June 8, 2022
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! O LORD, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you;
let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol. Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt. (Psalm 31:14-18) ESV
Just for todays’ Devotional Thought, I am going to switch gears. Last night during a men’s fellowship, the topic was having joy; not just having happiness, but having absolute joy, the kind of joy that only comes from having a solid relationship with Jesus Christ. That said, today, I was reading from (Psalm 31:14-24). As I pondered over these Scripture penning by David, I considered this question: Was David experiencing true joy?
When life turns its ugly head, the phrase “trust God” can become a cheap cliché, a vague platitude, or just another inspirational phrase on a coffee mug. If we lose our job, face the sting of betrayal, or experience the death of a loved one, trusting God is easier said than done.
The Words of (Psalm 31:14-24) were not written by a man who lived life in a bubble of God’s favor. No, David, the author, was feeling the life of a chronic failure as a father and an innocent man forced into hiding from a king who wanted to kill him despite his loyal service. David’s sons were murders, incestuous rapists, and traitors. Later in life, David was guilty of murder and adultery. However, amid these trials and failures, David dared to say, “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God” (v. 14). David’s trust in God was the result of a life that frequently proved the truth Paul penned in his letter to the Romans: “And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Friends, remember all that God has done in your life and in the lives of those around you. Remember He is working amid your circumstances for your good even when it doesn’t make sense. May these facts fuel your Joy and dependence on the Lord. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You fill me with the joy of the Lord, that overwhelming joy. Your joy is unlike anything this world has to offer. It brings peace, trust, and hope, and with that, a rest because I know You are in control. Your Word says in Nehemiah 8:10, Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! I will lift my eyes to the hills, Lord, because I know from You comes my joy and peace. Thank You, Father, and I love You. Amen!
God Bless and have a Blessed Day, Friends <><
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