The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Good Times and Bad Times" for Sunday, 16 October 2016 with Scripture: Lamentations 3:19 Remember my utter misery,the wormwood and the gall.
20 They are always on my mind;
this is why I am so depressed.
21 But in my mind I keep returning to something,
something that gives me hope —
22 that the grace of Adonai is not exhausted,
that his compassion has not ended.
23 [On the contrary,] they are new every morning!
How great your faithfulness!
24 “Adonai is all I have,” I say;
“therefore I will put my hope in him.
-------
Paul wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”[Philippians 4:12 (NIV)]
I am going through a prolonged period of unemployment. In the past, I had always been able to find work. But during this current period of unemployment, I have come to accept that I will experience hardships in my life.
Hardships are not necessarily times of judgment or punishment. Good times and bad times are both integral parts of life. I would be naïve not to expect hardships; but as a Christian, I can also hold on to hope and trust in God the Father.
Both Job and Paul expressed wisdom in facing hardships. “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job asks (Job 2:10). The wisdom of his statement is subtle and difficult to grasp. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” To me, it is a peaceful acceptance that I will experience both hardship and good times. But my trust, faith, and hope are in God, whose steadfast love and mercies are “new every morning.”
The Author: William Peoples (California, USA)
Thought for the Day: I will look for God’s love and mercy today.
Prayer: Dear God, take away our fear as we face hardships. Give us peace in knowing and trusting you. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment