Devotion 11/24, He is my Delight

Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. Psalm 119:143

The psalmist felt entrapped by his circumstances [trouble and anguish]. Perhaps it was anxiety over the sinful choices of his loved ones. Maybe he felt oppressed by the threats of enemies. Perchance he was emotionally overwhelmed or physically ill. In spite of his circumstances and the troubles that had taken hold on his life, the psalmist declared, “thy commandments are my delights” (119:143). The words of the LORD had given light in the darkest hours and sweetened bitter times!

When troubles come, the enemy, satan, is trying to make us do what he wants, he wants to control our lives, to make us complain, live in fear and anger, with doubt, or to trust in ourselves and not in the Lord. We seek a way out by ourselves. We do not wait in the salvation of the Lord. All these make for more problems, or make all problems bigger.
When surrounded by the enemy and oppressed, we can say this: “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” (Psalms 27:3)
Let us remember that the Lord says in His word to come to Him by faith and with faith: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Today’s verse is hard for me, because I know I am so blessed. Trouble and distress do not seem to be a significant part of my vocabulary right now. But I know that so many struggle with health issues, financial difficulties, family issues, etc. People all over the world are suffering persecution because of their faith. But their love for God and their commitment to obedience is greater than satan’s threats because God’s Will is their delight.

Holy God, on this day of Thanksgiving, I ask you to bless and liberate your people and your church under persecution. Please strengthen our faith: we believe but help our unbelief. Empower us through your Holy Spirit to be obedient: forgive us when we fall. Most of all, deliver us into your glorious presence without fault. Your presence in our lives is what we should be most thankful for because it is through You we receive the ultimate blessing of salvation. I pray this in the name of Jesus, in whom I find my salvation and assurance. Amen.

Oh that you and I would, like the psalmist, find peace, comfort and delight in the words of the LORD! We seek to be with Him face to face.
Lord, I pray that I dwell in your Word as I enter this day, that your Holy Spirit move me to be a servant to anyone I may meet, see or hear from today. You have put them in my path for your reasons, to serve them like Christ. Thank you for your continued blessings of grace, strength and mercies. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.