Crying to God (and other devotionals)

Crying to God

Today's reading: Psalm 22:1-31

The last couple of years my husband and I have been going through some difficult circumstances that don't seem to make a lot of sense to us. Through this time, I have certainly had a number of candid talks with God asking Him to help me understand the "whys" and how He would like me to respond and move forward. So it was comforting to read through Psalm 22 and see David's back and forth conversations with God. In essence David is asking God "Are You here?" and crying out "This is craziness. Where are You?" But then we see David stepping back, taking a breath and gathering his thoughts to say "I know You're still here, God. I know You're faithful and trustworthy, so help me stand strong." I'm grateful for this heartfelt example from David.

Is it your practice to talk openly with God? And if not, what holds you back? What comfort do you draw from David's words in Psalm 22? 

~Tami~

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Personal God

Today's reading: Psalm 23:1-6

Psalm 23 is a cherished and well-known Psalm that is often quoted. It's definitely a Psalm with a comforting message. I can't tell you how many times I've read it, but today the absolutely personal nature of verse 1 touched my heart.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

I love that this verse is directed to each of us individually ("my" shepherd and "I" shall not want), which lets me know that God sees, and is watching over, every detail of my life.Thank you, God!!

What does verse 1 and the Lord being "your" shepherd mean to you? Do you believe that God is interested in you? 

~Tami~

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Half Way

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 18:1-18

The familiar phrase "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me" came to mind as I thought about Joab's defiant actions with Absalom and previous killing of Abner (see 2 Samuel 3). While Joab was loyal to David, he wasn't fully submitted to him or committed to his leadership. That's a problem. He had strong opinions and let his emotions control his actions.

Do you ever let your opinions and emotions control your actions even when you know God is asking you to do something differently? What consequences have you experienced from being partially obedient? Tami 

~Tami~

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Through The Grief

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 18:19-19:8

When the news of Absalom's death reaches David, he responds like a father. He is heartbroken and emotionally crushed, and openly weeps over the loss of his son. But David is still responsible for many people, even as a dethroned king. So although he is grieving, he has work to do.

This passage brought to mind when my dad passed away (quite a few years ago now). I had a very close relationship with my dad, and the fact that I could no longer talk or spend time with him felt awful. But even though I was sad and struggling, I knew my mom needed my help. She had just lost her husband of over 50 years and was devastated. Her life would never be the same and she was at a loss about how she would proceed. So I asked God to give me strength, and then helped my mom make immediate decisions as well as plans for her future. It was difficult, but a necessary step for both of us.

What did God impress on your heart from this passage? ~Tami~