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C.S. Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, imagines correspondence between an old devil, Screwtape, and a young demon, Wormwood, whom Screwtape is mentoring. In one letter, Screwtape writes, "Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human … looks round upon a universe from which every trace of [our Enemy] seems to have vanished, asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys."

Psalm 119:81-83

1. The image of a shriveled-up wineskin (v. 83) is from a different era, but do you get the picture? Have you felt like this?
   
   
2. How does the writer feel (v. 81) about the prospect of God rescuing him?
   
   
3. How does he choose to deal with the God's apparent absence?
   
   
4. Does the fulfillment of God's promises (v. 82) seem far off to you?
   
   
5. What is the psalmist's big question for God?
   
   
6. How might God respond to a question like this: dramatically? In a still, small voice? Not at all?
   
   
7. What conclusion would a person who trusts appearances draw?
   
   
8. How is it possible to respond the way the psalmist did?
   
   

Ask God for strength to cling to His promises when you can't feel His presence.

Psalm 119:81-83

81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
When will you comfort me?
83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

When I feel discouraged, Lord, help me make positive adjustments and pour myself into others.

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