Psalm 28 (Listen)

28:1   To you, O LORD, I call;
    my rock, be not deaf to me,
  lest, if you be silent to me,
    I become like those who go down to the pit.
  Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
    when I cry to you for help,
  when I lift up my hands
    toward your most holy sanctuary.
  Do not drag me off with the wicked,
    with the workers of evil,
  who speak peace with their neighbors
    while evil is in their hearts.
  Give to them according to their work
    and according to the evil of their deeds;
  give to them according to the work of their hands;
    render them their due reward.
  Because they do not regard the works of the LORD
    or the work of his hands,
  he will tear them down and build them up no more.
  Blessed be the LORD!
    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
  The LORD is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
  my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.
  The LORD is the strength of his people;
    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
  Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.




Devotional:

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. Therefore my heart celebrates, and I give thanks to him with my song (Psalm 28:7 CSB).

How has the Lord been your strength and shield? How have you experienced his help and protection? What songs do you use to give thanks to him? Exodus 15 is Moses’ song of thanks after God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. Hannah’s song of praise for the birth of Samuel is 1 Samuel 2. We have a natural tendency to forget all the times God has been our strength and shield; songs are one way we can remember and give thanks. Remember — it is not the quality of our singing but the heart of thanksgiving behind the song that honors God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord today!

Pray it: Father, thank you for being my strength and my shield. Help me to celebrate that truth and the ways you have helped and protected me. May this joy fill my heart and my lips whenever I sing or speak about you. Amen.

Share it: Share a verse or thought from this passage with someone today.