Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 39:1-6
Ps 39:1-6
1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence." 2 But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased. 3 My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah 6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
James 1:9-11
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Most of us have times in our lives when we sit and reflect on why we are here and what we have accomplished or what we hope to accomplish on earth. Growing up in the sixties I was one of those who had plans to change the world by being very successful (whatever that was or is) and persuading people to adopt some kind of lifestyle that would yield peace and harmony. Having godly parents and marrying a spiritually minded girl at a young age shielded me from the psychedelic trap into which many fell so I pursued the chase to get ahead (of what?) and find success.
As the day to day grind fell into place, life seemed to find me drifting or being tossed more than it found me in control. Family, with all the activities and the never-ending supply of bills seemed to dominate my time and energies. Then by circumstances not my own, I began to preach. My young wife had never dreamed of being preacher’s wife and it was certainly not on my list in life. But then we realized that changing the world and finding meaning is in following Christ and leading others to do the same. Success is knowing Jesus and living for him!
