Devotion for Monday, February 12, 2018

“Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. They also gave me gall for my food and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” (Psalm 69:20-21)

In this world, as long as you are doing what is right in the sight of others, they will leave you alone. But do something, even something very small, and there are those who will heap reproach upon you. Salt will be added to the wound. But the Lord is not this way. He knows our lament and knows the difficulties we have. Turn to Him and feel the sweet salve of His grace and mercy.

I do not understand myself, Lord. Others will beat me down and then I transfer this experience to You as if You were the same. Yes, there are bitter times in life, but You lift us up to be faithful to You alone, who will never gall our spirits. This world is impossible to figure out, but Your ways, O Lord, are simple to understand. Guide me, even in times of reproach to turn to You and be lifted up.

Lord Jesus, it could be You who spoke these words with what You experienced with those around You who were a constant reproach. Yet through the difficulty, You pressed on to accomplish the Father’s will. You do understand, Jesus. Lead me in Your way that following You I would know the comfort You give to all through the grace You purchased and the Holy Spirit You have sent. Amen.