Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 49:14-20
Ps 49:14-20
14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah 16 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; 17 for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. 18 Though while he lived he counted himself blessed--and men praise you when you prosper--19 he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. 20 A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
2 Cor 5:4-5
4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
It is so hard for us to realize that this life is not about this life. Even though we face all kinds of trials, we have pain and suffering, we are beset by grief and our lives are filled with anxieties and problems, we still don’t want to die. It may be the fear of the unknown or it may be that we don’t want to leave our loved ones, or it may be that we don’t want our families to have to face the pain of our death, but whatever reason, most of us don’t want to die. Even though, in our minds we know that it is better to be clothed with an immortal body and to be with the Lord than to live here in this life, the fear of death lingers in our hearts.
Life is about serving God. Life is about becoming like him in every way we can while we are here. But the real purpose of life is to get ready to go home and to be with the Lord forever. We cannot take our material things with us, so they serve no lasting purpose. All that this world counts as valuable, will lose its worth and become as nothing when we die. What does endure is the love of God that is instilled in us as we allow the Spirit to live in our hearts. Faith is the foundation of our lives, hope keeps us going but love is greater because it continues forever.
Heavenly Father help me understand that death is just a transition from a world of sin, sickness, sorrow and pain to a dwelling where there are no tears, no suffering, and all is joy and peace. Help me use what you have given me in this life to serve you as I serve those around me. Forgive me when I fail to be all you want me to become. Please continue to mold me into your image. Help me hate all evil and love that which is good, right and wholesome. Thank you for your comfort and help me comfort others who are in need. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
