Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 66:8-15
Ps 66:8-15
8 Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; 9 he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. 10 For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. 11 You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. 12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. 13 I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you--14 vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. 15 I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah
John 17:14-19
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
When Jacob was running from his brother Esau, he had an encounter with God who appeared to him and made him promises. Jacob responded much like we do today when he tried to bargain with God. He said “if” you will be with me and “if” you will bring me back safely (God had said he would do these), “then” I will serve you for the rest of my life. How many times have we tried to bargain with God when we need something or some tragedy has come upon us?
In contrast to this, the Psalmist says that since God has blessed him in the past and will continue to be with him in the present and future, he will praise him and serve him. One is looking out for self and the other is recognizing God as God.
As we go through the things we are facing in our nation and world today, we may promise that when this is over, we will do this or that for the Lord. Study more, pray more or be more aware of other’s needs and help more. God has promised to be with us and he will get us through it all, in his time and his way. He will keep his word because he is faithful. Our task is to be faithful to him, no matter what.
Heavenly Father I am so glad that you love me and take care of me. With your word as my rock and fortress I can go to sleep at night knowing that all will be well. Even if I contract the disease and even if I die, you will be with me and I praise you. Give me greater faith as a shield to stop the doubts and fears that are being propagated by so many who do not trust you. Help me live in such a way that others will see Jesus living in me and his love flowing to them. Be with our President and Congress and give them wisdom. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
