I’m working on a new approach to my blog series this year and using the Psalms to do so. The Psalms have brought tremendous comfort and guidance to so many for so long. Join me in taking a fresh look at each Psalm. As you read through them, I urge you to reflect, pray, and apply these devotional bits of encouragement to your own life. Today, we study and reflect on Psalms 40, 41, and 42.
Reflection 1
God is with you always. He is with you through both the good and the bad. We can always be certain of this truth. Now on to the next question: Where does He want us to go and grow this next season? How does He want to use us? You are here for a purpose. Be a blessing. We all must use our gifts, experiences, and life to lift others more than ever. If you have breath, God wants you to be a blessing. Let’s make a difference!
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” — Psalms 40:1-2, 4-5
Reflection 2
Many in our society are suffering, and many of you have made a difference in helping those who suffer. I’m extremely grateful for our joint efforts through the Bethany Compassion Center to help families, single moms, widows, seniors, kids in need, and many others who need a hand up and not just a hand out. Through food, shelter, Christmas baskets and gifts, emergency resources, coats for kids, and much more, thousands of people have experienced God’s love in practical ways. Our work is not done. Let’s do more. “Find a need and meet it. See a hurt and heal it.”
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.” — Psalms 41:1-2
Reflection 3
I pray that we will all stay anchored to verses 1-2 each and every day. What do you long for? What do you thirst for and desire? What is it that you pursue over anything else? God wants us to fully follow Him, pursue Him, live like Him, and live for Him. Know that God is in you, with you, beside you, for you, and loves you!
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God… Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” — Psalms 42:1-2, 5, 8, 11