Psalms 120 – 134 are a part of a collection of psalms known as the “Songs of Ascents”. Today we are looking at the seventh psalm, 126, in this series of 15 songs for pilgrims coming to Jerusalem. This song was likely composed after Israel’s exile and can be separated into three sections. Let’s read the psalm and then we can breakdown the sections.

Psalm 126 GNT
A Prayer for Deliverance

1 When the Lord brought us back to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2 How we laughed, how we sang for joy!
Then the other nations said about us,
“The Lord did great things for them.”
3 Indeed he did great things for us;
how happy we were!

4 Lord, make us prosperous again,
just as the rain brings water back to dry riverbeds.
5 Let those who wept as they planted their crops,
gather the harvest with joy!
6 Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed
will come back singing for joy,
as they bring in the harvest.

We can clearly see God’s people, Israel, in this psalm, but let’s remember that we are also God’s people, and so let’s connect the two. We must always remember that the Word of God is living, and it relates to ALL of God’s kids of every generation.

Verses 1-3: Remembering the Good Old Days
Verse 4: Praying for Current Days
Verses 5-6: Looking Ahead as the Harvest

In verses 1-3, if this is “when the LORD brought us back to Jerusalem” then it could be when the Israelites return from their exile in Babylon. Regardless of the context, it’s clear that the Israelites are remembering the good old days, and that is when God’s restoration was so great that even other nations took notice. You and I “should” have the same type of remembrance of the good old days, when we were restored to such greatness that “many” took notice…it is our salvation in Christ. It truly is the greatest thing that He could have ever done, is doing, and will do for you and me.

Verse 4 is a connection of the past, to the present, and on to the future, a reminder that with the Lord we are to keep moving forward and always in prayer for His guidance. Remembering the good old days in verses 1-3 has ended, and verse 4 begins a prayer, and it’s a big prayer that is needed for the present, and for the future. The prayer is an ask for water that will replace dryness. “For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the LORD.” (Habakkuk 2:14) Our lives are filled with dry and hard places, but we must not remain there, we must pray and ask for the glory of the Lord to fill us to overflowing with the renewing baptismal water of Christ, just as the Israelites were asking.

Verses 5-6 are about the harvest, and my friends, you and I (just as the Israelites) are the harvest. Please remember that there is no place in scripture that tells us that crying is a problem. The Bible instructs us to cry out to the Lord, Jesus cried, and during these time in the Old Testament we see God’s people crying out and they lament. We know that through our restoration in Christ Jesus we are called to carry out and plant seeds, regardless of how hard and dry places might be. Even when those places in our own lives cause us tears, we are to remain joyful and tending to the crops. Never forget, that the harvest each of us will have in heaven one day is directly connected to the seeds we are sowing now, and the crops we are tending to now here on the earthly realm.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word which is always Truth for each generation. Help us to open our souls to allow Your spirit to bring Truth so that we can see Your blessings, allow Your restorative work in our lives, be filled with Your living water in the dry and hard places of life, so we can pray boldly to You, and so we can ultimately grow in You as part of Your Harvest. I ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Many people desire God’s blessings, but I am not sure they understand receiving those blessings requires active participation. We must respond to God’s invitation through obedience to his Word. If we are willing to follow God’s will for our lives, we will run right into the blessings of God.

In our passage today, David invites us to taste and see [drink deeply] the goodness of God. David knows loneliness and desperation. He also proclaims how God came every time to be his Refuge. As we make the journey though life with the Lord, our understanding of his goodness becomes more and more complete, too. God listens to our prayers and brings the necessary answers. God desires to free us from all fears, save us from our troubles, guard and deliver us, and fill us with his joy. Those are great blessings, indeed! I will praise the Lord at all times!

