August 19, 2024
“and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone but carried them away and went their way.’’
-1 Samuel 30:2 NKJV
Indeed, life throws curve balls, challenging and difficult situations. Today’s devotional is not about glorifying those unpleasant situations but rather to provide a guide on how to handle them and reestablish dominion in life. When life happens, motivational speeches might only help navigate the emotions momentarily, but they can’t bring you into that place of authority over the situation. What you need is the Word of God.
The typical response to life issues is a feeling of pain and shedding of tears. Even with the strongest of men as seen in the case of David in 1 Samuel 30:1-3, it is common to breakdown and sink into despair. Yes! Life happens to the high and the mighty too.
Yet, amid all that, there is an assurance that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning - Psalm 30:5. The word of God is a beacon of hope. Whatever you are going through has an expiration date - be rest assured, joy cometh!
The word of God is a beacon of hope. Whatever you are going through has an expiration date - be rest assured, joy cometh!
This is not to dismiss your feelings or what you are going through but don’t remain on that level. Remember, you do not have a priest who is out of touch with your reality, He can feel it when you are weak and hurting, God understands your weaknesses, and He is touched with the feeling of your infirmities - Heb 4:15. He sees you when that smile is only holding back the tears, He hears the faintest heart desires. When Jesus wept in John 11:35, He knew what it meant to lose a loved one. He has walked in your shoes too. You are not alone!
From our anchor text, David and all the strong men were wailing and lamenting, how the Amalekites plundered their tents, and took their wives and children away as captives Understand that under the circumstances, there was nothing stopping the invaders from wasting the lives of the captured yet through it all no life was lost, God preserved them all. There was hope of recovery.
Beloved, in everything, give thanks. That is one of the ways to find hope again. Find hope in every situation. Waiting on God for the fruit of the womb? Give thanks for being alive. Only the living could conceive. There is hope for you. Are you dealing with a health condition or a challenge? Be hopeful your change is coming. Never give up. Do you know there are people with conditions even worse than yours? Never allow the devil to rob you of your joy.
As you go out today, keep hope alive, let nothing take your joy away no matter what you are going through. Like Lazarus, even in death, Jesus came through. That you are alive means there is hope for you. Don’t give up, help is on the way!
Song of Worship
Oh, I know that I can make it (I know that I can stand)
I know that I can stand (no matter what comes my way)
No matter what may come my way (Jesus, my life)
My life is in your hands.
Song My Life Is in Your Hands by Kirk Franklin
Prayer - Heavenly Father, I thank You for the hope I have in You. Fill my heart with Your peace and assurance. Help me to carry this hope into every area of my life, trusting in Your promises and sharing Your light with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Psalms 105-106; 1 Corinthians 3
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