Devotionals for August 5, 2024
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READ
PSALM 139:1-4, 23-24
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely…
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely…
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
REFLECT
Your emotional triggers are a symptom of a deeper issue. Or, as Pastor Seth Trimmer said, “The issue behind the issue.” This Psalm is both comforting and challenging: God knows all of your ways. Your heart. Your responses. Your intentions. It’s comforting for you to know that the merciful God of the universe holds your life. It’s also challenging because He is holy and good. Thus, our God is on your side to help you grow in self control.
In modern terms, we may not stand before a judge to give a defense of our Christian faith. Not in America at least. However, you may have to stand before your coworkers, employers, family, and society in general. As you stand firm in your faith in Christ, do so with “gentleness and respect.” You being right does not give you license to be cruel, disrespectful, or hostile.
In modern terms, we may not stand before a judge to give a defense of our Christian faith. Not in America at least. However, you may have to stand before your coworkers, employers, family, and society in general. As you stand firm in your faith in Christ, do so with “gentleness and respect.” You being right does not give you license to be cruel, disrespectful, or hostile.
APPLY
Q: How does this Psalm comfort and challenge you?
Q: How are you opening your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit to test you and to shape you?
Q: Test your triggers today. Track them and note them if needed. How can bringing these to Christ improve your relationship with others?
Q: How are you opening your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit to test you and to shape you?
Q: Test your triggers today. Track them and note them if needed. How can bringing these to Christ improve your relationship with others?
SING
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Father, I praise you in your holiness! You are so good and faithful, and I’m so grateful you hold my life and heart in your hands. Shape me and mold me today to be like your Son. Amen.
Father, I praise you in your holiness! You are so good and faithful, and I’m so grateful you hold my life and heart in your hands. Shape me and mold me today to be like your Son. Amen.