Devotionals for July 13, 2022
Do you know any middle or high school students? Invite them to come to New Life Students every Wednesday at 6:15pm. CLICK HERE for more info!
READ
Psalm 22:9-21, Matthew 27:35
"9 Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. 10 I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. 11 Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. 12 My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! 13 Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. 14 My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. 15 My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. 16 My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. 17 I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. 18 They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. 19 O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! 20 Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. 21 Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.”
“35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
"9 Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. 10 I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. 11 Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. 12 My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! 13 Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. 14 My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. 15 My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. 16 My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. 17 I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. 18 They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. 19 O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! 20 Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. 21 Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.”
“35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
REFLECT
Much of Psalm 22 parallels Jesus’ crucifixion (see verse 18 in Psalms and compare to verse 35 in Matthew 27). It is important to remember that God loves us before we are born and that love extends throughout eternity. However, it’s hard to remember this when we experience suffering. David, the author of Psalm 22, cries out to God to stay close, provide strength, and come help. He gives us a good strategy that we can use today.
APPLY
Q: What does David ask God to do for him in verses 19-20?
Q: Have you ever felt like your enemies were surrounding you? How did you react? Did you call on God to stay close, provide strength, and come help?
Q: How can we mentor others to stay close to God? Do you encourage others to stay close to God during times of suffering so He can provide strength and help?
Q: Have you ever felt like your enemies were surrounding you? How did you react? Did you call on God to stay close, provide strength, and come help?
Q: How can we mentor others to stay close to God? Do you encourage others to stay close to God during times of suffering so He can provide strength and help?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Father God, thank you for loving me before I was even born and for the promise that You will love me into eternity. I need you to stay close to me and give me Your strength to endure the suffering I face each day. You are my only hope and help in times of trouble. Thank you for your promises and unfailing love.
Father God, thank you for loving me before I was even born and for the promise that You will love me into eternity. I need you to stay close to me and give me Your strength to endure the suffering I face each day. You are my only hope and help in times of trouble. Thank you for your promises and unfailing love.