Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 106:44-48
Ps 106:44-48
But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused them to be pitied by all who held them captive. Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the Lord.
Col 1:13-14, 21-23a
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins…Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.
This Psalm is a rehearsal of all the things that happened to Israel, how they had seen the mighty works of God and then they had turned away from him. When they forgot him, his word, and his majesty, they turned to false gods. He had warned them to not do this, and when they did, they were punished by the nations around them. When they repented, he rescued them and brought them home from their captivity. It then ends with “Praise the Lord.”
It is easy for us to get caught up in the things of this world, to forget all the good things God has done for us, and then turn from him to the material gods in our lives. It is never too late. It is never too bad. God is near to those who will draw near to him. His ear is open to the cry of those who seek him. When we realize we have drifted away, and we turn back, he will welcome us with open arms!
At one time we were all enemies of God. We were in the kingdom of darkness, under the reign of Satan himself. We often measure our sin and sinfulness by our own standards. But the truth is that we are either serving God as God or we are allowing Satan to control us, and we are in bondage to him. But God can rescue us, and he will if we will turn to him in faith. Praise the Lord, for he is good!
O Lord God, You are infinite in wisdom, power, majesty, and honor. I see myself in my weakness and I rehearse all of the things that I have done that hurt you. I do not deserve to be your child and I do not deserve to be forgiven. I am so thankful for your love, your mercy, and your marvelous grace shown to me in Jesus Christ that allows me to be forgiven. Help me remember that you saved me to do good works and to bring honor to your name. Praise the Lord! In Jesus name.
Robert (Note: there will be no devotionals for the next week)
