Tuesday, January 20th | Daily Devotion
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. -Psalm 16:1-5
TRANSCRIPTION:
Great morning. God bless you on this incredible Tuesday. I’m Dr. Powell, and we’re here with our weekday morning devotional. During this month of January, we’ve been couched in the book of Psalms, which allows us the opportunity to tap into David’s most intimate experiences as it relates to how he interacted with the Holy—specifically through trials, tribulations, and circumstances that we all face even today.
We’ve poetically contextualized this notion as Psalms and the Key of Life. And on this week, I wanted to open us up with Psalm 16. As usual, we’ll read a portion of it, but it’s my intention that you read the entirety of that Psalm in your free time, ultimately gaining reflection notes to push us forward and give us marching orders as we start our day. So gather your family around, and let’s get started.
“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.’ As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.” And it goes on.
This Psalm finds David echoing the sentiments of what it means to be truly committed to the Lord, even in times of trouble. He compares himself to others who find themselves in seasons of challenge and says, listen—this is a time where I’m affirming not only my allegiance, but my dedication to stay focused and steadfast, learning to trust in the Lord. Even though things may seem difficult, I still place all of my trust in You.
I can honestly attest to this because I’ve been there myself. Have you ever reached a place where you said, “God, I’m going to establish my allegiance”? And the reason you do that is because you want there to be no question, in this time of trouble, about where you stand. No cause for concern as to which side you’re on—because you know there’s nothing you’re going through that God isn’t in control of or unable to bring you through.
David also contrasts this by talking about those who put their trust in other things. He reminds us that there will be people around you who place their allegiance in other gods, other notions, and things that are temporary. He says the Lord will not honor that misplaced trust. But there is a reward connected to focus and dedication in this season.
So I want to encourage you even on this Tuesday: stay focused. The reward for being focused is victory. I don’t know what you’re getting ready to face today, but what I can tell you is that establishing who receives your credit, honor, glory, and attention is paramount to how you’ll handle the next issue, the next problem, the next circumstance.
There is only one source who can truly see you through. And the sooner you recognize the source of your strength and the source of your help, the sooner God shows up and shows out in your situation.
So be encouraged on this Tuesday. Stay focused. Stay steadfast. Remember who you are and whose you are. Trouble may come, but trouble won’t last always—and there is only one who can bring you through. Focus your attention, your time, and your trust on Him. He’s never let you down before, and He’s not going to start today.
When you read further in that Psalm, you’ll find David rejoicing—what may seem premature—but rejoicing with confidence in what’s to come. Be encouraged today. God bless you.