Psalm_30
Scripture:Psalm 30:11-12You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.Observation:David is sharing his heart in song - speaking to the unchanging nature of God.Understanding:My heart has been heavy for weeks. It’s interesting because there is a just as much a sense of unity between some as there is divide among others. But, if I’m hones, I’ve been more on the wailing side than dancing. In times like this, it’s helpful to be reminded of God’s nature, of His heart towards His children, of a heart that loves bigger and greater than any human heart can. Life Application: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7For more verses or guidance on how, go here ->https://www.biblemoneymatters.com/bible-verses-about-worry-how-to-cast-your-cares-on-him-in-the-midst-of-troubleRei
2 Thessalonians 2
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Observation-What does it say? This second letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica came only several months after the first. He wrote it with the intention of clearing up questions left from the first letter, primarily concerning Christ’s return. The second chapter discusses a great rebellion against God, which will be headed by the “lawless one.” Before this time there are forces opposing evil, but when this day comes these will be no more. Victory will then come when Christ appears. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith until the day of his return.
Understanding-What does it mean? Sometimes, I think I may be the luckiest guy in the world. Generally speaking, there is nowhere I would rather be than at home. This has mostly to do with the people who are there to make it the best place in the world to be. In comparison to some families mine is still quite young, Jen and I have only been married for twelve years. But, we have already outlasted the national average by about four years. Either way I still love spending time with her and our boys. When I am away from home, I have faith in her that she will still be there when I come home. But, how did I come to this faith in her? It was through spending time with her that I have come to know her heart and the little things that make her tick.
Similarly, how do we hold strong to a faith in Christ in the face of the adversity the world throws at us? Much like I have faith in Jen, our faith in Christ grows through getting to know Him. Getting to know him, having a secure relationship with him comes through prayer and time spent reading His words to us, the Bible. With all the uncertainty in the world, it could be easy to give up all hope. However, God has promised to carry us through the uncertain time. We need only to meet with Him to receive the peace he brings.
Prayer, though, is more than just asking God for things. C.S. Lewis explains it this way, in his essay The Efficacy of Prayer, “Prayer is either a sheer illusion or a personal contact between embryonic, incomplete persons (ourselves) and the utterly concrete Person. Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine. In it God shows Himself to us. That He answers prayers is a corollary—not necessarily the most important one—from that revelation. What He does is learned from what He is.”
Psalm_28
Scripture - What stood out?
Psalm 28
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.
4 Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.
Observation - What does it say?
A psalm of David, calling to God for help as he reminds himself who God really is - merciful, strong, his fortress, his praise and his savior.
Understanding - What does it mean?
As we continue moving forward in this strange strange year I am reminded by king David of who is in control of doling out both mercy and justice. In a time where confusion, chaos, anger and hate seem to swirl about uncontrollably David reminds us who is responsible for paying evil what it is due.
I understand the need for order and law in our society, I just wish we weren’t so consumed by it. Or the need to have power over people. I would rather imagine a world where we are consumed instead with knowing God over everything. As Jeremaiah writes in 9:24 “but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
I once heard a preacher by the name of Ravi Zacharias preach on a very difficult topic and he ended his message with this (I am paraphrasing) ”Let God be the judge and executioner. He has asked you and I in His service to love others. And that is what we ought to do.”
Lord I am not sure where I stand on anything anymore. But may I never forget,
That You love me.
And that I need to share that love with others. No matter what.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
-kenneth lee