Psalm 115-118

The LORD is for me, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? ­– Psalm 118:6 NLT

The Lord is for me! Really? Me? Why in the world would He be for me after all I have done to disobey, disappoint, and disregard Him in my life? But here it is in black and white and right in the middle of His Word to me. He is for me. He loves me. He answers my prayers. He helps me when I call on Him. But the problem seems to be that I don't really believe He is for me. I doubt that He really loves me. I think I have to earn that love and keep Him pleased by my behavior – and I'm not too good at that. I make mistakes. I fail. I give in to temptations and fall prey to my own sin nature too often. And because I think God loves the same way I do – conditionally and not constantly – I believe there are times He is not for me. That's when these four Psalms need to be a part of my daily reading schedule. Better yet, I need to memorize them and meditate on them so they are right there in my brain when I need them.

These Psalms speak of God's unfailing love and faithfulness. They remind me that God is always there for me. I literally walk in His presence each and every day (Psalms 116:9). He is watching over me, and I can trust Him. In fact, the Psalmist reminds me that "It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people" (Psalms 118:8 NLT). People let me down, just like I let them down. But God never lets me down. He never disappoints. He never fails to come through. He may not do things the way I want them done, but He always comes through – in ways I could never have imagined – and they are always for my good and His glory. "The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things!" (Psalms 118:16 NLT). The Lord is for me. And He is always doing things for me. So why don't I trust Him more? I think it's because I don't recognize His hand in my life often enough. I have not trained myself to look for the signs of His presence. They are there. His answers to prayers. His interventions at just the right time. His provision in so many ways. His protection over me in spite of myself. God is for me. He loves me. That thought blows me away this morning. Now I need to remind myself of it it all day long!

Father, thank You for being for me. I couldn't live this life without You. Forgive me for not recognizing You in my life and praising You for all You do. May this year be filled with praises for who You are and all that You are doing. Amen