Daily devotional, August 14, 2024
Skyflakes and Royal
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12
For some reason, 90s kids that I know of get offered a bottle of Royal (Orange-flavored soft drink) and SkyFlakes (soda cracker/saltine) every time they are feeling under the weather. I am one of these kids, and I definitely am happy to be drinking a soda treat even if I am running a fever!
Food indeed provides comfort! No matter the culture, people serve a specific food for those who are unwell, or feeling really sad. And this holds true even in the olden days. When the Prophet Elijah was feeling overwhelmed because his life is being threatened, he sat under a tree, and asked God to just take his life. He however arose to an angel who was giving him cake and water.
"And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again"
1 Kings 19:4-6
As if the gesture was not enough, the Angel came another time to again give him food and drink so that He can regain his strength, and bulk up for his journey ahead.
"And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”
1 Kings 19:7
Indeed, God knows what we need, and He fills us with not just spiritual strength but also with the ability to endure the challenges we are facing.
"And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
Isaiah 58:11
As one of the most comforting Psalms, Psalm 91 is filled with God’s assurance of love, comfort, and protection over those who love Him.
Like Elijah’s cakes, it provides comfort and strength to our weary souls. When we feel like we cannot go on any longer because of a physical ailment, or emotional wound, let us read and meditate on God’s words. Let us consume it as we embrace the promise-keeping, demon-slaying, Mightiest of mighty protectors and lover of our souls!
"For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:3-4
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 91 and 1 Kings 19:1-8 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How does God provide you comfort?
Conversation with the Lord: _ Heavenly Father, thank you for being my ultimate source of protection. Thank you for your presence, and for your words. Help me point others to you for their comfort too. Amen.
