Tag: #hurtingpeople

Where Do You Turn During the Hard Times of Your Life?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 23:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

What a way to start a Monday Morning! Reading Psalm 23, and having the focal verse for today leap off the page and into my heart.

I have had the experience in recent years, and especially this year, of seeing so many people that I know who are going through a dark valley in their life or the life of a loved one.

Life in this world is hard, but the encouraging news and its goodnews are that our troubles don’t last always.

Additionally, the people of God have this blessed assurance from Our Father in heaven, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is this ironclad promise.

The psalmist, David King of Israel, was able to say, “God is with me.” Are you ready to say that based on your faith and trust in the Lord?

God rewards those who have faith in Him, and those who trust in God with their whole heart; mind, soul, and body. Are you counted with the faithful of the ages?

Hebrews 11:1 King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, we pray together and urge one another to cling to the things that are eternal in these dark and dangerous times that we live in today.

Father, we are comforted by Your promise that You will be with us; not just today, but forever.

Hebrews 13:5 King James Version (KJV)

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Father, we rest in the comfort and security of living in the everlasting arms of our creator and our redeemer. In the might name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy 33:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Where Do You Turn When You Are Hurting?

Text:

Psalm 102:1-2 (ESV)

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you!

2  Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!

Observation: 

One thing that God’s people never have to worry about is that God will not hide His face from His children.

Our heavenly Father desires to have a close and intimate relationship with His people.

James 4:8 (ESV)

8  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

28  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

One of the verses that speaks to, and encourages me talks about how the Psalmist sees himself as being a member of a community.

Psalm 102:22 (KJV)

22  When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.

There is nothing more comforting, and reassuring, than having the members of the community of faith joining together in praise, worship, and prayer.

Prayer:

Father, I am so thankful that You hear, and answer the prayers of Your people.

Father, we acknowledge that nothing about our lives are hidden from you, and that You never hide Your face from Your people.

Father, I pray that all of Your believing children will position ourselves to be drawn closer to You, and that we will trust in You with our whole heart. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

How to Get Victory When You Are In the Cave?

Text:

Psalm 57:1 (ESV)

1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.

Observation:

These daily bible readings in the Psalms are made to order for me during this season of my life. It seems that all around me I see people living in the cave seeking protection from the enemies of their very existence.

In this Psalm David finds himself in the cave. However, he found while in the cave a path to victory. Like David, you can turn your place of torment into a holy place; a sacred place where you can experience the presence of God.

Psalm 57:9-11 (ESV)

9  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.

10  For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

11  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

God wants you to live the abundant life everyday. The abundant life is not the absence of trouble; in this world you will have trouble. Rather, the abundant life is living life continually in the presence of the Lord, and living in complete dependence upon God.

You and I have the privilege, and the benefit of living in the presence of the Lord continually. He is available if you are willing to live in His presence.

The verse of this song encourages my heart, and informs my prayer for all who are living in a cave because of the problems you are facing during these trying and difficult days.

“The Savior can lift every burden,

The heavy as well as the light;

His strength is made perfect in weakness,

In Him there is power and might.”

O, let us all give thanks to the Lord for His amazing grace, and tender mercies to all who call upon Him.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I exalt, and give praise to Your name. Father, thank You for being our shelter from the storms of life, and being continually present in the lives of all who come to you, trust in You, and live continually in Your presence.

Father, we acknowledge that we are weak, but You are strong. Father, we accept Your invitation to come to You, and exchange our weaknesses for Your strength. Father, we surrender our all to You, and in exchange receive Your all that You offer to all who give their lives completely to You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV) 
10   Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/