The Upper Room Daily Devotional of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Heavenly Guardian" for Tuesday, 12 September 2017 - Read Psalm 34:1-7

The Upper Room Daily Devotional of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Heavenly Guardian" for Tuesday, 12 September 2017 - Read Psalm 34:1-7
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Psalm 34:1 (0) By David, when he pretended to be insane before Avimelekh, who then drove him away; so he left:
2 (1) I will bless Adonai at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.
3 (2) When I boast, it will be about Adonai;
the humble will hear of it and be glad.
4 (3) Proclaim with me the greatness of Adonai;
let us exalt his name together.
5 (4) I sought Adonai, and he answered me;
he rescued me from everything I feared.
6 (5) They looked to him and grew radiant;
their faces will never blush for shame.
7 (6) This poor man cried; Adonai heard
and saved him from all his troubles.
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On every side, the LORD’S messenger protects those who honor God. (Psalm 34:7 (CEB))
Some time ago while driving on the main highway in the eastern zone of my country, I noticed a car in the right lane traveling at a very low speed with its hazard lights on. I immediately thought the car was having mechanical difficulties. But as it turned out, it was an escort vehicle for a cyclist in training. The vehicle remained behind the cyclist, prepared to help with any mechanical problems and safeguarding the athlete against any physical danger from other cars.
As I reflected on this image I thought of today’s reading. Just as the Lord’s messenger watches over us, God is vigilant in other situations in our lives. God’s watchfulness does not mean that we are exempt from life’s ups and downs, but we can be certain that God is present. God will watch over us and surround us with goodness and mercy to sustain us.
The Author: Agueda Suarez (Dominican Republic)
Thought for the Day: I can rely on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
Prayer: Merciful God, thank you for your loving care and faithfulness. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.
Prayer focus: Cyclists
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