Psalm 34:1-8 (NLT)
1 
I will praise the Lord at all times.
    I will constantly speak his praises.
2 
I will boast only in the Lord;
    let all who are helpless take heart.
3 
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
    let us exalt his name together.
4 
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
    He freed me from all my fears.
5 
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
    no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
    he saved me from all my troubles.
7 
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
    he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
    Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for lifting me out of the darkness of helplessness into your glorious Light of salvation. I will speak your praises. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: The Lord is always preparing us for the next level of things we must walk into on our journey following the Spirit of Christ. God’s preparation involves every aspect of Kingdom life; let that Truth and Love permeate your understanding. God uses the things of the past [successes and failures] to strengthen us and to assure us of his ongoing presence with us. He never wastes what is happening in the present. The hard places make us exercise endurance and patience. The easy places make us rest and find hope. All of this is valuable fresh manna [grace] for our souls. The Lord does not just take us forward and drop us off; he prepares us and equips us and makes his grace abound within and around us so we will be victorious whether we are serving fellow believers or unbelievers for the glory of God.

In our lesson today, Jesus is prepared for the difficult days ahead, but he takes time to prepare all of his disciples, as well. Jesus knows Judas is going to betray him, but he washes his feet, anyway. Jesus knows the disciples are going to run and hide leaving him to face the cross alone, but he washes their feet, anyway. In the Hebrew culture, the removal of a person’s sandals and the washing of feet is symbolic of preparing that person to walk in newness of life. As Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he was making them ready to receive their new “walking” orders—the time to start walking in holiness, love, and the authority of God. With the impartation of the Spirit, the disciples were on their way! If you know Jesus, he has washed your feet, too. So, receive his power and live like a devoted disciple of Jesus! The world is watching…

Jesus Washes Feet
13 Jesus knew that the night before Passover would be his last night on earth before leaving this world to return to the Father’s side. All throughout his time with his disciples, Jesus had demonstrated a deep and tender love for them. And now he longed to show them the full measure of his love. 2 Before their evening meal had begun, the accuser [satan] had already deeply embedded betrayal [rose up] into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

3 Now Jesus was fully aware that the Father had placed all things under his control, for he had come from God and was about to go back to be with him. 4 So he got up from the meal and took off his outer robe, and took a towel and wrapped it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ dirty feet and dry them with his towel.
6 But when Jesus got to Simon Peter, he objected and said, “I can’t let you wash my dirty feet—you’re my Lord!”

7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand yet the meaning of what I’m doing, but soon it will be clear to you.” [preparing them for a new place of covenant inheritance]

8 Peter looked at Jesus and said, “You’ll never wash my dirty feet—never!”

“But Peter, if you don’t allow me to wash your feet,” Jesus responded, “then you will not be able to share life with me.”

9 So Peter said, “Lord, in that case, don’t just wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!”
10 Jesus said to him, “You are already clean. You’ve been washed completely and you just need your feet to be cleansed—but that can’t be said of all of you.” For Jesus knew which one was about to betray him, 11 and that’s why he told them that not all of them were clean.

12 After washing their feet, he put his robe on and returned to his place at the table. “Do you understand what I just did?” Jesus said. 13 “You’ve called me your teacher and lord, and you’re right, for that’s who I am. 14–15 So if I’m your teacher and lord and have just washed your dirty feet, then you should follow the example that I’ve set for you and wash one another’s dirty feet. Now do for each other what I have just done for you. 16 I speak to you timeless truth: a servant is not superior to his master, and an apostle is never greater than the one who sent him. 17 So now put into practice what I have done for you, and you will experience a life of happiness enriched with untold blessings!”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for washing my feet and for the grace you bring each day to my life. You sustain me and feed me Truth that prepares me for everything I face each day; I cannot thank you enough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: With the ongoing increase in food costs, gas prices, taxes, and basic household expenses, many people are looking for simple pleasures and ways to enjoy life that cost little or no money. The community, state, and national parks are busy with families seeking some inexpensive recreation in God’s creation. I, too, have a desire to experience more time with people and nature. However, living in the basics of the gospel of Jesus Christ is my greatest goal—life with Creator God—how sweet it is!

