This is one of my new favorite Bible verses by King David. When the Lord showed it to me, He impressed upon me that I was to continually call upon Him, so that He could replace all shame and disgrace in my life with His divine favor. By the simple act of calling upon God, I was engaging in spiritual warfare, as the second half of this verse reveals: "But let shame and disgrace fall instead upon the wicked - those going to their own doom, drifting down in silence to the dust of death." The last thing Satan wants is for God's devoted ones to call upon the Lord, because he knows that our Heavenly Father's ears are always open to our cries, and He will never fail to respond. The apostle Peter wrote, "For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), and His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer)." (1 Peter 3:12 AMP) David was keenly aware that the simple act of calling upon God was spiritual warfare, and he wrote in Psalm 18:3 (NKJV), "I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." Hallelujah!

The Amplified translation of Psalm 31:17 says, "Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, or disappointed, for I am calling upon You." When we call upon the Lord for His help with our work at home, or on the job, or in our ministry, we will receive divine favor for our efforts, and we won't be ashamed or disappointed by the results. On the contrary, God will bless our efforts and crown them with success. Why? Because when we live a lifestyle of calling upon the Lord, we show Him and others that we are not depending upon our own wisdom, skills, or talents. Instead, we are demonstrating a humble dependence upon God, which opens the door to divine favor and assistance. And at the same time, we are shutting the door on the devil and his evil intentions and interference.

Do you need healing in your body today? Call upon God. Do you need help for your finances? Call upon the Lord. Do your relationships or your marriage need to be transformed? Call upon God - and watch Him replace your shame and disappointment with His divine favor and victory!

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to call on You continually, so that You can replace all shame and disgrace in my life with Your divine favor. Remind me often that when I call upon You with praise on my lips, I am engaging in spiritual warfare. Thank You that as I look to You for help in all of my endeavors, You will crown my efforts with success!