Devotions By Jan


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How Are You Feeling?

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 56:3-4  “When I am afraid, I will trust in You, In God whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

The red gurnard is a very distinct bottom-dwelling fish and his feelings matter!  From his three lower pectoral fins hang what looks like narrow finger-like growths.  These appendages have sensory organs and it is with them that he feels for his food in the sand.  He never has to look with those large eyes but depends on feeling for small fish and crustaceans in the sediment.

With what is going on in our world today, the temptation is to be carried away by our feelings.  In today’s verse, David was certainly tempted to give in to fear.  He had been seized by the Philistines in Gath and feared for his life.  But throughout this psalm, David turns to God in confident trust to beat back the fear.  And the psalm finishes with praise for deliverance from his enemies.

My feelings can overwhelm me during these days of riotous protest.  I feel a profound sadness at injustice in our world.  There is gnawing unrest in my heart when I watch the unsettling news.  I feel nervous trepidation for what may come next.  That is why this psalm is such a comfort.  Placing my trust in the Lord calms me down and gives me a measure of peace.  Feeling peace in my heart during such unrest makes it a supernatural peace that can only come from Him.  My eyes cannot help but see all the disheartening trouble in our country but I can take heart as HE has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

Thank you Lord, that I can feel your peace, even when there is such unrest.

 

 

 


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Coming out of Hibernation

Scripture for Today: Matt.6:31 “So do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat? or ‘What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”

There is just one thing on the mind of the bear coming out of hibernation; food!  For six months he has been in a low energy mode, conserving strength with a decreased metabolism.  Now, he is ready to make up for lost time!  These North American black bears have used up all their stored fat and are ready to pack on the pounds and return to their normal metabolism.

Today’s verse tells us not to worry over our basic needs.  Our heavenly Father has promised to provide for His own.  I picture the ending of this pandemic a bit like coming out of hibernation.  With sheltering in place, many have no problem with their weight being low!  But we do come out blinking in the sunshine and ready to return to cafes and restaurants, tired of our own cooking.  Some are sick to death of their clothes and ready to shop for something new.  It is understandable.

This extended time at home with a slower pace has reminded me what is most important in my life.  The distractions of going out, being entertained, eating, drinking and shopping have been stripped away.  Life has boiled down to the essentials.  And for the believer the essential is to seek His Kingdom and righteousness (verse 33).  My relationship to the King takes precedent over everything else.  When I put my relationship with Him first, everything else shifts to its proper place.  I can enjoy those activities without letting them drain mental energy or my time.

Thank you Lord, for taking care of all my needs.