jan 23 daily devotion

[billizzy]

Psalm 142

Life is filled with challenges and problems. More often than not we find ourselves struggling with a financial crisis, an unexpected illness or prolonged health need, or family issues that leave us distraught and helpless. We may walk through the valley and persevere until we find hope, experience God's grace, and eventually get on top of these problems. However, it is devastating when our spirit is overwhelmed with depression and anxieties, and we cannot even identify the reason. When we have been in such a situation, we can readily identify with the desperation of the psalmist as he cries out to the Lord, pleads in supplication, pours out his complaint, and declares his trouble.

One other inescapable impression from this Psalm is the fact that multitudes of people in our community and all over the world are crying out as the psalmist in verse 4 "No one cares for my soul" While we usually are focused on our own needs and struggle with depression, we need to be sensitive to so many who feel lonely and rejected and that society has passed them by. While unreached people groups and a world in darkness may not be conscious of their lostness, their futile search and vain religious expressions are testimonies that no one cares enough to reach them with the gospel.

Hugs and prayers
Izzy

[Becca]

What a wonderful devotional & one we can relate to.I have found myself crying out to God & He always hears & answers.May we each day try to help others who are in the same situation.Thank God He does hear us. Becca

[QuiltGram8]

Amen. The world is in such turmoil! And so many people need the comfort of our Lord. Pray that we can be good stewards and maybe just a kind word to someone we meet can be just the word they needed to hear to know that someone DOES care!

Hugs to all our friends here who are also struggling with issues.

Vel

[auntjana]

This subject of seeking inspiration to reach and answer someone's prayer and plea is what I am speaking on this Sunday in our Sacrament meeting. It has been hard, but very rewarding to seek out guidance and put down those words on paper in a organized manner.

One thing that is clear, that in our daily prayers, morning and evening, that we seek to know how to help, more than what we ask for ourselves. Then stop, stay on our knees and listen for that still small voice. We will learn to be the Lord's hands here, to lift and answer a prayer.

We are here, wherever we may be, specifically at this time and place, to learn, help and lift another. When the inspiration is given, we are there.

Pray for those opportunities, they will come,

Jana