Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the PsalmsSample

Even Though

Have you ever overheard someone telling a story about something they shouldn't have done? Maybe they disobeyed their parents and they were bragging about sneaking out of their house. Maybe they were cruel to a classmate and were laughing about how funny they thought it was. Maybe they lied or cheated in school. Maybe they gossiped about you. Whatever the scenario, how did it make you feel?

David also found himself in a situation where his enemy was spreading the word about how great his evil deed was. He had found help from the pursuit of King Saul and, in turn, Saul had the people who helped him killed. Not only that, but Saul was proud of what he had done. 1 Samuel 22:9-19 tells us that he boasted and spread the word so others knew not to help David in the future. He was proud that he had priests killed to prove a point. And what is David's response? Go ahead and reread the Psalm if you didn't catch it.

No matter what the enemy does, God's love endures. No matter the lies or deceit, the righteous can hide in the refuge of God. Just like David, we can "trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever." We can be like a green olive tree: standing firm with deep roots and producing fruit so others will know Jesus. We can do all of these things EVEN THOUGH there is evil around us, EVEN THOUGH we feel like we are alone, EVEN THOUGH the world seems to reward the unrighteous, and EVEN THOUGH living like Jesus might be unpopular.

GO DEEP: What would it look like to be an olive tree in these situations? How can you stand firm in your faith when it feels like evil is winning? How can you "bear fruit" so others will know Jesus in these situations?

BE BOLD: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with?