Does life ever seem unfair? Why does it seem like the people who are trying their hardest to do the “right thing” often face the greatest difficulties? Is it worth it to continue on the path you’re following, when it seems like you can never get ahead?
My wife and I had to ask ourselves these questions a couple years ago, as we were faced with the possibility of never having children of our own. We watched multiple individuals who were having child after child and living in very sinful conditions, and yet, we had been going to church faithfully, giving financially to God’s ministries, and trying our hardest to be holy. “Why should they be parents and not us?” Everything seemed unfair and out of order, and we had a very difficult time answering these questions honestly. Our faith and trust in God wavered sometimes, questioning why things are the way that they are.
Some of you may have felt this way too in your own way. “Everyone else seems to be successful except for me: why is God not blessing my efforts?” Thankfully, these questions are not new, but are ancient; we see them asked by the author of Psalm 10. He is calling for God to answer the questions we are asking today, about why the wicked seem to prosper when God’s people are suffering. What is amazing about this Psalm is that God doesn’t answer the author: he comes to his senses on his own, resting in the truth that God is King forever and will eventually take care of His people forever (verse 16-18). Knowing this truth about who our God is leads us out of the darkness of doubt, and into the glory of rest in His promises.
Brothers and sisters, this life was never meant to be “fair”; you will suffer, struggle, and feel like God isn’t listening to you. However, Jesus went through much worse than we can imagine, and God vindicated him by raising him from the dead (1 Peter 2:21-25). We were called to follow his example in suffering for good, but will eventually receive the reward of eternal life when he returns, just like he did. Although there are difficulties now, they cannot compare with the glory that’s to come in God’s Kingdom (Romans 8:18). If you are having a rough time right now, find some peace in knowing that Jesus understands your struggle and God will reward you in the end for your steadfast patience. Don’t give up; things are going to get better.
-Talon Paul
Reflection Questions
When have you struggled with an unfair life and perhaps doubted God’s goodness and power?
When that happens how can we be reminded of God’s promises?
(First of all, let me say there is NEVER a “wrong” passage of the Bible to read or write about on ANY day or week of the year. Secondly, let me say that the Bible reading plan layout is not the easiest to follow – as the books are not always in order and we jump back and forth between Psalms and Proverbs. Thirdly, let me say this week you are welcome to be reading Psalms or Proverbs or both – and our devotions will be coming from the book of Psalms, so here is today’s on Psalm 8. – Thank you for reading – Marcia Railton)
One of my favorite vacation destinations has been the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Our family had the privilege of going there this summer, and when you are out there in those mountains, you feel so tiny. Growing up in Illinois and now living in Indiana, we don’t usually see very high heights: but out there, you realize just how very insignificant we are. As you drive higher and higher up the mountain to where Mount Rushmore sits, and then drive down hair-pin turns on Needles Highway, all you can do is stand in awe of God’s wonderful creation (if you’ve never had the chance to visit, I’d really encourage you to make the effort).
Psalm 8 reflects the same feelings that I had in South Dakota: when we look at all that God has created, we seem so tiny and insignificant. When we look up at the stars, considering all the galaxies and planets that God has made, how important can we really be? Does our life really matter? It seems impossible that the God who created everything around us would care about “little ol’ me”… and yet, He is deeply moved by humanity. In fact, He even sets us up as royalty over the earth! In the original command of Genesis, God’s purpose for you and I was to rule over this planet (Genesis 1:26-28). We were designed to be kings and queens, ruling hand-in-hand with our Creator to bring about blessing to this world.
This Psalm communicates many things to us, but I want to highlight just two. First, we should slow down our lives to really reflect on God’s creation. When was the last time that you just stopped and looked up at the stars? Or slowed down your busy schedule to look at the birds chirping outside your window? Only by pausing our lives can we appreciate what God has done for us. Only by stepping back, realizing that the world doesn’t revolve around us and what we accomplish, do we find true peace and meaning for our lives. I want to encourage you today: press “Pause” and enjoy what God has made (it sounds a little like Sabbath, doesn’t it?).
