Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 22:9-18
Ps 22:9-18
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. 10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Luke 12:6-7
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
No matter how optimistic we are and no matter how good our attitude, life is filled with trouble and not everyone is nice to us. At times it seems that the whole world is out to get us and everything that can go wrong, has done so. Many of us suffer from various forms and degrees of depression. Anxiety is always near.
We may not be able to change our circumstances in life. We may not be able to fix all of our problems, cure our suffering or heal our diseases but we can focus on Jesus and we can rejoice in him, no matter what we face in life. If we are suffering for doing what is right, we know it is being counted in heaven. Whatever we face, it is never more than he is able to help us overcome and find peace.
Our peace and our joy in life is from the conviction that we are not at home in this world. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we are going to that place where there is no pain or suffering and where all is joy and love. Based on our faith in God and in Jesus, we can live triumphantly in hope and filled with his peace.
Heavenly Father I am so thankful for your promise of eternal life in your presence and in a city with no night, no death and no pain or suffering. As you describe the eternal city, I stand in awe at the beauty and majesty derived from you. Increase my faith so I will face every day with peace of mind and will rejoice in all of the wonderful blessing you have showered on me. Help me keep my focus on the positive and not dwell on bad things as I put my trust in you. Use me to share your love and your peace and your joy with others. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
