DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 DISTRESSED? TEXT: PSALM 77:1-9

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

DISTRESSED?

TEXT: PSALM 77:1-9

Key Verse: “In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; ... my soul refused to be comforted” (Psalm 77:2)_

Corrie Ten Boom in the Hiding Place, relates an incident that taught her always to be thankful. She and her sister, Betsy, had just been transferred to the worst German prison camp, Ravensbruck. On entering the barracks, they found them extremely overcrowded and flea-infested. That morning, their Scripture reading in 1 Thessalonians had reminded them to rejoice always,

pray constantly and give thanks in all circumstances. Betsy told Corrie to stop and thank the Lord for every detail of their new living quarters. During the months spent at the camp, they were surprised to find how openly they could hold Bible study and prayer meetings without guard interference. It was not until several months later that they learned the reason the guard would not enter the barracks was because of the fleas.

The passage under consideration revealed that Asaph was distressed. He was so troubled that he could not speak; only his tears expressed the deep agony he went through. Unable to sleep at night, he spent time thinking about God’s past faithfulness, and wondered what happened to His mercies and promises. Although the Psalmist did not give details of what confronted him, his song in the night was an indication that his faith was still firmly in God.

How then can we cope when things go on in our lives and seems that God shows no interest in our plight? What should we do when our problems begin to weigh down on us to the extent we can’t sleep in the night? Although this Psalm does not answer the questions, it does provide us with an example of how to cope. We must spent more time in prayer and express our confidence in God in times of distress.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Weeping has a short shelf life; joy abides for ever
COVER to COVER: NUMBERS 33-34_

PONDER:
1. Every believer will have a taste of "the day of trouble" at one time or the other v2. Jesus had His own. John 16:33
2. The "day of trouble" lasts for months, at times years v7,8.
3. It is a period your patience, endurance and faith in God is put under fire and test.v8-9. A time God deliberately, though close to you, appears to hide Himself to see if you will overcome or deny Him.
4. The secret of victory is in v1.

HYMN: What a friend we have in Jesus (GHS 169)

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, keep me from the evil one and give me grace and strength not to fail in the evil day.
2. Pray for those experiencing their evil day in the Church.