March 28, 2011

Psalm 69:19-36 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 27:45-56, Romans 14:13-23, Deuteronomy 28-29

Journal Entry

Scripture

19 You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.20 Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.
29 But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me. 30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 31 This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves. 32 The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! 33 The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.

Observation

From verse 19 through verse 28, David seemed to face many problems. He was scorned, disgraced and shamed by his enemies. Situations must be beyond David's control as he is helpless. His spirit was broken as he's been attacked from everywhere.
From verse 29 through 36, David's attitude towards his circumstances took a different turn. In his affliction and pain, he sought after God. He trusted God , praising Him and glorifying Him with thanksgiving. David knew that for those who seek God, they will experience God's goodness. They will experience gladness and joy in their hearts . God will not abandon those who seek God in times of trouble. God is an awesome God!

Application

When situations become so difficult and beyond my control, I must turn to God first. Trust Him , praise Him, and gloryify Him with thanksgiving as I turn to God. No matter how bad things are or situations seem utterly hopeless, I must continue to seek God. It may be easier to give up at some point but the key to spritiual growth is to continue seeking God. And when I do, I will experience gladness and true joy in my heart. I will pray throughout today remembering difficult circumstances that my family, my church family and my co-workers are facing at this time.

Prayer

Dear Lord, when circumstances are beyond my control, I turn to you with open heart. May I truly seek you and praise you so that I may experience true joy and happiness in my heart. In Jesus name, Amen

--Esther Koh