Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 40:11-17
Ps 40:11-17
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!" Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
Eph 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
What do you see all around you? When you look at others, do you see a world filled with ungodliness, wickedness, hatred and abuse, or do you see a world filled with love, kindness, godliness, compassion and concern? The answer to this may lie within your own little world or even your occupation. A teacher in a religious school will probably not see the same things as the vice squad detective.
Did you ever buy a nice new car, thinking it was really unique, only to find its twin at every intersection? We often see that which we have in our minds. The more we dwell on things that are evil or immoral, or ungodly, the more we will see these things around us. This is why Paul said we are to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy.
We need to fill our minds with the goodness of God, his mercy, his love and his grace. This will enable us to be less judgmental and be more forgiving. It will help us see the good in people instead of seeing only their faults. We do live in a world filled with sin and with evil, but there are many people trying to live right.
O Lord, help me see the good in others. I know that I have been unkind and even hateful to others at times. I am sorry for this and I don’t want to be like this. Fill me with your love so others will see your love, your kindness, your mercy, and your grace in me. I know there are those who are hurting from abuse, others from grief, and some from illness or accidents, and I ask you to be with them. Give them your strength to endure, your healing and your peace. Be with our nation and with our leaders so that we can live in peace. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
