Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord! He shouts with joy because you give him victory. For you have given him his hearts desire; you have withheld nothing he requested. Interlude You welcomed him back with success and prosperity. You placed a crown of finest gold on his head. He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty. You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling. You will capture all your enemies. Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you. You will throw them in a flaming furnace when you appear. The Lord will consume them in his anger; fire will devour them. You will wipe their children from the face of the earth; they will never have descendants. Although they plot against you, their evil schemes will never succeed. For they will turn and run when they see your arrows aimed at them. Rise up, O Lord, in all your power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The psalms cover the whole range of human emotion from the terrible moments to the best of times. This psalm is a song of praise on a great day. David was rejoicing on a day of victory, honor, and success. He had asked for protection in battle, and the Lord had granted victory and a safe return. David didnt take all the credit but took time to glorify the Lord, the source of all that is good.

God wants us to be confident but not arrogant. How you respond when you are winning is a good indicator of how your heart is. Some people only pray when life os terrible or they need help. This can come from a faulty theology of not wanting to bother the Everlasting God or simply laziness. But when we stop glorifying God for the good, soon we believe we are the givers of the good. Dont make this mistake. Praising God in the problems gives you a different perspective. Praise the Lord in the good and bad times, in the sunshine and the storms.

As you look back on your lifewhether the last decade or last weekhow has God been with you every step of the way? Why is it so important to praise the Lord in the good times?

In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Interlude May he grant your hearts desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Israel was almost never a powerhouse nation. She was normally surrounded by much stronger nations, such as Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Yet the land of Israel was always important because of trade routes. This meant people were always fighting over the land. The ONLY way that the tiny nation of Israel could stay in the Promised Land was to trust in God. Sometimes they did this well, and the kingdom expanded, as in the days of David and Solomon. Yet afterwards they worshiped other gods and did not follow Gods commands. This led to loss of integrity, military defeats, destruction, and exile.

This is a lesson for our lives. We want God to make us strong enough never to be invaded, strong enough to not need Him. God wants us to trust in Him to be our protection. We want bigger walls; He wants bigger faith. The chariot was the military might of the ancient world. Dont boast in chariots but build bigger faith in the Lord.

What would it mean for you to boast in the name of the Lord? How can you be wise in finances and security while still trusting in the Lord above all?

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Dont let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This psalm describes three ways that God is revealed through creation, through Gods Word, and through the inner life. Creation speaks of the Creator. When we witness the wonder of the world, we can give praise to the Maker. The Bible reveals Gods rules and story, it also explains human nature and the Saviors remedy. The Lord is revealed in the reality of guilt. Humans long for forgiveness and redemption both which can be found in Jesus Christ.

David described Gods Word with poetic passion Scripture is perfect, right, and trustworthy. It is more desirable than gold or honey and is the best guide for life. How would you describe the Bible? Your passions reveal your heart, and you can always talk a lot about your passions. We dont worship the Bible, but we can know the Lord through Scripture the Fathers love letter to His children.

How can you grow more passionate about Gods Word? How has the Lord revealed Himself in your life?

I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds. Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused. Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Gods way is perfect. All the Lords promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping. I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet. You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me. They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer. I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt. You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I dont even know now serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they submit; foreign nations cringe before me. They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds. The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭50‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David knew so many troubles in life, but he knew that God was his shield and strength, the rock of his life. This psalm focuses on the Lord and poetically describes His character God rescues, keeps His promises, and rides on wings of the wind. David trusted in Gods promises and devoted himself to praising God. On the day of victory, David didnt gloat but gave the glory to God.

Sometimes our struggles are on the outside and other times the pain is internal. There are seasons with close friends who understand our sorrows and other times when it seems we cant find any confidants. God is your rock, your shield and strength (v.2). This only works if you pick up the shield and stand on the rock. Too often the Savior is the last One we turn to for help. Let the Lord be your first line of defense so that the waves of woe will not wash away your joy.

What would it look like, when hard times come, to turn to God first? What have the highs and lows taught you about the character of the Lord?

O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips. Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right. You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you. I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. They are without pity. Listen to their boasting! They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground. They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart like young lions hiding in ambush. Arise, O Lord! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword! By the power of your hand, O Lord, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants. Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David is confident that God heard his cry for justice and that the Lord would act. This is one of the hardest things to hold on to when faced with injustice. It seems so often that God does not intervene, that He steps in sometimes but not others. Yet David still wrote that God is just, powerful, and loving. We can cry out to the Good Shepherd and trust in His justice, goodness, and timing the last one is the hardest!

