Devo Aug 1 Psalm 21

Chapter 21
1 The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the
victories you give!
2 You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the
request of his lips.
3 You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure
gold on his head.
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever
and ever.
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed
on him splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad
with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most
High he will not be shaken.
8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize
your foes.
9 When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing
furnace. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire
will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from
mankind.
11 Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they
cannot succeed.
12 You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with
drawn bow.
13 Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your
might.

Meditation
1. David lists the blessings of faithfully following after God in this
passage: the victories won (v1), desires granted (v2), prayers answered
(v2), presence welcomed (v3), crown given (v3), life – forever
and ever (v4), glory bestowed (v5), joy in God’s presence (v6),
unfailing love (v7).
2. Remembering what God has done for us is a continual source of
joy.
3. Make a list of the blessings you’ve received from God. Go through
the list and thank God for all of the blessings one by one.

Personal note:
I made a list of what God has done for me.  God provided me with a beautiful home, a lovely wife, a protective upbringing, a caring mentor, a strong church leadership.  God forgave me of my sins through Jesus Christ.  He freed me from the bondage of sin.  He guides my direction.  He sustains my health and strength.  He nurtures me spiritually.  He loves me unconditionally.  He led me to live in peace with His presence.

After going through the list and praying of thanksgiving, I realized that I placed the things I value the most first.  Later on, I put the "theologically" correct blessings later.  The list reveals the condition of my heart.  With PGC moving in the direction of having evangelism as the driving force, I would not be able to lead effectively when what I value the most isn't the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ!

I prayed and ask God for guidance.  I was led to review what I was called to do when I entered seminary.  I am to begin the day in thanksgiving and dedication to Jesus Christ.  I felt peaceful with the presence of God when the Spirit prompt me in this direction.