Day 19: God’s Presence Changes Everything

Devotional: Applying the Bible to my today.

Read: Psalm 32:7, 51:11-12

By Dave Dunson

Corrie ten Boom’s book, “The Hiding Place”, was released in November of 1971. It told of the ten Boom family’s hiding Jews in their home until someone reported them to the Nazi officials. They were shipped to various concentration camps until Corrie and her sister were sent to Ravensbruck; a women’s labor camp in Germany.

The self-quarantine and shelter-in-place circumstances which we might experience today are obviously nothing in comparison to what the ten Boom family endured. Yet these two sections from Psalm 32 and 51 hold important truths for us, as they did for them.

It is interesting that the theme of both Psalms by David focus on repentance. Times of difficulty and stress like we are experiencing now should call for reflection and self-evaluation. Our repentance may be directed toward our lack of appreciation for good health, freedom to gather with friends and family and to worship together as a Church family.

While we are in our “hiding place” (Psalm 32:7) we can choose to sing our “songs of deliverance” because of the Lord’s presence. Psalm 51:11-12 reminds us that we have the presence of the Holy Spirit with us as a reminder of our joy in God’s saving grace and that He will sustain us.

Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word.” My prayer for you today is that you will have a fresh realization of God’s presence, protection, provision and peace.

Reflection:

How does the act of repentance strengthen a person for future challenges?

What songs do you like that you consider to be “songs of deliverance”?

In what area of your life do you need God to “sustain” you?

Father, You are indeed our hiding place and our deliverance in all circumstances. Please restore to us the joy of Your salvation and help us to have a willing spirit that gives us the strength to face each day’s challenges in the knowledge that you will sustain us. In the name of Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Dave Dunson works as a Chaplain for the Tulsa Police Department Chaplaincy Corp and the Pastoral Care Minister at Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, OK.