Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; dont let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life. But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, You are my God! My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me. Dont let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave. Silence their lying lips those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly. How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In panic I cried out, I am cut off from the Lord! But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31‬:‭1‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes the worst thing is being ignored. David, who experienced many seasons of success, also lived through many low times surrounded by enemies. It hurts when those around you dont seem to notice you, value you, or care about your pain. You matter to God, and the Lord sees the anguish of your soul (v.7). The Redeemer is your shelter and the One who hears your cries (vv.20-22). Never stop talking to your Savior, who will never stop listening.

Verse 19 is amazing: How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. When you run to God for protection and guidance, He pours out wisdom and love. There are times when God gives His strength without you asking. But most times, the Father is waiting for you to ask so that you can realize your need to depend on Him. Be wise and humble enough to ask for Gods help every day.

How can you be more dependent on God today? How can the words of this psalm help when you feel unimportant or ignored?

I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. When I was prosperous, I said, Nothing can stop me now! Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. I cried out to you, O Lord. I begged the Lord for mercy, saying, What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Lord is a Rescuer. The feeling of being rescuedthe overwhelming gratitudestays with a person for their whole life. This psalm is a song of praise to God. David realized that the Lord had rescued him. David praised the Lord and called others to praise God, his Deliverer. David had times of prosperity when he thought nothing bad could happen to him. He also had times of mourning and sorrow when he cried out to the Lord for mercy. In the highs and lows of life, and everything in between, the Lord is always with you.

God can turn weeping into joyful dancing (v.11). Everything changes in the hands of our Savior. Jesus understands our pain, sorrow, and rejection. Yet our Redeemer gives us the strength to overcome, moving forward not with bitterness but in His hope. Too often we attempt to carry our pain alone. Look to God first, then to godly people, and work on surrendering your sorrows and shame to your Savior.

How can you follow Davids example and always praise the Lord, no matter what? What do you need to surrender to Jesus?

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for his glory and strength. Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanons mountains skip like a calf; he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with bolts of lightning. The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, Glory! The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is strong. This psalm is all about the Lords strength He is so strong that His voice cracks cedars. God is stronger than the strongest forces of nature. The last verse says that Gods strengththat incredible, powerful strengthcan be yours! You can experience that power in your life. We all need that power for life. It is His power that can work in and through you, but you have to ask God and allow Him to work.

Many Christians believe the lie that God will never give more than you can handle (that verse is not in the Bible). The Bible teaches is that God will often give you much more than you can handle so that you will depend on His strength. Your strength is not enough. God works through your weakness to display His mighty power. Be humble and wise enough to ask for the strength of the Lord.

What difference does it make to live in Gods strength more than your own strength? How is Jesus the truest example of the strength of the Lord?

I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary. Do not drag me away with the wicked with those who do evil those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts. Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. They care nothing for what the Lord has done or for what his hands have made. So he will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt! Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Opposition is part of life. Davids enemies flattered with their words yet plotted against him in their hearts (v.3). Success invites sabotage, and the more successful you are, the more critics you will have. This psalm shows a godly way to deal with opponents and critics. Rather than squashing them with your position of power, accept criticism while focusing on the Lord. Dont let the criticism consume you.

The Lord is your rock. A large rock is something you can hide behind to keep you safe in times of danger. It is something you can stand on, secure in your footing. God is your rock. He is your shelter in the storm and your footing for life. In times of trouble, we tend to rely only on our own strength and run to others before we run to our Rock. Make a commitment today to turn to God first.

How is the Lord the Rock of your life? What can you learn and live from this psalm about dealing with opposition?

The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the Lord the thing I seek most is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lords perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, Come and talk with me. And my heart responds, Lord, I am coming. Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Dont leave me now; dont abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things Ive never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the Lords goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is your security. He is always there for you no matter who lets you down or what you are going through in life. True security does not come from money, power, or privilege but from the presence of God. The security the Savior brings changes everything. It is one of the marked differences in the lives of those who walk with the Lord. One of the reasons to share Jesus with others is so that they can have the security of the Savior in their lives.

Read through the psalm again, taking the words as promises of confidence. The Lord is your light, why should you be afraid? Even if you are attacked, you will remain confident! God will hide you in His sanctuary, and you will hold your head high, offering sacrifices and praise. The Father is inviting you to talk with Him, and you have responded by saying, I am coming.

