00:04Fire can be a strong and powerful force. When firefighters face a large fire, they can't always
00:12extinguish it immediately. To prevent the fire from causing any greater damage, firefighters
00:18often contain the fire first. But containment isn't extinguishment. When we face fires or
00:25desperate circumstances in our lives, we tend to respond by trying to extinguish the fires
00:31ourselves. We do everything in our power to take care of things on our own. And while it may be
00:38helpful for a moment, it's often only a matter of time before the fire reignites. This is because,
00:44on our own, we are only able to contain the fires, not extinguish them. But when we rely on our
00:51Heavenly
00:52Father to protect us from the fires of life, we don't have to worry about their threat.
00:57Our God is stronger than any situation or circumstance. Today, in Psalm 17, we see David
01:05fully aware of God's incredible strength and power. He is in a desperate situation, fearful for his life.
01:12But instead of cowering in terror, he turns to God. David knows where true strength is found.
01:19In this prayer, David focuses on the three Ps, prove, protect, and provide. Prove, David prays for
01:27God's vindication. He knows that his father is a fair and just judge and that he sees David's pursuit
01:34of righteousness. Protect, David calls upon the Lord's power for safety. In verse 8, we see David
01:42begging the Lord for his shelter. He is our ultimate protection. Provide, David, in faith, shows that he
01:50trusts God to provide. In verse 15, David knows the Lord will bring true joy and satisfaction,
01:57whether that be now or later. How can you surrender your current circumstances to the Lord right now?
02:04How have you seen God provide for you in the past? Prayer, wonderful and mighty God, please protect
02:12and provide for my circumstances. Grow my faith and let me trust you with everything I am.
