One Year Bible - February 3
Scriptures to read:
Luke 24:1-12; Genesis 43; Psalm 34
Can I be honest with you? I was not on the schedule to be writing today's devotional. When I realized that I was going to write it and saw the scriptures for today, my eyes swelled up with tears.
I'm sure you have heard the saying that goes something along the lines of...If you read it once in the Bible, it's important. But if you read twice, your best bet is to pay close attention. I take that to heart. Especially when the same verses keep coming up to my attention. Psalm 34 has been brought up to me on three different occasions in the last 3 days.
I'll spare you all the details but let's just say I've gone through the Free 30-day trial of 2021 and I'm less than satisfied. Cancel my subscription please. So when I had to read Psalm 34 three days in a row, I started to pay real close attention. I knew God was speaking to me right in the middle of my pity party!
The mental health in our country has been declining with covid and it breaks my heart when I talk to friends, family and coworkers and hear about the different challenges people are facing. My heart aches for the people around me who are struggling, especially those who are lonely.
I love all of Psalm 34 but the words I cling to are these:
"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
No matter what you are going through, hang on to God's promises. Read and pray through Psalm 34 and be encouraged today. You are not alone. If you know of someone who is struggling, encourage them with this Psalm today. The Lord is close and he hears you.
Memory Verse: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. - Psalm 34:18
Prayer: Lord, I lift up every single person who is hurting today. I pray that you listen to their cries. Listen to their pleas. Be close to those who are lonely and in despair. Amen.