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us of those gospel basics. Here’s how it works. Those seeking God, run into his heart to hide in his goodness and faithfulness. It is in Christ we can enjoy his reassuring hope, strength and power to lay hold of every promise God has given his children. Placing our hope in Christ is where we must live every day. Yes, it really is that simple, because God has chosen to love and provide for us. He has left his Spirit in his family so we can love and take care of one another. He really has thought of everything.

Hebrews 6:13-20 (TPT) God’s Faithful Promise
13 Now when God made a promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater than himself, he swore an oath on his own integrity to keep the promise as sure as God exists! 14 So he said,

“Have no doubt, I promise to bless you over and over,
    and give you a son and multiply you without measure!”

15 So Abraham waited patiently in faith and succeeded in seeing the promise fulfilled [God bestowed his Spirit to Abraham and he received the Kingdom]. 16 It is very common for people to swear an oath by something greater than themselves, for the oath will confirm their statements and end all dispute. 17 So in the same way, God wanted to end all doubt and confirm it even more forcefully to those who would inherit his promises. His purpose was unchangeable, so God added his vow to the promise. 18 So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change!

And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope! 19 We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, 20 and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the Anchor of Hope for my life. Thank you for anchoring yourself to my soul and helping me receive the blessings you have for me every day. And, Lord, thank you for my spiritual brothers and sisters who are always ready to extend your love to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s passage is from Job, and if anyone endured a great deal of suffering in the Old Testament, it was most certainly Job. As a reminder, Job lost everything at the hands of Satan, he lost his family, home, livelihood, health, etc. and in today’s passage he continues to suffer. Job loved God, and although he never stopped loving God, he did complain, lament, and argue against Him with his “so called” friends, requesting justice from God. Job wanted God to hear his case and to explain why he believed his suffering was unjust. So, beginning in chapter 38 God appears to Job, and He asks Job approximately 59 questions up to today’s passage. The questions are to remind Job that God’s ways are higher, both in all of creation and in Job’s life. God asks Job, “Will you discredit my justice and condemn me just to prove you are right?” (Job 40:8) Now we will see that God’s questions finally silence Job. It is only in his quietness that Job will begin to truly understand God’s goodness and justice even during suffering.

As I read today’s passage, I thought about how often I’ve questioned something God is doing or not doing within my life. In those moments, I’m typically feeling a level of suffering, and like Job, I’m frustrated and I really don’t want to suffer. So, I attempt to make something into my own image, and thus I don’t trust in God’s plan for my life, or in how it connects to His vast plan for all of creation. In doing this, I’m not in alignment with God, and if I’m not in alignment with God, then I’m in alignment with Satan. Friends, we are truly only connected to THE ONE or to the other. One way we can confirm that we are “mistakenly” in alignment with Satan, and we need to break away, is by checking our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions). If we are disappointed, bitter, frustrated, angry, fearful, filled with anxiety, confused, etc. than we’ve stepped away from our first and true Love…JESUS…and his Adversary, Satan, is just as happy as can be with that decision. Let’s look at Job’s response and then pray together for the strength of our souls to always be in the Hands of Jesus.

Job 40:1-5 NLT

1 Then the Lord said to Job,

2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?
You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

Job Responds to the Lord

3 Then Job replied to the Lord,
4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers?
I will cover my mouth with my hand.
5 I have said too much already.
I have nothing more to say.”

Prayer: Father, far too often we fail to obey Your plan for our lives. Please forgive us, Father. We know that when we are not allowing Your full authority over our lives, that we are allowing Your Adversary a foothold in our lives. So, we stand firmly as One with You, Jesus, and ask for Your protection over our souls from Satan. He has no place within our minds, no control over our wills, and he does not have a say over our emotions. Only, You, Jesus, have full authority and dominion over our souls. Please be with each of us during our times of suffering. Allow us some quiet time to be able to hear Your voice. Fill us with the trust and confidence in You so that we do not question You or Your plan, but rather we allow You to hold us through each step that You have laid out for us. We ask all of this in Your Precious Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: These days believers need all the assurance and encouragement we can get to press on in hope as we look at the world around us. So, let me encourage you and me, today; God is still in control of this world—even in its sinful and deceived state—and He has given His Word to protect his children from danger. He is all-powerful and He is all we really need! If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31).

