SOAP 02/22/2012; Psalm 27:13

Today's reading: Numbers 10,11; Psalms 27; Mark 1

S)"¹³ I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living."

Psalm 27:13 (NASB)

O) Really, this whole Psalm speaks to me. I discovered the hope it keeps when I was in high school, trying to serve God and feeling very alone. This verse really sums up the hope I have in God. His salvation is not only the eternal freedom from hell, but also that He provides and protects here on earth. If He did nothing else, but forgive my sins so I could get into heaven, it would be enough; but He doesn't stop there.

A) This verse is so purely how I feel... the only real thing I can say is that I will rejoice in His goodness and speak of the hope I have because of His promises.

P) Father, I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see Your goodness in the land of the living. Words fail to correctly say just how good You have been to me, and yet I know You're not done. If I didn't receive another single blessing all of my days left among the living, Your goodness to me so far leaves me no excuse to be unhappy. Yet my hope continues to expect more goodness, because Your promises have not ended. Holy Spirit, encourage me in boldness to express my joy at the hope I have in the Father's goodness. I will rejoice at the goodness You've given to me, LORD, all the days of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.