Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 31:15-20
Ps 31:15-20
My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
2 Cor 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
I was raised hearing and reading the stories of “Uncle Remus” (now considered as politically incorrect) which were filled with life lessons. One of my favorites was when Brer Fox caught Brer Rabbit and told him that he was going to make rabbit stew. Brer Rabbit kept saying: “you can skin me and you can boil me but please don’t throw me in the briar patch.” Brer Fox, after hearing this plea several times, decided that maybe he should just forego the stew and throw that rabbit in the dreaded briar patch. When he did, the rabbit happily hopped through the briars and out the other side, only to escape. The briar patch was his refuge.
When we learn that this world is only a passing place and is not our home, we begin to realize that the troubles we face are only temporary. Satan is the reason for all of the sin, the pain, sickness, death, abuse, suffering and other evils we face in this world. When we belong to Jesus, we begin to understand that he has already won the victory by his resurrection. In him we are more than conquerors and live with the promise of eternal life, in a place without Satanic influence.
Hallelujah Lord God! What a blessing to be your child and to know that I have the victory in Jesus. What a joy to know that no matter what I face in life, the best is yet to come and the worst on earth does not begin to compare with the glory of being with Jesus forever. Thank you for the strength, the peace, and the joy this gives me and yet, I still find myself being anxious at times. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus and let my mind dwell on the things above. Use me to share your comfort with those who are struggling today. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
