Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 37:23-29
Ps 37:23-29
23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; 24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. 25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. 27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. 28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; 29 the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
1 Peter 5:5-7
5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Reading the stories of the past heroes of faith will inspire us to trust God and be more faithful to him. The Bible (both Old and New Testaments) are full of the stories of the men and women who trusted God and were protected, delivered and blessed because they put their faith in God. We think of the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews when this subject arises. This is partial catalog of these men and women, listing only a few of their deeds of faith.
There are also non-inspired biographies of many more in the ages after the times of the New Testament of those who have suffered for our Lord but remained faithful through it all. Some of them were put to death, some tortured and others were blessed and successful in their endeavors. But in it all, God was with them and taking care of them in his own way, in his own time.
You and I can trust God to carry out his will in our lives. We may end up being a Job or Abraham or we may suffer in this life like the poor beggar named Lazarus. Either way, when we trust God and depend on him, we will find our way into the eternal home with Jesus our Lord and God our Father.
Lord God, creator of the universe, giver of life and provider of all things, I come to you in deep humility and thanksgiving. I stand in awe of your great power and I realize that all I have and all I have become is because of your grace. As I see your majesty and think of your absolute purity, my life seems worthless. Yet, I know you have and can use me to do your will. With great joy I know you have made me your child and that you love me beyond my ability to understand. Increase my faith and help me do your will in all things. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
