Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 126:1-6
Ps 126:1-6
When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
On more than one occasion in Scripture, there is a description of mankind or of an individual and how bad things were for that situation and then the next sentence begins with: “But God…”. It seemed hopeless, but God. Jesus explained this when he told his disciples that all things are possible with God. No matter, “but God!”
Another favorite expression of mine is when we read with calm assurance that “the Lord is near.” No matter how alone we are, no matter how much we feel rejected by others, no matter how big the mountain ahead of us seems to be, the Lord is near! Like when Peter was sinking in the waves, Jesus is always an arm’s length away and all we have to do is reach out and take his hand. When we reach for him, he reaches for us, and the distance is cut in half. The Lord is near!
This gives us reason to rejoice in the Lord always. Rejoice! The Lord is near and as we trust him, it takes away all of our anxieties, calms our fears, fills that lonely place in our hearts, and we are filled with his peace. So, whatever we face, pray about it and trust God to take care of it. Remember that the Lord has an army of people, wearing badges of love, who are his ambassadors to help you get through whatever it is you face today. Or you may be that ambassador for another.
O Lord God, thank you for revealing your awesome wisdom and power to us and letting us know that nothing is impossible with you. Thank you for giving us a Redeemer who continues to love us and who is always near to us. Thank you for all the brothers and sisters you have given each of us to help us and for us to be able to help in turn. Help me to trust in you without reservation and then to live in such a way that all I do and all I say will honor you and your holy name. Give us leaders who will follow your wisdom from above. I pray in Jesus’ name.
Robert
