How we read the Bible plays a significant role in our lives. When we quickly complete our reading to check that box before moving on to the next thing on our list, we often miss out on the beauty, richness, and complexity of these words of life and hope. Today’s scripture is one of those passages where you can miss out on the richness of the text if you quickly read through without pausing. Today I would like us to pause and reflect on a few verses in the middle of the chapter. David has given us this prayer for victory in a time of battle – and what about the battles you are facing?… The chapter begins by saying “In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.” vs 1-2 These two verses set us up for the remainder of the chapter. Knowing and resting in the faithfulness of the Lord is a gift. He is only a call away. But the next section is what I really want to focus on today.
May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers – vs 4-5.
I see words in this section like ‘your heart’s desire’ or ‘your plans succeed’ and it makes me wonder – what are my heart’s desires? – what plans do I have and are my plans succeeding? This led me down a path of reflection. What plan or desire would leave me so captivated and excited that I couldn’t help but shout for joy? This really has me digging deeper. My heart’s desires better be so spectacular and amazing that when people see the things the Lord has accomplished we can’t help but raise a victory banner – because it is ALL for God’s glory. My plans and my desires need to come from a place of complete surrender. My plans and my desires need to be kingdom driven. My plans and my desires need to be as BIG as my God.
What does God want to do through your life? What desires has he placed in your heart that are WAY TOO BIG for you to handle on your own? What plans is he orchestrating on your behalf that are beyond the scope of anything you can imagine?
Scriptures quoted from New Living Translation