Scripture Union Daily Guide 31 December 2020
TOPIC: My Soul is Calm and Quiet Before God
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you order my steps today through your word as I meditate on it.
Scripture: Psalm 131:1–3
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Have you ever had an honest assessment of your conduct as the Psalmist did before Lord here? The Psalm is a prayer of humble trust. When an individual truly examines himself, realizes that he is a sinner, and acknowledges and confesses his sins, he receives God’s forgiveness. It is only then that he can enter confidently into God’s presence in an attitude of holy worship and genuine humility. Is this experience normal with you?
As the year comes to an end today, examine your conduct throughout the year and make necessary acknowledgment and confession to receive God’s forgiveness. Read vv.2─3 again and notice David’s confession of his limited understanding of all about God and his ways. If we focus on world events the tendency is for us to be anxious and discouraged. That is not good for our physical and mental health.
The solution for David is to focus on God, rest in the knowledge of his nearness and comfort. We too must learn to cast our cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:6–7; Philippians 4:6–7) and allow the peace which he only gives to rule our lives (Colossians 3:15, cf. John 16:33).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• Meditate: Faith is not mere wishful thinking but a firm convinction that God will always do what he has promised to do regardless of our circumstances.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Refrain
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Prayer Points
• Father, even as the busy world rushes on every second, help me to pause to spend time in your presence every day.
• Pray that God will protect Christians against hostile governments.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 69:30
Scripture Union Daily Guide 31 December 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world.