The Daily Word: Sunday, May 9th, 2021
1 Samuel 5:1-7:17
John 6:1-21
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 14:32-33
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go back to its own place, so that it does not kill us and our people.” For there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. And the men who did not die were stricken with the tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven. – 1 Sam. 5:11-12
The Philistines stole the “ark of God” from Israel. The ark of God is the ark of the Covenant: the physical ark that housed the ten commandments. It represents the presence of God in the midst of His people, because God met and spoke with the people of Israel from above the ark (Ex. 25:22). The Philistines knew that Israel was blessed because of the ark! But what was a blessing to Israel, would be a curse to the Philistines.
God’s enemies cannot stand in His presence. They will fall. They will be destroyed with “deadly destruction” (v 11). Think about what that means for you. If you would simply cultivate a divine atmosphere of God’s presence in your life, you wouldn’t have to worry about defeating your enemies and fighting battles. Your adversaries would simply fall. They would be absolutely unable to mount an attack against you because of the “heavy” hand of God (v 11).
You don’t need a new strategy or technique to overcome adversity. You need more of God’s presence! Spend just a few moments in worship and prayer today. Dust off your Bible and read God’s Word. Allow yourself to be overwhelmed by His presence! Not only will you be refreshed and rejuvenated; but all the obstacles you are facing in your life will fall defeated, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your powerful presence! I know that none of my enemies can stand in Your presence. I am so grateful for Your love and Your protection: Your provision and Your acceptance! I will live my life in Your presence, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.