Today's Verse - Psalm 34:10

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

—Psalm 34:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While even the most fierce hunters of the animal world cannot ensure their security and nourishment, those of us whose hunger is for God will find ourselves nourished, blessed, and sustained, both now and forevermore.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Thank you, Father, for the promise that you will never leave me or forsake me, even though friends and partners may betray and leave me behind. I confess that it is sometimes hard to fully comprehend, much less believe, that you are always faithful. Confusing and hurtful times come, and I waver in my confidence in your grace. Please forgive me and renew my hope. I do believe, dear Father, that you love me like no one else can or will. I do believe, Almighty God, that you care about my wounds and worries. I recommit my heart this day to trust in your daily care, provision, and grace for me because of what you have shown me in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 34:9

Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.

—Psalm 34:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Fear of the LORD" is one of the great themes of the Bible. The phrase is particularly hard to translate, especially in light of the repeated message of the Bible to "do not fear" (Matthew 10:26, 28, 31; Revelation 2:10) and John's reminder that "perfect love casts out all fear" (1 John 4:18-19). Fearing God means more than "holding God in reverence." Generally, "fear of the LORD" means that we remember our place in the order of things, especially with regard to who we are in God's presence. We know we are deeply loved by our holy Father in heaven, whom we call Abba Father. We also recognize that we are weak and sinful in comparison to God, and that we are saved by God's mercy and grace. We acknowledge that his majesty and holiness are far beyond us and that we pale in significance in holiness and importance before God. We come to God acknowledging our need for him and our unworthiness to demand anything from him. The reality is that when we approach God with this sense of awe and profound respect, he in turn welcomes us with open arms and brings us close (Isaiah 57:15).

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, God Almighty, thank you for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Thank you for your love, faithfulness, and justice. I come to you on my knees, recognizing that you are holy, majestic, awesome in power, and righteous in all that you do. Without your grace and the gift of your Spirit, I know I could not come into your presence with such boldness. Righteous Father, please forgive me for my sins and empower me to be a person of integrity and grace, to your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

—Psalm 34:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Some aspects of faith are indescribable. They can only be experienced and known by doing them. Taste the LORD by obeying him and experiencing his presence. Sample his goodness by doing his will. Lean upon his grace in your times of struggle and sense his nearness. Take refuge in his care as you call upon his name. God longs to bless you as you seek him. Seek refuge in him when facing life's greatest dangers and fears. Draw near to the LORD and obey him so you can taste his presence and find his nearness comforting and reassuring (John 14:21, 23) because the LORD is near (Philippians 4:5-7).

My Prayer...

Please help us, dear Father, to know you and experience your presence more fully in our daily lives. Open our hearts, dear LORD, as we seek your presence and more fully entrust ourselves to your care. Open our eyes to see how gracious you are. Make your home in us and make yourself known to us as we obey you. We long to taste and experience the goodness of your presence. Thank you for hearing our prayer offered in the powerful name of Jesus our LORD as we seek your nearness. Amen.