Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 17:11-15
Ps 17:11-15
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. 12 They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover. 13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. 14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. 15 And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
James 1:2-5
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
There are some days that it is hard to get up and get going. Some days it seems the whole world is out to get us or the sky (in our minds) is black with no ray of sunshine to brighten our day. It is on these days that we need a hug or we need someone to talk to about what is going on in our lives. We just want to know that someone cares about us, even if they cannot actually change anything.
We all need that one friend who we can talk to and who will listen. In Jesus, we have that friend and he not only listens to us but he can change things too. He has been where we are. He understands being treated unfairly. He know what it is like to suffer and to have his body racked with pain. He understands mental anguish so great that his sweat was as drops of blood falling from his head.
By faith, this friend will wrap his arms around you and hug you close to his breast as he whispers comfort into your soul. He will not repeat the secrets you tell him and he will forgive you when you have done wrong. His Spirit will live in you and give you strength to overcome whatever you are facing in life. So we can count it as pure joy to be in Jesus, even when we face trials. Jesus is our joy.
O Lord God, giver of life and all things good. I know that I have messed up my life in more ways than I can count but I also know that each time you have been there to forgive me and to help me get back on my feet. I am so thankful that when I am down, you are there to lift me up. When I am weak, you give me strength. Thank you for putting laughter in my life and for allowing me to see the beauty of the flowers and to hear the songs of the birds. Thank you for my family and for the friends in my life. Most of all, thank you for Jesus. In his name I pray.
Robert
