Today is November 5.
  
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 Psalm 18. 


25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful to the blameless you show yourself blameless,  
26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.  
27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.  
28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  
29 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  
30 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 


This reading reminds me of some parts of the Sermon on the Mount: For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. What do you think the psalmist is saying about how God interacts with us, and about how we experience God?   
    
It is not insignificance that this Psalm was written to celebrate David’s victory over Saul. It speaks of David’s trust in the Lord throughout the tough relationship that he had with Saul. Listen again to the Psalm in the light of David’s struggle against a mighty king coming for his life and his utmost trust in God through all the challenges.  

What are some challenges you’re facing today? What circumstances seem just impossible to you in this season? Which relationships are bringing pain? If you are navigating some rough waters – will you pray this Psalm over your heart today? Will you turn your trust in the Lord today? Can you work to surrender the temptation to be devious and haughty?

Music: When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)