Day 119
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| In Despair, be like King David, Pray to God! |
Weekly Devotional
April 28—
Psalm 40: Looking Up from Down Under
Reflection
Your walk through Chronicles has continued with the reign of Solomon, the construction of the temple, the folly of Rehoboam and Abijah, the renaissance of Asa and Jehoshaphat, and more wicked and righteous rulers until the unholy ways of King Ahaz send Judah staggering spiritually.
It easy to be overwhelmed by the foolish and sinful rebellion of God's people. But it's even easier to be brought low by our own sinfulness, or by difficult circumstances and dark times. But that's when we need to turn to the Lord in faith and hope, as David reminds us in Psalm 40, which provides our moment of refreshing worship this week.
It easy to be overwhelmed by the foolish and sinful rebellion of God's people. But it's even easier to be brought low by our own sinfulness, or by difficult circumstances and dark times. But that's when we need to turn to the Lord in faith and hope, as David reminds us in Psalm 40, which provides our moment of refreshing worship this week.
Be Encouraged!
Think about it: "95 percent of all adults surveyed readily admit having occasional times of depression; the other 5 percent were too depressed to respond to the survey," Does that humorous thought depress you or encourage you?
Discouragement, depression personal loss, a sense of hopelessness—they're the universal experience of people. Psalm 40 describes one such moment in the life of King David—a time he likened to being "in the pits." There he learned that the question is not, "Will I find myself from time to time in the pit?"—you will! Rather, the question is, "What will I do once I find myself there?"
David discovered a way to move from the mire (v. 2) to the choir (v. 3). Resisting the temptation to complain, get bitter, give up, or grow angry, David cried out to God, waited for his answer, and when it came gave God the credit!
Take time today to call up a friend you sense may be "in the pits," and share David's testimony from Psalm 40. As you reach out to someone in need, you'll be amazed how God will encourage you both!
Discouragement, depression personal loss, a sense of hopelessness—they're the universal experience of people. Psalm 40 describes one such moment in the life of King David—a time he likened to being "in the pits." There he learned that the question is not, "Will I find myself from time to time in the pit?"—you will! Rather, the question is, "What will I do once I find myself there?"
David discovered a way to move from the mire (v. 2) to the choir (v. 3). Resisting the temptation to complain, get bitter, give up, or grow angry, David cried out to God, waited for his answer, and when it came gave God the credit!
Take time today to call up a friend you sense may be "in the pits," and share David's testimony from Psalm 40. As you reach out to someone in need, you'll be amazed how God will encourage you both!
Prayer
Lord God, the very times we really need you are the times we withdraw from you. Help us to follow David's example instead by calling to you, waiting for you, and praising you for your answer. More than that, use us as your ambassador to a brother or sister who's struggling with depression today. Through us encourage them to rely on you, for you alone are able to hear and to help. In Jesus name, amen!
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| God will Lift you out of Despair! |
