SUNDAY · AUGUST 18, 2024 Psalm 69:30 NIV

A friend in need is a friend indeed

Daily Devotion · 3 min read

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving”

— Psalm 69:30 NIV

Do you have your best friend’s number on speed dial? They are chosen to be on speed dial because in an emergency you can trust them to come through. King David called someone reliable when he was in a tough spot. Let’s read to find out who and why.

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 NIV

A famous fable illustrates today’s title. It narrates the story of two friends who journeyed through the inviting woods nearby. While it all began as an innocent adventure, it soon turned into a terrible nightmare when a sudden realization hit that they had lost their way! The frightened boys were deep in the emerald forest.

The atmosphere was filled with the cries of wild animals, which made them tremble like leaves in the rustling wind.  Struck with horror, their eyes grew wide, and they promised they would never leave each other’s side.

No sooner had they uttered the promise, than a fierce growl tore through the trees behind them. It was a bear thrice their size. One of the friends was very good at climbing trees. On seeing the bear, he fled for his life and hurriedly scaled up a tree to safety. The other friend was not skilled in tree climbing, so he lay on the ground pretending to be dead. The bear sniffed around the boy and decided to leave the dead creature alone.

When it was safe again, the selfish boy descended from the tree and asked his friend what the bear had whispered in his ear. The annoyed boy replied, “A false friend is worse than a wild beast.”

A true friend will stick with you through tough times. Jesus is that true friend. In Psalm 69, King David was going through one of the most difficult times of his life, and he knew that God was with him and for him. He chose to praise God because he trusted God’s character.

When you praise God, you proclaim that He reigns above every situation you face today and every day. So, praise Him! When you sing and glorify Him with thanksgiving, you declare that He is good. He will make rivers in deserts for you.

Be encouraged that God is omniscient – the all-knowing one! He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. God was good to King David. He has not changed. You can trust Him. You will live in the goodness of God.

The Temple of God chapel at sunset

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