Notes of Faith November 16, 2024

The Excellent Way of God

In this psalm, David recounted all the great things God had done for him. His gratitude overflowed into a litany of praise. God had been his Rock, fortress, shield, and Savior.

He had given David protection from enemies, answers to his prayers, and strength to endure. He had steadied his feet, straightened his path, and lightened his darkness.

It’s no secret that David was far from perfect. He messed up and sinned in pretty major ways, but he also strove to remain obedient and faithful with God as his refuge and strength. Through sickness and attacks, distress and discouragement, David kept turning his attention to God, remembering the ways God loved and delighted in him. This act of recounting God’s mercy and goodness helped David recognize God’s faithfulness and remain on His path.

This act of remembering, of turning and returning our thoughts to all the excellent ways of God, remains a valuable practice for us today, helping us notice how God is working and moving in our lives, and giving us courage to keep trusting in His faithful love to keep walking in His perfect way.

Silence

Begin with a time of silence.

Still your body... Slow your breathing... Quiet your mind.

Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now.

Opening Prayer

All-sufficient Lord,

As the light of dawn breaks through the darkness, may the light of Your love break through my doubts and fears, revealing a landscape of grace, every shadow in the shade of Your presence.

I invite You to speak to me, to search my heart and shape my life. Show me what is excellent.

Open my eyes to see You.

Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to receive Your Word. Open my hands to accept whatever You give.

Draw close to me, Lord, as I draw close to You.

Amen.

Read & Meditate

Read through the Bible passage three times, taking time to pause and pray and quietly listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.

God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; He strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.

You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; Your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping. — Psalm 18:30–36

Excerpted from Present in Prayer by Jennifer Tucker, copyright Jennifer Tucker.

I struggle with righteousness and holiness and pursuing God with all my heart every day. I find a soothing peace when I am in God’s Word. I recommend that you be in it as often as you are able…certainly no less than daily. Everything that we need to make it through each day is contained in God’s Word through command or example of the lives written therein. What did you read about today? What are you going to read about today?

Pastor Dale