9th. August. 2021. Daily Devotion.
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest. Psalm 22:1-2
Selwyn Hughes comments: I remember on one occasion a man telling me that he had just come through a “spiritual revolution”. When I pressed him to share it with me he told me that all his life he had been brought up to believe he must address God in polite tones, and on no account should he ever show any sense of frustration or annoyance. But one day, while going through a time of spiritual confusion, he forgot himself, and in language that was stripped of all pious phrases told God exactly what he thought about him and the way he was handling his world.
For two hours he argued with God, and when he had finished the Lord said to him: “you would never let anyone talk to you like that would you? Why? Because you cannot see into the depths of another’s heart. But I see everything – the pain, the hurt and the anger. I love you and I understand.” The tender response of the Lord broke him and there followed three days of communion with him that produced in him a deep spiritual transformation. God always responds to reality – even when that reality is couched in feelings of anger and hurt.
O God, something is being burned into my consciousness – you are a God who delights in reality. Help me to be a real person – with no subterfuge, no phoniness, no pretence. I ask this in and through the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer for a Day Lived
Lord, You have always given bread for the coming day; and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given strength for the coming day; and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given peace for the coming day; and though of anxious heart, today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept me safe in trials; and now, tried as I am, today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine; and though the night is here, today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe; and though you be silent now, today I believe. Amen.
For Caution and Greater Freedom
Lord, as we tentatively approach a time of fewer restrictions we thank you for your faithfulness. We thank you for your Spirit, helping us to share your love in countless words of grace and acts of kindness. As we move forward grant us wisdom, grace, mercy and love. Strengthen and renew your church and heal our land, In Jesus’ name
Amen
Benediction
The blessing of the Lord rest and remain upon all his people, in every land, of every tongue; the Lord meet in mercy all that seek him; the Lord comfort all who suffer and mourn; the Lord hasten his coming, and give us, his people, the blessing of peace, this day and always. Amen.
