Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Daily devotions: God's Smiley Face - Isaiah 49:13

Isaiah 49:13    Shout for joy, O Heavens; rejoice O Earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. 


Like most people, sometimes all that I need are a few kind words and a smile to get me through the day. A little kindness, mixed in with some encouragement, goes a long way. In the busy-ness of our own activities and careers, it’s nice to be applauded and appreciated once in a while.

Sometimes when I’m writing emails, I put one of those smiley faces at the end of what I’ve written. Emails are great, but they often don’t communicate gratitude and grace very well. A little yellow smiley face or even the typed equivalent J helps the recipient to understand that you are pleased with what they are doing and encouraged by what they have written.

I like today’s verse from Isaiah because seeks to bless His people with comfort and compassion. They have endured a lot of suffering through the years of exile in Babylon. Their faith has been stretched to its limit and their beliefs have been battered and bruised. God wants them to know that in the midst of their struggles, He is still with them.

Perhaps today you need a kind word and a smile from God. Through the grace that Jesus Christ brought into the world, we are given God’s comfort and compassion. Come to Him today with your worries and woes, your problems and pressures. His promises will help you; His love will sustain you…. J

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the instrument of God’s blessing to the world and the channel of His cherished love. Grant us comfort in the midst of all that unsettles us, and compassion in all that worries us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. if you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is my latest chess drawing called “Indian King,” featuring Indian designed chess pieces. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6854840939_1a83f370e8_b.jpg

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