Help in the Wilderness

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 17

Scripture Focus: The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness. (2 Samuel 17.29)

Devotional Thought: As I write this devotional, it is time for March Madness. This year, however, March Madness has been delayed by COVID-19. Just when we need sports, we aren't able to watch any! I have a feeling that this corona virus is going to extend for not only NCAA March Madness, but also for a good part of the major league baseball season. I'm already "hungry and weary and thirsty" in this wilderness! On top of all that, some of the basic necessities are flying off the shelves, as people horde things in fear.

David and his men had fled a rebellion in the capital city. They were ill-prepared for their emergency flight. They needed help. Shobi, Machir, and Barzilla to the rescue! Not knowing if their aid would be punished as sedition, these men brought the weary refugees "beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, 'The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.'"

Rest, cleansing, sustenance, and encouragement - just what the doctor ordered!

I wonder how the corona virus will play out. Will it be a time of selfish hoarding or generous sharing? Will we reach out our hands to help, even at great cost to ourselves?

There is another virus going around. It is called sin. It makes people suffer with hunger, weariness, and thirst in a great wilderness of fear and doubt. How will we respond to that?

Prayer: Father, thank you for placing people in my life who have helped me when I'm hungry, thirsty, and weary. Lord, show me someone today who could use my help and encouragement. I pledge to act upon that need. In the name of the One who left heaven's comfort to give me all I need, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 105.1-6

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;

make known his deeds among the peoples!

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;

tell of all his wondrous works!

3 Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

4 Seek the Lord and his strength;

seek his presence continually!

5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,

his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,

6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant,

children of Jacob, his chosen ones!