Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 80:1-7
Ps. 80:1-7
1 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. 3 Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. 4 O LORD God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. 6 You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us. 7 Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Luke 11:9-13
9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Life is not easy. When we think we need God the most and we cry out to him, it often seems he is not to be found. We pray with tears but we see no reply and do not feel his presence. But just when we have things going our way, God is pricking our conscience and reminding us that we are not following his will. When we want God, he doesn’t seem to respond but when we really wish he would leave us alone, we can’t get away from him. Why does this happen?
The answer brings us back to a theme we have seen many times. God knows what is best for us, what we need every moment of our lives. He knows when we are going astray and reminds us. He knows when we get proud and humbles us. He knows when we are weak and strengthens us or when we are foolish and gives us his wisdom. Jesus said we cannot see the wind but it is all around us. We cannot see God or his Spirit working in us but he will never forsake us. God is good.
Heavenly Father, Lord God of all creation, I am so thankful that you always know what is best for me and that you care enough to remind me. Keep me from ever doubting you, even when I don’t see your answers or your working in my life. I need you every hour of every day to give me wisdom and strength. Help me see the opportunities to help others and to serve you. I want to overflow with your love and compassion so I can show others Jesus living in me. Be with your people, wherever they are and protect them. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
