Daily Devotionals

'Every Day Light' with Selwyn Hughes

Devotional: June 7th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Esther 4:10-17

We turn now to examine together the only other book of the Bible which is named after a woman - the book of Esther. This is the only book of the Bible which does not actually mention the name of God, but although His name is not to be seen, the evidences of His guiding and controlling hand are everywhere. Before actually beginning to study the book section by section, I want to use these first two days to acquaint you with one or two of its high points - hence today's reading. The verse I have chosen is without doubt the highlight of the book and introduces us to its main message and theme - the sovereignty of God at work in the lives of His people. In a way, this theme is similar to the one which we have just studied. Unless we hold in our hearts the solid conviction that God is on the throne, our lives will soon become drained of all point and purpose. The Christian who says, "I am not sure whether God is at work in my life or not," is living dangerously. The way we think greatly influences the way we feel, and if our perception of things is that they are haphazard and without point and purpose then we will finish up, as someone put it, "with loud days that have no meaning and no end." As we peruse the pages of Esther together, I trust you will come to experience not merely a faith that you hold but a faith that holds you.

Father, I realize that when I live out my days here on earth with no clear understanding of Your overall direction and control, I live dangerously. Open up once again the truth of Your divine sovereignty to my understanding. In Jesus' Name. Amen.