Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 107:39-43
Psalms 107:39-43
39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; 40 he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. 41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. 42 The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. 43 Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.
God never promised to free us from our problems, trials or hardships. What he does promise is that we will never have more on us than we can bear provided we put our trust in him and use his strength. What we can do is follow the example of Paul and use these things to build us up in the faith, to make us more committed instead of weakening us and then use our experiences to help others overcome their trials, heartaches and problems.
James and Peter both tell us to count it joy, to rejoice when we face various trials because they will do us good. As an oak tree that grows from a tender shoot to a huge tree, our faith must grow with adversity. While it is young the tree does not have to withstand the winds because it is small and has few branches. When it is full grown it must take the brunt of every storm but it is ready then because the roots have grown deep and wide and secure it to the ground.
When we are rooted and grounded in the word of God by faith and we face the storms of life, we need not fear because God will not let go. He will hold us secure and protect us from whatever comes. If we fail to trust God and try to overcome by ourselves we will fail because we have no root in Jesus to hold us.
The wonderful thing is that even though these things come, God never forgets us and never leaves us. He will provide grace sufficient for our every need so we can be strong in him when we are our weakest ourselves. He will lift us up and bless us as we hold on to him. He is ever compassionate, merciful and loving toward his own. So when we are wise, we will consider the love of the Lord.
O God, my heavenly Father, I thank you for your love. I thank you for lifting me when I am down and protecting me from the storms of life. Help me ever trust in you and never try to embark on my own strength. Give me faith and wisdom to learn from my trials, from my mistakes and from every experience in my life. Use me to help others in their trials and to help them carry their load in life. Help me use every opportunity you give to share your gospel and to teach your word. Give me wisdom and strength to be what you want me to become as your Spirit guides my life. Be with those who are serving you in difficult circumstances and in the face of persecutions and help them be faithful. I pray in the name of Jesus.
--Robert
