Today’s Devotional Thought:
“God in his holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. God provides homes for those who are deserted He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a scorched land (Psalm 68:5-6, CSB).
Over the past two weeks, you may very well have lost your job, whether that is furloughed or eliminated. It's hard enough to worry about getting sick, but now you also are worried about paying your rent, mortgage, or whatever bills are coming up. I have the Wall Street Journal right next to me as I write this, saying we have lost 6.6 million jobs over these two week. It's pretty hard to find good news at a time like this.
You know, the name Father was not something invented by New Testament writers. We have glimpses of that name for the first person of the Trinity scattered in the Old Testament, but this passage shows us the intimate relationship He has with His children. He alone is the one who provides shelter and prosperity; He is the one who is a Father to those who are spiritual orphans.
We need to be very careful here, because this can very easily be abused. God is not going to make you healthy, wealthy, and wise because you prayed hard enough or sent a check to a preacher. The harsh reality is that people will lose a lot because of this crisis. The Christian life is not one about being in the one percent; it often brings persecution and hardship.
However, the Father offers something beyond spiritual blessings; He wants us to call upon Him! He cares deeply for us, and wants us to call on Him when we are needy. When we're fearful. When we feel that we are about to go bankrupt. Every good and perfect gift comes from him.
Father, help me to see that my provision in this life comes only from your hand.
Thank you that you are my Father and that I can call to you for help.
Thank you for the greatest gift you offer in your only Son, Jesus.
Adoration: You are the only God that champions those who are oppressed, that brings those from bondage into prosperity.
Confession: I'm sorry that I often act as an orphan who does not call out to you in my distress.
Thanksgiving: Thank you that one of the greatest assurances of my relationship with you is that I can call out to you as my Father.
Monday through Friday: Written by Pastor Stern
Saturday and Sunday: Written by Jonathan Hatt