TRUST IN THE LORD

A BLESSED FUTURE

Read Psalm 37

     For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, Psalm 37:28a NIV

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     As David grew old, he looked around and saw wicked men growing stronger and more violent–lying "in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives." (37:32) Yet David writes confidently, “If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” (37:23–24)

     David looks to the past and says, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken.”(37:25) He looks to the future and reminds us that "The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever…their children will be blessed."(37:18, 26b)

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     Dear Heavenly Father, I lean on Your faithful, everlasting love for us. You have promised that those who love You can look forward to a blessed future, saying, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5 NKJV) I claim this promise for my family and for all of us who have received Your righteousness through the cross.

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     Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.    Psalm 37:3-4 NIV

THE BLESSED NATION

Read Psalms 33–34

     The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Psalm 33:10-12a

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     These Psalms of David reflect his joyful, trusting heart in the midst of extreme trial – running from King Saul who hated him, and escaping a pagan king who could have killed him. But in the midst of it, David sang joyfully of God’s faithfulness to the nations and individuals who honor Him. He said, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

     Those of us who listen to the news each evening can't help but be dismayed by the attempts to undermine our Christian heritage. America's founding documents still proclaim God as Lord, but that godly foundation is being chipped away with alarming speed.

     Our hope is not in the ability of men to come to our rescue. God is, after all, in charge of history. We need not fear the plans of our enemies, because God has the ability to foil their plans, if He so chooses. Our prayers should be for our leaders to turn back to the God of their fathers.

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     Lord, help us to faithfully live the truth and teach it to our children. Help us to remind them of the godly heritage handed down from our nation's fathers, and to give testimony of the faithfulness of God in our own lives.

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     Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.   Psalm 34:11