Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 60:1-5
Ps 60:1-5
1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry--now restore us! 2 You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. 3 You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. 4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Selah 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
1 Peter 5:5-8
5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
We live in a society that is filled with anxiety. People worry about not having or having too much. Some are anxious about what others think about them or if they will be accepted by the part of society they consider acceptable. We fret because of our health, our looks, our education (or lack of it), our job; not to mention our children and families. This anxiety steals our happiness and peace of mind. Most of these things are beyond our control. No matter how much we worry or try to do something about them, we can’t change them, adding to our worry.
God knows what we need, wants what is best for us and is able to control every circumstance in our lives. When we depend on him he will provide what we need, when we need it and in the way he sees best for us. This means we may not get what we think we need or what we want. We must learn to trust him.
Jesus said the Father feeds the birds of the air and sees every time one of them falls to the ground. He then asks if we don’t realize we are more important than the birds which don’t build barns, gather crops and surely don’t worry. Paul says that “the Lord is near” and we are to turn everything over to him. As we feel his presence and trust him, the peace of God fills our hearts and minds in Christ.
O Lord God give me greater faith to trust you in all things. It is often much easier to say I am turning things over to you than it is to really let go and give it to you. I thank you for all you have done for me and continue to do every day. Help me keep my focus on the things that are eternal, so I don’t love this world and things that are temporary. Help me value what really matters as I seek to be like you in every way. Use me to help and encourage others in their struggles. Be with your people everywhere as they serve you. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
