Today is Tuesday, February 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Psalms, chapter 56.    
   

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 
4     In God, whose word I praise— 
in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can mere mortals do to me? 
  
5 All day long they twist my words; 
    all their schemes are for my ruin. 
6 They conspire, they lurk, 
    they watch my steps, 
    hoping to take my life. 
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; 
    in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 
  
8 Record my misery; 
    list my tears on your scroll— 
    are they not in your record? 
9 Then my enemies will turn back 
    when I call for help. 
    By this I will know that God is for me. 
  
10 In God, whose word I praise, 
    in the Lord, whose word I praise— 
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can man do to me? 
  

The psalmist begins by declaring: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you". This verse highlights a fundamental choice we face in moments of anxiety. Do you turn inward and let fear dominate, or do you, like the psalmist, intentionally choose to place your trust in God? The psalmist acknowledges the reality of human threats and schemes, but immediately redirects his focus to the power and faithfulness of God. Can you identify any place of fear that God is inviting you to re-orient, away from fear and towards trust in God? 
   
The psalmist is vulnerable and honest with God. He asks God to notice his suffering, and declares that God will turn back his enemies when he calls for help. Do you believe that God sees your suffering, and that he will fight for you? As you hear the scripture again, consider a place in your life where you feel vulnerable, or even under attack, and trust that God is fighting for you.  
 
Take some time today to actively praise God, either through singing or spoken words, even if you don't feel like it. If you are feeling overwhelmed or afraid, write down the things that are causing your fear and ask God to notice your pain. Make a choice to trust in God’s power and presence. Ask God to show you how to rely on his word and to quiet your fears.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Worship