Nov 2 Daily Rhythm

Morning
Psalm 35:1-6

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me! Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away! Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them!

Good morning! As you think about your day, notice that there are probably things in your way. time conflicts, challenges, temptations maybe? You need to be faithful to accomplish what you are called to accomplish. To steward your calling well. But as you do, are you trusting in your gifts and abilities or in the one who called you? Pray and ask God to help you depend upon him even as you use your gifts well.

Afternoon
Psalm 35:7-10

For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it—to his destruction! Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”

God’s heart is with the needy. Are you needy? I think sometimes in the American church we tend to not be needy. Oh we are needy. Desperately so, but we find comfort in so many other places that we don’t feel our neediness. Pray this afternoon that you will know you are in need of Grace, and then depend upon it for rescue.

Evening
Psalm 35:11-14

Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.

Again, we see the theme of the brokenhearted. Think of a time you felt your brokenness. Maybe at a deeply painful loss or low moment. God rescues those that grieve and mourn. This is incredibly hopeful, and runs in the face of the common belief that “God helps those who helps themselves.” As you lie down to rest, do so knowing there is nothing you can do to hold yourself secure. Thankfully you can trust in one who is far more powerful than you. Sleep well.