TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
1 With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. 3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. 5 I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! 7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
Psalm 142
DEVOTIONAL
by Jennifer A. Sun
People say that the most valuable lessons in life are not learned in mountaintop experiences but in the valleys. Truth be told, no one would prefer to be stuck in a valley. The Lord has purposefully planned and orchestrated our lives this way—the good and not-so-good times are all part of His plan for us.
Psalm 142 is a maskil of David, which refers to contemplation and instruction. This psalm is rightful that—it is a prayer written by David in his solitude time in the cave, and it is with the purpose of instructing others who will also find themselves in a similar situation.
Sometimes in our lives, we just feel so down and defeated. We may be facing opposition from other people, sometimes even people close to us. There may be big emotions that we find difficult to handle. We may feel abandoned and forsaken by everyone around us. In times like these, and when we are at the end of our rope, we can cry out to God. We don’t need to pretend that everything is going well. We need not force a smile. We can pour out our honest and raw emotions, knowing that God is always listening to us. God will walk with us, and He will deliver us in His way and in His time.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, in the highs and lows of life, we acknowledge Your sovereign plan and purpose. Teach us valuable lessons even in the midst of our struggles. When we feel down, defeated, or abandoned, we can pour out our honest emotions to You, knowing that You are always listening. Walk with us and deliver us according to Your perfect timing and way, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Recent Comments