All Beholding Beauty devotionals are written as short, worshipful reflections to help you meditate on God’s Word.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. – Psalm 5:11-12
Are you going through a rough time in life right now? Are you fearful? Are you feeling down about your circumstances? If that is you, then you have been given a beautiful, faithful promise from the Lord in Psalm 5!
Notice, first of all, that the Lord is our refuge. As it is written in another Psalm, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Whenever we are in trouble and in need of strength, we have one place to run to for shelter, and it’s in the shadow of His wings. The Lord spreads His protection over us, and it leads to our singing for joy!
Whatever it is that you are going through, God is protecting you. As a matter of fact, verse 12 teaches us that God is blessing us and covering us with His favor as if it were a shield! Oh, how powerful that promise is for us as we go through trials! It is this grand truth that leads us to “count it all joy…when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2).
God is not using anything in your life for evil, but He is working all things together for your good: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Even when things are being done out of evil, God is using it for the good of those who love Him: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20a).
The Lord has shown me this morning that it is far better to focus on the promises of God that are found in His Word than it is to spend time worrying and trying to figure everything out. The former leads to peace and joy while the latter leads to worry and sadness.
Dear Christian, God loves you and is truly working all things together for your good! What is that good? It is ultimately your sanctification, your maturing life in Christ! While you go through adversity and trials, keep your eyes on these glorious promises! He is blessing you with His protection, His presence, and His promises to cover you with favor as with a shield. Take refuge in your God and sing for joy over His wonderful love for you.
Related Article: What is a Maturing Life in Christ?
Did you know? We publish a new Beholding Beauty devotional each week! View all Beholding Beauty devotionals.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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