Secondly, remember that you are valuable and that God loves you deeply. Out of all that God has made in the universe, He still thought it was incomplete without one of YOU. He thought you were precious enough to create, and you are. You have a purpose in this life and you matter. Rest and rejoice today, knowing that God really does care about you.
-Talon Paul
Reflection Questions
What do you marvel at about God’s creation?
What benefit do you find in pushing pause to remember God’s creation and all He has done for you? How can you remember to do it more and even build time into your schedule to do so?
What does it mean to you that such a huge, impressive God of creation created and loves you, too? How will you show your praise and thanks and response?
1st & 2nd Peter Introduction
The books of First and Second Peter were written by the apostle Peter. The two main points of First Peter were: 1) the importance of believers to bear up under the pain of unjust suffering, and 2) the importance of living a holy life. The main points of Second Peter were 1) to address false teachings, and 2) to be prepared for Jesus’ return.
Some well known passages include:
1 Peter 2:2-3, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
1 Peter 2:19, “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.”
1 Peter 3:15, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”
1 Peter 4:7-8, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”
1 Peter 4:18, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
1 Peter 5:6-8, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
2 Peter 1:21, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 2:9, “…the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.”
2 Peter 3:13, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
Have you ever felt so troubled that you couldn’t speak? Your heart is so heavy, nothing you try brings comfort, you can’t sleep, you question God’s love and promises…..you are miserable. Psalm 77 begins, “I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord”.
The Psalmist suggests that, in these times of trouble, we could remember the deeds of the Lord, ponder God’s work, and meditate on His mighty deeds. Sometimes that is not enough. Sometimes we don’t see God moving in our life. Sometimes we don’t hear him guiding us. Sometimes we don’t feel his presence. Sometimes we need more than just remembering and meditating.
Verses 16-19 describe when God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites as they fled Egypt. Verses 19-20 say, “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
God himself wasn’t seen. BUT, He led the Israelites by the hand of Moses and Aaron. I think He does that today. He often uses people to help lead us.
I have been there. Troubled. Unable to see or hear God. Thankfully, I did have people in my life whom God used to lead me out of that darkness. Some were friends and family. Some were professional counselors. Some were on the radio, singing or talking. Some were authors. Some were people in Scripture. God sent help. Let me say to you, “God WILL send help”. Your job, in those troubled times, is to accept the help He sends.
Your next job is to be that help for someone else. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 tells us that God comforts us so that we may comfort others.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Have you ever experienced God sending someone to help in your troubles? If so, share your experience with someone. Maybe your story will give them encouragement, strength, and comfort.
If you are in a “day of trouble” right now and aren’t seeing or hearing God, don’t give up hope. Look around you for people He is sending to help you. Can you see anyone?
Remembering God’s deeds is a good tool for strengthening our faith and our trust in Him. Think about your life; which of God’s mighty deeds can you meditate on today?
When I was a young pastor’s wife in my 20’s and 30’s, I had many older role models in our congregations. These special saints had been faithful through the years despite the challenges and sorrows of our present world. They trusted God’s direction and His goodness, and they were still devotedly serving Him at church and in their everyday lives.
I, (and my pastor-husband), valued and yes, cherished the encouragement and support they lovingly gave us. How I long to see them again!
Various dear ones come to mind—the balding Wisconsin farmer, cracking jokes, yet tender-hearted; the precious old Indiana couple who held hands in church, except when they held my year-old son while I played the piano for the worship service; dear Missouri ladies who “loved” on my children and us; the welcoming Minnesota saint who hugged me at our first meeting, and could outwork women thirty years younger!
Psalm 71, one of our readings for today, has brought to mind these beloved individuals, as well as many others, who we were blessed to know and love in the pastorates we served. An apt title for this Psalm could be “Prayer of an Aged Saint.”
