Psalm 144; Acts 18:1-17

Psalm 144
God's care--this is something we all need. David, in this psalm, praises God for his care during war. Thankfully, we as individuals are not facing war, but we do face daily personal battles. God will be our ally and our fortress if we take refuge in him. v. 2

In v. 3 and 4, David reminds us that life is short. It's a wonder that God even notices us! As we grow older we are acutely aware that our lives "are like a breath of air; our days are like a passing shadow."

In v. 9-11 David praises the Lord for the victories He grants, and than he prays for his family and those of his people--for his sons and daughters, v. 12. Then he asks God to bless him materially, v. 13-14, and finally he asks for God's protection. v. 14. These are good examples of how we should pray.

The world is desperate for peace and happiness and joy, and I'm afraid they look for these in all the wrong places. This psalm ends with these words of hope, "Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord."

Acts 18:1-17
After leaving Athens, Paul went to a city called Corinth where he met a couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who would become close friends and associates in the ministry. They, like Paul, were tent makers by trade.

When Silas and Timothy joined him, Paul preached to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. The Jews opposed him, and he determined to take the message of Jesus primarily to the Gentiles. Many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized, including Crispus who was the ruler of the synagogue along with his family. During this time, God made a special promise to Paul that He would be with him and protect him. This did not mean, however, that Paul's time in Corinth would be without difficulties. The Jews rose up against him and had him arrested. Gallio, the civil authority, refused to convict him saying this was not a civil matter but a dispute about the Jewish law.

Paul's struggles should remind us that though troubles seem to find us, this does not mean that God is not a work in our lives. These are the times when we most need to trust God and His promises.