Richard Templin Hancock

Crushed in Spirit

Crushed in Spirit

Psalm 34:18 (BSB)

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit."

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when your spirit was crushed? Perhaps it was the loss of someone you loved, a painful disappointment, rejection, or a burden you felt you could no longer carry.

Sometimes the hurt is so deep that we find it difficult to put into words. Others may not even know what we are going through.

But what a wonderful reminder from God's Word: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted!

We see an example of this in the life of Hannah. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah was deeply distressed and poured out her heart to the Lord in prayer. She was hurting, but she brought her sorrow before God. And after praying, she went on her way, and her face was no longer downcast.

What a reminder for us! We can bring our deepest hurts and disappointments to our Heavenly Father.

The Bible also tells us in 1 Peter 5:7:

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

Fellow follower of Jesus, whatever may be weighing on your heart today, don't carry it alone. Bring it to Jesus in prayer. He knows your heart, He understands your sorrow, and He cares for you.

The Holy Spirit Reminds Us Of The Words Of Jesus

The Holy Spirit Reminds Us Of The Words Of Jesus

John 14:26 BSB

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

Thank God for the Holy Spirit, who always brings us to Jesus and reminds us of His words and teachings.

And thank God that the Holy Spirit will be with us forever!

John 14:16 tells us:

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—”

Thank God the Holy Spirit is faithful to testify about Jesus.

John 15:26 says:

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me.”

What a wonderful Helper and companion the Holy Spirit is!

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us recognize His presence and leading today, and to remind us of the words of Jesus so we can follow Him faithfully.

They called to the Lord, and He answered

They called to the Lord, and He answered.

Psalm 99:6-7 (BSB) "Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered.

He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them."

Reflect on that. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel knew the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God who sent Messiah Jesus. You and I have this same access to our Heavenly Father this day and this night. We have access to God because of His mercy and kindness, as He opened up a way for us to approach Him through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. We enjoy the same comforts, guidance, instruction, promises, and victories. As it reads in Hebrews 4:14-16: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Thank God for this incredible blessing. Find comfort in your walk with your God today who loves you that much.

If you do not know the forgiveness of the Lord, then repent and seek His forgiveness now and receive the blessing of knowing God. Acts 3:19: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."

A Morning Blessing

Psalm 5:3 – "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

What a wonderful way to start the day with our Bibles open as we read God's precious Word. Psalm 143:8 – "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

Looking heavenward, we soak up God's love. Psalm 90:14 – "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

We experience God's compassion and faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22–23 – "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

In the morning, our hope is in God's Word. Psalm 119:147–148 – "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises."

Starting the day with God through prayer and His Word, we receive His love, guidance, and strength for the day ahead.

An Evening Feast

Psalm 23:5 (BSB)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

As we open our Bibles in the evening, we are opening an evening feast at God's table, where He speaks to us through His word. Each turning of the page brings more treasures as we feed on His word. Jeremiah 15:16: "Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts."

There is a blessing as we feast at this table. Joshua 1:8: "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do."

There are sweet treats at God's table. Psalm 119:103 (BSB): "How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!"

There are great treasures at God's table in His word. Psalm 19:10 (BSB): "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb."

Thank God for His word as we open our Bibles tonight.