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Daily Devotion: Psalm 33:18-22

Psalm 33:18-22     "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;  (19)  To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.  (20)  Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.  (21)  For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.  (22)  Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee."

There are mornings when I do not know where to start with my words. I read a passage and I know there is something to be said, but I feel in such awe that I don't know the proper manner to get started, much less where I am going with my thoughts. Today is such a day. The phrase that catches my attention this morning even as I am writing is found in verse 21, "... we have trusted in His holy name." I'm thankful for all the other verses. I'm thankful that "the eye of the Lord is upon" (me) and that He has given me the blessed hope of His mercy. I'm so thankful as I look back on my life that I can see many times when I have been delivered by His mercy. It brings such a debt of gratitude that I cannot hold it inside of me. I cannot contain the tears as I think of the blood of my Lord being shed for me. I am humbled by the fact that Jesus allowed the nails to be driven through His hands and feet for me. My heart is filled with love as I watch the spear being thrust into His side. I know He has helped me and shielded me more times than I could even try to count. Yes, my heart rejoices in the work of my precious Saviour, Jesus Christ. I pray for His continued mercy upon me. That is my hope, my confidence, my calm assurance. As I think about all these things, I know there is something so very special about the very name of Jesus. Just the mention of His name brings calmness and peace. When I think of the name of Jesus, my thoughts turn heavenward to my eternal home. There is so much that fills my very soul as I think upon the name of my Lord, Jesus. Yes, there's just something about that name that provides all that I need.

Take the name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe;
It will joy and comfort give you,
Take it then where’er you go.
 
Precious name! Oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heav’n;
Precious name! Oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heav’n.

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