Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

Psalms 106:1-15
1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.
8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.


Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5 (NRSV)



The road from the Luanda airport to southern Angola is under repair. Clearing away the old road's surface to allow the repairs has dropped the road below the level of the surrounding buildings, making it difficult for pedestrians to get to the banks, shops, and markets along the way. I found myself wondering if we could lower the buildings a little, or somehow raise the road surface to be level with them.

While the work for fixing the road goes on, people continue to step up and down every day between the level of the road and the level of the buildings. In the midst of the upheaval and the noise of the heavy machines, they wait for the day the work will be completed, providing more comfortable travel.

This uneven and challenging area reminds me of the story of the Israelites after they crossed the Red Sea. In spite of their disobedience, God led them through the wilderness and delivered them from the hands of their enemies.

The road of life is difficult and sometimes full of twists. Sometimes we have to go up and down, go to the right and the left. We pass through the valleys and climb the mountains. Meanwhile, the Lord looks after us during our journey and leads us no matter what part of the path we face each day.



Prayer: Our God and guide, strengthen us and give us the hope that will enable us to overcome life's difficulties. We trust you. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: The People of Angola

Thought for the Day: In life's ups and downs, God journeys with us.

Story shared by: E. deCarvalho (Angola)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 8/8/11