Don't Lose Heart

Daily Reading: Luke 18

Scripture Focus: He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18.1)

Devotional Thought: The Bible says, "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6.9). One of those places we are most tempted to lose heart and give up is in the work of prayer. Jesus says we must always pray!

The story of the widow and the judge reminds us that in these days when Jesus has been taken from the earth, we are like the widow. Some of this world's judges "neither fear God nor respect man." Consequently, prayer may be our only means of support and redress. We must not lose heart!

For the widow in this story, there was only one course of action. She had to come back. Again and again. She must press her case for justice. Refusing to give up, she chose to take the way of prayer.

The good news is that God is not like the unjust judge of the story. Nor is he like the judges of today's legal system who have limited knowledge and leeway. God always answers our prayers when we come in the name of Jesus Christ. God will give us justice speedily. So may Christ find faith on the earth when he comes - faith in your heart and in mine! Amen!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us that we ought to always pray. Help us to be faithful in this most sacred privilege and responsibility. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. 3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. 5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." 6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! 7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. (Psalms 142:1-7)