The writer of this Psalm begins by saying he has taken refuge in God, and he asks for deliverance. He turns to God to rescue him, basing his trust on the help he has received from Him down through the years.
“For You are my hope; Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. I have leaned on you since my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; My praise is continually of You.” Verses 5 and 6
Then, the Psalmist confirms he is no longer a youth.
“Do not cast me away at the time of my old age; Do not abandon me when my strength fails.” Verse 9
Even at his advanced age, our writer once again faces an enemy. “Wrong doer, ruthless man”, (verse 4); “adversaries” (verse 13) are some of the words used to describe this enemy.
And yet his ultimate trust in God’s intervention in his life is evident.
“But as for me, I will wait continually, And will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And of Your salvation all day long; For I do not know the art of writing. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.” Verses 14-16
The Psalmist’s worship turns into a declaration, a witness of the greatness of God. And it doesn’t end there.
“God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
And even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.” Verses 17 and 18
Throughout the writer’s entire life, from his youth to his old age, God has been present and working in his life. And now, as he nears the end of that life, his firm desire is to declare God’s strength and faithfulness to succeeding generations. He wants the younger individuals that are part of his life, or simply have observed his life, to understand the ultimate “goodness of God.”
Once, I too, was young. Now, I can identify with the writer of this Psalm. How good and faithful our mighty God has been to me. He has rescued me from troubles. He has daily strengthened me. He has been my Rock (verse 3) when all else failed.
The dear saints in our pastorates that I grew to love, left a legacy of faith for me and others. I pray my life is also “declaring God’s strength to this generation.”
Paula Kirkpatrick
Reflection Questions
Do you have an older Christian who is a role model to you?
Have you told those role models what they mean to you?
The Psalmist says he doesn’t know the art of writing, so he needs to make mention, to declare, God’s righteousness and strength. Think about ways you can talk about and show your friends and loved ones what God has done in your life.
The Minnesota Church of God General Conference has campgrounds located on a peninsula. It’s the setting for various church events throughout the year including baptisms and conferences. One of those has been a summer camp. I have fond memories of that camp, and since it’s on a lake there’s always some swimming involved. If you end up touching the bottom of the lake while swimming, you’ll find it’s very muddy. Once it grabs on it doesn’t want to let go.
When reading Psalm 69, this is what came to my mind regarding the first few verses. David is talking about muck and deep waters. In this case, David is relating the waters and the muck where there is no foothold to his enemies and those who hate him, how he is surrounded by them. He goes on throughout the passage to illustrate this over and over again. There is powerful imagery used, like in verse 21, “They also gave me gall for my food And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” He’s talking about how he feels surrounded and just how bad it is for him, tribulation after tribulation.
Yet in the midst of this, the last part of the Psalm is about praising God. Verse 29 marks the change, “But I am afflicted and in pain; May Your salvation, O God, set me securely on high.” He even thanks God. He sets a great example here of being thankful in the bad times, not just the good, as it’s so easy to do. And to bring it back to the mud and water, it can be easy to drown in this sludge. To be overwhelmed. That moment when it all hits and you almost feel lost. But let’s take a page from David here and turn to God in those situations. God should be the rock upon which you build your life so when the water is all around, you have a foundation.
So, to wrap this up: when you’re in a spot like David, and that could be right now, you may be be afflicted, hurting and overwhelmed, but God will secure you.
-Philip Kirkpatrick
Reflection Questions
When have you felt the most stuck? Did you turn to God for salvation? If so, how – and how did God respond?
What can we learn from David in this psalm?
What will you do next time you are feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the muck?
Mark Introduction
The gospel of Mark is thought to have been written by John Mark, a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25), and a close associate of Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Mark’s testimony about Peter is especially vivid, supporting the belief that Mark wrote Peter’s account of Jesus’ ministry.
