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Daily Treasure
Daily Treasure is a 365-day devotional written by published author Sharon Betters and the occasional guest author. Every entry in this 365-day devotional embodies the power of God’s Word to encourage, equip, and energize the reader to walk by faith in the pathway God has marked out for them, regardless of its challenges. Devotions includes a treasure from God’s Word, life-giving applications, guided prayers, and a challenge to reflect God’s love in a way that helps turn hearts toward Jesus.
Daily Treasure
I Will Sing the Praises of the Name of the LORD Most High - What She Said Part 14 - Week 4 Day 5
TODAY'S TREASURE
Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads. I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 7:15-17 NIV
I Will Sing the Praises of the Name of the Lord Most High
Darci J. Steiner, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads. I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 7:15-17 NIV
In the movie The Lion King, the king's brother Scar has little chance of ever ruling over the Pride Lands because the king's cub son Simba is next in line to the throne. Scar is evil and enraged, resenting the strength and success of his reigning brother, Mufasa. Scar desperately craves the throne, so he devises an evil plan to destroy his brother and little nephew in a gorge (pit) where the wildebeest stampede. Scar's lure to the canyon? Mufasa's young cub, Simba. If the trap works, both the king and Simba will die. Scar can hardly wait!
The hyenas, Scar's accomplices, begin the wildebeest stampede as Scar feigns a frantic warning: Mufasa, quick! Stampede in the gorge! Simba's down there! King Mufasa runs to the gorge to save his cub, Simba.
Scar's plan partially works: Mufasa dies, but by his death, he saves Simba. Scar warns Simba, "Run! Run away and never return!" Simba runs far away, trusting his evil uncle's advice. He learns to live the life of "Hakuna Matata" (a life of no cares).
Faking remorse, Scar takes the throne, lying to the pride that Simba has also died in the stampede. But because of Scars' lazy leadership, the hyenas eat the lush Pride Lands into a wasteland. Many herds leave the desolation. Thankfully, over time, grown Simba returns to see dead lands. Simba fights Scar, who is ultimately eaten by his hungry minion allies. Simba ascends Pride Rock, and under his reign, the herds return as the Pride Lands are restored.1
Scar set a trap, fell into it, and was devoured by his own evil plan. During David's lifetime, it was common to trap animals by digging pits and setting concealed traps.
In Proverbs 29:6-12, we learn some differences between the foolish and the righteous person:
Foolish/evil person
- Snared by one’s own sin
- No concern for justice for the poor
- Stirs up a city to anger
- No peace, but rage
- Hates integrity
- Gives full vent to their rage
- Listens to lies and hates integrity
- Seeks to kill the upright
Righteous/wise person
- Is glad and shouts for joy!
- Cares about justice for the poor
- Turns away anger
- Brings calm to difficult situations
David’s confidence in the Lord came from his love for him, so when evil persisted, David could say:
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
You surround them with your favor as with a shield."
Psalm 5:11-12 NIV
Try singing Psalm 7, another Psalm written by David. It's difficult, isn't it? At least until verse 17. David sang of his trouble to God, pleaded for help from God, as well as praised God. Have you ever tried singing your feelings of grief and imprecations to the Lord? See how David's plea shifts to praising God at the end of the Psalm. Look for this trend throughout the Psalms of David and watch how he expresses his difficulties to God, but then remembers the Almighty is in control. David frequently reminds himself, though surrounded by trouble, that God is his refuge and strength. We can remind ourselves, too, of the miracles of God.
PRAYER
Father, when I am distressed, thank You for wanting to hear even those cries for mercy. Thank You for wanting all of me—my lament prayers and my praise songs. When others set a trap for me, give me wisdom. Please help me not act foolishly. When evil persists, may the words from my mouth say as David did:
“I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17
1 Allers, R., & Minkoff, R. (n.d.). The Lion King.
