Monday, July 14, 2008

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 12

~Day Twelve~
Psalm 91:6
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
NKJV

Today is day twelve. We are almost to the half way mark in our daily devotional study of Psalm 91. Today brings us to the last of the situations in this powerful Psalm in which we are compelled to use the “shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

Terror by night
Arrows that fly by day
Pestilence that walks in darkness
The destruction that lays waste at noonday

The word “destruction” in Hebrew is an interesting word. It is used most often when describing the devastating effects of a horrific storm. It is the kind of destruction that destroys and then carries away the debris.

When I was doing the study on this word I was reminded of a horrible storm that occurred on Palm Sunday, 1994 in my home town of Piedmont, Alabama. The storm completely destroyed the Goshen United Methodist Church buildings. Ninety people were injured and twenty people lost their lives that day. As television footage began to stream into our homes, we sat in awe of the physical destruction of the properties in that community. Debris had been carried for miles. A childhood friend of mine lost everything that day. His house was completely destroyed. The mailbox post was sucked out of the ground never to be seen again!
Because of the destruction and loss of life the state of Alabama has spent millions of dollars on tornado warning systems.

Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10 – emphasis mine -- NKJV) According to Jesus, Satan has made it his purpose to steal, kill and destroy the abundant life of every Christian. Unfortunately, many times we drop the shield of faith and allow our joy to be swept away in the tornado of satanic confusion. When this happens the unmistakable path of the storm can be seen in our lives. Debris (consequences of our sin) will be scattered all around.

Consider this devotional a warning for the approaching storm! Satan will bring the storms of life your way! Take cover now! Hold up the shield of faith and proclaim victory over Satan

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

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