d365
I just finished up some writing with d365 and had a great time! d365 is an online devotional for youth, though folks of all ages frequent it. It’s a great site – check it out here.
Over the next few weeks I’ll try and post my devotions. This was my first time writing a devotion catered to a youth audience and was a definite change of pace for me.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8)
How often do you perform with all of our heart? Maybe you perform well daily or weekly when you are competing in a sporting season, preparing for a recital or play, or studying for exams. When you perform well, isn’t the reward of your effort wonderful?
David worshipped God in this way—with all of his heart. He sang God’s praises in front of the “gods” and among all sorts of people that thought he was acting foolishly. But David’s worship was rewarded—when he called to the Lord he received an answer, when he was in trouble the Lord preserved his life, and when David sought the love of God he was given it for eternity.
It is easy to spend more time preparing and practicing for sporting events, recitals, or tests than we do preparing and practicing to have a faithful walk with God. Today, make a commitment to spend more time in spiritual preparation.
Prayer: Father, my priorities are mixed up most of the time and I give my greatest effort to events and people and situations that don’t matter nearly as much as you do. Help me Father to give you my greatest efforts each day, so that I may have the strength to give a good effort to everything else. Amen.
