"Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble." Psalm 140:4
I messed up this morning, but God had a word for me. In my Bible daily reading, I read the wrong Scripture. I jumped way ahead by accident and read the Scripture assigned to another day. But, God knew just what I needed, and gave me the verse I have quoted above. I have sensed for a couple of days now that Satan is bringing attack against our church and it's members. Sickness, job situations, busyness, distraction, anxiety, frustrations, etc.... Attacks that hinder our worship and growth as individuals and a church. Attacks that discourage us, and cause us to question. Attacks that take our focus off of the main thing, and that is Jesus. As I read this verse this morning I realized, even though it was meant for a different day, God meant for me to read it today!
Maybe it's a word for you as well. As you read it, realize that the "hands of the wicked" and "violent men" are the works of Satan. His purpose? To make you and I stumble. To cause you and I to get frustrated and off-center from God. When that happens, we allow the frustrations and distractions to lead us into making hasty decisions and cause us to get discouraged in our circumstances. So, my prayer for myself today is: "Keep me, O Lord". I invite you to read this chapter and see David's request. It wasn't just "keep me", it is "Deliver me" (vs. 1), "Preserve me" (vs. 1), "Hear the voice of my supplication" (vs. 6), and more. In the end, David has confidence that Satan's attacks of discouragement, frustration, and anxiety will not thwart God's power in the life of His children. "I Know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in your presence" (vs. 12-13). Attacks will come, but you must not flinch! Instead, know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted! To God be the Glory!!!!!!