Order is reflective of our Creator; nature itself reveals the orderly characteristics of our God. Look around and witness the “disorder” that is evident and presently abounding on earth. A dismantling of divine wisdom and order has been put into motion; the authority of God’s Word being challenged at every turn. Deception produces disorder and chaos, friends. Where does that leave us as believers? Because believers stand on the Word of God as Truth, the world will not be in agreement with the One in whom we place our trust. Yet, don’t fear because God will use this deception as his footstool to rise to power and one day bring things back into peace and order.

In our passage today, the psalmist reminds God’s children over and over again that although we live in the midst of danger because we live in a fallen world, we have a great Refuge as our hiding place. God is our Protector no matter what kind of danger we face. When fear comes to rob us, we raise our Shield of faith—our Defender—and speak the Word to thwart the enemy’s attack. Our challenge will always be the same; we must remain or dwell in the shadow of God and pray for his salvation and protection. As we honor God, he will bring us honor. My friends, stay the course and remain in hope and trust. This psalm is Good News!

Psalm 91:9-16 (TPT)
9-10
When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,
our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.
How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?
11
God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,
defending you from all harm.
12
If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you
and keep you from stumbling.
13
You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness
trampling every one of them beneath your feet!
14
For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:
“Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name,
I will greatly protect you.
15
I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,
and you will feel my presence
in your time of trouble.
I will deliver you and bring you honor.
16
I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you.
For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”

Prayer: Lord, you are our Mighty Protector of our lives and the Defender of our souls. We trust you to take care of us as your children. Set your angels around us. We pray for you to be exalted into your rightful place as the Ruler of this world. Thank you for bringing order to our lives as we wait for you to one day bring divine order to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: When we invite Jesus to be the Lord of our lives, we are declaring our trust in the authority of God’s Word and choosing to reveal Christ’s attitude in how we love and live. That means, as believers, we genuinely love and accept one another. We know eternal life has taken ahold of us because we love one another and are willing to do the hard work it takes to maintain a spirit of unity among us (1 John 3:14). There is no room for petty offense, accusations, unforgiveness, or unkind spoken words or actions between believers. This is how the world behaves not the Church. Should we slip into sin by doing such things, we are to quickly repent, ask for forgiveness, and reestablish honor between us because in this way we preserve the peace of God dwelling with us. In Christ, we are able to speak the Truth in love.

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul exhorts the Jewish believers to welcome and love the gentiles—anyone not Jewish—into their spiritual family. He wants them to learn from one another; to know the heart of God for the unity of his family and the hope of growing into oneness despite how very different they are culturally. It can be very difficult to love the way Christ wants to love through us, but if you only love those who always agree with you what have you really accomplished? (Luke 6:32). The love Christ requires involves patience, kindness, and self-control empowered by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Remember, you can always love the people just like you without Christ, because your flesh feels comfy.

Romans 15:7-13 (GNT) The Gospel to the Gentiles
7 Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. 8 For I tell you that Christ’s life of service was on behalf of the Jews, to show that God is faithful, to make his promises to their ancestors come true, 9 and to enable even the Gentiles to praise God for his mercy. As the scripture says,
“And so I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to you.”
10
Again it says,
“Rejoice, Gentiles, with God’s people!”
11
And again,
“Praise the Lord, all Gentiles;
praise him, all peoples!”
12
And again, Isaiah says,
“A descendant of Jesse will appear;
he will come to rule the Gentiles,
and they will put their hope in him.”

13 May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us grow in your love as we speak the Truth. This is how the world should be able to identify those who serve the King. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Prior to our passage today from the gospel of Mark, Jesus has been teaching his disciples and the Pharisees about being good stewards of money and resources. Jesus is not setting himself up to be a “financial advisor,” however, he is without question the PERFECT “heart advisor.” The Pharisees loved money and many of them lived in luxury while at the same time ignoring the needs of those poor in spirit or broken by life living among them. The Pharisees believed wealth was the proof of a person’s righteousness; however, they were actually parading their selfishness before God. They did not use God’s resources to welcome and minister to the needs of others; to nurture their eternal relationship with God. Rather, these leaders used God’s resources for themselves and their own pious hidden agendas to look good.

