Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 71:20-24
Ps 71:20-24
20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. 22 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy one of Israel. 23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you--I, whom you have redeemed. 24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.
Luke 2:28-35
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, had to face troubles in her life. Trouble goes with living here on earth. For some it is worse than it is for others but we all have to face things we find difficult to bear. But it is often from these troubles that we find peace and we derive the greatest joy. When the peace and joy are not there, we can still find strength in trusting God as we overcome.
Paul says that nothing will come our way that is not common to mankind and with every trial, God will provide a way of escape. He then adds that God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. But, these promises are based on our trust in God and dependence on his help. So, when we feel that we have more on us than we can take or when things seem to be so bad that there is no hope, we must kneel in prayer and reach out and take the hand of our Lord, he then will gently guide us to the other side of our trials and problems.
O Lord God, creator and giver of life, I know I can trust you in all things. I am so thankful for your promises to take care of me and help me when I face trials and problems in life. I need your wisdom every day. I need your strength every day to do what you show me is right. Help me keep my mind focused on you and the joy of serving you. Remind me daily of your wonderful love so I can dwell on things that will draw me closer to you. When I get depressed about life, fill my heart with your peace as I trust you with my trials. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
