Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 29-30; Acts 15
Devotional Thought:
There are all kinds of trials that Christians face. James 1:2-3 says “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (various) temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” David teaches us, in Psalm 30, how we are to handle the various trials of life. David emphasizes praising God for who He is during the difficult situations we face. (vs. 4; 12) The difficult situations that David faced were: (1) being sick even to the brink of death. (2) facing God’s holiness and judgment. (3) and emotional turmoil that included sustained weeping. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” God knows what trials you are facing and He cares. God has felt your pain, and endured the hurt that threatens to never end. David ran into the arms of the One who could understand and praised Him for who He is. “O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.” (vs. 2) David gives a series of contrasts as he addresses the trials in his life. David says that chastening is hard for the moment, but the lesson learned show the grace of God for a lifetime. As grief comes, it creates a darkness throughout the entire night, but joy cometh in the morning. God will help you get up and put one foot in front of the other, and help you to grow in your faith. Each day is a new day to learn to trust God and to learn to depend more and more upon Him. The death of Christ brought weeping and sorrow to the heart of many people, but as we have seen the necessity and the purpose unfold, millions of people have experienced the joy of knowing their sins are forgiven and that their eternity is secure because of that death. Oh how we need to learn to trust God. His way is perfect for He can make no mistakes. The same baby that causes great pain during the giving of birth, creates such joy for that same mother. One author says it well, “Every difficult experience of life-and David had many of them-is an opportunity to have a “pity party” or attend a rehearsal for singing in the choirs of heaven! We have a lifetime of grace (vs. 5) to prepare us for an eternity of glory.” May we, like David, learn to use the trials of life as a rehearsal for singing praises to our great God for all eternity.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to grow in my faith each day. You are always in control and working all things together for my good and your ultimate glory. I want to grow to trust you more each day.
• Lord, thank you for your grace that is sufficient and for your mercy that is new every morning. Your faithfulness in wonderful indeed!
• Lord, please help me to learn to sing praises unto you during trials, and help me to not be so selfish and self absorbed to have a pity party.