Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 45

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

A significant aspect of being grateful for the Lord’s protection is not only acknowledging the benefits of the rescue, but recognizing the calamity that could have been. This psalm of ascent, one of sincere thanksgiving, sings praise to the Lord for his continued refuge. Many times throughout history Israel had been miraculously spared from destruction, particularly as they were grossly outnumbered and surrounded. The psalmist (king David) reminds the nation of Israel how they have profited by the divine hand of the Lord and calls them to glorify his name. As their political and spiritual leader, David understands that both he and the nation (Israel) are totally dependent upon the Lord. They are truly blessed for their God is both sovereignly high above the earth, but also near, dwelling with them and intervening on their behalf.

(Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 26:12; Psalm 34:7, 118:10-11, 125:2; Isaiah 8:9-10; John 14:23; Acts 17:27; Romans 8:31; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Hebrews 13:5-6; Revelation 21:3)

These words of wisdom from the Preacher seek to communicate the importance of living a life of prudence, working with intention and direction, especially because the future is uncertain. Planning ahead and being properly prepared are vital to stewarding what the Lord has given. Because we do not always know what tomorrow holds or understand the mysteries of life, taking chances and trusting God is also key to a fulfilled life. Many can get bogged down in the planning, attempting to wait until what seems to be the perfect moment; however, this often leads to what is called “paralysis by analysis.” At the end of the day, faith in the sovereignty of God can provide a great sense of peace and assurance. Whether the plans of man are blessed or failures ensue, God is still good and has promised to sustain his people. He has promised to work all things together for the good of those who are called according to his purpose. Therefore man should seek to honor the Lord with their efforts, trusting in Him for the increase, even finding joy and purpose in the midst of trouble.

(Psalm 90:12; Proverbs 4:25-27, 14:15, 16:9, 21:5; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 4:2, 10:31; Ephesians 2:10, 5:15-16; Colossians 3:17, 23-24; 1 Peter 4:10)

Paul endearingly calls the Galatians foolish, and rightly so. They had received such grace and freedom, complete forgiveness of sin, a life fulfilled with joy and purpose in Christ. But now, Paul says, it appears that someone has cast an evil spell on them, deceitfully entrancing them into forfeiting liberation for chains of imprisonment. Old Testament history makes it abundantly clear that the law never had the ability to give life, but was intended to communicate humanity’s reliance upon God for salvation. Even Abraham, the patriarchal pinnacle of Judaism, was found righteous before God because of faith and not by any works. But yet the Galatians were willing to choose a life of striving to achieve the unachievable. The law is like a double sided mirror, reflecting both God’s perfect righteousness and man’s inability. On one side it defines the holy nature and perfectly pure standard of God. The other side of the mirror exhibits mankind’s incompetence to meet such an impeccable and sacred standard. Paul was perplexed how the Galatian believers could experience the supernatural movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives and then think that they could sustain or improve upon that by any effort of their own. By faith in Christ, believers become inheritors within God’s family, therefore receiving salvation as a gift of inheritance, not earned or achieved.

(Genesis 15:6; Ezekiel 18:24; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 4:3-5, 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 7:19, 11:8, 17-19)

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