Devotionals for May 18, 2023
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READ
PSALM 34:4-18
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
REFLECT
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted.” What a beautiful expression of God’s character. The Bible is so honest about pain, sin, and grief. But it always follows up with healing, joy, and God’s victory. This passage shows how you can draw near to God even in your discouragement. He hears your prayers and your praises, regardless of your circumstances.
APPLY
Q: What characterizes the righteous person in this passage?
Q: When you’re discouraged, how can you draw closer to God?
Q: Think about someone who is crushed in their spirit right now. Take some time to pray for them and to find a way to serve them.
SING
“Speak the Name” by Church of the City
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for running from you and hardening my heart when I am in pain. Help me to trust in your goodness and mercies. Thank you for the love of your Son, Jesus, and how He has shown the way to rejoice and trust in you. Amen.
READ
PSALM 34:4-18
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
REFLECT
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted.” What a beautiful expression of God’s character. The Bible is so honest about pain, sin, and grief. But it always follows up with healing, joy, and God’s victory. This passage shows how you can draw near to God even in your discouragement. He hears your prayers and your praises, regardless of your circumstances.
APPLY
Q: What characterizes the righteous person in this passage?
Q: When you’re discouraged, how can you draw closer to God?
Q: Think about someone who is crushed in their spirit right now. Take some time to pray for them and to find a way to serve them.
SING
“Speak the Name” by Church of the City
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for running from you and hardening my heart when I am in pain. Help me to trust in your goodness and mercies. Thank you for the love of your Son, Jesus, and how He has shown the way to rejoice and trust in you. Amen.