Psalm 92:12-15 says, "But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, 'The Lord is just! He is my Rock! There is no evil in him!'" During the time when Solomon was building the Temple of God in Jerusalem, the Phoenician king who ruled Lebanon supplied Solomon with cedar wood. The Phoenicians transported the cedar wood through the Mediterranean Sea by allowing the wood to float and guided through the Mediterranean Sea. Once the wood reached the port in Israel, they carried the wood to Jerusalem and prepared the cedar wood for building the Temple of God. According to the verses above, the cedar wood that was used in the temple never rotted, but it flourished in the courts of God. The wood never lost its freshness because the presence of God sustained it.
The cedars of Lebanon represent those who believe in and worship God. As the people worship God, God's presence sustains them. When we draw near to God and walk in His ways, God becomes our Rock or strong foundation in life. His presence sustains us and makes us remain vital and green, just like the cedar woods in the Temple of God. Regardless of what is going on in this world, God's presence sustains us. Our ultimate security in life is not the government, our jobs, our family, our community, our country, our money, our possessions, or our health, but our ultimate security can only come from our living, holy, and sovereign God. He alone can protect us from the schemes and lies of Satan and his demons. God is the Rock that holds us in the midst of the storm of life. Psalm 46:1-3 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its water roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
We need to remind ourselves every day that God is our ultimate security. When we completely trust God that He is going to take care of us, we do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow. Our trust in God gives us peace and joy in the midst of everything that is going on in our lives.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who is my ultimate security? What happens when I completely believe that God takes care of me? What is God teaching me from this devotion?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, I praise and worship you, for you are my Rock that always sustains me. Please help me completely trust you so that I may overcome my worries and anxious thoughts. Please keep on reminding me that I am secure in you. You are my God who always guides me to your godly ways in the midst of my troubles. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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