Reading your Bible for today 16

June 26: Psalm 32:10-11

KJV Key Verse: Psalm 32:11
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Devotion:
How many times have you had a friend or family member come up to you and ask you what is wrong? When we are not feeling at our best, it shows. Those around us who care about us will always spot when something is wrong and many times they may come straight out and ask what is wrong. When things are not right in our lives, we do “wear it on our sleeves” and allow everyone to view it whether we want to or not.

At first we may not think this is a good thing, that we are allowing too many people into our private lives; but when you start to think about the way we should be acting, then it is a very good thing! If you are willing to allow others into your personal life, then you are showing a bit of trust. With that trust them comes a certain amount of shared hope because if one of you has a problem, the other may be able to help out. But when you are doing something which is plainly wicked, others will not be willing to help you out. You will have to stand up and bear any problems you have by yourself.

We have a faithful friend in Jesus. He has promised never to leave us. In that promise we have the ultimate hope because He will always be there for us. The mercy He has promised will follow us no matter what happens in our lives. When we are feeling down, Christ is there, willing to listen and waiting to help. That is why the Psalmist writes here that we need to be glad in the Lord!

When things do start to get a bit rough, you soon see who your real friends are. Those who are willing to stick by your side are friends. Those who hide behind the bushes want you to be their friends but are not willing to make the required commitment for you. Those who run are certainly not your friends. There is one in our lives who will tempt us with so many things, say he is our friend, offer us untold mysteries, yet leave us standing just when we need it. He may not have dominion of all the earth yet, but he sure acts like it... Be wary of Satan, he is real...

Points to Ponder:
What did you last do when a friend needed you?

Christ stands by our side all the time, putting your hand out for help is quite natural!