Gates of the City

By David Wilkerson  [May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011]

God is more prepared to keep His promises to you than the devil is to ruin you.
Indeed, no matter how near the enemy comes to you, the Lord is all the nearer.

“They draw nigh that follow after mischief; they are far from thy law. Thou art
near . . .” (Psalm 119:150-151). David said, in other words, “God, if my enemies
are drawing so near to destroy me, You are all the nearer in my time of need.”

The Hebrew word for near in this verse connotes “defense.” It means, “I am near
you to defend you.” God says He is especially near to defend the downcast and
brokenhearted:

* “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name
is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite
and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart
of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).
* “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as
be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Are you a child of God? Does the Lord Jesus live in you? God says He is near to
you in your anguish. Here is His promise to you:

“I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the
waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow
thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither
shall the flame kindle upon thee.

“For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. . . . Since
thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved
thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not:
for I am with thee” (Isaiah 43:1-5).

David saw God as holding him “. . . by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23). He said,
“God not only is near me, but He is walking with me, hand in hand, through this
whole mess. Let all my enemies come after me. I’ve got my hand in the Father’s!”

Moreover, David said God talked to him, giving him counsel and guidance: “Thou
shalt guide me with thy counsel” (verse 24).

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/18812?src=devo-email