I will sing

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0418Psalm 13

There are some days you just don’t feel like rejoicing or singing.  There are some days – and today may be one of them for you – when you come to the end of the day and lament “how long, O Lord.”  David’s experience was like that.  He had some “victory over Goliath” days, but he had lots of “how long o Lord” days.  On those days he did not put on a show and pretend that everything was glorious.  He just promised himself that his down day was not going to destroy his hope.  He gave a rain check on singing and rejoicing (5-6).  He knew that God was not going to let him down. 

LORD, if I don’t feel victorious today, that’s OK.  There’s always tomorrow.

Posted in David, faithfulness, honesty, relationship with God, worship | Tagged | Leave a comment

God’s will and his way

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04171 Chronicles 14

In each of the battles described in this chapter, the Philistines made a raid in the valley, and David responded by first praying for God’s will.  In each case, God’s will was the same, but the means of obeying it was different.  Often when we come to the LORD seeking his will, we do not stay on our knees long enough to discover his way – the means of obeying his will.  It takes faith to trust God not only for a “yes” or “no”answer, but for the details. 

LORD, give us faith to trust you for the details.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, faith, prayer, trust | Tagged | Leave a comment

guard us from this generation

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0416Psalm 12

This community lament is the result of a people who look for leaders they can trust, and discover that they have disappeared.  The people are forced to pray to God for protection, not just from foreign enemies, but also from their own countrymen.  God’s words are true, and he will keep them.  But no one else’s words can be trusted.

LORD, guard us from this generation of corrupt liars who use their power and prominence for their own gain.  We put ourselves in your hands.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, discernment, leadership | Tagged | Leave a comment

good ideas

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04151 Chronicles 13

Transporting the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem was a good ide, but even good ideas can go wrong.  The presence of God was symbolized by the ark.  The punishment of Uzzah was God’s way of saying that his presence was not to be trifled with.  This year we might come up with a number of ostensibly good ideas.  We just need to be careful that we do not assume that God will protect us from the consequences of good ideas carried out in a careless manner.

LORD, give us the wisdom to be serious about the things we do in your name.

Posted in church, David, discernment, Holy Spirit | Tagged | Leave a comment

the eyelid test

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0415Psalm 11

David recalls times of danger, when he is warned to run to safety.  But he does not run.  He knows where his God is.  He knows what the LORD is up to.  God is testing him.  Even though the LORD sees David at all times, he makes it appear as if he is shutting his eyelids for a moment.  The danger is real, and God is making it necessary for David to trust him.  We all experience times like that – when the foundations are destroyed – and we have to trust that the building will stand anyway.

LORD, we trust in you. We will not run from you when danger comes.  We will run to you.

Posted in courage, David, dependence upon God, faith, trust | Tagged | Leave a comment

God helps those…

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04141 Chronicles 12

This chapter shows the strong support David received from the tribes of Israel after it became clear that he was God’s choice for king.  Thousands came to him, even from Benjamin – Saul’s tribe.  It was obvious that he was the focal point of the future of Israel.  Those who helped him would be helped by the LORD.  The mighty men who took up the sword in the name of David were ensuring a secure future for their families.  There were no guarantees that they – personally – would survive the wars with God’s enemies.  There was only faith that the LORD and his people would survive, and accomplish God’s will. 

LORD, give us the courage to do the right thing, even if we personally do not benefit from it.

Posted in commitment, courage, David, discipleship, works | Tagged | Leave a comment

the hidden God

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0413Psalm 10

This psalm explores the mystery of the hidden God.  We often ask God why he hides himself when bad things happen.  The psalmist has his finger on the pulse of this question.  Answer? The LORD sees (14) and hears (17). 

LORD, give us wisdom to know that you see and hear, and that you will bring justice in your timing.

Posted in confidence, deliverance, dependence upon God, discernment | Tagged | Leave a comment

heroes

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04121 Chronicles 11

The chronicler details the support of David as he begins his reign in Jerusalem, highlighting the exploits of the mighty men.  Heroes in their own right, these men put themselves at David’s disposal, confirming his right to lead the nation.  Their support was a reminder to the people that God was behind David, and the people of God should be too.

LORD, thank you for the heroes that support what you are doing in the world.  Bless them and keep them safe, even as they keep us safe.

Posted in courage, David, discernment, leadership | Tagged | Leave a comment

the psalm of thrones

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0411Psalm 9

God has rescued the king by sitting on his own throne, and giving righteous judgment against his enemies (4). The LORD sits enthroned forever, and has established justice (7).  Therefore it is right for his people to sing praises for him who sits enthroned in Zion (11).  The throne is an image that speaks of authority and power.  David knew what sitting on a throne was for.  He had a throne, but – more importantly – his God had a throne in heaven.

LORD, we envision you on your throne as we pray today.  There is no power or authority that can stand against you.  We ask for your intervention.

Posted in David, judgment, kingdom of God, sovereignty of God | Tagged | Leave a comment

the blame game

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04101 Chronicles 10

If Saul wanted to blame someone for his fate, there was quite a number of potential culprits.  He could blame David, the upstart who dared to upstage him.  He could blame Jonathan for siding with the opposition.  He could blame the Philistines who were a constant antagonist to his people.  He could even blame God, who set him up as king, and then rejected him. But the chronicler leaves no doubt as to why Saul died on that hill that day.  He took his own life, and he came to that fate because of his breach of faith.

You and I also can find a number of people to blame for our present condition.  But playing that game does not help.  The only solution to our problems is our heavenly father.  We cannot afford to separate ourselves from him.

LORD, give us the wisdom to stop blaming, and reach out to you.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, discernment, relationship with God, wisdom | Tagged | Leave a comment