Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 1 of 4: “The Scripture Leads Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Psalm 119 – Benefits of the Word!
Today is election day in the United States. At the end of today (or hopefully soon after) one candidate will be declared the winner and will serve the next four years as president. Perhaps the campaign cycle has not just wearied your media scroll, or your appetite for politics, but wearied your heart and soul as well. You may be banking a lot of emotional energy on the outcome of today’s election.
Let me redirect you again to some verses from Psalm 119, where the psalmists encourages us to find rest, strength and hope for tomorrow…regardless of what is going on in the political sphere.
When our soul is weary…turn to the Word!
Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
What promise of God gives you strength when you feel weary? How about today Psalm 46:10-11?
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
When I need to know what is true and right…turn to the Word!
Psalm 119:29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
What truth of God do you need today, in culmination of a political cycle? Perhaps the words of the prophet Samuel to King Saul:
1 Samuel 15:29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”
When I need to know what is upright and faithful…turn to the Word!
Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
What does the “way of faithfulness” look like? Perhaps Paul’s words to Titus (2:11-14)
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
When I need to hold fast to someone or something…turn to the Word!
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
What “statute” can I hold fast to today that will never disappoint or put me to shame? Perhaps Psalm 118:8-9,14:
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
Let God’s Word and promises give you strength today and every day!
Apply: Choose 3-5 passages that always help you to give you strength when life makes you weary.
Prayer: Lord, in all things lead us to look to you and rely on you. Let us not put our strength, hope, and peace in a human being, but always in you. Amen.