DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL* *MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 2019* *HOW TO OVERCOME*

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL*

*MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 2019*

*HOW TO OVERCOME*

TEXT: PSALM 77:1-9.

_🔑KEY VERSE: "I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me" (PSALM 77:1)._

Arthur Tappan Pierson, an American Presbyterian pastor, who was a consulting editor for the original 'Scofield reference Bible' in 1909, said: "God has no greater controversy with His people today than this, that with boundless promises to believing prayer, there are so few who actually give themselves unto intercession." There is perhaps no hopeless occupation than to lie awake and worry over seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Yet, it is said that perseverance is a great element of success. This is because if we keep knocking long and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.

The Psalmist had found himself in an apparently hopeless situation as a result of the general decay of the time. The challenge was great; there seemed to be no answer in sight. His distress was overwhelming. Then he cried unto God for courage and ability to wade through the severely trying moments. "In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord..." He wondered if God had forgotten him. "Is his mercy clean gone forever?" He thought aloud.

The experience of this Psalmist is a common phenomenon. Nations and individuals are passing through very bitter and hopeless times; many are wondering if the end has not come at last. It is difficult to believe that there will be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Hunger and hardship force children and even adults to sleep with empty stomachs. Yet, God is still on the throne.

This is the time to seek the Lord. Whatever challenge you may be facing, take it to the Lord in prayer. Delay is not denial. Let your strength lie and be rooted in your moral purity and faith in the unfailing God. He will not disappoint you. 'He that keepeth thee shall not slumber.'

*✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:* Though gloomy and cloudy, the sun will rise up sooner.

COVER TO COVER: PROVERBS 21-23.

*MEDITATION*

No situation that prayer cannot change

*1. The terrible situation of the psalmist*
a. Described as a day of trouble vv2,4.
b. Sorrow without comfort v2.
c. Overwhelming challenges and depression v3.
d. Indescribable pains v4.
e. Sleepless nights v4.
f. Sense of loss of God's presence and favour v7.
g. Deep doubts and questioning God's mercy, grace and faithfulness to His promises vv7,8.
*Q* Are your challenges as weighty as the psalmist? There is complete solution in prayers.
*2. The kind of prayers that brought solutions to such challenges*
a. Crying to God with your voice and not just relying solely on someone else prayers v1.
b. Persistent, unceasingly seeking the face of the Lord in the day and in the night v2.
c. Tasking prayers without looking at bodily pains and inconveniences v2.
d. Groaning in prayers with the help of the Holy Spirit v3.
*3. And the prayer worked!* v1.

HYMN: Tell it to Jesus

1 Are you weary, are you heavyhearted?
Tell it to Jesus,
Tell it to Jesus;
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
*Chorus:*
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a friend that's well-known;
You've no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
2 Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus,
Tell it to Jesus;
Have you sins that to men's eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
[Chorus]
3 Do you fear the gath'ring clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus,
Tell it to Jesus;
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
[Chorus]
4 Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus,
Tell it to Jesus;
For Christ's coming kingdom are you sighing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
[Chorus]

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, give me the grace to convert all my pains, pressures and problems into crying and groaning in prayers.
2. Lord, give me faith and courage that cannot be conquered by overwhelming challenges.
3. Tell Jesus those problems and cry to Him.
4. Pray for those already depressed and overwhelmed by their challenges in the church that they will receive power and grace to rise up and travail unto victory.