us through our negative circumstances. Today we can say with David, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior."

Dear Lord, the One Who created the universe and also created each one of us in Your very own image, thank You for Your great love to strengthen us each day on this journey. No matter what we are facing today help us to humbly put our trust in You to be with us and for us in Jesus' name.  Amen.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." (James 4:10),   Pastor Jamie