Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 102:6-11
Ps 102:6-11
6 I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. 7 I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. 8 All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse. 9 For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears 10 because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. 11 My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.
Matt 5:3-8
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
A quick lesson in Bible study: read the context. From the verses in our Psalm it seems that all is bad and there is not hope in sight. These verses (for the sake of space on a page) are the outpouring of bitterness but are followed by recognizing that God does and will answer his prayers. Too often we use verses in isolation from their context to prove or disprove when in fact, they do not really mean that for which we use them. Read several verses and even the entire chapter.
Another lessons we learn is that we should not dwell on all the bad stuff in our lives. Even when life has fallen in or when there is a pandemic and we face the unknown or when others are in panic mode, we focus on the good in our lives and see the blessings of God. We dwell on things that are right and wholesome, not all the negative that surrounds us. The rainbow follows the storm.
When we face the storms of life, we turn it over to the Lord. As a child of God, we are never alone. Let that sink in. Paul says that we are to be anxious for nothing but pray about everything with thanksgiving because the Lord is near. Jesus is extending his hand for us to hold and he promises to walk with us in the darkest valleys or the most dreary of nights. He will never leave us or forsake us.
Heavenly Father I am so thankful for all you have done for me and all you do for me each day. Thank you for the ability to use my hands and the technology that allows me to send these thoughts to others. Use them to encourage the readers and most of all, to bring honor to your name. Give me wisdom to know what to say and love to say it in the right way. Help me remember that life is about getting me ready for eternity with you. Thank you for your saving grace and the hope and the joy and the peace this gives me in the dark times of life. Pour your love on those who are struggling and give them peace. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
