Reading: psalms 10-13
How long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me (Ps. 13:1-6).
Sometimes, life is hard. This is a consequence of living in a fallen world, and it’s not something we can avoid. Frustration, disappointment, failure, rejection, persecution, betrayal – we will experience all of these to varying degrees over the course of our lives. Some come to Christ with the misconception that knowing Him means their troubles are over, but Jesus himself made it clear that that’s not the way it works. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also (John 15:20). What we do have as Christians are the reassurance that our troubles are temporary and the promise that we don’t have to face them alone. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (16:33).
In the 13th Psalm, David provides a beautiful example of how to get through these times of distress without falling into despair. First, he reminds us that we do not have to bear them alone. Consider and hear me, O Lord my God. God’s ear is always turned to us, open and ready to receive. He is strong enough to handle our anger, pain, and fear and will never turn us away unheard or unsupported.
Next, David reminds us to trust in God’s truth and the promises He has already provided us. We belong to Him, and He takes care of His own. He is faithful and loving, and His mercy and grace will always be visible to those who choose to look, no matter how challenging life becomes. The salvation He has granted us through the redeeming blood of Jesus anchors us to Him and assures us of eternal life in His presence, and nothing we might be faced with on this earth can change that.
Lastly, David demonstrates the best way for us to get a handle on our emotions in the here and now. I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me. Instead of dwelling on our misfortunes, we should count our blessings. Trust in God, rejoice in His bounty, and lift our hearts, minds, and voices in grateful song. God is here, and He will carry us through.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30).
Thought For Today:To focus solely on worldly strife and pain is to let sin have more sway in our lives than God.
Christ Revealed: In the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see decay (Ps. 16:10). This foretells the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39). When Jesus spoke His Revelation to John, He declared: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:10:5 puffeth at = makes light of; 10:13 contemn = defy; despise; 11:3 foundations = principles of society based on the Word of God.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Government Officials: Rep. David Scott (GA), Ashley Hinson(IA) • Country: Serbia (7,209,764) Southeastern Europe • Major Language: Serbian • Restricted Religious Freedom • 84.6% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Catholic; 3.1% Muslim; 1% Protestant; 1.1% Atheist; 0.8% Other; 4.5% Undeclared/Unknown • Prayer Suggestion: Glorify the person, character, and attributes of God as you pray a prayer of praise (Ps. 8:1-9).
Optional Reading:Philippians 4