10th. August. 2021. Daily Devotion.
7Although our sins testify against us, do something, Lord, for the sake of your name.
For we have often rebelled; we have sinned against you. 8 You who are the hope of Israel, its Saviour in times of distress, why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveller who stays only a night? 9 Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? You are among us, Lord, and we bear your name; do not forsake us! Jeremiah 14:7-9
Selwyn Hughes comments:
No confusion can be greater than that which comes through what we call “unanswered prayer” – especially when we know that what we are praying for is according to the divine will. Some of you who are reading this may be in that very situation. You have prayed for things that God has promised to give, but still the answers do not come.
The question I am asked more than any other is this: “why has God not answered my prayer when I know I am a praying according to his will?” Teresa of Avila is reported to have told God on one occasion when she did not receive an answer to a prayer which he knew to be in line with the divine will: “Lord is no it is no wonder You have so few friends if you treat them all this way.” How strangely silent and inactive God appears to be at times. If you are experiencing the silence of God at this moment in your life, then you will have some sympathy for the way Habakkuk felt. It may not be much help to say that others have felt the way you feel – but it is true, nevertheless.
Prayer
Father, help me to find comfort in the time of spiritual silence in knowing that others have passed this way to. They have come through to insight and understanding – so will I. Thank you, dear Father. Amen.
For a Heart Open to God’s Word
God, as you gave us the sun to lighten our days, so you have given us your Word to lighten our minds and our souls. I pray that you will pour out on me your Spirit as I pray today, that my heart and mind may be opened to your Word, and that I may learn and accept your will for my life.
Shine within my heart, loving God, the pure light of your divine knowledge; open the eyes of my mind and the ears of my heart to receive your Word, this day and always. Amen.
Prayer for others to find faith during the Pandemic.
We thank you, Lord, for the gospel – the good news of Jesus, and His life, death, resurrection and ascension. We pray that the saving message of love, hope, forgiveness and salvation in Him may go forward to all parts of our land in the power of your Spirit. Lord, we ask that many will encounter you for the first time and that others may have a fresh knowledge of your love and grace. Move in our nations in saving power, we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
