Worship Devotional XXXI
Originally posted to the Facebook group on 7/10/2020.
Worship Devotional for 7/12/20
The things of this world can feel overwhelming. There are many different voices saying different and opposing things, trying to sway our opinions and beliefs. There are many things vying for our attention and devotion, trying to distract us from what really matters. There are people to care for, tasks to accomplish, needs to tend to, places to go, words to say, etc. When it all threatens to overwhelm our hearts, there is One we can turn toward and run to. In His presence we find refuge, peace, rest, hope, and renewal of strength. He is near to us at all times and is with us always, just as He has promised. Whatever battles or struggles you may be facing in life, give it over to God. His love and His strength are greater. Trust in Him.
Psalm 62:5-8:
"Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge."
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30:
"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Here are the songs:
In the toughest of times, God is still near to us. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us (Dt. 31:6, Mt. 28:20, Hb. 13:5). This song meets us in the lowest and hardest places, and declares that the love of our God will stand firm throughout our lives. The wonderful promises of Romans 8 are still true even when it doesn't feel like it. Praise God that His love depends not on our feelings but on His unwavering and unfailing truth!
2) I Will Look Up by Elevation Worship
Philippians 4:4-9:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
When things are overwhelming, we are called to give it over to God. In surrendering everything to Him, He gives us His peace. It's far better than the stress of trying to understand all that goes on.
1 Peter 5:6-7:
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you."
3) Faithful Now by Vertical Worship
When the worries and cares and troubles of this life tempt us to doubt God's faithfulness, we can look back on all the times He has proven Himself faithful before. He has never been unfaithful. He can only ever be true and good. Therefore, we believe that He will be faithful now — when we most desperately need Him to be — because He always has been in the past. Trust as David trusted when he faced Goliath in battle and the Lord delivered Him against all odds. Believe and sing praise to God like Paul and Silas did when they were in prison, and God delivered them in a mighty display of His strength by shaking the prison walls and breaking their chains.
4) See A Victory by Elevation Worship
If the outcome of our struggles depended on our strength and ability and resolve, then we would have much reason to fear and even despair. We would be hopeless, because we cannot overcome on our own. But it does not depend on us. The battle is not ours, but the Lord's. So trust in Him as you go through the trials of this life. He is able and willing to deliver us and to bring us into a place of victory. Trust in the promises of the One who is faithful.
Scriptures:
1 Samuel 17
2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Acts 16:16-34
Romans 8:31-39
Philippians 4:4-9
I look forward to worshipping the Lord with you all on Sunday. He is always faithful! We can trust in Him no matter what storms may come our way.