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Psalm 119 – Day 17

י Yodh

Psalm 119:73-74

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear You rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in Your word.

The Thought

David recognised early that God had a plan for his life. He must have spent hours watching sheep and talking to his Heavenly Father. He learned a lot by supervising the flocks, seeing them give birth to the next generation, caring for the lambs and keeping them safe from predators.

All of that gave him a confidence in God beyond his years, and one that irritated his brothers who when they were near the front of the battle line, were afraid of the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:28). But David’s faith didn’t fail him. He was overheard while talking to his brothers and the conversation was reported to Saul, and the young shepherd boy found himself face to face with the king, The king did not seem too enthusiastic about sending this young shepherd to the front line, but something had to be done, and nobody else was volunteering!

Action

Do you suppose David remembered when he was on his way to meet the king that Samuel had prophesied over him that he himself would be king one day (1 Samuel 16:12)?

Read about David’s victory in 1 Samuel 17, and imagine the shock of every soldier in the battle line, as well as all those in the royal palace!

Think today about how you learned about God, and his protective power. From your parents, from school, or much later in life?

Pray for those you know who do not yet know Jesus, thinking of those who are fighting in religious wars at the moment. Ask God to protect those on the front line as well as their families.

Rejoice today when you see an encouraging person.

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