Devotional - Nov. 27, 2024

Scripture: Psalm 30: 5  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

The book of Psalms teaches us so many things.  The Psalmist opens about his struggles and feelings which allows us to do likewise.  The Psalmist only supports the negative for a brief moment before returning to being positive.  Far too often we allow the negative to overwhelm us.  According to this Psalm, even God does not dwell on his anger, it comes and goes.  But even more importantly, it does not change God's demeanor.  I am not saying you should be happy, happy, happy all day long.  No, being angry about things is normal.  Dwelling on it, losing ourselves in it, allowing it to control us is not good (James 1:20, Ephesians 4: 26-27).  Even worse, anger and despair rob us of our joy.  Just because something happens, or has happened, does not change who you are in Christ and more importantly, who God is to you.  Jesus reminds His listeners to always know they are blessed, even in the worst of times (Matthew 5: 1-12).  As believers, our foundation is rooted in Jesus Christ.  Our relationship with God defines our world, not our circumstances, and maintains our joy (Nehemiah 8:10).  Times can and will get us down, and it is during those times, we need to act.  Don't allow yourself to be swept away with your situation, look to the LORD and move on past it (Psalm 121: 1-8).  As we begin the Advent season, allow the Light to drive away some of the darkness that has occupied your life. 

Pray with me ..., Holy God we confess we get aggravated and caught up in all the shortcomings of this world.  So caught up, we become a part of it.  Remind us of Your unfailing love and support.  Restore our joy.  Hear us as we pray for our loved one's.  We ask and pray for Your blessing upon them and over our church.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen 

God's peace,

Pastor Brian