https://www.lighthousebaptisttomball.com The family is where it all begins. The road to success and the road to ruin; the life of Christian service and the life of worldly carnality - all of it begins at home. As parents, it is our God-given responsibility and privilege to lead our family in the pursuit of God. Gathering as a family to read and discuss the Bible is a simple, yet powerful way to bring the Truth of God's Word into our everyday lives. As a family, read the Bible passage, and use the devotion to help spark conversation. Find ways to practically apply what you have read into your life at home. https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/7f88fd04/dms3rep/multi/devotion_logo2.png https://www.lighthousebaptisttomball.com https://www.lighthousebaptisttomball.com/god-s-protection-in-adversity <h3> <span> <font> <b> God's Protection in Adversity </b> </font> </span> </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> David begins his cry to God by first stating that his confidence is in the LORD. He asks God to hear his prayer, begging Him to “bow down His ear.” As a good father will stoop down and listen to his children, so God stoops down to hear us, His children. Through his description of God’s protective nature, it is clear that David places great confidence in God. He commits his spirit into God’s hand, acknowledging and resting in His complete control over whether David lives or dies. <div> <br/> </div> <div> In the middle of the Psalm, David begins to describe the hardships that he is facing. He is honest with the Lord, admitting his grief and weakness. The enemies that are persecuting David are doing so with their mouths. Through slander, they have made him a reproach or laughing stock among his own people. Those closest to him flee to avoid being associated with him.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> The attention of David’s heart turns from his great troubles to his great God. No matter what may come his way, nothing happens outside of God’s control. The psalmist remembers the goodness of God toward His people. He will be safe with the Lord. The despair that he felt in the moment of hardship was rash and unfounded, because God heard David’s prayer. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Finally, we, the readers of this Psalm, are directly challenged to love the LORD. We are to love Him on account of His providence toward us, and His just punishment for the wicked. Those of us that hope in the Lord God have every reason to be of good courage and of a strong heart in the midst of adversity. </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <h2> <span> Deeper Study </span> </h2> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <ul> <li> <span> v. 3 - How is it that David compares God’s protection to a rock? Is this picture used in other places in Scripture? </span> </li> <li> <span> v. 8 - David rejoices that God has set his feet in a large room. In other places this phrase is translated “large place.” What is the significance of this phrase? </span> </li> </ul> <p> <br/> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <h2> <span> Discussion Questions </span> </h2> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <ul> <li> <span> v. 12 - Have you ever felt like “a dead man out of mind?” As though everyone had forgotten who you were and what you had done? How does God’s care for us in our hard times give us comfort? </span> </li> <li> <span> vv. 19, 20 - David sings of the “great goodness” that God has “laid up” for those that fear Him. What are some of those good things? </span> </li> </ul> <p> <br/> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <h2> <span> Application </span> </h2> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> In the face of slander and persecution, David trusted in God. He said, “My times are in thy hand” (vv. 13-15). When we are faced with persecution, bullying, etc., can we also claim that our times are in the hand of God? How should this change our perspective of the situation? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:05:22 GMT https://www.lighthousebaptisttomball.com/god-s-protection-in-adversity thumbnail main image