Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 107:17-22
Ps 107:17-22
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
John 17:13-16
"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Jesus prayed for his disciples on this occasion but also included us in his prayer when he said he was praying for all who believe on him through their message. One of the things he is praying for is that all of his disciples would be one, even as he and the Father are one. He is also praying for our protection against the devil and those who serve him. But notice that that he does not ask God to take us out of this world but that he protects us as we live here. He is always with his own.
We will face trials. These trials include problems of all kinds, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. There will be relationships that are strained and broken, there will be disappointments, heartaches, and betrayals. There will be death that comes to those we love and eventually we face it ourselves. These are all common to all mankind, through all the ages, so we will not escape them either.
But God gives his Spirit to his children. It is through his Spirit that he gives us the strength to endure. He gives us wisdom to choose. He strengthens our faith so we can trust him more. And there are times that we just reach out for him, and Jesus will take our hand and lead us on the right path. When we trust him, we can feel the arms of God enfold us and hold us securely. He will never forsake us!
O Lord God, what a joy to be your child and to know that you really do love me, and you will always be with me, no matter what I face in life. Help me to be more pliable in the hands of your Spirit as he seeks to mold me into your likeness. Keep me from being stubborn or selfish. Give me the servant spirit so I will seek the good of others, even above my own. Be with your people so that we can truly be one as we seek to serve you. Guide the leaders of our nation so that we can live in peace. Give us leaders who respect Jesus as Lord. In his name I pray.
Robert
