Daily Devotional for Tuesday, July 2

The Despair and Dedication of David

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord,” Psalm 31:24.

I often contemplate what things must have been like for our brothers and sisters in Christ many years ago when they had to meet secretly in the catacombs for fear of Roman persecution. Or what their lives must have been like during the Dark Ages when true Christians were being tortured and killed for standing for the truth of God’s Word. In many places in the world, the situation is still the same for our brothers and sisters. There is danger on every side and their religious gatherings must be held in secret for fear of their very lives.

For many of us, it is difficult to fathom such a desperate situation in which our lives are in continual danger. David understood this type of despair all too well. In this psalm, he poured out his heart to the Lord in great detail concerning his deep anguish. He referred to himself as a broken vessel and cried out for mercy and help from the Lord. As disheartened as David became during his times of grief, he never forsook his God. He was fully dedicated to the Lord and praises Him throughout the remainder of this psalm.

The Lord never promised us that life would be smooth and easy. Job said, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). There will be difficulties, trials and even times of fear and despair. Like David, you may feel completely broken at times, but hold fast to your faith and always remember that God is good and He loves you deeply. He is doing His work in you and refining you through the process. Trust Him to carry you through.

REFLECTION
“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Darla Goodrum