Firsthand Experience

The psalmist knew that his people needed God’s help to be victorious: It was only through His name that they could “trample down those who rise up against us.” They could not trust in themselves or their own strength or resources; God alone could help them.

Yet the psalmist still felt that something was lacking: They knew these things but needed a first-hand experience of God’s power in their lives.

It was important to know what God had done in the lives of other people, in their time and throughout history. But his needs could not be met from a history book or second-hand reports. These accounts could provide encouragement, but he still needed to experience God’s deliverance for himself.

This is true in our lives as well. We can learn from history, remembering that the Bible is filled with examples given for us (1 Corinthians 10:6). But we all need first-hand experiences. We all need to know these truths for ourselves.

When we go through pain, we need relief. When we feel discouraged, we need encouragement. When we face defeat, we need victory. When we are sick, we need healing. We need to have daily, personal encounters with Him, and know that He is real in our lives.

Today, do you need victory? Help? Healing? Wisdom? Answers to prayer? Don’t be content with second-hand experiences. Cry out to God for your specific needs. Believe that His promises are true for you. Seek Him until your needs are met, and you have the answers. Don’t give up but draw closer to Him. Remember, He longs to have an intimate relationship with you.