Daily Reading: Genesis 21
Scripture Focus: Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. (Genesis 21.17)
Devotional Thought: Nothing hurts worse than when your children are hurting. I have been through some pretty hard times with my kids, and I felt just like Hagar felt when she saw her son hurting so bad - just wanting to curl up in a ball and cry. But, in those times, I found what Hagar had found. God came to us and comforted us. He drove away our fear. He assured us that he had heard the voice of our girls - just where they were. And, he brought us out to a wider place - a better place.
Hagar had been in a tight place before - one she had caused herself by her own bad attitude and cutting words. This time, however, she had done nothing wrong. It was her son, Ishmael, who had caused their crisis. Both times, however, God showed up at just the right time. The solutions were different each time, but the fact was - God had a plan.
Is someone you love in a tight spot? Are they at the end of their rope? Are you at the end of your hope for them? Do you feel like curling up in a ball and crying? Do it! God sees you. He hears you. Trust in him. He has chosen you and your loved one to know his grace and goodness. Pour out your tears and your prayers to him. You will find him close by.
Prayer: Father, thank you that you hear the voice of our cries - both ours and our children's. Thank you that your plan is to build us into your great family. When we grow weary and sad, open our eyes to see the water of life, give us strength to come out from hiding and receive your blessings. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. 36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. 37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed. 38 I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. 39 For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. 40 You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed. 41 They cried for help, but there was none to save; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them. 42 I beat them fine as dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets. 43 You delivered me from strife with the people; you made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me. 44 As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me; foreigners came cringing to me. 45 Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses. (Psalms 18:35-45)
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