I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. Psalm 16:7-9, NASB 1995
As teachers, we often find ourselves facing difficult, repetitive situations with unsurprising outcomes. We may have a distracting student in our classroom who behaves predictably, or we may know a staff member who holds a particular opinion and consistently voices it in ways that side-track or stifle productive discussions.
Ongoing, “chronic” problems require us to divert a lot of our energy into maintaining a professional attitude by not getting angry. It is not uncommon for us to eventually develop defensive patterns of thinking to protect ourselves in these environments. These “ruts” often result in drawing us into either power struggles or isolation.
However, because of the Lord’s profound promises in today’s verses, we know that we can stand securely in His presence in any situation. What is most profound about these verses is how David describes the posture he takes through his knowledge that he “will not be shaken.” He says, “Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.” This verse offers us a portrait of a person standing in the utmost confidence of faith in his God.
Sometimes we need to stop and remind ourselves that the Lord is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He stands with us, not against us, and is for us. He will be quick to give us the wisdom we ask for when we need it (James 1:5).
Be encouraged today that the Lord “is at your right hand,” and because of this, you “will not be shaken.” You can take on the posture of perfect peace (shalom). Bless the Lord today in a difficult situation, allow Him to instruct you, and step into peace as you wait for Him to reveal Himself to you. Then the peace that you carry will position you to walk forward in supernatural wisdom and grace.
Lord, help me to see what I cannot see. Give me the strength to address this situation once again. I ask that You grant me the wisdom I need to secure a successful outcome. I choose to rest (shalom) until Your peace allows me to move forward. Amen.
Copyright David Bedell.
David is a retired member who lives in California.
4 Responses
It’s 2:30am. After an emotional day I am delving into scripture for peace and guidance. Your devotional shows up at just the right moment. I will continue my early morning reading with the scripture you sent.
Thank you and may God’s blessing always be upon you,
Verna Brought
Verna, God is so good! He always knows exactly what we need, right when we need it! And He loves that you turn to His Word for peace and guidance! I pray that God continues to pour out His blessings upon you!
How can you take the posture of perfect peace when anxiety hormones are running through your body… I know it’s possible. Breathing deep helps and exercise. But it’s still there. Maybe we are supposed to be in fight or flight… I’m glad there is an option to not be shaken. I will pray for this and expect it supernaturally. TY CE.
Bobbie, I pray that God blesses you with His peace that surpasses all understanding when you feel anxious – He is willing and able!