PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Apr
18

GOD IS NEAR

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Observation

Reading and rereading this Psalm leads my heart to pay attention to the greatness of God’s hand, faithfulness and love for and over HIs people. Through the trials and distresses David experienced, he thanks and magnifies God.

Broken heartedness, a crushed spirit, many troubles, the dangers and effects of evil are present and don’t go away. Yet the Lord is the peoples salvation and God who brings deliverance.

Application

Beckie and I just shared with a growing Christian, the nearness of God to those who give their lives to Him. We don’t need to look far to see and know that there are always hurting people, struggling with a variety of issues. The struggle is real.

I get a little irritated with Christians who think and believe we are exempt from pain, struggle, evil…! Verse 19 says “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;” The question is HOW DOES the Lord deliver us…?

  • This is where reading, examining the WHOLE BIBLE is necessary! Because His deliverance may not look like what we expect or hope for.

I am growing so intimately assured, that in my brokenness and struggles, GOD IS ALWAYS NEAR! He will save me always - not in the way I may think or even desire. But I give Him thanks for who He is in my life!

Prayer

Dear Daddie God! I echo the lyrics…”I will extol YOU Lord at all times; YOUR praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in YOU Lord!” I LOVE YOU GOD! THANK YOU!


Devotions for April 18

1 Samuel 20,21
Psalm 34
Matthew 5

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