Daily Reading: Exodus 5
Scripture Focus: Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it and pay no regard to lying words. (Exodus 5.9)
Devotional Thought: Have you ever been so busy that you didn't have time for good news? I know I have found myself in that situation. Many years ago, as we neared the end of constructing the first house we built, a deadline was looming, and I was under a lot of pressure. I had two pastor friends who would occasionally help me with some tasks. One morning, one of them showed up as I was frantically working to install some locksets. I thought, "Oh, great! Now I won't get anything done." After trying to make small talk for a while, I finally asked in exasperation, "What are you doing here?" My friend meekly said, "I've come to help you with those locksets, like we said." I felt about an inch tall! In my busyness, I had forgotten that we had arranged to do that!
When Moses showed up to help the Israelites, things didn't go smoothly. Instead of letting them go, Pharaoh put more work on the poor Hebrew slaves. Pharaoh's plan was to keep them so busy that they wouldn't have time to worry about going off to worship God. And it worked! The Israelites were not happy! They didn't have time to think about the good news of deliverance that Moses brought to them. I'm sure they felt like I did: "Oh, great! Now we won't get anything done!"
Satan wants us to be distracted and discouraged so that we do not have time to think about the good news of deliverance. Much of our busyness, however, is self-inflicted. We need to step back and remind ourselves that God is our Helper. In the midst of life's pressures, let his deliverance calm your stress and soothe your nerves. He really does love you!
Prayer: Father, thank you for the good news of the gospel. When the pressures of life mount, help me to remember that you are with me. May I keep my mind and soul free enough to receive your peace. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 16 But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. 17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. 18 He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. 19 God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God. 20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. 21 His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 23 But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you. (Psalms 55:16-23)
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