Today is November 18.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 3.   


1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!  
2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”  
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  
4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  
7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  
8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.  
  

This Psalm is David’s heart cry to God as his own son, Absalom, began a violent revolution sending a 12,000-man army to kill his father David and take his throne. Imagine the deep pain of betrayal that David felt in that moment. Have you ever experienced a personal betrayal? Consider what you felt like in that moment?   
    
In David’s moment of deep pain and betrayal, when he was most exasperated about his circumstances, he cried out to God. Not only does he cry out to God, but he declares his faith that God will rescue him, God will deliver him. As you listen to the passage again, listen for David’s faith in God and ask God to increase your own faith.  

What challenges are you facing today? Even if it’s not tens of thousands people are assailing you, sometimes if can feel like ten thousand challenges are assailing you. Today, can you respond like David to the growing opposition you face? Today, can you call out to the Lord and as for his protection and deliverance?  

Music: "My Soul Depends on You" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)