Prayer Journal
Thursday, September 25, 2003
"He makes my feet like the feet of the deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." Psalms 18:33
Here's a classic question: Which came first; the chicken or the egg? I'd say the chicken was created first and given his name by Adam. However, I might learn someday that the egg was actually created first, that'll be ok. Whatever happened, God was in it, Amen? But the question of timing and origination applies in other situations as well.
Most of us have repeated something we've heard before and the more we repeat it, it becomes second nature to us. In the 18th chapter of Psalms, we read a wonderful account of David's trust for God to deliver him from his enemy. When did David first sing that song to the Lord? David sang this Psalm out loud after God delivered him from the hands of Saul.
Yet, years later David recited the words of this chapter at the end of his reign as king. (Re: 2Sa 22) I can't help but think that David actually wrote this down during his childhood. He probably found that God made his feet like that of a deer able to stand on the heights as he climbed rocks to rescue sheep who had fallen in imminent danger. Then later with lyre in hand, he probably reflected on the day behind him by singing to the flock, reflecting on God's goodness.
As a young boy, did David first sing to the Lord the praise of Psalm 18 and then write it down to recall it later in life? Did he take those notes out on his personal belongings and record the words in the writing that we now know as the Psalms. Then did he recite them from memory as his last words of praise for God before dying? Well, we just don't know for sure. But I've found that the things we memorize and repeat over and over again through life's trials are the ones that remain with us like a faithful friend through times of trouble. The margin of my Bible for this Psalm is littered with notes from different times in my life where God's Spirit has ministered to me.
We may face problems today and God's word is there to help us deal with them. But, have we hidden God's word in our heart in order to be ready? Why is it that so many of us view God's word as a tool for reflecting on what's happened rather than preparing to deal with what's ahead?
Don't be a chicken; regardless of your age you can memorize Scripture. One thing for sure; you will have problems and will need someone to help you get through them. Don't be like so many of us and remember too the late the wonderful resource of God's word. After all, no one wants to get egg on their face!
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