Mark is the shortest gospel. It contains less of Jesus’ teachings than do either Matthew or Luke, focusing on what Jesus did rather than what He said. It is speculated that Mark wrote his gospel while in Rome to encourage Christians persecuted in Rome under Nero.
Mark starts his gospel by saying this is the beginning of the gospel (good news) about Jesus the Messiah, the son of GOD. But several times in Mark’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to not tell who he is (or tell about some of the miracles he did). Also, Mark repeatedly pointed out that the disciples didn’t understand many of Jesus’ teachings – which helps us relate to the disciples.
The words at the beginning of the previous Psalm 52 and Psalm 56 refer to the occasion of David fleeing from King Saul into the hands of Achish, king of Gath. He escaped from there by pretending to be mad (I Samuel 21).
The words at the beginning of this Psalm 57, “David, when he fled from Saul in the cave”, probably refers to the very next verse in 1 Samuel 22:1, where David escaped to the “cave of Adullam”. Eventually his parents joined him there along with about four hundred men who were “in distress”, “in debt”, “depressed”. And he became commander over them”, evidently developing his leadership skills.
Perhaps the bigger the problem, the more opportunity you have to glorify God as you trust his direction in your life. Not to your problem-solving glory, but to your powerful God’s glory.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge. Show me your grace and favor here, David says. I am alone and discouraged. You are my only refuge. I’m exhausted. I could have died any day this week, but here I am, still running from Saul. What now?
We know life is busy, and we are pulled in many directions. Sometimes it seems that no matter what we decide to do, someone is unhappy — even if they don’t quite kill us. We juggle a lot of extremes and pressures in our lives. What to do?
David seems to carry the chaos of “storms of destruction” on the one hand, and clings to the safety of the “shadow of your wings” with the other hand. What now?
He decides, Yes, I will make my refuge in the shadow of your wings until the storms have passed by. God hides us from danger, gathered beneath his wings. We can survive the competing demands, lifting up our heads, decrying the self-pity. I cry out to God, the Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness. David certainly knew the battle advantage to holding the “high ground”. His God, the Most High, has heaven at his bidding and will do it all.
Then, like all of us, he looks down in fear and sees lions slinking about outside the cave and people breathing fire around him and men whose teeth are spears and arrows and whose tongues are sharp-edged swords. Are they rushing the cave, jabbing their spears and talking trash? Am I at school? Am I at work? What to do?
But the other fist comes up in shouts of declaration. Even though his enemies had prepared a snare and dug a trap for him, his enemies fell into it instead
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens Let Your glory be over all the earth.
With a deep breath he determinedly keeps going, My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music. Awake! I will awaken the dawn. O Lord I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the clouds..
David didn’t wait for his circumstances to change before he praised God. He was still in a dark cave with pursuers looking to kill him. But he chose to sing. He was scared, hiding in an earthen cave but praising God anyway, thinking about heavens and clouds, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness! Singing?
Is the desperate issue here “God, change my situation?” or is it “Praise you for being my songbird, gathering me under your wings in love; what do you want me to learn from this?” Perhaps David had a lot to learn from those 400 men. Either way, God was his best resource.
In the New Testament Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into stocks in a dank prison with many in pursuit (Acts 16:25-34). And they, too, chose to sing. They were still singing, hurting and bleeding, when God’s earthquake shook the prison foundations and loosed all the doors and bonds to immediate freedom. Which led the frightened jailer to cry, “Sir, what must I do to be saved”?
“And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.” On the one hand, the jailer was facing death and destruction if these prisoners escaped, for Paul and Silas chose to sing and pray. But on the other hand, this man was rejoicing with his family that he believed in God!
Singing? Earthquake? Have you tried that in the midst of your difficulties? Rejoicing? Believing?
Surely technology could give us instant access to our list of praise songs – at any crushing moment – at any rejection – at any physical danger – at any financial crisis –after we call 911.
God IS our refuge. So write a new song. Just sing!
