Again and Again

Devotion by: Bob Hummel

Psalm 34:17-21, 23

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears,
and rescues them from all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD rescues them from them all.
He keeps all their bones;
not one of them will be broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

I know someone who spent six years in a Prisoner of War camp. He was tortured. He felt abandoned. And last week, as we ate lunch together, he excused himself to go to the hospital, because his old internal wounds were again threatening his life. Surely he must have felt brokenhearted many times. How could one not feel bitter, over losing six years, and suffering so much? I too have had bad times, but never anything so trying. I cannot imagine what it would be like to endure such trouble. The Lord sustained me through my trivial troubles, but He performed a miracle in sustaining the POWs in that camp, and bringing them home to lead, in my friend’s case, an amazing and rewarding life. We do not know what became of those who tortured him, but his faith in his eventual release led him to a life that inspires me.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord, for giving us hope; hope that righteousness will overcome evil, hope that we can take refuge in your goodness, and hope given to us by your Son. Help us to keep our troubles in perspective, and hear our prayers, so we may realize Your redemption. Amen.