Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:8 “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”

The koala, although a marsupial, looks like a cute cuddly teddy bear. He can hold on to those smooth-barked gum trees and even sleep there 18-20 hours a day without any worry of falling off. That is because he has two opposable thumbs on his fore paws that allow a sure grip. He also has big toes that are set at an angle to the foot, giving him a vise-like hold. They cling so well to the tree that they leave scratches on the bark.

Today’s verse tells us that we can cling to the Lord because He upholds us with His right hand. David writes this psalm while in the desert of Judah. He remembers and thinks on his bed, not about his enemies but about God’s love that he considers better than life! (verse 3) He clings to the truth that God is his help. (verse 7) David is confident of the end his enemies face. He may be in a clinging position now, but he knows that they will be destroyed and he will rejoice! They, as liars, will be silenced but he will glory in the Lord. (verse 11)

I feel as if I am barely hanging on when surrounded by those who oppose Jesus Christ and when surrounded by liars. But what I am clinging to makes all the difference! The piece of wood to which I cling is the cross! Jesus, by His death on the cross, has won the victory over every enemy! I cling to Him as He is the THE truth in a world full of liars. (John 14:6) His Word is eternal. His promises are true. He is the One who holds me up when I cling to Him.

Lord, keep me hanging on to You.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2021)

Scripture for Today: Psalm 20:7-8 “They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”

There is nothing wrong with this goat but he is only doing what comes naturally to his breed, called Myotonic Goats. They are also called Tennessee Fainting Goats, Stiff-Legged Goats, or Wooden-Legged Goats. When startled, frightened or excited that adrenaline rush causes their muscles to lock up and they keel over! When this happens they don’t lose consciousness. It only last 10-15 seconds and they get back up as if nothing had happened!

Today’s verse and context make a clear contrast between those who trust in themselves and those who trust in the God of the Bible. The ones who are brought to their knees and fall are those who trust in their horses and chariots, or in other words, in their own resources. But those whose trust is in the Lord will rise up and stand firm. In our spiritual battle there is always the chance of a surprise attack. With God’s armor provided we are to stand firm with an absolute trust in Him. (Eph. 6:10,13-14)

Becoming immobilized with fear is entirely possible if I were to dwell too long on the “what if’s” of this tenuous earthly life. But my mind does not have to go there. Trusting my Savior, who has already secured my eternal life, means I can trust Him for this one. I can stand firm in my faith despite ALL of the unexpected. Nothing can separate me from His love (Rom. 8:38-39) and nothing can snatch me from His hand! (John 10:29)

Thank you Lord, that You are totally trustworthy.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 147:5 “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”

Do you sometimes wish there were a crystal ball to tell you what lies ahead? Gazing into the orb is supposed to give a vision of the future (visible of course only to the one charging a fee). This fortune- telling practice has a long history. The Druids in ancient Celtic cultures used clear water surfaces, glass and later balls to see ahead. Also, glass balls have been found in tombs dating back to the 5th century and St. Augustine, living in that same period, condemned their use.

Today’s verse reveals that God never needs to look ahead to gain wisdom. He is great and mighty in power. And there are no limits to His understanding. He does not need to look back over 2023 to make plans for 2024! He never wishes He could change an action taken in the past as all His ways are perfect. (Deut. 32:4) He would never regret His own perfect decisions nor would He be surprised at their outcomes. There is no need for God to look ahead to improve His understanding of events. He is all-knowing and eternal, seeing all from outside the confines of time.

What a mighty God I serve! There is nothing He does not understand. He is aware of every thought, every motive and every circumstance. How deep are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge! (Rom. 11:33) And this is why I can trust Him for 2024. He not only completely understands what I cannot about the past but He already sees what lies ahead. There is a plan already in place, globally and personally. (Jer. 29:11) My understanding will always be limited. But I can trust my All-Knowing Father. When I look ahead, He is already there and I can face the future with confidence.

Thank you Lord, for the unknown future. I am so grateful that it is not unknown to You!