Thursday Devotional - Faithful and Praiseworthy God even in Disappointment (6/29/23)

With the wildfire smoke from Canada, we’ve now had several activities cancelled because of the very unhealthy air quality! The kids have been disappointed.

We did get to attend several fun outdoor activities this past weekend, though!

One was a picnic after church. The sermon was on Psalm 34 which includes the verse: Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (verse 8). The pastor tied that right in with our picnic! 😊

Later that day, the kids, Joe and I decided to memorize part of Psalm 34. We’ve learned a verse a day, the past 3 days.

Psalm 34:1-3 I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

We talked about how hard it is to praise God when we are mad, sad or hurt. However, we owe everything to Him! If we can remember that, we’ll be able to praise Him in all situations, whether it is a small disappointment or a huge tragedy.  

How will you praise Him today?

Alice

Thursday Devotional - God is With Us in Our Doubts

Sarah was devastated last Friday! We found out her desk-mate at school came down with Covid, which meant she couldn’t go on the mini weekend trip we had planned as a family. After praying for wisdom, Joe and I decided he could still take the other 3 kids. I told Sarah we could plan some fun things at home together, but she doubted we would have as much fun. However, towards the end of the weekend she declared it was like we were on Mackinac Island! I was shocked and praised God for answering my prayers beyond my expectation!

God is with us in our doubts, disappointment and discouragement.

Matthew 14:25-33 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus graciously handled the disciples’ doubts. He can graciously handle our sincere questions and doubts, too. In fact, like with Peter, He can pick us up when we fall on our face due to our own doubts.

In what situation have you and I taken our eyes off Jesus and lasered in on the present circumstances? He’s ready to pick us back up as we turn our focus back to Him.

Alice