Psalms Day 3

Read Psalm 69, 89

Today's Devotion Psalm 69:6

6 May those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me,
O Lord, the LORD Almighty;
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me,
O God of Israel. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Today's Psalms are pretty heavy -- written by people who are discouraged, shunned, and seemingly at the end of their ropes. David, a man after God's own heart, is feeling totally abandoned. In fact, he prays that God will attack his enemies in pretty graphic terms. It's encouraging to know that God didn't strike him down or pull back on his love just because David is so frustrated and angry. I'm pretty sure I've never asked God to blind anyone or to forbid their salvation, but I haven't always followed Jesus' command to love my enemies.

Other Christians can look upon our human responses to tough times -- discouragement, anger, frustration -- and realize that we are all human. However, those who are watching us closely to see if we are truly living out what we preach will be quick to jump on any action that doesn't appear to be what they think 'Christians' should do.

Jesus told us about the responses of different types of people in his parable about the farmer who sowed his seeds on hard paths, rocky soil, weed-infested areas, and good soil. While we hope that God doesn't allow us to be tested like Job was, we are told that difficult times will come. The way we respond to them reflects the depth of our relationship with Christ.

Some will blame God and throw away all that he offers. Others will make worldly decisions because that seems like an easier way out -- then wonder why God doesn't take away the difficult consequences.

Others -- despite the most dire circumstances of unemployment, illness, and death --continue to lean on Christ and proclaim his love in their very demeanor. Yes, they are crushed and almost broken, but they know that God works all things for good and they trust him through the tough times. They are able to reflect the love of Jesus even through their tears.

The difference is solely the way we chose to lean on Him. I pray that we will all be able to stand up under hardship in a way that proves to others that he alone is God.