Remembering God’s Character

REMEMBERING GOD’S CHARACTER

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

I wait quietly before God,

for my victory comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man—

all of them trying to kill me. . . .

They plan to topple me from my high position.

They delight in telling lies about me.

They praise me to my face

but curse me in their hearts.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken.

My victory and honor come from God alone.

He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

O my people, trust in him at all times.

Pour out your heart to him,

for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,

and the powerful are not what they appear to be.

If you weigh them on the scales,

together they are lighter than a breath of air.

Don’t make your living by extortion

or put your hope in stealing.

And if your wealth increases,

don’t make it the center of your life.

God has spoken plainly,

and I have heard it many times:

Power, O God, belongs to you;

unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.

Surely you repay all people

according to what they have done.

The wisdom of waiting for someone—particularly in the midst of a storm—depends upon the character of that person. Are they trustworthy? Reliable? Strong enough to get us through what we’re facing? These are the questions we ask—probably subconsciously—about God. Is he really trustworthy? Reliable? Strong enough to get us through what we’re facing? We wonder, and often we place our trust in other things that seem secure. But the psalmist counsels us to wait and to trust. God is trustworthy and reliable. He has the strength and power to get us through whatever we face. Even when we feel certain that we cannot make it through or that God is absent, we can trust him. He’s not only powerful but also loving—unfailingly so. How might our lives be shaped if, in the midst of storms, we remembered God’s character and let the truth of who he is lead us to trust?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• Where have you been withholding your trust of God for fear that he might not come through? What would increase your willingness to trust?
• What aspect of God’s character do you need to be reminded of consistently? What will help you remember that truth?

Lord, I know your character based on my own experience and what I read in the Scriptures, and still I don’t fully trust you with every area of my life. Remind me of your unfailing love, unmatched power, and ability to bring peace in the midst of storms. Remind me of your willingness to rescue me and be my refuge. Be the center of my life, my stronghold, and my light. Amen.