Marie’s daily verse:  May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. Amen (Revelation  22:21).

DAILY DEVOTION, January 12, 2022

“Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).

When you poke a stick into a fire, the sparks fly upward. Once you are born into this life, trouble will come. You can man-up and try to face it alone, or you can God-up and cast your cares upon Him. We saw yesterday that God has promised to be with us in our times of trouble. I encourage you to take Him up on that offer.

Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned in Acts 16. They were held in place by stocks on their feet. At midnight, what do we see? Are they in despair? Are they crying out, “Why me?” Are they angry with God because He did not deliver them from this trial? Are they feeling sorry for themselves?  Is there a pity party going on? What we read is that they were praying and singing hymns to God ((Acts 16:25). I guess it was kind of a concert because we read that the other prisoners were listening to them. Is that not strange behavior for two men beaten and imprisoned? They are singing to God! Why? Because they knew that whatever happened to them in this life, He was with them. Even if they were killed, they knew heaven was their home. And so in the midst of their trouble, they prayed and sang.  You might want to follow their example when trouble comes into your life.

Holy Father, It does seem that life on this earth is full of trouble. Help me to realize that no matter what happens to me in this life, You are with me. Help me to follow the example of Paul and Silas. In the name of Jesus’ name,  I pray, Amen.