Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 119:81-88
Ps 119:81-88 Kaph
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, "When will you comfort me?" Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Luke 2:8-11
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Jesus came to earth on a temporary work visa. He knew when he left his home that it was a temporary mission and that he would be coming back. When we go somewhere to work, on vacation, or just for a visit, we approach it differently than we do when are moving to a new location. We limit our commitments, we lessen our interests, we plan on leaving, so this is just a short stay to get a job done.
We need to remember that we are here on earth with a temporary visa. This world is not our home, we are just passing through. We are here to do a job, to carry out a mission, and then we will be leaving. This is why we are not to fall in love with the things around us. This is why we do not let possessions control us or consume us. The Lord has provided us with all we need to carry out our mission on earth, but all these things are temporary, and we will leave them behind.
This should not diminish our joy or enthusiasm with which we live. We are to be excited each day with anticipation of what the Lord has in store for us that day. He plans to use us for his glory and to help us get ready to go home with him.
O Lord, what a joy to know that this world is not my home. This takes away my worry, my anxiety about all that is going on that is so wrong. This relieves me from trying to be in control of everything. Thank you for all the things that you have put in my life and allowed me to use. Help me never be selfish, but to be willing to use everything to your glory by helping others along the way. Keep me from getting caught up in anything that would take me away from you. Give your peace to those who are grieving and suffering. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
