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.

Short devotion: Difficult Days - Psalm 61 v 2

Psalm 61:2    From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

            We all have times when Life seems overwhelming and our problems unsolvable. We get through each day with difficulty and hold on to our sanity by our fingertips. Trying and painful experiences affect us emotionally, whether they come through sickness or grief, insult or injury. In other words, there are times in all of our lives when everything just sucks.

            The Psalms are full of similar moments which is why, when we read them, we connect very quickly to what the writer felt, even though it all happened 3000 years ago. It seems that there is nothing new under the sun after all, so if we turn to the Psalms for guidance and assurance, comfort and grace, we will soon find a verse that fits our present emotional and spiritual needs.

            When King David wrote Psalm 61, he was in distress. He had work problems, family problems, people problems, health problems, and spiritual problems. Even though he was a powerful king, he still felt vulnerable and lonely, isolated and weak. He needed to know that God was with him and looking after him. He needed to experience the closeness of God in a way that would restore his faith, renew his hope, and reaffirm God’s love. As he worked through his dilemma by writing the words of the psalm, David eventually trusted in the Lord - his Rock, Strength, and Salvation.

            Whatever we are facing today, no matter how many or how large our issues and problems may be, we can also look to God through Christ for help and healing, salvation and love. Just as God watched over King David thousands of years ago, He still watches over us today. He is our Rock from on high; He is the source of all our strength.

            Question:      What issues or problems am I presently experiencing? Am I willing to seek God’s guidance and comfort to overcome them?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, we call You our Savior because You rescue us from so many different things, but especially our sinful and selfish ways. You understand us completely and know all of our present problems. Grant us the strength we need and the guidance we require to endure and overcome our chief concerns. In Your Holy Name, we faithfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a question, make a comment or suggestion about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest winter drawing called “A Winter’s Night.” If you would like to view a larger version, click on this link: Winter.