Devotion
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
David Jacobs
I am sometimes stricken with anxiety and insecurity, expecting the worst-case scenario to occur even before it has happened. It can be crippling at times, because I anticipate trouble even though it may never happen. This anticipation, however, affects my mood, and I can assure you, it does not affect it in a positive way. In these moments, it is so easy for me to forget about all the things that I am thankful for: the best family I could possibly ask for, beautiful children, parents that one could only dream of, a good job, food, health, happiness. In my moments of anxiety, nothing else matters.
This is where the Bible has helped me the most. When I am feeling anxiety or insecurity, I can read a few pages and be inspired. I can read about the hardships of the Old Testament prophets, the kingdom of Israel, or Christ and the disciples and feel a little bit better about my own situation. I can also be inspired by their faith: no matter the odds against them, God was with them and they were with God. They never forgot who gave them everything. Life is never going to be perfect; we will always have our moments of anxiety and doubt. With a strong faith in God, we will bounce back faster, stronger, and more determined, and we will be less able to forget all that God has given us.
Prayer
Christ in heaven, my redeemer, I owe you a debt of my life. Forgive me heavenly Father, for I have forgotten and lost faith at my lowest and even highest moments. Keep me balanced, O Lord, so that I may never forget where all the good in the world and in heaven comes from: from your lovingkindness, which you share with all man. I beg for your mercy Lord, knowing full well that I do not deserve it, and also knowing that you will grant it to me as long as I ask. In your name I pray, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