Which verse will you hold on to today with confidence? What difference does His security make in your life?

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Dont let me suffer the fate of sinners. Dont condemn me along with murderers. Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes. But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Choices and character matter. We know this anytime our friends, family, or leaders let us down. In this psalm, David is declaring his character to the Lord. He is not arrogant or perfect, but he has chosen to live with integrity. David chose to separate himself from those who are liars and hypocrites. His words are full of Gods truth, and he is even asking God to examine his heart and motives. That is more thanhonesty, that is an inner strength of character.

People today believe they can be friends with immoral people and not be influenced at all. The Bible clearly says otherwise: bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33), and walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble (Proverbs 13:20). This doesnt mean that we cant have any non-Christian friends, but that our closest friendsthose who influence us the mostneed to be people of strong faith. Its hard to follow Jesus when those who most influence you are walking a different direction.

Why does the character of those who are closest to you matter so much? What areas of your character is the Lord working to refine?

O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Deception often seems like the easier way, but it makes things worse, starting with your character. People lie or bend the truth for many reasons. This psalm is about making the commitment to tell the truth all the time, not some of the time. David trusted in the Lords way, even when doing the right thing made his life harder (v.17). He trusted that his Shepherd would protect him (v.15). Rather than fighting wrong with more wrong, David trusted in Gods way (v.9).

Integrity and honesty protect you (v.21). The truth is the best path, but it takes a lot of trust to live consistently with integrity. This means more than telling the truth it includes being humble, admitting when you are wrong, and striving to do what is right. Integrity is a shield that protects. Lying and manipulating are easier, but only in the short run. Choose the truthful way of the Lord, even when it is harder.

Why is it difficultbut betterto fight wrong with love? How can you allow Gods Spirit to grow even more integrity in your life?

The earth is the Lords, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earths foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lords blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Interlude Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heavens Armies he is the King of glory. Interlude‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Inside of every person there is a holy longing. The human heart was made with a desire to be close to the Creator. Many of our drives and ambitions are actually misguided what we really long for is the Lord. Rather than pursuing attention, money, or power, devote your heart to the Lord. Only on God can our restless hearts find peace. God made the earth and everything in it, the King of glory is strong and mighty, and those who seek Him will receive His blessings. Let the ancient gates be opened so the King of glory can enter!

In the ancient world, it was only the priests, and especially the high priest, who could stand in the holy place of God. Yet the psalm says that all those who seek after the King with a pure heart can stand in His presence. God is present not just with the priests, but with all who have let Him change their hearts. Through Jesus, everyone is invited into the perfect love and transforming presence of the Lord.

What can you do to increase your longing for the Lord? When you pray, worship, or attend church, how can you see yourself entering the presence of God?

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is perhaps the most wellknown psalm, quoted often at funerals. Yet the words are about more than death. This psalm talks about walking through life with a Shepherd, trusting in One who leads you to green meadows and peaceful waters. God is the One (not others) who anoints your head with oil and fills your cup overflowing with goodness. Even when you go through the dark valleys of life, the Good Shepherd is always with you. Jesus knows how painful life can be.

The Lord is your Shepherd He leads you, and you follow Him. In the hard times, Gods rod and staff are beside you the Lords comfort is next to you. The Saviors goodness and love follow (or pursue) you. God is in front of you, beside you, and behind you. The Lord is all around you leading you, loving you, and changing you every day.

What does it mean for you to follow the Good Shepherd, not expecting Him to follow you? How can you remember that the Savior is with you no matter what happens today?

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced. But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him! Yet you brought me safely from my mothers womb and led me to trust you at my mothers breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lions jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen. I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations. Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The psalms speak to our sorrowful hearts. Jesus quoted this psalm on the cross as He cried out to the Father. Life is hard, and there are times when you will feel like a worm. Enemies and mockers will surround you and people will not understand. David cried out and questioned the Lord. Yet he also trusted in God, found strength in God, praised God, and had hope for the future.

This psalm challenges you to a deeper interaction with the Lord in the midst of suffering. Hard questions arent avoided but form the center of conversation with God. The Lord doesnt always offer answers He offers Himself in our darkest moments. Nothing else would do. Nothing less would be the answer. The presence of God is true comfort for the sorrowful soul.

How can you cry out to God in your sorrow? How can you avoid answering people in their sorrow and just offer Gods presence?