Saturday, February 7, 2026

Opening Scripture

“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” Psalm 145:8-13

Opening Prayer

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come. Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of my sickness into Thy health. Out of my want and into Thy wealth. Out of my sin and into Thy self, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come. Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm. Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm. Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Psalm 143

LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.

The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.

Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

Reflection  

Today’s reading is the seventh and final penitential psalm. It repeats some familiar themes. A cry for mercy. Acknowledgement of sin. Personal distress. Longing for deliverance. A deep desire to be restored to right relationship with God.

Flourishing Habit

Meaning and Purpose

Reading through the Psalms, it appears that David went from one crisis to another. He experienced high highs and low lows. He was constantly moving from joy and celebration to sorrow and agony. From the thrill of slaying Goliath to the pain of deep family dysfunction.

Over the course of his life, God brought David from tending sheep to ruling His people. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psalm 78:72).

As the King of Israel, David’s life was very public. First and Second Samuel vividly record his triumphs and failures. From amazing military conquests to fleeing for his life from Saul. David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), yet he committed adultery and murder.

We live in a very different time and place than King David. Our lives are not nearly as exciting or well known as his. Still, there are aspects of our lives that are common to all people in all places across time. We are all sinners in need of a Savior.

Satan, the Accuser, can only condemn. He trades on guilt and shame, encouraging us to hide from God, just as he did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The devil urges us to deteriorate in the darkness. Our loving Father encourages us to be cleansed in the light.

When Satan points his bony finger of accusation at you, don’t make excuses, defend your actions, or compare yourself to others. Agree with the Deceiver that you are, in fact, guilty of sin, but gloriously forgiven by Almighty God!

Just like David, God has a plan for your life. And just like David, you need to embrace the posture of Psalm 143. May it be so!

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!