Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 106:40-48
Psalms 106:40-48
40 Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. 41 He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them. 42 Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. 43 Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. 44 But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; 45 for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. 46 He caused them to be pitied by all who held them captive. 47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. 48 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD.
Never before or since has there been a nation of people who were so blessed by God. Israel was taken from their slavery in a foreign land to become a world empire. They had every advantage that any nation could want. They won their battles so decisively that most enemy nations eventually just willingly submitted or at least left them alone. Their economy was booming and the land was growing rich. Their government was without any form of suppression.
Yet, they were not content as a people. They wanted a king so they could be like the nations around them. They wanted to intermingle with the wicked people left in Canaan instead of remaining separate. It seemed that the more God did for them the more they demanded and the less content they were.
Are we so different today? We are God’s people in Jesus Christ and he has given us all we need for happiness and contentment. But are we happy? Are we content with what God has given? Too often, instead of opening our eyes and enjoying our blessings, we complain about all the things that don’t cater to our whims. We think the world owes us and we are entitled to more.
God is good! He knows what is best for each one of us and he will supply our needs accordingly. The more committed we are to him and to living his word, the more he will be with us. It is this life in Jesus Christ that brings real joy, peace and contentment and separates us from the world around in turmoil.
O God, thank you for all you do for me on a daily basis. I live under your constant protection but because I often don’t see the enemy I fail to recognize what you are doing for me. Help me open my heart to your word and my eyes to my own imperfection and then give me strength to become what you want me to be. Use me in your will and keep me from being stubborn and selfish. I thank you for all those who encourage me so often, so much. Please be with our government leaders and guide them. I pray in the name of Jesus my king.
--Robert
