Daily Manna

Key Verse

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore” (Psalm 113:2).

TEXT — Psalm 113:1-9

Message

John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University. He came from a Christian home, and he was gifted with a keen mind and good looks. Yet, in those days, he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic. One night, however, something happened that set in motion a change in Wesley’s heart.

While speaking with a porter, he discovered that the poor fellow had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he did not even have a bed. But he was an unusually happy person, filled with gratitude to God. Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the meaning of true thanksgiving.

Believers are encouraged to praise and bless God always, no matter the circumstances. Special mention was made of the poor and the barren, who though was no doubt in pain and poverty, kept up their praise until God intervened and delivered them. The poor and needy are thereafter lifted out of the dunghill of poverty, while the barren woman becomes a joyful mother.

One could imagine the intervening variables between the times these needy brethren praised and prayed, and when their deliverance eventually came. It was not an easy ride. They had to deliberately ignore the pains of the moment and concentrate on the praise of the ever-changeless God. Praise becomes a sacrifice when you have to do it under challenging circumstances.

It is easy to praise God when all is well. The true test of your praise and sincerity of your thanksgiving comes when you do that under adverse conditions. We must understand that our trials and tribulations do not last forever. There will certainly be a change in our circumstances, but how many of us are prepared to wait in praise until our change comes?

Thought for the day

The courts of heaven are always open to “praiseful” saints.

• Bible
• in one year
• DEUTERONOMY 13 – 16