The Pharisees tried to justify their poor stewardship and distribution of God’s resources, but Jesus spoke the truth as he told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). There will always be a temptation in humanity to serve money more than God. Money isn’t evil; yet, the “love” of money can lead to all kinds of evil.

In our passage today, Jesus shares a lesson about the need for the good stewardship of God’s resources. He hopes the Pharisees are listening. If we serve God with our money, then we will step forward to help our neighbors when they are suffering or experiencing the challenges of life. As well, we will give resources to make a difference in the Kingdom and to draw more people to Christ. In this way, we identify with Christ’s sacrifice for us and are choosing to use material wealth to further the eternal realm of the Lord. Selfishness causes humans to be separated from God—divine Love. As believers, we serve God and should wisely steward the resources he brings into our lives. May we pay attention to the Words of our Master.

Luke 16:19-31 NLT Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
19 Jesus continued. “There once was a very rich man who had the finest things imaginable, living every day enjoying his life of opulent luxury. 20–21 Outside the gate of his mansion was a poor beggar named Lazarus [name translates ‘God helps’]. He lay there every day, covered with boils, and all the neighborhood dogs would come and lick his open sores. The only food he had to eat was the garbage that the rich man threw away.

22 “One day poor Lazarus died, and the angels of God came and escorted his spirit into paradise.
23 “The day came that the rich man also died. In hell he looked up from his torment and saw Abraham in the distance, and Lazarus was standing beside him in the glory. 24 The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham! Father Abraham! Have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and come to cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames of fire!’

25 “But Abraham responded, ‘My friend, don’t you remember? While you were alive, you had all you desired. You surrounded yourself in luxury, while Lazarus had nothing. Now Lazarus dwells in the comforts of paradise and you are in agony. 26 Besides, between us is a huge chasm that cannot be bridged, nor can anyone cross from one realm to the other, even if he wanted.’

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching your children to be givers and to shine compassion upon those who need a hand up and a lift to the soul. May you receive all the glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Every human being stands before God knowing he or she needs divine mercy. To be in God’s presence is to understand his holiness, as well as our sinfulness. Isaiah confessed, “I am in so much trouble! I’m ruined! I’m just a human being—fallible and stammering. My lips are encrusted with filth; and I live among people just like me. But here I am, and I’ve seen with my very own eyes none other than the King, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies” (6:5). While we know we vertically require mercy in our relationship with God for salvation [we have all sinned in word/deed against God’s commands and the penalty for sin is death], it is possible to live horizontally “blameless” [innocent of wrong-doing according to the world] in our moral character with fellow human beings. My friends, being blameless with people will not save you from God’s future judgment against sin or evil.

In our passage today, David declares himself blameless; he has sought to walk uprightly with every earthly “neighbor.” However, he is not overly concerned about his earthly reputation. Whether or not he is a “good” person in the eyes of the world is not his focus. The world has a warped standard; calling good evil and evil good (Isa 5:20). Like Isaiah, David is keenly aware that he will one day answer to the Eternal One and any sin hiding within him will be exposed, despite his “good” actions with his neighbors. Humans cannot hide sin from God and sin cannot exist in the presence of a holy God; we need God’s grace (unmerited favor found in Christ) for salvation. Scripture teaches Jesus is returning to earth to destroy evil once and for all. We need a Savior to wrap us with his righteousness—making us blameless before God—so we are not destroyed along with sin or evil. This is the most important decision any human will ever make and Jesus is the only Way for salvation (John 14:6). Now is the time. If you haven’t already done so, please ask for God’s mercy to cover and forgive you, and by grace save you in the life of Christ.

