Dry, barren, parched, empty, dead. These descriptions of a physical wilderness can feel all-too-real in our spiritual lives as well. As we follow David's example in Psalm 63, we learn to seek God for satisfaction that overflows in worship.
When the sources of stability in our lives begin to shake, we shake right along with them. That's why David encourages us, in Psalm 62, to steady our souls on God alone. He only is our rock and salvation.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed and far from God, then Psalm 61 is for you. Here, David feels far from God. He cries "from the end of the earth!" Not only that, his "heart is overwhelmed." Yet He asks God to lead him to the rock that is higher than him.
God wants us to get involved in the worldwide harvest of souls!
David felt broken and abandoned. Yet through the course of this Psalm, David remembers God's Word and renews his confidence in God. By God's word, David goes from despair to confidence! When you feel broken and abandoned, renew your confidence in God.
In Psalm 59, David is being stalked by evil men who want to take his life, and he compares them to dogs who prowl and growl through the night. Yet David looks to God. Consider how we, when stalked by evil, look to the God of steadfast love to be our strength and fortress.
David reminds us that God is the righteous judge of the earth. This key truth teaches us how to respond to the wicked injustices in this life. We grieve, we pray, and ultimately we look forward to God's righteous judgment.
In Psalm 55, David experiences the betrayal of a close friend - someone he had taken "sweet counsel" with many times. In that betrayal, David turns to God in prayer, and he encourages the reader to do the same - to "cast your burden on the Lord" believing that "He will sustain you."
When facing betrayal and an attempt on his life, David turns to God and expresses trust in the name of the Lord. Here we find a wonderful prayer any time we are maligned for God's sake. When terrorized by evildoers, trust in the name of the Lord.
David helps us remember God's perspective on evil, and His plan to save and restore His people. Those who live as if God doesn't exist are foolish, for indeed, God sees every act of evil, and will judge every evildoer. And one day, God will save His people and set all things right. When overwhelmed by evil, trust God's plan.
There are few things more frustrating than blatant, unrestrained acts of evil. How are we to respond in times like these? David gives us direction in Psalm 52 - when we are betrayed by evildoers, we must trust in God's steadfast love.
In Christ, we are equipped to help others with identity problems,
Review the Gospel of John and see how the written Word changes everything about our lives! Listen to see Him (in the text), believe Him, and live forever for Him.
In Christ, I find the true purpose for myself, my circumstances, my roles and relationships.
Our missionary to Japan, Andrew Gonnerman, preaches from Psalm 23. Be reminded that the Lord is our Shepherd and His provision is perfect!
In Christ, I am not defined primarily by my past failures or achievements, my desires, my feelings, or my body.
Life is complicated and sometimes difficult. Even after we trust in Jesus as Savior, life can be full of confusion and uncertainties! As believers, we know that Jesus has called us to follow Him, but even that can seem tricky. See what it means to love and follow the Risen Lord.
In Christ, I am changing into His image.