Matthew 7:24-27 + Psalm 31
Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Psalm 31 (NIV)
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.
I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends—those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life.
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.
Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Devotion
If you have come to faith in Christ, He is the foundation of your life. When you are resting in Christ, you can build on that foundation. The purpose of a building foundation is to provide support for the rest of the structure. In the same way, Jesus provides the support we need to become like Him in character. David referred to the Lord as, “my rock of refuge.” What is your foundation made of? How does having the “Rock of Refuge” help you cope with all the stress and anxiety associated with the current pandemic?
Prayer
- Pray the meditations of our heart and mind would be pleasing to the Lord.
- Pray His word would run swiftly in and through us.
- Pray for hunger for his word, we would long for fellowship with Him.
- Ask the Lord to help us all to turn to Him during this time, depend on Him and NOT other things.
Oh Lord, how majestic is Your Name and wonderful is Your loving Kindness! Thank You that Your Word is sweeter than honey to my lips and You lead me into peace that surpasses all understanding as Your Word washes over me. Help me to continue to meditate on Your Word. My heart is wide open to You, sing over me, love on me, remind me that You are my all in all, the One who is steady, immoveable, unshakeable, sure defense. Grant me Your strength and peace today. When my heart starts to wonder, I ask by Your Holy Spirit that you would “woo” me back to You. Tell me again Abba how You are for me, tell me again how You are trustworthy, my Sure Foundation, the One who watches over His word to perform it! Grant me a deeper hunger for You and Your Word. Shepherd my heart even now Lord and lead me I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.