August 14

August 14

Nehemiah 7:73-9:21

1 Corinthians 9: 1-18

Psalm 33:12-22

Proverbs 21:11-12

The second half of Psalm 33 begins by contrasting the armies of kings and the strengths of horses with God's nature and power to deliver His people. While the armies of kings are called a false hope, the Psalmist writes of God: "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine…"

Charles Spurgeon comments on this passage:

"Behold. For this is a greater wonder than hosts and horses, a surer confidence than chariots or shields. The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him. That eye of peculiar care is their glory and defense. None can take them at unawares, for the celestial watcher foresees the designs of their enemies, and provides against them. They who fear God need not fear anything else; let them fix their eye of faith on him, and his eye of love will always rest upon them."

When I'm afraid, I don't often turn to chariots or horses for my protection, but am quick to lean on my own strength, blame others for what's going wrong, despair prematurely, etc. This morning, the Psalmist reminds me that my resources and self-protection pale in comparison to looking to the God of steadfast love who can deliver me and enable me to flourish even in difficult circumstances.

The Psalm closes with simple but powerful reminders to redirect our hearts to our ultimate Protector and Deliverer. Remember God's character, give thanks and be glad in Him, trust in Him and wait on Him.

Father, would you awaken our hearts today to sense your steadfast love resting on us as we place our trust in you. Amen.