- Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. Psalm 129:2 – Here is a message so many of us need to be reminded of. That those of us who follow Jesus aren’t now somehow exempt from struggle. The next verse gives this image of someone plowing deep furrows onto their back. They had been pushed, beaten, and hurt. Yet, they had not prevailed. That’s the message. That struggle will come to even those who follow Jesus, but with Jesus the struggle won’t prevail over us. We can be hit hard but not toppled over and we can endure long lasting pain but not give up. This is the strength and support that is found when you have Jesus walking alongside you in your struggle. Today know you have the option of inviting God, and inviting all He brings with Him, into your struggle. Let Him be a part of your story even now so He can help you remaining standing. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1357
- May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward! Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up. Psalm 129:5-6 – I’m currently sitting in the backroom of our house where my wife has an assortment of her house plants. I’m imagining on a hot summer day here in Kansas taking one of those plants and placing it on the roof of our house for the whole of the afternoon. That plant would be a goner, and we’re not even experiencing heat like that of the middle east which would have been what was spoken of in our psalm. This is how scripture wants us to understand the future for our enemies. A goner. Yes, we will struggle with Satan, his forces, and his plans today. Many times we will feel the sting of his blows and see the horrors in our world he brings. That is a reality we sadly have to accept as we serve within this broken, lost world. But take heart knowing the future of our opposition. As that house plant would have withered on the rooftop so will our enemy wither under God’s power. While in the moment of struggle or standing in the wake of the enemy’s small victories it can seem like this truth of scripture is too distant to rely on. Yet, it’s our hope in the chaos and the sure promise we stand on. God will put an end to our enemy one day and our role today is to help as many people as possible come to know the love and salvation of Jesus. That will mean serving under attack and serving through opposition. Jesus never said this would be easy, just worth it. When then the enemy seems emboldened in our day, remind him what his future holds and keep serving with passion. I love you, but Jesus loves more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2260
Daily DEVO 