15th May 2024

From Lament To Praise

I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk 3:18

“O Lord, how long shall I cry ?” (Habakkuk 1:2). The prophet Habakkuk lamented God’s inaction regarding the people in power who perverted justice (v 4). Think of the times we have turned to God in desperation—expressing our laments due to injustice, a seemingly hopeless medical journey, ongoing financial struggles or children, family or friends who have turned away from God.

Each time Habakkuk lamented, God heard his cries. As we wait in faith, we can learn from the prophet to turn our lament into praise, for he said, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the of God my Salvation” (3:18). He did not understand God’s ways, but he trusted Him. Both lament and praise are acts of faith, expressions of trust. We lament as an appeal to God based on His character. And our praise of Him is based on who He is our amazing, almighty God. One day, by His grace, every lament will turn to praise.

Bible Reading

Habakkuk 3:17–19.

Prayer

Let me be reminded, Lord God, each day of what You have done for me in You Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

14th May 2024

Rest In The Everlasting Arms

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

 Deuteronomy 33:27

O what a fellowship, O what a joy divine,

Resting on the everlasting arms;

what a blessedness,

what a peace is mine,

Resting on the everlasting arms.

Resting, Resting, safe and secure from all alarms;

Resting, Resting, resting in the everlasting arms.

(Hymn by Elisha Hoffman)

When you become a Christian, it does not mean that you will live on a perpetual “high.” The Psalmist David went down to the very depths, and so did the Apostle Paul. But in the midst of all circumstances God’s grace, peace, and joy are there. The tears will still come, the pressures will be felt, and so will the temptations. But there is a new dimension, a new direction, and a new power in life to face the circumstances in which you live, if you are trusting and resting in the everlasting arms.

Bible Reading

Psalm 62:1-2.

Prayer

Thank You, Father God, for the example of David and Paul, of trusting in You, Lord, even in the excruciating valleys of life. Like them, I praise You, and ask that you help me to rest in Your everlasting arms. In Jesus name. Amen.

13th May 2024

Do You Know God?

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

   John 10:14

Unless God is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, and through personal experience, we can never really know God. Most of us know about God, but that is quite different from knowing God. We learn about God through the agencies of the Church, the Sunday school, the youth activities, the worship services. Many people stop in their quest for God at this point. It is one thing to be introduced to a person, but quite another thing to know them personally.

Bible Reading

John 10:11-15.

Prayer

Lord God, Your Son, Jesus Christ is indeed, the good Shepherd, who leads me each day. Help me to love and know You more deeply so that others may be drawn into Your fold. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.