SEPTEMBER 24 – Reading 267

by Albert Rosado | September 24

“LOVING THE LORD WHO SAVES”
(Psalms 116:1-19; 117:1-2; 118:1-29)

 “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.” – Psalm 116:1

In 2003, my wife and I had our first son, Seth. We were elated and blessed to have a new addition to the family. As he got older, we noticed there were times he was having trouble breathing. We took him to the emergency room, and the doctors were able to help him. A few weeks later, he had the same problem with his breathing, so we went back to the emergency room. Seth was diagnosed with asthma. The emergency room became a regular occurrence for us. I remember it like it was yesterday, sitting alone in my car. I started shouting and pleading to my God for mercy. It’s now 22 years later since that day, and Seth is becoming the man God created him to be.

Have you ever been in big trouble and did not know what to do? Maybe you felt stuck and could not see a way out. Then help came, and you felt so thankful. This is what happened to the writer of Psalm 116. He called out to God when he was in danger, and God heard him. God saved him from death and from sadness.

Psalm 116 starts with words of love for the Lord because He listens and answers when His people cry out. This love is not because life is always easy. It is because God helps us in hard times. Psalms 117 and 118 tell everyone to praise the Lord because His love never ends. God saves people in their personal troubles, and He is the Savior for the whole world.

This is even more wonderful when we think about Jesus. He saves us not only from the problems of this life but also from sin and death forever. Because He gave His life for us, we have hope and peace. Our love for the Lord grows when we remember all He has done for us.

Simple Truth:
We love the Lord because He saves us and His love never ends.

Reflections:

• When has God helped you in a hard time?

   

• How does remembering His help make you love Him more?

   

Application:

• Thank God for the times He has helped you.

   

• Show your love for God by obeying Him and telling others about Him.

   

• Remember that Jesus is the greatest proof of God’s love.

   

Closing Prayer:
Lord, I love You because You have heard my cries for help. Thank You for saving me from trouble and from sin. Forgive me when I forget what You have done. Fill my heart with love that leads me to obey You. Thank You for Jesus, who gave His life so I can live. Help me remember your love every day. Amen.