Weekly Newsletter
Pastor David’s Weekly Devotional
There is certainly no shortage today of things that can make us anxious or fearful. Especially with the internet and social media, crises can seem to be pervasive and invasive. Consequently – if our minds are not set on things above (Col.3:2); if the peace of Christ does not rule in our hearts (Col.3:15); if our thoughts are not fixed on Jesus (Heb.3:1); if our souls are not anchored to the truth of God (Heb.6:19) – we can fall into all kinds of uncertainty and despair.
The answer, which is often easier said than done, is to trust in the Lord (see Prov.3:5-6; Matt.6:25-34; Jn.14:1). This means we need to believe in God and to believe God. That is, we not only need to believe who God is but also believe in what He has said. Failing to obey these commands will cause us to stumble into error, doubt, and even despair.
Indeed, we all are prone to wander – to wander from the truth of God and to wander from trusting God. This is one reason why we find repeated exhortations in God’s Word to trust in the Lord. One great example is found in Psalm 42, where the Psalmist is quite literally rebuking his own troubled soul and exhorting himself to hope in God. Commenting on this Psalm, Martyn Lloyd-Jones famously said: “The main trouble in this whole matter of spiritual depression in a sense is this, that we allow our self to talk to us instead of talking to our self.” Herein lies a simple two-step solution to doubt or despair: rebuking and exhorting.
Another vivid example is Psalm 62, as David proclaims his steadfast trust in the Lord. Once again we see the value of declaring our belief in God – who He is and what He has said (promised). One contemporary hymn beautifully and accurately captures the essence of Psalm 62. In fact, its title comes from the first line of the Psalm: “My Soul Find Rest in God Alone.” As you study these Psalms, let me encourage you to prayerfully read (or sing) and declare this song:
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #6):
Genesis 20-23; Judges 1-6; Psalm 15-17; Job 11-12; Isaiah 29-33; Matthew 14-16; Romans 11-12
Recommended Reading:
“Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” by Dane Ortlund
There is certainly no shortage today of things that can make us anxious or fearful. Especially with the internet and social media, crises can seem to be pervasive and invasive. Consequently – if our minds are not set on things above (Col.3:2); if the peace of Christ does not rule in our hearts (Col.3:15); if our thoughts are not fixed on Jesus (Heb.3:1); if our souls are not anchored to the truth of God (Heb.6:19) – we can fall into all kinds of uncertainty and despair.
The answer, which is often easier said than done, is to trust in the Lord (see Prov.3:5-6; Matt.6:25-34; Jn.14:1). This means we need to believe in God and to believe God. That is, we not only need to believe who God is but also believe in what He has said. Failing to obey these commands will cause us to stumble into error, doubt, and even despair.
Indeed, we all are prone to wander – to wander from the truth of God and to wander from trusting God. This is one reason why we find repeated exhortations in God’s Word to trust in the Lord. One great example is found in Psalm 42, where the Psalmist is quite literally rebuking his own troubled soul and exhorting himself to hope in God. Commenting on this Psalm, Martyn Lloyd-Jones famously said: “The main trouble in this whole matter of spiritual depression in a sense is this, that we allow our self to talk to us instead of talking to our self.” Herein lies a simple two-step solution to doubt or despair: rebuking and exhorting.
Another vivid example is Psalm 62, as David proclaims his steadfast trust in the Lord. Once again we see the value of declaring our belief in God – who He is and what He has said (promised). One contemporary hymn beautifully and accurately captures the essence of Psalm 62. In fact, its title comes from the first line of the Psalm: “My Soul Find Rest in God Alone.” As you study these Psalms, let me encourage you to prayerfully read (or sing) and declare this song:
My soul finds rest in God alone / My rock and my salvation
A fortress strong against my foes / And I will not be shaken
Though lips may bless and hearts may curse / And lies like arrows pierce me
I'll fix my heart on righteousness / I'll look to Him who hears me
O praise Him hallelujah / My Delight and my Reward
Everlasting never failing / My Redeemer my God
Find rest my soul in God alone / Amid the world's temptations
When evil seeks to take a hold / I'll cling to my salvation
Though riches come and riches go / Don't set your heart upon them
The fields of hope in which I sow / Are harvested in heaven
I'll set my gaze on God alone / And trust in Him completely
With ev'ry day pour out my soul / And He will prove His mercy
Though life is but a fleeting breath / A sigh too brief to measure
My King has crushed the curse of death / And I am His forever
Aaron Keyes | Stuart Townend © 2007 Thankyou MusicTogether in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #6):
Genesis 20-23; Judges 1-6; Psalm 15-17; Job 11-12; Isaiah 29-33; Matthew 14-16; Romans 11-12
Recommended Reading:
“Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” by Dane Ortlund
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Instead of making a New Year's resolution I have decided to use a single word to help me focus on God rather than circumstances or things. My word for this year is TRUST.