DCLM Daily Manna 29 September 2021 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — If Not For God

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TOPIC: If Not For God (DCLM Daily Manna 29 September 2021)

TEXT: Psalm 116:1-8

1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

KEY VERSE: “For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” – (Psalm 116:8)

MESSAGE:

It accords with human nature to let our minds dwell on the things we are missing rather than what we have. This reality must have inspired the hymn writer, Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1922) to pen down the popular song of which lyrics run thus: “When upon life’s billows you are tempest toss’d/When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost/Count your many blessings, name them one by one/And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done”.

Also Read: Open Heaven 29 September 2021 – Be Holy!

Not pausing from time to time to count our blessings to give thanks is a mark of ingratitude to God. The writer of Psalm 116 can certainly not be accused of ingratitude. From him flowed an outpouring of appreciation for remarkable interventions of God in his life. He said, “I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.” That his humble petitions to God received answers was a marvel to him and this engendered in him more love for God. It makes sense to think that we should not love God just because of His blessings that we receive. But indeed, whatever depth of love we have for God is yet reciprocal.

The psalmist had passed through a near-death experience that was so overwhelming and hopeless that he described it as “sorrows of death” and “pains of hell”. He was frighteningly greeted with “trouble and sorrow”. From that pit of hopelessness, he called upon God who showed up and proved that He is gracious and righteous.

Are you grappling with a life-threatening challenge at this moment? Do you consider that your load is too heavy to bear? Are you reeling in the mire of failure and disappointment? Do not be discouraged. Pause and reflect on the many untold blessings that you have received from God and be grateful to Him. As for the present challenge or need, turn it over to God in prayer. He is gracious. He will answer you.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
There is more than enough reason to thank God.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ecclesiastes 8-12

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.