Dear friend, I am so glad to greet you again in this new year. I hope it’s going well for you. Even now, God has a unique blessing to bless you this day. In Psalm 10:17, it says, “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted. You encourage them, and You listen to their cry.” Yes, the Lord is mindful of the afflicted. You might say that you were born in a very poor family, from a small city or village, and you wonder, “Why was I born here? What hope is there for me?” You may feel burdened by inherited debts or overwhelming responsibilities and cry out, “Look at my afflictions, Lord.”

My friend, it is you to whom the Lord gives strength to overcome afflictions. The Lord is so mindful of you. It is to you that the Lord comes. Even in this afflicted situation, don’t worry, be glad because out of everything you receive the Lord Himself. This verse says that He waits to hear the desires of the afflicted. You may think nobody cares about your desires or that they will never be fulfilled in this situation, but the Lord waits to hear your desires and to listen to your cry. He is here to encourage you, to strengthen you, and to build you up in your life.

My grandfather, the late Dr. D. G. S. Dhinakaran, was born in a very small town called Surandai, where there were no facilities, no great infrastructure, dreams, or hopes. He was a poor man, and because of sickness, poverty, and problems, he once went to end his life. But his uncle turned him to the love of Jesus. He asked the Lord, “Will You give me Yourself? Will You give me life?” The Lord filled his heart with great love and listened to his prayer. From that day till the end of his life, the Lord never departed from him. God blessed him with a bank job, raised him to a top position, used him mightily in ministry, and made him His powerful servant. Today, millions love him, respect him, and honour him as God’s servant. What a transformation! So get ready, my friend.

PRAYER:
Loving Lord, I thank You for the love You show toward me, even when I am afflicted. Though I may be neglected by the world, I am treasured by You, my Lord, and I thank You for that. Your love is flowing into my life, encouraging me and lifting me with great hope. Thank You, Jesus, for the new strength You are pouring into me today. You are taking my desires and my hopes into Your hands. You are blessing them, Lord, according to Your perfect will. You, Yourself, will lead me into all success. You will use me, make me shine, and make me a blessing. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray, Amen.