Daily Devotional for April 28, 2015

Psalm 91:14-16
The Lord says,
“If you love me
    and truly know who I am,
    I will rescue you
    and keep you safe.
When you are in trouble,
    call out to me.
I will answer and be there
    to protect and honor you.
You will live a long life
    and see my saving power.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
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A new catch-phrase has emerged in our culture for times when people are in a dire situation and call on help “from a higher power”.  We call this the “Come to Jesus” moment.  If you were to be in a car wreck or suffering some other sudden crisis or emergency…if you found yourself facing the wrath of a tornado – or someone who was angry and about to assault you…if you were in a desperate situation, such as the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of a loved one…you might cry out, “Help me, Jesus!”

Would God/Jesus hear you?  Certainly.  Would He rescue you?  Perhaps.  Am I saying that God does not always answer our prayers?  Absolutely not!  What I am saying is that a lot of people cry out to God or Jesus when there is trouble…but when the crisis passes, they return to their old way of living and leave Him out of the equation.  We’ve all done this at one point or another, and I can tell you from personal experience that the attitude and intention with which we call on God for help makes all the difference.

When I was a young adult, particularly during my college years, I called on God often.  I used my little green (school color) Gideon New Testament to find scriptures to help with various situations, and I read them often and talked to God about them.  And God saw me through each time of need.  So, what was missing? 

Today, I see that the difference in my relationship has to do with my heart.  I loved God and believed in Him. I would have to say that my “trust” in Him to answer then was more of the “I sure hope You will” kind of trust than the “I know that You hear me and will address this perfectly” variety.  Today, I have a deep, abiding confidence that I truly know who God is…and a much clearer understanding of how much He cares for me – and how He operates!  My trust is not just that God will answer…but that He will do so in His timing – and perfectly – whether this is what I asked for or not. 

So IF I were to have a “Come to Jesus” moment today, I would rest in the comfort and peace of knowing that God heard me – and that He was “on it”…making everything work together flawlessly for HIS purposes – which would ultimately be perfect for me.  God will rescue you and keep you safe…if you truly love Him and know who He is.  Do YOU have this sort of relationship with your Heavenly Father?  Isn’t it time you did?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 10, 2015

Psalm 46:10
Our God says, “Calm down,
    and learn that I am God!
    All nations on earth
    will honor me.”

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

“Lord, it’s me again!  Do you remember that thing that I’ve been talking about to You?  Well, Lord, it’s still not fixed!  Lord, what are we going to do about this?  I need your help!  I can’t do this on my own.  But it needs to be fixed.  Lord?  Lord??  LORD???”

How many times have we all done this?  I know I have done it more times than I care to count.  There is quite a difference between reminding God about a need or concern…lifting someone to Him in prayer for help, healing or general care… and wearing Him out with persistent pestering!  But some of us want to badger God with our constant petitions.  And this where we need to insert Psalm 46:10.  “Calm down, and learn that I am God!”  Know that God will answer when – and how – best suits His plans.  It will be perfect!  Trust me…I’ve learned this the hard way!

In the King James Version of the Bible, this verse begins, “Be still, and know that I am God…”  Engrave this on your heart…write it on the wall or the back of your hand.  Hang this verse on your refrigerator or post a note on the bathroom mirror.  But do not forget to “be still”…and recognize who God is.  Understand the fact that He is present in your life…ready, willing and able to do all things according to His will – perfectly and in the right time.

Aren’t you tired of badgering and nagging?  Aren’t you ready to “calm down” and  KNOW that God is with you and in complete control.  Wouldn’t this be the perfect day to begin?  Are you ready to “be still and know”?

©2015 Debbie Robus