Daily Devotional for January 26, 2016

Psalm 118:4
Let every true worshiper
of the Lord shout,
    “God is always merciful!”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Nearly every day, “memories” pop up on my Facebook page…a photo of something I posted 2, 3, or even 5 years ago or longer.  Facebook gives me the opportunity to “share” these memories again.  I don’t do this often…I find that people don’t read the fine print and think these are new events that are just now happening. And today, a “memory” from one year ago today showed up – and I chose not to share it again on my timeline.  It was a photo of my mother’s dog, Spot.  One year ago today, Spot left this earth.  He was my mother’s faithful companion for 15 years.  And while she knew that he was nearing the end of his life, the timing – and manner – in which it his life ended was somewhat traumatic and sudden.

Ever pragmatic and faithful, Mother took this in stride, as she did almost everything in her life.  She was scheduled for hand surgery the next morning to try to correct carpal tunnel syndrome…and she looked at this as God’s way of protecting her – AND Spot – from the difficulties of caring for him while her hand was in a big bandage and she was somewhat incapacitated.  This was God’s mercy for an obedient servant and her faithful puppy dog.

As I looked at the picture of Spot today and thought of my mother – now in heaven with him – I realized that God’s mercy was not just for that day…but for many days to follow.  God saw the big picture and knew that my mother was going to be unable to adequately care for Spot in the months ahead.  He knew that her husband, Lee, was not truly a dog lover…and that leaving him to care for Spot would be unfair to all of them.  This was God’s mercy for Lee, too.

So often, we don’t understand – or recognize – God’s mercy…especially in the moment.  It seems so hard to comprehend why certain things are happening…their timing and the circumstances.  But we don’t understand God’s timetable…we don’t fully grasp His mercy over us.

Let today be the day that you begin to operate in the confidence that “God is merciful!”  Worship Him more fully…knowing that He plans out the most infinite details of our lives - and always considers what is best for us. Never underestimate God’s timing…or His love and care.  Let every true worshiper of the Lord shout, “God is always merciful!”  And let this be the day that you really begin to doubt less and trust more, as you grow in faith and courage…and trust in God’s promises for every facet of your life.


©2016 Debbie Robus

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