Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 80:1-7
Ps 80:1-7
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. O Lord God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us. Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
John 17:9-11
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name — the name you gave me — so that they may be one as we are one.
We live in a world that is filled with trouble. Nations rise against nations; people hate each other without cause. The things of this world have become gods to many. The pursuit of pleasure has become equated with finding purpose in life and ignores the true joy that is found in Jesus. Far too many, even among God’s people, think that when we disagree, we must feel bitterness or hatred.
When we put our trust in Jesus as the King of kings, we can find true joy and we can have peace in our hearts. Knowing that he is in control takes away our fear of the unknown future. When we live united in the Spirit with other believers, we show the world the love of God in Jesus Christ. In him we find our strength.
Life is filled with trouble. All of us have problems. As we age, we have more pains and physical issues in our frail bodies. We face death with those we love. The economy has ups and downs, so we make money at one time but lose it later as the financial markets fluctuate. Whatever it is that we face, we have assurance that Jesus will give us the strength to get through it. But we must keep our eyes on him and on the things above where he is seated at the right hand of the Father.
O Lord, my Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth. Your glory is seen in the heavens and your majesty is seen on the earth. When I get down and out, or when I become depressed without cause, when I begin to doubt, or when I lose sight of the purpose of my existence, fill me with your Spirit, your joy and your marvelous peace. Help me remember that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. Give me joy in being your servant. Thank you for loving me and giving me family and friends who love me too. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
