Midweek Message - Troubled Times

Midweek Message – Troubled Times

 Psalm 29:11   May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! (ESV)

 When we go through troubled and anxious times, we can quickly use up our energy and strength by worrying about current things we cannot change or negatively focusing on events beyond our control. The present instability in the world can make us fearful which impacts our faith and diminishes our connection to God. We can feel weak, isolated, and vulnerable, especially when we are affected by the uncertainty and chaos that is currently happening globally.

 During these critical moments, I find comfort in many verses from the Book of Psalms. It seems to me that the writers of those ancient holy songs experienced a lot of turbulence and trouble in their lives, too. In the midst of their difficulties, they relied on God instead of themselves, making them seek strength and peace from the Only One who could provide it. This is why verses like today’s highlighted one can restore our confidence and build up our faith in God’s power. God promises to give us strength to endure and grant us peace in our lives.

 Whatever circumstances you experience this week, whatever’s happening to you or your family, whatever is going on in your lives, please know this: God has more than enough strength to carry you through this time; God will graciously help you find the peace that you need.

 Q: What issues am I currently experiencing? How can God’s strength and peace help me endure and overcome them?

 Prayer: Loving Lord, You know everything about us, so You perfectly understand what we need at this critical moment in our lives. If we are weak become our strength; if we are agitated, be our peace. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

 Pastor John

Short devotion: Sometimes - Ephesians 1v7

 

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (NIV)

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and remember something foolish or sinful that I’ve done in the past. I revisit the event in my mind and end up feeling embarrassed or ashamed for what occurred long ago. I wish that I had said or done something different and because I can’t change the past, I feel as though I’ve blemished my faith and damaged my relationship with God and even other people. It’s too late to alter what happened, so I feel regret and end up saying sorry to God.

Some days the guilt lingers, and it afflicts me, making me doubt that I’m forgiven by God and then something wonderful happens. I come across a verse in my daily Bible readings like the one listed above which fills me with comfort and assurance. My sins are forgiven because Jesus gave everything to ensure that my past is cleansed through the holy blood of Christ. I may not fully understand how this works, but I am grateful for this unique act of grace which restores my spirit and reconnects me to the love of God.

Perhaps you are also dealing with something similar. Maybe there is some event in your past that has become a major regret in your life. It could be that you’ve carried the weight of your guilt for years and worry about how you can fix your relationship with God. Take courage and be assured: there are more than enough riches in God’s grace, as well as power in Christ’s blood, to forgive your foolish and sinful ways in order to renew your life and reset you on the path to God’s Kingdom.

Am I seeking forgiveness for my past mistakes? Am I ready to receive the grace of Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, without Your sacrifice we would have no way to receive God’s forgiveness or be restored to God’s love. Thank You for redeeming us through Your blood and embracing us despite our sins. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Today’s image is one of John’s Fall drawings. You can view a larger version at this link:

Forest Glade

Quiet Times - Psalm 71:1

Psalm 71:1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. (NIV)

            The older I get, the more I understand my need for introversion. The world has become a frenzied, noisy, and greedy place that I find difficult to embrace or accept. I cherish quiet places and people, solitary moments and tranquil times more than ever I did. I look forward to taking refuge in God’s cloister of closeness, either by sitting in the back-porch reading, or resting on my bed while listening to classical music. Life doesn’t have to be hectic, filled with torturous timetables or burdened by trivial pursuits that consume my days. I seek God’s peace and look forward to His presence each day. I become a spiritual refugee in His arms; I rest my weary soul in His Son.

            I know that I have responsibilities, tasks, and obligations to fulfill. I understand the need to work and the attention that my vocation requires. I am aware that leadership involves supporting and serving people in many different ways. I embrace and accept all of those important things, but there is a deeper part of me that longs to be alone with God, to quietly surrender my spirit into His hands, and to purposefully ponder on what my personal connection to Christ really involves, and what it will become in Eternity. I am not seeking to escape from the world; I’m just taking refuge in the Creator of the World which is what I’m truly meant to be. The Bible tells us that the peace of God surpasses our understanding, so I guess I’m trying to find and embrace that peace above all else.

            It’s Monday and perhaps you have got a whole list of things to do, tasks to fulfill, and obligations to meet. I hope you succeed in accomplishing and completing all of them. However, may I suggest you add something else: take time to be with God on your own. Find a quiet place and rest in His presence. Seek refuge in His love and remain in His arms for a while. It will do you the world of good and be beneficial for your body, mind, heart, and soul. God bless you with his peace.

Point to ponder

Do I have a timetable for this week? Where can I place time to be with God?

Prayer: Lord God, You created us to be and not to do. Help us to cherish Your presence and to refresh our souls in Your quiet and abiding love. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made most welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s latest crayon drawings called “Fall Communion.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Communion.