Exodus 5:22-7:25 / Matthew 18:21-19:12 / Psalm 23 / Proverbs 5:22-23
Imagine yourself a prisoner in a foreign land and forced into slave labor. Your family has been in this situation for many generations. Maybe you have no idea that freedom is possible. Maybe you do have hope that someone will come rescue you and your family. Then someone does come and you’re expecting immediate release from your slavery, however, things get worse and you begin to think freedom is not possible.
That is what it sometimes feels like as we pray and wait for God to answer. We are experiencing a devastating situation in our own life, the lives of our family or friends, and we begin to wonder if God is listening. I can assure you He is. But His timing is never the same as ours. Why?
I don’t have that answer, except in principle. Everything in our lives is meant to reveal the love and glory of God, even the difficult places. That’s part of why I love Psalm 23 so much. Psalm 23 is not meant to be read in a void; it’s meant to be taken to heart in both the good and the tough times.
The Lord is my Shepherd and I have everything I need! Try saying that when your life is so dark you can’t see the light at the end!
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Imagine doing this when there is a tornadic storm surrounding your life!
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. The hard times must come, but God is always with us, guiding us through that dark valley!
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Now we’re talking. My enemies must sit and watch me be blessed even as I wait for the answer to my prayers to come – even as I’m being assailed by attacks and difficulties. There is hope!
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. So, if you’re praying, waiting, feeling discouraged, or have lost your courage or hope, read this Psalm repeatedly. It offers the boldness you need to stay the course as you wait for the goodness of God to be poured out over your life!
So, what if life doesn’t look like you expected today? Stand firm anyway!
What if it looks like evil is winning? Stand firm anyway!
What if all you’re hearing is bad news? Stand firm anyway!
God is good and He is coming!
