The Lord Is My Strength And My Defense; He Has Become My Salvation

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.”

When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.

Psalm 118:1-14

Sometimes when we face trouble, we may get spiritual amnesia and forget the grace of God. But a good way of reestablishing a thankful heart is to set aside undistracted time and deliberately remember God’s past provisions for us and give thanks.

When the children of Israel found themselves in a barren, hot desert; they developed memory loss about the grace of God. They began to wish they were back in Egypt, enjoying all its foods and they later complained about their water supply. They had forgotten the mighty acts of God in their deliverance and how He had showered them with wealth. They were dwelling on their current circumstances and forgetting God’s gracious past provision.

We are challenged to, “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” The word mercy means “steadfast love.” It refers to God’s faithfulness. He has promised to be present always in care of His children.

By remembering specific ways God has provided for us in the past, we can change our perspective for the better. God’s steadfast love endures forever!

Remembering God’s provisions for yesterday gives hope and strength for today.

Our Daily Bread – August 24, 2014