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens Let Your glory be over all the earth.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning, new every morning
Great is your faithfulness, O LORD,
Great is your faithfulness.
-Lamentations 3:22-23
Song “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” by Edith McNeill
-Cheryl Ross
Reflection Questions
What can you learn from David?
Have you tried singing and praising God in the midst of your struggles and difficulties? If so, did you find any benefit in doing so?
When will it be helpful for you to remember that your God holds the high ground?
Throughout the Bible, the phrases “do not be afraid” and “do not fear” are repeated over and over. This phrase is first used in Genesis 15:1, which says, “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.’” The last time the Bible says this is in Revelation 2:10, which says, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
In Psalm 46, we are given the reason why we should not fear. Verse 1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46 says this is the reason we will not fear. When God is our refuge and strength, nothing can defeat us. As nothing is stronger than God, when our strength is God, nothing can overpower us. Therefore, we should not fear anything. Verses 2-3 continue to tell us that there is no reason to fear, even if the earth should change, the mountains fall into the sea, the oceans roar, and/or the mountains shake.
Further on in the psalm, it says, “The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.” If you didn’t have enough reason to not fear from verse 1, these 3 verses give you even more reasons. The God who is our stronghold has brought about desolations on the earth against those who have opposed Him. He has stopped wars and defeated men and their weapons over and over again. Therefore, there is no longer any reason to fear. We need to trust in God as our refuge, strength, and stronghold.
-Kaitlyn Hamilton
Reflection Questions
What are your top five fears?
How often does fear interfere with what you think God wants you to be doing or thinking?
It’s easy to say, “Do not fear.” But harder to do. What are some practical daily steps you can take to help your brain overcome fear?
How is God greater than all the things we fear?
Introduction to Philemon
The book of Philemon is Paul’s shortest letter that is included in our Bible. Paul wrote it while in prison to his dear friend and fellow Christian, Philemon.
Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had run away, had come to Paul, and had helped Paul while he was in chains for the gospel. While there, Onesimus became a believer. This book is Paul’s letter to Philemon urging him to accept Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a dear brother in Christ; asking that Philemon welcome Onesimus “as you would welcome me.”
This book shows Paul’s mastery of persuasion. He started by praising Philemon, then laid out a logical argument for kindly accepting Onesimus back, followed by an emotional argument. Ending with “Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.” Not only was Paul an amazing missionary, he was a master strategist.
Most people love to claim credit for themselves on any project that went well. They may choose to neglect telling others that there was a group working on the project, and instead claim all the credit for themselves. They may acknowledge the fact that a couple other people helped them, but downplay their contributions to the project. Very few people are going to say that they were part of a group who did something great and emphasize the other people’s contributions to the project.
In Psalm 44, the psalmist says that they heard from their fathers what God did in the past. Their fathers could have easily claimed that they did it all with their own skill. They could have claimed that they drove the people out and possessed the lands by their own power. But, they didn’t. Their fathers could have also easily said that God helped them some, but it was still mostly by their own efforts that they did these things. But, they didn’t. Instead, they said to the Lord their God, “You with Your own hand drove out the nations; Then You planted them; You afflicted the peoples, Then You spread them abroad. For by their own sword they did not possess the land, And their own arm did not save them” (vs 2,3a). They fully acknowledged that God was the one who did all the work. Without God, they could not have done any of these things.
God also works in our lives, like He did in the fathers’ of the psalmist. Most of the time He’s not driving out herds of people before us or possessing lands for us, but He’s still working to do something great in us and for us. When God does something in your life, do you acknowledge that He did it and that it was not by your own strength? When people ask about it, do you tell them it was fully by God that these things happened, or do you briefly acknowledge it but claim you did most of it? We need to acknowledge that God did something great and that it was not by our own power.
-Kaitlyn Hamilton
Reflection Questions
Who do you most often give the credit to when something goes right in your life?
For what events of your personal past can you give God glory? What did He do? What did He save you from? How did He show His strength, power and wisdom?
