Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 73:1-6
Ps 73:1-6
1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
1 Peter 4:12-17
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
It is so easy to look around us and see people who have no regard for God and who make no effort to serve him but who seem to have no troubles at all. It seems that their lives are filled with material prosperity, good health and loving relationships. It is so easy for us to become envious of them but nothing could be more foolish than doing this for several reasons. Things are not always what they seem to be to the casual observer or to the outsider.
Everyone has problems. Good people suffer and face many trials. Wicked people also get sick, go broke and have all kinds of relationship problems. It is true that some people hide their problems better than others. It is also true that things may go well at times, even for people who don’t serve God.
The real issue is how we deal with our lives and the problems that do come our way. When we have health problems we need to pray. Whatever our problems and trials, we need to pray. As we lean on God as our help we find strength to endure. We should never lose sight that this life is meant to be temporary and is just a preparing ground for life eternal with our Lord.
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for the opportunity of being your child. Thank you for my family and friends who give me so much encouragement. I am mindful this morning of some who are having surgery, battling cancer, dealing with other diseases in their lives and ask your special blessings on them and on the ones who provide them with their care. Help me keep my eyes focused on you. Be with your children in China as they serve you in spite of persecution. In Jesus name.
Robert
