“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation,” Psalm 118:14. King David was both a king and a warrior, yet he understood he was powerless without God’s favor and help. And when King Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s terrible condition with its walls destroyed and its enemies plundering it, he did not start rebuilding the walls by gathering resources or recruiting help, he began with repentance: “let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned,” Nehemiah 1:6 ESV. We cannot effectively stand against the enemies around us until we address our own standing with God. Father, forgive my sins and grant me Your strength that I may help others.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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