God’s Word Gives Confidence

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

God’s Word Gives Confidence

Date: Jan. 8, 2023

Passage

Psalm 138:1-8 (ESV)

Of David.

1   I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
2   I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.
3   On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.
4   All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5   and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
    for great is the glory of the LORD.
6   For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
    but the haughty he knows from afar.
7   Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life;
  you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
    and your right hand delivers me.
8   The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 138:3

On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.

Unlike other so-called “gods”, who cannot do or say anything, our God has given us his word (his “solemn decree” (2)) so we may know his heart and will. God’s word teaches us his unfailing love and faithfulness. Most of all, he revealed himself in Jesus, the living Word. Because we have God’s word of promise, and because he answers our prayer, we can be confident, even bold (3). We can know his compassion on the lowly (6) and be abundantly comforted in times of trouble (7).

David was in serious trouble when he wrote this Psalm, with powerful and angry foes opposing him (7). But he was determined not to let it stop him from praising God (1). He believed God would not only preserve his life (7), but rebuke his enemies and grant him vindication after his suffering (8). May we also take such a “dose” of confidence from God’s word today, remembering God’s goodness no matter what kind of trouble we are in.

Prayer: Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for exalting your word so we may gain confidence in your promise. Help me be confident and bold in Jesus.

One Word: One Word: God will answer when I call.

In the End, Have Faith in God

Genesis 49:29-50:26

Key Verse: 49:50:24

When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people.

Today's Question

What benefits in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

See answer and references