January 23 - Comfort

No video or exercise today....

Psalm 142

1 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. 3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. 4 Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no cares for my life. 5 I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." 6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

In this chapter of Psalms, David shows his dependency of God's love and mercy. He is not afraid to actually speak aloud, or even cry aloud, in prayer to God. In response to his prayer, God comforts David. We don't know exactly from reading this one chapter that God delivers him from evil and provides for his needs. We do know however, that God hears his children. He listens. He cares. He acts. He protects. If we live in faith, God will always be a prayer away.

David mentions specific things about himself: 1) he has complaints 2) he has troubles 3) his spirit is growing weak 4) his path is uneasy 5) no one cares for him 6) he is desperate 7) he is a prisoner

David also mentions specific things about God: 1) God is merciful 2) God is a listener 3) God knows David...everything about him 4) God is a refuge 5) God is David's portion...his desire, need, and necessity 6) God is stronger than any man 7) God is worthy of praise

Without God, David is weak. We are all weak spiritually in comparison to the Lord's strength and power. Why would anyone choose to live by his/her own standards and by walking their own path, instead of trusting a fool-proof life in the protection and care of God? This week, if I feel I have been cheated, I am going to try to go to the Lord in prayer. If I feel weak spiritually as temptation creeps at me, I am going to place my faith in the Lord.

We may not be God, but He gladly bestows his love and power in our lives. In times of trouble or grief, He will provide and comfort.

Make a list of everything God is to you (I will help get you started if you agree with these):

Protector. Warrior. Beautiful. All-Knowing. Father. Creator. Redeemer. Safe Haven. Holy. Worthy of Praise. Provider. Amazing. Listener...