Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 74:15-23
Ps 74:15-23
15 It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever-flowing rivers. 16 The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. 17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. 18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, O LORD, how foolish people have reviled your name. 19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever. 20 Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. 21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name. 22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long. 23 Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.
Rom 8:18
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
God has and will protect his own. We have the assurance that he knows all we are facing in these troubled times. But there have been much worse times than these when the Roman government set out to destroy all those who professed Jesus as their Lord. And then another government attempted to wipe out all who put their trust in God and in Jesus Christ as they sought to annihilate all of the Jews and as well as all Christians. There have been a lot of troubled times in history.
God protected them but for some that protection was facing death and leaving this world behind. It may be persecution; it may be a testing of faith or it may be that we are in a bad situation so we can help others with their faith. The reason why we are having a pandemic is not important but what is important is that we put our trust in God and we depend on him to carry us through it all.
We are saved by grace. But every breath of air we inhale into our lungs is also by the grace of God. The sunshine and the rain, the flowers and the birds that sing and the change of seasons are all by the grace of God. If you want a constant reminder of the goodness of God, plant a rose bush and enjoy its beauty.
Heavenly Father I am so thankful for the roses you have given me in my life. The beauty of your creation in flowers and the songs of birds remind me of your love and your goodness. The thrill of reading poetry (and especially the Psalms) makes my heart sing with joy. Your goodness abounds, even as your power and majesty also abound, so help me open my eyes and be thankful for your grace shown to me in so many ways. Forgive me when I fail you. Guide the leaders of the nations so we can live and worship you in peace. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
