DCLM Daily Manna 31 October 2026: God, Our Refuge
KEY VERSE:“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word” (Psalm 119:114).
TEXT: PSALM 119:113–120
I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
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Mr. Stillman Martins, a well-known Baptist evangelist, was invited to preach at a church on a Sunday morning when his wife became suddenly ill. Mr. Martins seriously considered cancelling his speaking assignment to stay by his wife. But just then, their young son spoke up and said, “Father, don’t you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of mother while you are away?” That afternoon, Mrs. Martins, who could not accompany her husband to his speaking engagement due to illness, began to show signs of recovery. She was inspired by her son’s words and began to write the popular hymn: “God will take care of you”.
The Psalmist here premises believers appropriation of God’s promises and blessings on their love for the law of the Lord in the midst of wickedness in the world. Despite the prevalence of evil, the decision to keep the commandments of the Lord serves as a bulwark against the floods of ungodly men that surround us. Thankfully, God is the hiding place for every believer. His word gives the assurance of His ever-abiding presence in times of needs and troubles. While trials and temptations are common experience, what matters is the way we handle these challenges of life. In periods of crisis, believers should not allow doubt and fear to affect their faith.
We are therefore to comfort ourselves with the word of God and claim His promises that can never fail. The Psalmist said: “I hate vain thoughts; but thy law do I love”. There may be thoughts to seek help from elsewhere. But you must delight in the law of God. You must not seek help from unbelievers because there is no enduring solution in them. Believers who anchor their faith in God will not be ashamed if they hold onto the promises of God. Do not forget the wordings of the songwriter, Civilla D. Martin: “Be not dismayed whatever betides, God, will take care of you…”
Let God’s word become your delight. Read, study and meditate on it. Memorise and brood upon it per time and over time and unlock the hidden mysteries imbedded therein.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: When God is your shield and hiding place, no arrow of the wicked can touch you.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 30–31.
DCLM Daily Manna 31 October 2026
