jan 22 daily devotion
Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 12:26 am
Psalm 141
The real problem with our words is that they reveal what is in our hearts. This is so important because we can be circumspect and conscientious in our devotion to the Lord and obedient in everything we do, but if we fail in the words we utter, it nullifies everything else and defies the sanctification we should exhibit. Always speaking with integrity and truth, avoiding casual slang that is associated with searing even though we may not actually use a crude or lewd word, or foregoing insensitive criticism and gossip are all ways that God would lead us.
Throughout the Psalms, the repetitive plea that God would hear our prayer and heed our supplications reminds us that we should not be presumptuous that God is always at our beck and call. He is always present and delights in blessing us and granting our petitions. But this is contingent on our prayers being in accord with His will and what is glorifying to Him, not just because we want our perceived needs fulfilled. That is why our prayers should be as incense offered to Him and with a heart of submission as symbolized by uplifted hands. While the snares of the wicked and those who would have ill will toward us are painful, it is the snares of our own carnal hearts from which we need deliverance. God is our only hope. We must look to Him to be our refuge and defense.