Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 44:23-26
Ps 44:23-26
Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love.
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.
Life can be hard! There are times that all of us want to just crawl under the covers and stay in bed instead of facing the day. It may be our job, or it may be family problems, or it may be financial issues or a broken relationship, or it may some diagnoses and the surgeries and treatments that must come. We all have our problems in life. Often, when it rains it pours and we are just overwhelmed.
Paul faced about every kind of problem that we can imagine. David faced more than most of us will ever know. Yet, both of these turned to the Lord and praised him for his goodness and even for his deliverance – before they saw it take place in reality. They knew they could trust God and they knew he would help.
But we are allowed to be tempted and probably the greatest temptation is to rely on our own strength when we face trials instead of trusting God. God is the God of all comforts and there is nothing that is too big for him to handle. But he often allows things to happen that take years to play out in our lives. God is not impressed with gigabit speed or with microwave cooking. After all, he can just speak, and it is done. But when we wait, it is for our good and his purpose.
When we have gone through a trial, we are then prepared to help others who are facing it after us. With so many things, my wife and I have had others who have faced similar challenges to come to our aid. Each example before us (be it from the Bible, from a friend or even a stranger) can be used to strengthen us.
O God, my Father in heaven, I need your strength. I need your Spirit to motivate me and help me get done the things you want me to do. I need your wisdom and your patience. Help me stay focused on Jesus and on the things above, so I will never give up and I will never depend on my own strength or my own wisdom. Use me to help others through their trials. I do ask a special prayer for those who have lost loved ones and who are filled with grief. Give them your peace and let your joy fill their hearts as they know your love. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
