January 30

Exodus 5

Israel’s affliction increases.

INSIGHT

When troubles come upon us, instinctively the first question we ask is: “Why?” “Why me, why this, why now?” That is what Moses asked in verse 22. Yet, in retrospect, we see that the question was premature. We now know why-since hindsight is better than foresight. How long will it take the Lord to deliver us from our troubles? Usually just a little longer than we thought we could tolerate. We must remember the example of Moses when we are tempted to ask the Lord, “Why?”

PRAYER

Even in the midst of trials, we can praise the Lord, who hears us and cares for us:
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods….
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
(Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7)

Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
In returning and rest I shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be my strength (based on Isaiah 30:15).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God’s will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Others to see Christ in you
• The fulfillment of the Great Commission
• Your prayer list

Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14).