Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 142:1-7
Ps 142:1-7
1 I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. 3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. 4 Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. 5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." 6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
2 Tim 4:16-18
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
There are times in life when it seems we are left all alone. It may be in times of trouble or trials or it may just be an ordinary day but we feel deserted. When this happens, we begin to think that no one cares what happens to us. Even though it is not expressed to us, most of the time there are others who care about us and in spirit have not left us; but we don’t know or feel this. We feel alone!
Jesus was deserted in his greatest time of need by those who had said they would never leave him and would fight to the death for him. While this was a fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus knew this, it still left him alone and lonely and it had to hurt him as a man. This tells us that Jesus knows just how we feel in these times.
As with Paul, even though everyone leaves us, Jesus is with us, by our side and holding our hand. The Spirit is giving us strength to stand and face our trials while the Father is ever watching over us and our needs. We are never left alone!
Heavenly Father help me never leave you or turn from you when I face my trials in life. Strengthen my faith and open my eyes to see you ever near me. When I begin to doubt, forgive me and take away my doubting. I know I can trust you to always do what you have said and to keep your word but at times that seems impossible from my human perspective. I also know mentally that you can do all things and nothing is impossible, so help me make it a reality in my emotions too. As our nation faces elections in the next year, please be with us and give us peace so that your word can be spread freely. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
