Psalm 60

Much of the history of Israel can be characterized as a journey through peaks and valleys. Moses was on the peak when he met God on the mountain and received the Ten Commandments. He then returned to the valley, and found the people engaged in pagan rituals. Jesus had similar experiences in His life. He went from encountering God in His baptism, to being led by the Holy Spirit into the Wilderness. He went from celebrating the joy of a wedding with His friends in Cana, to being rejected by his home town friends in Nazareth. Such is the ebb and flow of life.

Sometimes our journey through valleys can be life altering. Henry Blackby, in his book, Experiencing God, says our journey through the valleys of life are always accompanied by a crisis of belief because, for the Christian, what you do next reveals what you truly believe about God. In Psalm 60 Israel is in the valley and the psalmist is having a crisis of belief. In the midst of his crisis the psalmist turns to God and verses 11-12 reveal his belief that his future is securely in God’s hands:

“Oh, please help us against our enemies,

    for all human help is useless.

With God’s help we will do mighty things,

    for he will trample down our foes.”

In John 16 Jesus said the Holy Spirit will “guide you into all truth” and “He will tell you about the future.” The Holy Spirit guides and teaches through scripture. The more scripture you read and study, the more resources the Holy Spirit has for teaching, leading and guiding you into God’s plans for you.” As you prepare for life’s inevitable crises of belief, remember God’s plans are “for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

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How does this passage touch your life today?

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Reading for July 1, 2012            Psalm 61