~ Entagled in Sin ~

[Lani]

Psalm 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.


"[The Lord] drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." Psalm 40:2 (NRSV)


As a child I loved to spend long summer days running barefoot in our backyard. Sometimes briars would take over sections of the yard; and because of my sensitive feet, I choose to frolic elsewhere.

One day, I attempted to cross one of the briar patches. I tiptoed and hopped around, trying to avoid the thorns and thistles. After a few moments, I realized that I had made it only to the middle of the briar patch. My tender toes and I were surrounded. I felt trapped and afraid. Then I did the only thing I knew to do. I cried out, "Daddy!" Soon, I saw my father running through the backyard toward me. He picked me up and set my feet back on the soft grass.

Like me approaching that briar patch, we tiptoe around sin only to find ourselves suddenly entangled, with no way out. Fortunately, we have a loving father who hears our cry. God reaches down, pulls us out of the briars of sin, and sets our feet on the right path.



Prayer: Thank you, God, for saving us. We pray in gratitude, saying, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deiver us from the evil one." Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who are entangled in sin.

Story shared by: M. Smith (SC)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 7/6/11

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