How can you do a better job of giving God the credit and telling others (including children) what He has done for you? How can this help others, including the next generation?
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God;”
Psalm 42 starts off with a piece of beautiful imagery. The writer of the Psalm compares himself to a deer who is thirsting for water. Deer – like all living creatures – need water to survive. However, deer may use the plants they eat as a supplement to the water they need, in order to lessen the amount of times they need to find a water source. Most deer need to drink water daily, especially if they have been running around lots. By the time a deer chooses to look for water, it is extremely thirsty.
In the comparison of the desire for God and a deer panting for water, we see a deep longing. To want God as extremely as a deer wants water is incredible. The author, by writing this, admits that he cannot live without God, just as a deer cannot live without water. He is not saying that he would like to follow God some of the time when it is convenient, but instead is saying that he needs God every single day of his life. Do you realize and accept that you need God every moment of your life to survive? Are you looking for Him in your life as eagerly as a deer searching for a singular water source to get it through the day?
Further on in the Psalm, the author says, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.” He explains that he thirsts for God because of the help of His presence. The author acknowledges that hoping in God is like a deer being refreshed with a drink of water. Are you seeking after God and hoping in Him like a deer panting for the water?
-Kaitlyn Hamilton
Reflection Questions
Do you find yourself longing for God everyday?
When you are thirsty for more of God what do you do, where do you go, what quenches your thirst?
What do you do when your soul is in despair? Where do you find hope?
How can you share God with someone who is thirsty?
Titus Introduction
Paul wrote the book of Titus to his mentee, Titus, Paul’s “true son in our common faith,” whom Paul had left in Crete to strengthen the new churches there and to appoint elders in every town. Paul detailed the qualifications of an elder in Titus 1:5-9.
Paul reminded all Christians to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while we wait for Jesus’ return (which Paul also called our blessed hope). Paul also told Titus to remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, etc.
Finally, in Titus 3:9-11, Paul pointed out that Christians should have unity, where he said, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
It is easy to get to the end of our rope, to find that our cup is empty. In moments like these we became frustrated at best. Our weakness makes our goals out of our grasp. Thankfully, we have someone on our side that can give us strength in our struggle and can fill our cup once more so we are not only capable, but we are ready to meet whatever challenge He has set before us. So the question is, how can we access this power? Here are some scriptures to remind us to stop looking into ourselves but seek the strength of the Lord.
Cry out to the Ever-Present God: We serve a God that is in every place at every moment. That means when his children cry out, He will answer them and can come quickly to their aid. He welcomes our prayers, and our conversations with Him give us strength because we are reminded exactly who we are connected to.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to the heavens, you are there if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10
“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” – Psalm 38:21-22
Embracing Jesus as Our Advocate: In our trials and tribulations, we can find strength knowing that Jesus Christ is at the right hand of God, and He understands our struggles. By petitioning in His name, He is mediating for us. Because of this connection, we can speak directly to our Heavenly Father, and furthermore, access the power of His Holy Spirit, which has the power to comfort, heal, and protect those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb.
“Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” – Job 16:19-22
“Therefore [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” – Hebrews 7:25
Surrendering to God’s Will: When we submit to the will of God, we are emulating Christ our Savior. Jesus submitted to the will of God every step of the way leading up to His death. God calls us all to be martyrs, not that we all give our lives on a cross, but that we all sacrifice our wills and intentions for Him. God may call us to do a hard thing, but He also gives us the strength to accomplish it when we submit to His will. His alone is sovereign and He alone can empower us to endure.
“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” – John 18:11
-Aaron Winner
Reflection Questions
Of the three steps Aaron shared: Cry Out to the Ever Present God, Embrace Jesus as Our Advocate and Surrender to God’s Will, which comes hardest for you?
What would it look like for you to do each of these steps in whatever situation you find yourself in this week? What is the benefit to each of these steps?
Seek Grow Love 