May 8, 2016: SOAP #2348: 2Samuel 15, 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25

Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 32:6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding-place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Observation: It is good to pray in time of trouble, but in these verses I hear the psalmist encouraging prayer before the trouble comes. Pray while you have time to pray. Pray when you can wait on Him. Pray until you find His will for your life. Later when the trouble comes, it will not destroy you. Make God your hiding place now before the trouble comes, then you will have a place of protection and deliverance.

Application: In this area of the world, many new houses that do not have basements are built with a tornado proof room to which a family can go when tornadoes are in the area. These “hiding places” should be stocked ahead of time with flashlights, batteries, storm radios, some food and water, some clothing and a first aid kit. When the storm is coming there will not be time to gather what might be needed. It must be prepared ahead of time. Every day, in spending time in prayer and God’s Word, I am preparing my hiding place to which I will go when trouble comes my way.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, how special it is to know that you are my safe place, you are my hiding place! You are my protection. You give me songs of deliverance that my heart can sing even when the storm is raging around me! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!