Sabbath Psalms - Comfort and Peace

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

There seems to be a lot of trouble currently going on in the world, so it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed by its brokenness and be powerless to change anything. It’s like being in a tunnel of constant turmoil and, until we see light at the end of it, we’re probably all emotionally exhausted and spiritually drained.

During turbulent times like these, I look for comfort in verses from the Book of Psalms. It seems to me that those writers of ancient holy songs experienced a lot of instability and trouble in their lives, too. However, it made them rely on God instead of themselves; it made them seek strength and peace from the Only One who could provide it for them. The great news about what they experienced is this: we can still do the same.

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in 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; and as today’s verse from Psalm 29 states: God will graciously help you find the peace that you need.

Q: What am I currently going through? How can God’s strength and peace help me endure and overcome it?

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

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Short devotion: Time Tunnel - Psalm 29v11

 

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

I don’t know about you, but this last year has been the longest I’ve ever lived through. I’ve used up most of my energy trying to figure out ways to keep our church folks connected and to provide help wherever it’s needed. This time last year, we were all heading into a tunnel of turmoil which we never expected. As we begin to see light at the end of it, we’re probably all emotionally exhausted and spiritually drained.

This is when I find comfort in verses from the Book of Psalms. It seems to me that those writers of holy songs experienced a lot of turbulence and trouble in their lives, too. It made them rely on God instead of themselves; it made them seek strength and peace from the Only One who could provide it for them. The great news about what they experienced is this: we can do the same. 😊

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in 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; God will graciously help you find the peace that you need.

Q: What am I currently going through? How can God’s strength and peace help me endure and overcome it?

Prayer: Loving Lord, You know everything about us, so You perfectly understand what we need at this 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

www.erinpres.org

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

Half Time devotion: With Us - Exodus 13:22

Exodus 13:22             Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

It must have been an amazing thing to see: the presence of God signified by a pillar of smoke during the day and by fire at night. For most of the Israelites, it must have been a comforting sight. For some of them, however, it must have caused some anxiety. The proximity of God would have affected all of their lives in ways that either inspired the people, or filled them with awe.

How close is God in our lives? Are we aware of His presence through Christ’s Spirit each and every day? Do we take that presence for granted, or do we wish that God was a wee bit further away? As Christians, we believe that God is always with us, but is that fundamental belief evident in what we say and do?

I wonder what would happen in each of our lives if we could see a similar pillar of cloud and fire before us every day. How would our choices be changed? How would our decisions be re-directed? Part of the problem about our faith today is this: as Christians, we say that God is with us, but people don’t see us acting or behaving as if we actually believe it.

Perhaps today, we can take time to think about God’s real presence in our lives and how we can help other people to see Him through what we say and do. It won’t be easy, but if God is with us, it won’t be difficult either.

Questions for personal reflection

When do I actually feel God’s presence in my daily life? How can I show that His sacred presence is real to other people?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You came among us to show us that God’s presence is real in the world. We have given our hearts to You, but sometimes we hold back from our lives. Help us to be more aware that Your godly presence is with us at all times, so that we may positively witness to Your reality to all whom we meet, encounter, and interact with today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest digital glass drawings for Pentecost. It’s called “Spirit Window” and features the Holy Spirit descending to earth as a dove. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8362180359_aa1d71b4fd_b.jpg