Release from Self-condemnation

Devotions for those who are weary of feeling not good enough, regardless of the source of those feelings.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Provision Along the Way

Week 9  God’s Love for Us

Day 59

Provision Along the Way

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Psalm 138:7-8 KJV

~~~

M
any years ago, I read Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan. I was young, and the symbolism was not always clear to me, but one idea took firm hold; we are all travelers through this life. 

Our lives are in a constant state of change, and with the clarity that comes from truth as revealed through Jesus, we accept that this world offers no permanent place of happiness. We have learned not to hold too tightly to material things because the Lord calls us to find our heart homes in Him. Lives lived for Jesus become allegories of His years of ministry, and we remember that our Lord traveled from town to town with no earthly place to call home. However, God provided for His Son’s needs; Jesus had both spiritual[i] and physical food,[ii] money to pay His taxes,[iii] and rest when His body was weary.[iv] We may be sojourners—people whose stay here in this world is temporary—but we can be sure that when we follow in our Savior’s footsteps, God will provide for us.  

Jesus has not only forged a path for us to our Heavenly home, He walks along beside us on our way. He has promised not to leave us on our own, and no matter what our circumstances may be, we hear Him say, “I am with you.” 

We live here for now and are allowed transient moments of joy, but our true happiness awaits us in Heaven.  When our earthbound paths hold challenges that seem too difficult to face, God’s Word provides Spirit-breathed refreshment.

Psalm 138 provides rich encouragement for the sojourner:

"... for you have exalted above all things your name and your word" (v. 2).

"On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased" (v. 3).

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life" (v. 7).  

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..." (v. 8 KJV).  

God is sovereign over every circumstance of our lives. When we call on His Name, he responds and grants strength. Even if we are in trouble of our own making, the Lord is with us and will deliver us as we invite Him into the situation. Most encouraging of all, the Lord is able to take our bumbling efforts and inbreathe them with the Holy Spirit's perfecting power. Thus our tiniest positive effort results in the advancement of His Holy work.  

Praise God for His constant presence with us, His delivering power, and for the ways He smooths our rough edges! Incredibly, His redeeming power makes us fit for His Kingdom as we travel the path He blazed for us. Blessed be His Holy Name!

Pray:  Lord, You know I am weary, please strengthen me. You know I have sinned, please forgive me. You know the way seems too difficult for me; please encourage my heart. I praise and thank You for strength, forgiveness, and encouragement through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the love of Father God. I affirm that my hope is for Heaven’s joy, but I taste that joy now because You are with me. I praise Your Name. Amen. 

~~~

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.
Psalm 138:7


[i] John 4:32
[ii] Matthew 14:13-21
[iii] Matthew 17:27
[iv] Mark 4:38

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