Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Third Time Around" for Sunday, 31 August 2014 - Read Psalm 31:1-5

Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Third Time Around" for Sunday, 31 August 2014 - Read Psalm 31: A David Psalm
1-2 I run to you, God; I run for dear life.
    Don’t let me down!
    Take me seriously this time!
Get down on my level and listen,
    and please—no procrastination!
Your granite cave a hiding place,
    your high cliff aerie a place of safety.
3-5 You’re my cave to hide in,
    my cliff to climb.
Be my safe leader,
    be my true mountain guide.
Free me from hidden traps;
    I want to hide in you.
I’ve put my life in your hands.
    You won’t drop me,
    you’ll never let me down.
God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.(1 Corinthians 1:9 (NRSV))
Eleven years ago when my mother-in-law had breast- cancer surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, she declared after all the treatments were complete, “Now I know that God is able.” She had turned each fear and worry over to God and discovered God’s strength to be sufficient for her.
When her cancer returned, she told us, “Yes, I know God is faithful.” Our family marveled at how God’s Spirit moved within her to bring her healing again. She has lived a long life of faith, but her witness to God’s faithfulness intensified as she shared it with doctors, nurses, and families of other oncology patients. Now my mother-in-law is undergoing treatments for her third round of breast cancer. Her serious situation breaks my heart.
Yet, in spite of the suffering and pain — and all the emotions that go with these difficulties — our family has witnessed firsthand God’s power and faithfulness. With renewed hope I find myself asking, “What will we discover about God this third time around?” Simply asking that question brings comfort. Indeed God is with us.
The Author: Michelle Knight (Indiana, USA)
Thought for the Day: God is present in surprising ways.
Prayer: We thank you, dear God, because you make yourself known to us in joy and sorrow. Give us courage to trust in your presence with us during all circumstances. Amen.
Prayer focus: Cancer patients and their families
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