July 17, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- Why do you have devotional times?

I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

While driving from Moncton to Ontario, there were many opportunities to listen to wonderful teaching sermons and interviews. An example: C.J. Mahaney hosted an interview, he asked wonderful questions of Sinclair Ferguson. In one reply Ferguson reflected on the purpose of our devotional times. Are these times 1. so that we can get our verse for the day and show God we have done what we are supposed to do? Or 2. For the purpose of learning about God and knowing better how to serve Him with our lives and honour Him?

Ferguson paused. He let the leading questions sink in. In the context of the story he’d been asking a friend, an accomplished student of the Bible, these two questions. The friend replied I must confess to 1 while realizing I should be aiming for 2. Yes. We are to read the Bible to know God. To love Him more. To understand the depths and the riches of Who He is and so rejoice in the salvation He brings to us, unworthy though we are.

Look at Psalm 18, what is teaches us about Who God Is. He is the strength of His people. When all our strength has failed, the infinite, unstoppable power of God, which every nanosecond upholds all the universe and everything in it, sustains and revives His people. By His strength poured out into your life and mine, His power is not diminished in least part.

As the believer reflects on Who God is, inevitably praise will follow. The LORD is the source of blessing. He is the Only God, LORD of heaven and earth, to Whom all praise belongs. The more His people discover Him, think on Him, read of Him, know Him, the greater is their increase of praise, delight, blessing and love directed to Him Who is our shield and salvation.

Spirit of the Living God, increase our desire to know Jesus--Who reveals the Father. Spirit increase our desire and capacity to praise God the Triune! Spirit of God, by Your presence in us and Your vivification of the Word to us, magnify in us a longing to give our lives in whole-hearted service to the LORD, our strength and song. Amen.

https://youtu.be/bOKaL3bee6I