September 18, Behind the Scenes

Today’s reading: Psalms 86-90

“Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant
who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long” - Psalm 86:2.

Sometimes you may think God did not answer your prayer, but you must consider the possibility that things would have been worse or different than they are if you had not prayed. There are times it may appear God is not acting on your behalf, but you can never say that with absolute certainty. You never know what God has done and is doing that you cannot see or realize. What accidents did He prevent from occurring? What evil assignments against you did He overrule or thwart? What curses did He cancel? What consequences of your sin did He mercifully absolve? In Peter’s case, we learn that Satan wanted to destroy him, but Jesus prayed that God would limit Satan’s work and use it for God’s glory when it was all over: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Can you thank God in faith for what He is doing behind the scenes that you cannot see or hear? I am sure, Lord, that You are working behind the scenes to protect and help me. I thank You for all You have done of which I am not aware. I pray for myself now that You would continue to protect me from my enemies, and also protect me from myself, from the hidden sins and negative attitudes that undermine Your work in my life. Don’t stop helping me, Lord!