Psalm 46:1 - Hidden To Reign
Step 1: Pray. Select.
Today’s theme was loud and clear as I sat down to pray. The Holy Spirit prompted me to focus on the Lord’s safety and refuge while waiting. As I searched for scripture pertaining to the given theme, I came across Psalm 46:1.
Here is where I began my journey, friends. Let's move to STEP 2.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, God is refuge, strength, present in trouble.
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
As I meditate on the sentence given to me today by the Holy Spirit, I am drawn to the story of David, who hid from Saul while being hunted within the Judean cave.
The Holy Spirit is tugging at me to know, without a doubt, that no matter what I'm facing, God has a plan to protect me. He brings my focus to how David reacts in this particular trial. He has the opportunity to kill Saul at one point, but instead, he spares his life. It is at this moment David could have ended his own suffering of being hunted and on the run, but instead, he didn't. He spared Saul regardless of what might happen to David next.
So, what does this have to do with the verse of today? It is a perfect demonstration that while God takes us through trials, hides us for safety, and eventually allows us to resurface better and stronger than ever, God is continually working and refining us in every step of the process.
When David was faced with a choice between ending his suffering and taking over the throne, which he knew would one day be rightfully his, instead he decided to stay with the Lord's plan, acting in obedience rather than arrogance, because it was not yet his time to become king publicly. He could have killed him, but he did not. If he had killed Saul, he would have had to take the throne at that very moment, but he would have exalted himself instead of being promoted by the most high God. Staying in the presence of God was more important than ruling without God's blessing.
Through David's trials, strengthening, pressing, and ability to take Saul's life but not acting out on this whim, it is clear David is ready to reign, but the way the Lord intends. It is just a matter of time. It is no longer a matter of if but rather a matter of when.
I have a question for the Holy Spirit, so I move to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, how do I know I am being strengthened for something great that honors you, Lord, when I don't see any movement?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
“You must wait. David was hidden in a cave until I brought Saul to him. He was not out searching for Saul. He was waiting and intently searching for me. True faith and unwavering belief in my ways is that you will do what I say, even when hidden, and I will send you an opportunity. David didn't need much when he was hidden, just refuge and my presence. He didn't need to appear a certain way for others to see. He just waited and spent time learning my ways. When I sent Saul to his place of refuge, I was with him. He knew what to do in a private moment with Saul to honorably demonstrate the changing of the guards. It was undeniable that David was preparing for his kingdomhood. These things are not taken by force, but by divine promotion and appointment. Stay encouraged and steadfast, knowing that if you are walking out what I have entrusted to you, there will be a time very soon when I will be with you, and you will persevere through your situation. It will feel like a rushing tidal wave of blessing will wash over you, lifting you to higher ground in which you will sail upon with grace over the high seas.”
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Please let me keep seeking you like David as I walk out the new journey for my life.
Let me not be fearful, anxious, or confused, and know you are with me, present, strong, and providing refuge as you mold me to boldly walk out a path of greatness which honors you and reflects your ways.
I trust your timing in all things, and when I am ready, you will send an opportunity to prove I am ready for your blessings.
In Jesus' mighty name, I pray and seal this prayer with the blood of Jesus - Amen.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, the Lord is our refuge, strength, and is present with you no matter what you encounter today.
If we choose to focus on Him, He will provide an honorable way, which will lead to promotion and His protection. Don't grasp at things because we think we are entitled to do so. Grasp onto the Lord to receive a crown of glory eternally at the right time. It is at that time that the Lord will pull you out of your situation. You will be called to greatness.
The Lord is not a man that He should lie. He does deliver on His promises. So, while you are hidden in a cave of development, know that even if it doesn't feel like it, He is preparing you to reign honorably over your portion of His kingdom.
God bless you, friends. See you soon!
