Devotions: Timely Reminders

 

The Lord is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.

Psalm 145:8 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

One of the best ways to pray, worship and encourage ourselves is to remember who God is and what He is really like. We need to consult Scripture, the Truth of God, for accuracy. What we hear from others or feel ourselves may be wrong or skewed. Only the Bible is perfectly accurate, especially when it comes to knowing God. That is even more important in times of doubt, confusion or pain because that is when our thoughts and feelings are even more distorted. When we feel troubled or unloved we need to remember that God is gracious and gives good gifts that we don’t deserve. When we feel condemned or guilt ridden, we should remember that God is merciful and just to forgive because of the blood of Jesus. When we are afraid or anxious we can remember that God is slow to anger. Interestingly, that phrase can also be translated long-suffering and forbearing. He is beyond patient with us and puts up with our mistakes, inadequacies and faults. He does all of this because of His great lovingkindness. His love is loyal to the end and so deep that we could not fathom it.

We can use these as reminders of who God really is for encouragement, but we can also use them in prayer and worship. We can praise God for who He is and pray them to reassure ourselves.

What are you going through? What are you feeling? Do you need to be reminded of who God is? Take some time to sit with scripture and remind yourself of who God really is. Be open with Him about what you are going through and feeling, then pray through His character and qualities (called attributes). Let that lead you into a time of worship and praise of who God is.

 

 

 

To view a video of this devo, visit my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/evelynbray.author

To receive these devotions daily, like my page or subscribe to my blog by entering your email in the subscription box to the right!

 

Translations of Greek and Hebrew words taken from blueletterbible.org