Today's Daily Encounter Friday, March 31, 2023

Today's Daily Encounter Friday, March 31, 2023

I Lift My Eyes to You

"I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt. We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant."1

Today's Psalm only has four verses, but it is such a powerful reminder of the relationship between God and the believer. God sent Jesus to dwell among us and build close relationships with us, but he did so because we were in great need of a Savior. Jesus came to pay the price that none of us could pay ourselves. God did this because of His great love and mercy. Therefore, while Jesus, God the Son, desires us to live in constant friendship with him, today's scripture reminds us that we are God's servants, and whether you realize it or not, this is truly a privilege.

While the term "servant" may be frowned upon in today's "politically correct" society, it is extremely important for Christians to understand and live out this role. Samuel, in his youth, understood what the attitude of a servant looked like. In 1 Samuel 3:10, "the Lord came and called as before, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel replied, 'Speak, your servant is listening.'" Having the attitude of a servant of God means that we are attentive to His will. Samuel had to face difficult situations, and be the carrier of bad news at times, but Samuel was an essential instrument that God used to communicate to His people. It also means being aware of the "slightest signals" from God to guide us. God is always watching over us, but we also need to be watching Him! God is the giver of all things, so we are dependent on Him. We know that God will meet our needs according to His will, but we also need to learn to humble ourselves before him and wait patiently on His timing.  

We are at the service of the King of kings, and Creator of the universe! He is a just King who loves and protects us. He is merciful and wants us to call on him to intervene when we face difficult situations. What other master would show this great care? The life of a servant of God is truly a blessed life.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the privilege of being your servant and for choosing me to be part of your greater plan. Thank you for supplying all my needs and caring so deeply for me. In times when I am faced with challenges, help my prayer be like Jehoshaphat's: "O God, we are powerless… We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

1.    Psalm 123 (NLT).
 

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

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