Topic: The Mood Mender [Our Daily Bread 27 January 2019 Devotional]
Bible in a Year: Exodus 19–20; Matthew 18:21–35
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. – Psalm 94:19
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Psalm 94:2
As I waited at the train station for my weekly commute, negative thoughts crowded my mind like commuters lining up to board a train—stress over debt, unkind remarks said to me, helplessness in the face of a recent injustice done to a family member. By the time the train arrived, I was in a terrible mood.
On the train, another thought came to mind: write a note to God, giving Him my lament. Soon after I finished pouring out my complaints in my journal, I pulled out my phone and listened to the praise songs in my library. Before I knew it, my bad mood had completely changed.
Little did I know that I was following a pattern set by the writer of Psalm 94. The psalmist first poured out his complaints: “Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. . . . Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?” (Psalm 94:2, 16.) He didn’t hold anything back as he talked to God about injustice done to widows and orphans. Once he’d made his lament to God, the psalm transitioned into praise: “But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge” (v. 22).
God invites us to take our laments to Him. He can turn our fear, sadness, and helplessness into praise.
Today’s Reflection:
Lord, I pour out my heart to You. Take my hurts and my anger, and grant me Your peace.
If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”
This message was written By Linda Washington [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]
