Nov 3 Daily Rhythm

Morning
Psalm 35:15-18   

But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth. How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.

We can and do stumble. We make mistakes. When we do, our trust must be in the Lord. Not in ourselves or in the adoration of others. And notice what his rescue creates – Praise. how has he rescued you? Will you thank him for his rescue in the sight of others? This is a sign of your dependance upon him.

Afternoon
Psalm 35:19-25

Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit. They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!” You have seen, O LORD; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me! Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart’s desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”

The vindication of God comes in one place only. The stained cross where Jesus died. He has vindicated you when you come before this bloody cross in the hope of a rescuer. This is where you are vindicated from abuse, shame, doubt, and mockery. Rest at the foot of the cross today.

Evening
Psalm 35:26-28

Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity. Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me! Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

The cross may at times feel like shame. The cross is a place of death and shame. Naming your own sin at the cross requires your acknowledgment that you are not enough on your own. But because it is a statement from God about the rescue he provides, it is the only place of security FROM shame. Rest tonight not in the power of yourself, but in the strength of God that looks like weakness to men.