Daily Devotion

Reflection: Keith Lim
Voce: Terry

Audio

God is always on our side

Today is Tuesday, 27 May 2025. Let us quieten our hearts and be still it he presence of God. As we give thanks to God for yet another day of His grace and mercy, let us read from:

Psalm 124:1-6

¹ If it had not been the  Lord  who was on our side, let Israel now say

² if it had not been the  Lord  who was on our side, when people rose up against us,
³ then they would have  swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
⁴ then  the flood would have  swept us away, the torrent would have gone  over us;
⁵ then over us would have gone the raging waters.
⁶ Blessed be the  Lord , who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
  

And Psalm 125:1-5

¹ Those who  trust in the  Lord  are like Mount Zion, which  cannot be moved, but abides forever.
² As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so  the  Lord  surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.
³ For  the scepter of wickedness shall not  rest on  the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous  stretch out their hands to do wrong.
⁴ Do good, O  Lord , to those who are good, and to those who are  upright in their hearts!
⁵ But those who  turn aside to their  crooked ways the  Lord  will lead away with  evildoers!
    Peace be upon Israel!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.

---

The Scripture reading for today is taken from 1 Peter 4:12-19

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[b]

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Reflection

Isn’t it normal for us to question God when we are going through trials and challenges? Health issues, financial issues, a difficult spouse, rebellious children, the toxic boss at work, and the list goes on.  Haven’t we all questioned God, or if I dare say, even raised our fists to God? 

Why me, God? 
Haven’t I been faithful?
Where are you God?

Brothers and sisters, I want to reassure all of us that scripture emphatically tells us that God is on our side. Even when we have been disobedient and question Him, He is always watching out for us and will not allow the challenges to consume us.

We need a paradigm shift in our response to trials and challenges. Scripture instructs us to rejoice in sufferings because they were allowed by God to test and refine us (like fire). We are to be glad as we share in Christ’s sufferings. Really? Is it so easy?

Of course not! But, my brothers and sisters, I exhort us to remain still in God’s presence and allow Him to sanctify us through the trials He allows. In doing so, we begin to trust Him more and more and experience His shalom in our lives.

Questions to ponder

1. Do you believe that God is always on your side, even in suffering?
2. Do you trust that God allows trials in your life for your benefit?
3. Was there a trial you experienced in the past, although painful and difficult, that you saw God transforming you through and made you trust Him more?

Prayer

Let us listen and meditate on this song “God is on our side”

We live in troubled times
Seems like the sun won’t shine
When will we realize
God is on our side
He hides us in His arms

protecting us from harm
it’s good to realize

God is on our side
nothing can separate

He gives us strength to take
all that this world may bring
God is on our side
God is on our side
God is on our side

Amen

Link to today’s Morning Office