Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 31:1-8
Ps 31:1-8
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
Phil 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
There are some passages of Scripture that are frequently used for encouragement or to give us strength to carry on. “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” “We know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” All of these provide strength in time of need as we lean upon the Lord.
I have read articles about each of these and why they don’t mean what we take them to mean (or what they say), but how each only applies to some special circumstance that faced the writer at the time it was written. I never cease to be amazed how some people go to great lengths to explain away God’s providence.
The key to each of these passages is that we truly love the Lord, that we submit to his will in our lives and not seek to do our own, and that we fully trust him to act in his way and in his time. When our will is aligned with the will of God, nothing is beyond our ability to accomplish. When we look for the good in things, trusting in him, whatever happens can be used for good in our lives. When we trust him, and his way for us, we can stand up in any trial and overcome every temptation.
O God, thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement that carry me through the hard times in my life. Thank you for letting me know that you will empower me to accomplish that which is beyond my ability when I trust you and not may own strength. Thank you for providing a way of escape when I am tried, tested, or tempted. Thank you for your marvelous peace, even in the midst of the worst storms of life. Increase my faith and give me a pure heart that is set on your will and not my own. Make me more like Jesus. In his name I pray.
Robert
