August 17 devotional

Scripture

Psalm 35: 13-14 “Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them. I even fasted and prayed for them but my prayers returned unanswered. I was sad, as though they were my friends or family, as if I were grieving for my own mother. But they are glad now that I am in trouble; they gleefully join together against me.”

Observation

King David experienced one of the worst kinds of pain. His friends were rejoicing over his troubles. It was not enough that David was going through a difficult time but his friends made it worse. Rather than comforting him, praying for him, standing with him they rejoiced and took pleasure in David’s pain. They received some perverse pleasure in seeing David suffer.

Application

The most painful times are when friends turn against us. David supported his friends in their times of trouble. He grieved with them as he would grieve his own mother. He loved them and stood by them but when he needed someone to stand with him, they turned on him. Sometimes no one will understand what we are going through. Even our spouses may try to understand but are unable. Paul faced the authorities in Rome all alone. All of his friends had abandoned him. The good news is that Jesus sticks closer than a brother. Jesus will never forsake or leave me. Jesus is always faithful. Jesus is always there for me. I can count on Jesus. When I am all alone, I am not alone. Jesus is with me. He is there. He is as close as the mention of his name. He is my God and he will never leave me or forsake me.

Prayer

Thank you for your faithfulness. It is comforting to know that you are always with me. No matter how bad things seem or how dark my days get, you are there. You are my refuge. You are my strength. I love you. I can make it through today because you are with me. Thank you.