Read Psalms 101
Highlights:
Let your spirit soar as you join King David in humility and glory, singing and worshiping God the Righteous King. The reading closes with a historical retrospect and celebration of the Exodus from Egypt.
God often has painful surprises in His leading, such as a famine driving the people from the promised land, yet contributing to their possession of it. That famine occurred in the time of Jacob and forced him to migrate into Egypt (Gen. 41:56-57; 42:1-5). This famine was not a chance occurrence; God had ordered it to fulfill His purpose (15:13). God had also allowed Joseph to be forced into Egypt several years earlier.
After Joseph suffered many years as a slave, the Lord elevated him to be the second most powerful man in Egypt. Joseph knew his position in Egypt as the deliverer of the chosen people of God was not by accident but the fulfillment of his dream. Instead of denouncing his brothers for their cruel treatment of selling him into slavery, he said: Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life (45:5).
For many years Joseph could not have understood his "unfortunate series of circumstances" that went from bad to worse as the Word of the Lord tried him (Ps. 105:19). God had promised his family the possession of Canaan and, in his dreams, he had recognized himself as the exalted and honored deliverer of his family. Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren. . . . your sheaves . . . made obeisance to my sheaf. . . . The sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me (Gen. 37:5-9).
During the years of his suffering and imprisonment, his faith was tested. For years, it seemed impossible for God to fulfill His Word and use Joseph according to his dream. God often moves in a way that is far beyond our ability to understand, but He will always accomplish His purpose and fulfill His promises. This incident of Divine providence encourages us to trust God amid life's mysteries.
The Lord is never late, even when His time isn't the time we would choose. He desires to build godly qualities into our lives. Perhaps it is patience or gentleness that we need. Let all who suffer wrongly trust fully in the Lord. The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their Strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him (Ps. 37:39-40). God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).
Thought for Today:
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him (James 1:12).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases (Ps. 103:3). Forgiveness of sin and the healing power of God describe the ministry of our Lord Jesus, who was sent to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19; Matt. 9:6).
Word Studies:
101:2 perfect heart, blameless; a heart of integrity; 101:4 froward heart, an obstinate and evil mind; 101:5 cut off, destroy; suffer, tolerate; 101:7 tarry, continue to dwell; 102:26 wax old, deteriorate; 104:9 bound, boundary; 104:13 chambers, dwelling place, heavens.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Official: Rep. Betty McCollum (MN) • Country: Laos (5 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Lao and French • Great suppression of all Christian activities • 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for your friends (Job 42:7-10).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:2