The psalms teach us never to give up the conversation with God even when you feel like He is so far away. The psalmists kept crying out to the Lord in their despair you can too. This changes your perspective and often changes the problem. It is the conversations with the Lord that get you through the rough patches of life.

Will you commit to continue the conversation with God, even when you are at your lowest? How can you pray with someone who has lost the words to pray?

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you. The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This psalm gives some incredible benefits that come when a person chooses to walk with God security, joy, and peace. Verse three talks about taking delight in godly people, treating them like heroes of life and faith. That is the way it should be!

It is the nature of humans to look to people for inspiration. We are not supposed to make Christian celebrities, but we are supposed to look to godly leaders for guidance. A person doesnt not have to be in a position of leadership to guide others closer to Christ. These are the people who trust in God. They look to Gods blessings and know that the real treasure of life is not possessions but God Himself: the Lord is our inheritance (v.5).

This psalm offers a challenge: make the godly people of the land your heroes, your role models. How would that happen for you? What are some ways you can be more intentional about influencing others, helping them get closer to God?

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are two aspects to authenticity, and both are important. The first aspect is transparency; this means being real about the struggles and sins in your life. The second aspect is purity; this means your faith is not a faade but a real and vibrant part of your life.

Psalm 15 is a reminder that you need to be authentic and fully devoted to Jesus. God is holy, and He is calling you to be holy. You dont need to apologize that you are trying to be like Jesus, which will mean you will not be normal in some ways. But as you grow to be like Christin whose image you were created inyou are not becoming less human but more fully the person you were made to be.

How can you drop the mask and authentically show your struggles? How can you live fully devoted for Jesus and authentically show your faith?

Only fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldnt think of praying to the Lord. Terror will grip them, for God is with those who obey him. The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the Lord will protect his people. Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are those who say, There is no God. It may come from pain in their past, horror at human atrocities, the sorrow of natural disasters, or mental hurdles too high to overcome If God is good, many people ask, why is there so much evil in the world?

Most pain is caused by humans. Bad decisions, selfishness, and greed are all constant in human history. Wars and atrocities are committed by corrupt leaders and allowed by the apathy of others. Mental hurdles can be overcome if one is willing to have hard conversations. Even natural disasters, according to the Bible (Romans 8:19ff) come from the fact that the earth is broken this happened because of human sin. If we want to question the source of so much pain, we should be questioning our faith in human nature.

Jesus came and offered the solutionthough it may not be the solution humans want. He didnt destroy all who do evil (no one would be left). Instead, He allowed unjust religious and political leaders to crucify Him. Few people understood Him, and one of His closest friends betrayed Him. Jesus allowed Himself to be broken by the world. This was the plan to save the world. We find forgiveness in Him alone, and the first step is to admit that you are the problem. What do you need to repent of today?

The other part of Gods plan includes taking up your own cross which means death to your desires (replaced by His desires) and living broken (yet remade) in a world of selfishness and evil. Christians dont destroy our enemies we die for our enemies in hope they will no longer be enemies. We fight on our knees, and we fight with love. This is the only solution to evil, and it starts in each human heart. Are you willing to follow Gods plan to save the world?

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Dont let my enemies gloat, saying, We have defeated him! Dont let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God, where are You? Have you ever prayed that prayer, ever felt that desperation? You can say these thoughts, and you are allowed to pray these prayers. David cried out because God seemed so distant. Davids prayer was honest, emotional, and raw. You can be raw with God; He can see your heart anyway.

Never stop praying. Even if you have to pray in anger, never stop the conversation. Have a real relationship with God (real relationships include anger). And hear the challenge in the last two verses trust in Gods unfailing love (even when He seems distant) and continue to sing to God. Sometimes the song says the inexpressible words like a ray of light in a time of dark depression.

How can you grow your worship life, even during the week? When is the last time you took off the mask and dropped the script in your prayer life?

Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. They say, We will lie to our hearts content. Our lips are our ownwho can stop us? The Lord replies, I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do. The Lords promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Things havent changed much in 3000 years. David lamented how his entire generation was filled with people who endlessly lied to each other, flattered their neighbors, and violently oppressed the poor. These problems are still happening today. People use words to make worlds of deception. Flattery is growing as people seek the spotlight and the applause of the crowd. The poor continue to get poorer, and few care to solve the systematic problems.

This psalm is a cry to get on Gods side and help the oppressed. This is uncomfortable and unflattering work. This psalm is a calling to speak truth in a world of deception and flattery. Gods Word is our bedrock of truth, giving us a lamp to guide us through time, culture, and language. Make a commitment today to base your thoughts, words, and actions on the Bible.

How can you find the strength to serve those who need your help? What habits can help your life be shaped most by Gods Word?