Advent Devotionals: Day 13

David begins this psalm with the statement, "I love You..." This is the only time in the Old Testament that this Hebrew word for "love" is used to express man’s love for the Lord. David is responding to God’s mercy and grace shown to him in his life. The opening verses of this Psalm declare the reason for David’s love for his Lord. May these statements also reflect our love for our Savior.

I love you Lord because You are my rock...my source of stability and security. Approximately 20 times in the Psalms the Lord is pictured as a "rock," a stable place for us in times when our world is shaken.

I love you Lord because You are my fortress...my high place of refuge, my place where I can flee for protection. This refuge is far better than any man-made fortress. There is no safer place to be.

I love you Lord because You are my shield and stronghold...my protection, my deliverer from my enemies, and my strength. David experienced God’s strength in his life over and over again as He protected him from his enemies. Today, in life God is ever present with us. He is there taking us through life's struggles. His strength is sufficient to meet any need or problem we may face.

Prayer: Father, during this Advent season we want to thank You for sending Your Son. He came to provide for our salvation and to live through us. Thank You for the strength You give us each day to face life and all that it brings. May we always turn to You and rest securely in Your arms. Amen.