Daily Devotions – Your Goodness Remains

Daily Devotions – Your Goodness Remains

Photo by Anna Earl on Unsplash

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Psalm 41 NIV
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. 2 The Lord protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. 3 The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. 4 I said, “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” 5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?” 6 When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around. 7 All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, 8 “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” 9 Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. 10 But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them. 11 I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. 13 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

 

— Why is what is promised (verse 1-3) so different from David’s experience (verse 4-9)?

 

It is good to regard the weak with a generous heart and to be kind. Help me to consider the poor and lead me to take appropriate actions toward those who are helpless and weak. Through loving others, I know that I too will be blessed. You promise to deliver me in times of trouble and to protect me, but it doesn’t mean that I won’t have trouble. You promise to sustain me and to heal me, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t experience times of anxiety. There may be periods of illness, times of troubles, and when enemies intentionally slander me, But in the midst of troubles, Your goodness remains. Your promise of protection is not dependent on me always getting it right. I recognize that I am a sinner. Doing good to others does not erase my sins. Only Your death on the cross can do that. Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have poured out on me. Thank you for your promise to deliver me in times of trouble, sickness, and slander. Father, help me today to enjoy your pleasure and your presence in the midst of all the challenges and difficulties of life. Amen