May 14, The Big Difference

Today’s reading: Psalms 66-70

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens” - Psalm 68:19.

God just doesn’t bear your burdens — discouragements, failures, disappointments, sins, pain — every once in a while. He does so on a daily basis. He is always on watch and knows you inside and out, so He can give you just what you need when you need it. The challenge is that sometimes you think you need money, for example, and God sends someone with an encouraging word! You may then say, “Lord, thank You, but I’d rather have the cash!” God knows best, however, and is deserving of praise in all circumstances and situations because He knows exactly what you need. Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Can you see the difference that Paul did not say to thank God for all circumstances, but in them? Can you thank God today in faith because He is bearing your burdens, whether or not it feels like He is? Can you decide to rejoice in Him even if the circumstances are not to your liking?