“O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!”
( Hymn: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” words by Isaac Watts, Music by William Croft )
Scripture Passage: Psalm 103:1-22 - “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits” verses 1-2)
Consider this: So what has your focus been on these past few weeks? I know we cannot help but focus on all this Covid-19 stuff all around us. Let me remind you, don’t let all the news overwhelm you. You can choose to turn off the TV and remove yourself from social media when you decide to. You are in control of what you take in each day, right? That old analogy about our minds being like a sponge is true. Be intentional about what you subject your mind and thoughts to every day. As the Amplified Bible reminds us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so he is…” (Proverbs 23:7)
Psalm 103 is one of my favorite Psalms. The best advice I can give you is to just read it and meditate on what God reveals to you. Think about what God’s nature is like and how that should impact your mental outlook. Focus on the essence of who our God is: Compassionate, gracious, forgiving, loving. “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him,”
Prayer: Dear God, thank you that you are compassionate, gracious, loving and always present with us. May we focus our thoughts and our thanksgiving on the truth that you are our Heavenly Father today. All things are in your hands, even our lives and this turbulent world. You are still in control and we thank you.
Kerry Smith - Associate Pastor