Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 3-22-24, Psalms 5:11- "But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You."  It is fairly easy to follow God and do what He says, when life is moving along smoothly. This verse seems to indicate joyful praise, joy in any form. It is just what we do because we are Christians. We joy in our salvation. We praise God for His provision of salvation and life. But, the verse rests in a psalm of complaint against evil doers. This indicates trouble is near. The psalmist says he cried to God for help. He contended with wickedness, pride, and evil. He speaks of liars, murderers, and deceivers. In the midst of all this, he rejoices and praises. That is a greater challenge for the psalmist and for us. He turned to God for protection and encouragement. He turned to God and trusted in Him, in the midst of the problems. Praise and joy do not fit, unless you really believe that God is good, that He loves you, and that He wants the best for you. In the midst of the problems, who do you turn to for help? Do you blame God, yell at Him, and turn away from Him? Or, do you run into God, sink into His word, fall on His heart, sing praises and experience joy in His sure love? God loves you! He loves you. Experiences of life may testify against God. Who will you believe? God or life? Test God. Lay your problems out, like the psalmist, and decide to follow God, trusting and praising, in the mess. You honor God and you enter into His will. It is not easy, but it is right. The situation may not change, but you will. Psalms 5:3-4, 8- "In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You. O Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes; Make Your way straight before me."