“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3 This Psalm is one I find myself reading often. It emphasizes the security of God’s people. When the world all around us is in turmoil, there is One who never fails. Nations may crumble, and great leaders may fall, but we can stand secure and firm on the foundation…
“O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.” Psalm 43:3-4 Yesterday we looked at Psalm 42. Today we will consider Psalm 43 which appears to be a continuation of David’s prayer. Rising above his discouragement, now he is asking the Lord to restore him to his kingdom. David wants to go home. Is he missing the palace with all its conveniences? Does he miss the meals he enjoyed? What about the recognition he had received of people as he passed through the streets? None of these things seem to be uppermost in his mind. Humbly, he pleaded that the Lord would send light and truth to find him and restore him. He envisioned this happening in four steps: “let them bring me unto thy holy hill.” Mount Zion, the city of God. ” and to thy tabernacles.” This was where he met with the Lord. “unto the altar of God” “unto God my exceeding joy.” As we walk with…
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Psalm 42:11 David went through many times of testing and one of the most discouraging was probably when his son Absalom tried to take over the kingdom from him. Forced to forsake his home and flee into the wilderness, he was homesick and weary. In the opening verses, he compares himself to the thirsty deer seeking a place to quench its thirst. With no royal duties to fill his time, memories of the gatherings to worship the Lord, occupied his thoughts. Instead of joy and praise, his heart was filled with longing. His trust and faith in God did not waver and verse eleven shows us how he handled this time of discouragement. There will be times when we all will face times of loneliness, discouragement, or just feeling like life is not worth living. Here are the steps David took to rise above his feelings. Number One – He asked himself a question: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art…
“He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends” Psalm 72:8 Today is Election Day here in Canada. Over two hundred and fifty years ago when leaders from the different provinces of our country met together to form Confederation, one of their first acts was to choose a name. Apparently, Psalm 72:8 inspired Sir Leonard Tilley: when he suggested “Dominion of Canada.” The designation of Dominion was dropped years ago, and many of the values and standards that existed when our country began have fallen by the wayside. Today our country will decide…
For Such a Time as This At the start of Esther’s story, Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, which set off a chain of events that threatened the entire Jewish people. But Mordecai stood firm. He didn’t regret his stand, and he didn’t back down—he acted in faith, not fear. When the decree to destroy the Jews went out, Mordecai sent word to Esther, calling her to go before the king. Esther hesitated. She was safe in the palace and knew the risk—approaching the king uninvited could mean death. But Mordecai’s words pierced her comfort: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). This is not a statement, he asked a question to prompt her to think about the consequences of remaining silent. Esther responded with courage and conviction. She called for prayer and fasting and chose to walk in obedience, saying, “If I perish, I perish.” Fear is a paralyzer. But when we pray, something shifts. A timid woman can become a warrior. A broken heart can become a vessel of power through God’s healing. You may feel like you’re facing something far greater than yourself—but that’s exactly where God…
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 Fear can make your world tremble and paralyze your voice. When fear begins to pillage our faith, or when we have succumbed to worry it is important to have an awareness of the power and sovereignty of God. Speak faith and begin to pray a hedge of protection around your situation or family members. It is amazing what will happen when we get out eyes off of our problem and unto our mighty, problem-solver! When we exalt our problems, fear, sickness, etc., above the knowledge of God – He commands us to declare His word. We need to plead the blood of Jesus and cast down every high thing that exalts itself against God’s authority. Your words have power and your prayers can change lives. What do you need to proclaim in the spirit today? What do you need to cast down? Journal Prompt: What thoughts or fears have I allowed to take up space in my mind that do not align with God’s truth? Write them down—and then beside each…