August 9, 2015
Scripture Reading: Psalm 20
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!
Questions for Reflection:
The psalm divides easily into two halves. The first half focuses on the desire for God to rescue us. In what ways does David communicate that message? The second half celebrates the fact that God does respond; he does answer us when we call. Chariots and horses were the primary tools of battle in David’s time. Rewrite verses 6-9 using modern day language. How does this help you draw in closer to God.
You may be facing a battle in your life today. Remember that God has not abandoned you. He can rescue you from the pain. He will answer you in the midst of your distress. Spend time today in prayer asking God to show up in your life.