Psalm 26:1-12 (VOICE) A song of David.
1 
Declare my innocence, O Eternal One!
    I have walked blamelessly down this path.
    I placed my trust in the Eternal and have yet to stumble.
2 
Put me on trial and examine me, O Eternal One!
    Search me through and through—from my deepest longings to every thought that crosses my mind.
3 
Your unfailing love is always before me;
    I have journeyed down Your path of truth.

4 
My life is not wasted among liars;
    my days are not spent among cheaters.
5 
I despise every crowd intent on evil;
    I do not commune with the wicked.
6 
I wash my hands in the fountain of innocence
    so that I might join the gathering that surrounds Your altar, O Eternal One.
7 
From my soul, I will join the songs of thanksgiving;
    I will sing and proclaim Your wonder and mystery.
8 
Your house, home to Your glory, O Eternal One, radiates its light.
    I am fixed on this place and long to be nowhere else.
9 
When Your wrath pursues those who oppose You,
    those swift to sin and thirsty for blood,
    spare my soul and grant me life.
10 
These men hold deceit in their left hands,
    and in their right hands, bribery and lies.
11 
But God, I have walked blamelessly down this path,
    and this is my plea for redemption.
    This is my cry for Your mercy.
12 
Here I stand secure and confident
    before all the people; I will praise the Eternal.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy that is new each morning. I need your mercy and your grace to sustain my life and keep me whole. I am grateful you constantly help me live blameless with my neighbors. Thank you for destroying any sin that tries to hide in my soul that would dishonor your abiding holiness. All praise belongs to you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

In today’s psalm, as painful as David’s turmoil is to read, it is also comforting to know that we are not alone in our places of worldly unrest or in our sinful nature. This psalm is not meant to darken a moment in our lives, rather it is meant to lead you and I away from the darkness of this world and it directs us to run to the only Light that exists, and that is the LIGHT OF CHRIST. It also reminds us of the fragility of life. You and I have work to do for the Kingdom of God and time is of the essence.

On Saturday, I attended the “Out of the Darkness St Petersburg Walk” for suicide prevention. I was filled with emotion as my family lost a member to suicide, as well as I battled deep depression and suicidal thoughts many years ago before knowing the Lord. When the emotional turmoil rose within me on Saturday, I looked up, and there in the sky was a rainbow. I smiled as I was reminded that after a great storm comes a rainbow. God spoke to Noah (in Genesis 9:12-17) about this sign, and how after He brought the greatest storm, He would then provide Noah with a sign (the rainbow) which was to represent His covenant with him and all of creation for generations to come. You and I are grafted into that same covenant with God. He wants to use our (storms) most difficult places, challenges, hardships, pain, grief, loss, and despair to bring us closer to Him so that we (rainbows) can shine as bright Lights for others to find or be reminded of His Kingdom. It is David who reminds us that “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:18).

Keep running to the Lord, don’t look back, only allow God to use the past to remind you of just how far He has brought you, and how He will use your experiences, and growth from the past, to bring others to Him.

Psalm 39 (NLT)
For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do
and not sin in what I say.
I will hold my tongue
when the ungodly are around me.”
2 But as I stood there in silence—
not even speaking of good things—
the turmoil within me grew worse.
3 The more I thought about it,
the hotter I got,
igniting a fire of words:
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude

6 We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
8 Rescue me from my rebellion.
Do not let fools mock me.
9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,
for my punishment is from you.
10 But please stop striking me!
I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
11 When you discipline us for our sins,
you consume like a moth what is precious to us.
Each of us is but a breath. Interlude

12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!
Listen to my cries for help!
Don’t ignore my tears.
For I am your guest—
a traveler passing through,
as my ancestors were before me.
13 Leave me alone so I can smile again
before I am gone and exist no more.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to run to You. The world is so dark, and You are the only Light. When I feel turmoil, may You quicken me to look up to You. When I feel sin rise within my soul, my You turn me immediately away and towards You. Thank You for Your kids who shine brightly for You. Keep us strong, continue to guide us, cover us with Your protection, fill us with Your joy, and allow us to share Your love with a hurting and needing world. I ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.