Psalm 119:89-100
Forever, O Lord, your Word stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, like the earth you created; it endures by your decree, for everything serves your plans.
I would have despaired and perished unless your laws had been my deepest delight. I will never lay aside your laws, for you have used them to restore my joy and health. I am yours! Save me! For I have tried to live according to your desires. Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind upon your promises.
Nothing is perfect except your words. Oh, how I love them. I think about them all day long. They make me wiser than my enemies because they are my constant guide. Yes, wiser than my teachers, for I am ever thinking of your rules. They make me even wiser than the aged.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I try to stay relatively current and well-informed. We read several online news reports that are delivered to our e-mail inboxes each day, and we read at least some of the articles in our state newspaper. We pay attention to television news – from a variety of outlets. And I will be honest…much of what we learn is disheartening, if not downright depressing. Sometimes, what we learn leaves us frustrated – even angry. And don’t get me started on comments we see on social media outlets. So, we look for ways to lighten the mood…brighten our day…and remain hopeful.
One of these is “Dodo” videos of cute animals and sweet stories of their rescue and rehab…and short videos of cats doing silly things! Our hikes and walks are also a great source of encouragement and peace as we enjoy nature and spend time talking with God. I also read several comic strips in the newspaper each day, and they almost always make me laugh. Spending time with family and friends, and encouraging others with notes, cards, visits, and Meals on Wheels delivery also give us a sense of purpose and restore our joy as we actively seek to “love one another.”
Before you polish our crowns, understand that on any given day, we can feel discouraged, too. Jesus never promised us an easy life…but He does offer us an opportunity to experience His joy and peace as we serve others in His name. And “experience” has been a great teacher. We have learned much in our six-plus decades of living…and we have seen how God has carried us through every single situation and circumstance, both positive and negative. We have learned to keep our focus on the promises of God, even as the “news” around us darkens. We are determined to listen to God over man…to believe in His commands, even when the “world” says otherwise.
On days when the “news” seems particularly grim, I focus even more on Jesus. I remind myself that there are always opportunities to love others…to share a word of hope and encouragement…to offer positive comments – and share a cartoon or a post of a funny kitten or two. God made these little goofballs, too – and maybe He created memes and videos of their antics just to lighten our mood and brighten our day!
I challenge you to look for the hope and joy of Jesus in unusual places…to seek His word and follow His will – even when others suggest differently. Jesus will never steer you in the wrong direction…and He is still alive and active guarding and guiding our every step! Let’s share His love wherever and whenever we can – and do our part to offer His hope and promises to others. Alleluia!
©2023 Debbie Robus
Daily Devo Time 