The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States Daily Devotional for Tuesday, 6 November 2018 "Delivered" by Vimbai Chizarura (Harare, Zimbabwe)

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States Daily Devotional for Tuesday, 6 November 2018 "Delivered" by Vimbai Chizarura (Harare, Zimbabwe)

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I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4 (KJV))
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It was 2 o’clock in the morning, and I sat by my bedside, sweating profusely and wondering how I’d managed to escape. I had just awakened from yet another terrible dream, this time featuring a large python that was pursuing me and about to swallow me. I added this to my list of fears and wondered if I could really be delivered from all my fears the way King David was in the verse quoted above. But instead I prayed, and a few minutes later felt safe and fearless through Christ.
Life can be full of fearsome encounters — the fear of not being able to continue paying for a place to live, the fear of all things falling apart in a relationship you’ve devoted yourself to, the fear of having nightmares each time you go to sleep. But in his psalms, David teaches us that when we seek God, we will be delivered from all kinds of fears.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for delivering us from all fears. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13, KJV).
TODAY'S READING: Psalm 34:1-9
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.
8 (7) The angel of Adonai, who encamps
around those who fear him, delivers them.
9 (8) Taste, and see that Adonai is good.
How blessed are those who take refuge in him! (Complete Jewish Bible).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Today when my fears arise, I will remember that God can give me peace.

PRAYER FOCUS: Those suffering from recurrent nightmares

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