The Fast: DAY 16
Monday, January 19
Psalm 57:1-4 (ESV)
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.”
Devotion
The place before you receive a blessing, can feel like a battle. Your body may ache, your mind may ache, your heart may ache, but God will comfort.Remove thoughts like, “God why do you have me here?” and replace them with, “God is here with me”!
In the lows of life, settling into bitterness can happen easily. It can slowly sweep over you if you are not anchored in God (“in you my soul takes refuge”). Let’s not chase the sweet, short-lived temptations of life for quick energy in our low moments and seasons.The nectar in a flower is a watered down sugar, while honey is a concentrated, nourishing substance. The frenetic bee gets trapped in the flowers' nectar, but the disciplined bee collects the nectar to produce honey.
What are the disciplines of holiness you need to practice?
- Prayer without ceasing
- Speaking only what’s good and kind
- Moving in faith
- Finding daily gratitudes
Don’t allow a narrow cave to narrow your mind with thoughts of chaotic restlessness. You won’t be in the cave forever.
So get up! Don't lose your discipline now. Let the lion within, roar you back to life!
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
When I am overwhelmed, I go to the Rock, which is You. Your name is a strong tower into which the righteous run and are safe. I am waiting on You for strength, for answers, and for direction. Your loving kindness sustains me even in hard times. Thank You, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
In times of weariness, send up praise! It sounds counterintuitive, but when you lift up praise, it is a deliberate voice of faith. Praise “stills” the enemy; it stops him in his tracks. And for us, the joy of the Lord is our strength. So lift up songs, hymns, and spiritual songs unto the Lord, and watch your strength be renewed!
Resources
- It’s the final week of our fast, and it’s not too late to join! Come press in, seek God, and experience His breakthrough. Join the Fast.
- If you missed yesterday’s message, watch it today. “Fasting For a Fix,” powerfully launches us into the final week of the fast. Be encouraged, challenged, and refocused as we press in together.
Join The Fast