04/22/2022
As men and women of faith we know that the path that leads us through the world is filled with traps and snares, but we are not deterred because our God knows the way, and He sees every obstacle as we approach it. We reach out to Him as we pray in the Spirit, and call on the name of Jesus for His intercession; yet still, the journey wears on us, and our spirits are prone to faint. In such times when we are weary, or are walking carefully, realizing that there are hidden traps ahead, our God knows the way. He sees the enemy setting his snares, and leads through them.
“I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.”
Psalm 142:2-3 ESV
We are fragile creatures with limited sight, and wisdom, but our God is strong, wise, and has eyesight sharper that any eagle by day, or owl in the night. He knows what lies ahead, and sees what is in our hearts. Our weariness is not unknown to Him. His hand guides our every step, His song of victory strengthens us, and His reassuring whisper comforts us when we are faint. This is El Shaddai our God Almighty, Jehovah Jireh our provider, The Great I Am, and He never abandons us or grows weary. By the passion, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ He has redeemed us, and His Holy Spirit leads us in every hope, and prayer. Our faith and trust are in Him always… even when we reach the point of exhaustion, or feel faint… because we know He is there, and we wait on Him faithfully to strengthen and restore us.
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:3-4 ESV
Today we awaken from sleep, and look at the road that lies ahead, knowing it will not be an easy passage, then before our first step we kneel before our Holy Father in prayer, and hear His encouraging voice. We are reassured by His Holy Spirit, and pick up our cross to begin the day’s journey… in the face of many trials we will sing of His glory, and in the midst of Satan’s snares, we will praise Him for our deliverance. This is more than our hope, it is our steadfast faith, and certain belief. This is our song.
““Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.””
Isaiah 12:2 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being ever present in our lives, and for guiding us through the many snares that Satan has set for us. Thank you for your Word, your armor, and for every whisper that sees us through life’s troubles. Thank you for your Son Jesus who encourages us as we walk together, and through whom we are redeemed, forgiven, and your grace flows. Thank you also for your Holy Spirit who, without fail, reminds us of your Word, and its promises. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is our strength, and to whom we sing praises always. Praised be your name this day for our safe passage, even through the snares and roaring of Satan himself. We praise you for the strength you have given us by day, and for our rest and restoration each night. Merciful are you Father as you provide for us, watch over us, and comfort the infant fears you see in our hearts before they mature to weaken our faithful resolve and certain belief in you. Wash away our sin in the blood of your Son Jesus, and call us worthy, children, and friends. Find us to be pleasing to you, and seat us at your table forevermore. This is the day that you have made, and we will be glad and rejoice in it, because today your every promise has been realized in our lives.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV
Rich Forbes