God in Your Midst

The psalmist’s reaction to nature in upheaval was, “I will not fear” (Psalm 46:2–3). His response to feelings of personal weakness continues in Psalm 46 with a change of scene, which prompts another resolution. I Will Not Be Moved. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

Waiting on God

David’s cry for help doesn’t end with an account of God’s sudden and miraculous provision. Instead, the songwriter committed to doing what comes least naturally to people in fear. He committed to doing nothing. He chose to wait on God. Read that again—aloud. Exhortation to Wait: Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14)

A Deafening Silence

Ever felt completely removed from God’s awareness? It’s almost like you’re standing at the bottom of a long stairway looking up, isn’t it? The light is off, and even though you knock or call out for a response, nothing happens. No answer is heard. Not even a stir. You’re not alone. Many a soul struggles at this very moment with divine silence. And to make matters worse, it can grind on for days, weeks, even months.

A Song of New Hope

As David’s song—preserved for us as Psalm 13—reaches its climax, David’s posture has changed once again. David on His Feet. “But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5–6)

The Value of God’s Creatures

All of us need to be needed. We want to be wanted. God created us with a desire to know we can contribute something valuable and to have a significant impact in the lives of others. In years past, great men and women longed to leave their marks on the world, to create a legacy that would continue after they had passed away.

Purpose

Monotony and mediocrity mesh like teeth in gears. One spawns the other, leaving us yawning, bored, and adrift. In referring to monotony, I do not have in mind a lack of activity as much as a lack of purpose. We can be busy yet bored, involved yet indifferent. Life becomes tediously repetitious, dull, humdrum, pedestrian. In a word, blah.

Being a Miracle

HER VOICE WAS WEAK and fearful as she spoke to me over the phone. It was almost midnight, and she kept apologizing . . . but she was so lonely and wanted someone to listen. I never got her name nor her address nor enough hints about her location to follow up our conversation. Her desperate story broke my heart. I wept after she said “Good-bye—thanks for listening.”

Anchor of Renewal

Can you imagine fighting a storm for two weeks and getting virtually no nourishment? That’s what the men on Paul’s ship experienced. Even more amazing, that’s how most people respond to life’s storms.

Stop and Surrender

So much for Paul. How about you? Fast forward to the twenty-first century. Are you afflicted and burdened excessively? Do you feel as if you’re under such intense pressure these days that you, too, are close to despair?

Sufficient Grace

Release the idea that contentment requires comfort. Contentment is possible no matter how dire your circumstances. While under house arrest, Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

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