READING: Psalms 116-118, 1 Corinthians 11:2-26
Psalm 116 reflects the thanksgiving of a writer who had faced the reality of death. Indeed, his fear and turmoil had apparently been great: “The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow” (Psa 116:3). All he knew to do was cry out, “Lord, save me!” (Psa 116:4).
What the psalmist learned to do was to cry out to God and to trust His character to help him: “The Lord is gracious and righteous;our God is compassionate” (Psa 116:5). When he did that and recalled God’s care, he spoke hope to himself: “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” (Psa 116:7).
How many times I’ve needed to say similar words to myself! I can let worry consume me. I sometimes get more focused on the struggle than on the answer that God has already provided. It usually takes others to speak into my life, but I need to learn to say to myself, “Quit worrying. Stop fretting. The Lord has been good to me, and I should have continued confidence in Him. Rest, my soul, rest in Christ.”
PRAYER: “Lord, help me to rest in You all day long.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch-up day
