Trusting God Who Sees and Sustains - Your Nightly Scripture - July 13th
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Trusting God Who Sees and Sustains
Your Nightly Scripture
Evening Scripture
Psalm 94
The Lord is a God who avenges.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.
How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?
They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.
They crush your people, Lord; they oppress your inheritance.
They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.
They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?
Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.
Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.
For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Can a corrupt throne be allied with you— a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.
Evening Reflection
The truth we often forget is that our lives, who we are, and all we do are not possible without the Lord. He sees us, he knows us, he loves us, and he sustains us. As our busy lives progress, we so quickly get caught up in our own stories. Believing that we can control our world. That if we work hard enough, we can achieve self-sufficiency. That we have the power to provide our own security. These are lies from the enemy. Our pride leads us to believe that we are not dependent on our Maker. That our hands are as powerful as God's.
The Psalms remind us that God is sovereign. He disciplines the nations. God takes note of injustice. Additionally, he is personally investing in our stories. He formed us and sees us. He supports us with his unfailing love. The lord offers peace when we are anxious and protects us when danger arises around us. We can take refuge in the knowledge that God sees and sustains us. To accept this truth, humility is required. Our hearts must be open to God’s love. When trouble comes our way, prayer should be our first response. When we are spared death or disaster, gratitude must be on our lips. Give thanks to the Lord for his knowledge and power at work in your life.
Evening Prayer
Father,
I give thanks because you see me and you sustain me. Help me to live with humility, acknowledging that you are God and I am your creation. I need you each day of this life you have given me. There is no day I live apart from your power at work in my life. I ask that you protect me from harm. Remove those who seek to destroy me. Provide peace when I am feeling anxious. Bring your perfect justice to the Earth. I thank you, God, for today and for the gift of this life.
Amen.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
