Today’s Community Scripture – 11/27/2024

God, come close. Come quickly! Open your ears—it’s my voice you’re hearing! Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising; my raised hands are my evening prayers. Post a guard at my mouth, God, set a watch at the door of my lips. Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company. And these people who only do wrong don’t let them lure me with their sweet talk! May the Just One set me straight, may the Kind One correct me, Don’t let sin anoint my head. I’m praying hard against their evil ways! Oh, let their leaders be pushed off a high rock cliff; make them face the music. Like a rock pulverized by a maul, let their bones be scattered at the gates of hell.

                             Psalm 141:1–7 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                     A Psalm by David

When David went out to face Goliath, I can only imagine the thoughts flooding his mind. It was probably similar to how I felt the first time I saw Shaquille O’Neal: “He’s twice my size. He’s their champion fighter, and I have no battle experience. This is impossible.” Negative thoughts like these likely overwhelmed him. However, one thing that made David a champion is that he didn’t voice these doubts. He understood the importance of controlling his words, choosing not to speak defeat or uncertainty. Instead, he transformed his negative thoughts into positive declarations. He boldly proclaimed to Goliath, “You come against me with a sword and shield, but I come against you in the name of the Lord God of Israel.”

Where do we go from here?

When facing difficulties, the first step is to refrain from speaking negatively. Instead, declare, “I am capable. I will conquer this challenge. I will achieve my dreams. With God on my side, I am stronger than any opposition.” By speaking words of faith, victory, health, and abundance, negative thoughts cannot persist. Use your words to nurture your faith, not to fuel your doubts.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for being the One and Only God, and for showing us that no giant is too great for You. Thank You for reminding us that having You on our side means more than anything that opposes us. Help us to be like David, to guard our words, and to boldly declare Your Word to the enemy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.