Finding strength in times of despair

Finding strength in times of despair

by | Sep 2, 2023 | Devotional

Finding Strength in Times of Despair

Introduction

The Bible is an ancient treasure trove of wisdom, offering insights and guidance for navigating the complexities of life. One such profound scripture that encapsulates the human experience and resilience is found in 1 Samuel 30:6. This verse narrates a moment of profound despair and the subsequent revival of hope and strength. Through analyzing this passage, we can extract valuable life lessons that can empower us to overcome adversities and find strength in our darkest hours.

1 Samuel 30:6 – The Context

To better understand the significance of 1 Samuel 30:6, let’s explore the context in which it was written. The Book of 1 Samuel is part of the Old Testament and is filled with accounts of the prophet Samuel, King Saul, and the eventual rise of King David. In chapter 30, we find David and his men facing an overwhelming crisis.

At this point in the narrative, David had been anointed to be the next king of Israel, but he was still on the run from Saul, who was determined to kill him. Seeking refuge, David and his men found themselves living among the Philistines, traditional enemies of Israel. However, when the Philistine kings were about to march against the Israelites, the Philistine commanders distrusted David and his troops, forcing them to return to their encampment in Ziklag.

The Turning Point

Upon returning to Ziklag, David and his men faced an utter catastrophe. Their city had been raided and burned to the ground by the Amalekites, and their wives, children, and possessions were taken captive. In the face of this devastating loss, the text tells us that:

“David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters” (1 Samuel 30:6a, ESV).

The Life Lessons 

 

1. Embracing Vulnerability

In times of distress, it is natural to experience feelings of vulnerability and despair. Even a leader as valiant as David, who had conquered giants and led armies, was not immune to these emotions. The Bible teaches us that acknowledging our vulnerability and sharing our burdens with others is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength. By openly expressing his distress, David paved the way for healing and unity among his followers.

 

2. Seeking Strength in Faith

Despite the overwhelming situation, David found strength in his faith. He “strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6b, ESV). This is a poignant reminder that in our darkest moments, turning to our faith can be a source of hope and fortitude. Connecting with a higher power, whether through prayer or meditation, can provide the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. 

 

3. Moving from Despair to Determination

David’s response to adversity was not to wallow in despair but to seek a solution. He sought guidance from God through the priest Abiathar, inquiring about pursuing the Amalekites to recover their loved ones and possessions. This proactive approach teaches us to move from hopelessness to determination. Instead of being paralyzed by our problems, we should channel our energy into finding solutions. 

 

4. Strength in Unity

 David’s men were also suffering from the same loss and heartache. However, rather than allowing grief to divide them, they rallied around their leader. Together, they supported one another and stood united against the common enemy. This demonstrates the power of unity in times of crisis. When we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our loved ones and communities, we can draw strength from each other and overcome the most formidable challenges.

 

5. Forgiveness and Compassion

Later in the chapter, David’s pursuit of the Amalekites resulted in a victorious recovery of their families and possessions. He exhibited compassion and forgiveness toward the 200 men who were too exhausted to join the battle, reassuring them that their contribution was still significant (1 Samuel 30:21-25). This teaches us the importance of compassion and understanding, even in the midst of personal triumphs. Forgiveness can mend relationships and promote healing for everyone involved.

 

Conclusion

The story of 1 Samuel 30:6 offers a profound tapestry of life lessons that remain relevant across time. It reminds us that life is rife with challenges and adversities, but our response to them determines our growth and resilience. By embracing vulnerability, seeking strength in faith, moving from despair to determination, finding strength in unity, and practicing forgiveness and compassion, we can emerge from the darkest hours of our lives with renewed hope and a stronger sense of purpose. The timeless wisdom of the Bible continues to guide and inspire us, offering a beacon of light amidst the storms of life.

Be transformed by renewing your thoughts

Be transformed by renewing your thoughts

by | Sep 2, 2023 | Devotional, Mental Health

Transformed by Renewing: Harnessing the Power of Our Thoughts

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

This verse emphasizes the significance and power of our thoughts in the process of transformation. As we allow God to renew our minds, our perspectives shift, aligning with His will, and we experience profound change from the inside out.

Our thoughts play a central role in shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. They can either lead us closer to God or pull us away from His purposes.

Lessons for our lives today:

  1. Mindful of Our Thoughts: Be mindful of the thoughts you entertain, and strive to align them with God’s truth.
  2. Guard Your Heart: Protect your heart from negative influences that can taint your thoughts and beliefs.
  3. Seek God’s Perspective: Seek God’s wisdom and perspective through prayer and studying His Word regularly.
  4. Surrender to God’s Transformation: Embrace God’s transforming power as you surrender your mind to Him.
  5. Renew Your Mind Daily: Make time for daily meditation on Scripture to continually renew your mind.
  6. Focus on Positive Things: Focus on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy, cultivating a positive thought life.
  7. Replace Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts arise, replace them with God’s promises and truth.
  8. Obedience to Christ: Submit every thought to the authority of Christ and His teachings.
  9. Surround Yourself with Godly Influences: Surround yourself with like-minded believers who encourage positive thinking.
  10. Pursue a Christ-Centered Mindset: Develop a mindset that reflects Christ’s character and seeks to honor and glorify Him in all things.

Ten Bible texts that underscore the importance of our thoughts:

  1. Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
  2. Proverbs 23:7: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
  3. Isaiah 26:3: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.”
  4. 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
  5. Philippians 2:5: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
  6. Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
  7. Psalm 94:19: “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
  8. Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
  9. Matthew 15:18-19: “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”
  10. Ephesians 4:22-23: “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds.”

Conclusion:

Our thoughts are powerful influencers of our beliefs and actions. As we yield our minds to the transforming power of God through His Word and the Holy Spirit, we experience a profound and positive change. Let us be intentional in guarding our thoughts, focusing on God’s truth, and seeking a Christ-centered mindset. In doing so, we will be transformed from within and be better equipped to discern God’s will for our lives, reflecting His love and glory to the world around us.

Finding strength in stillness

Finding strength in stillness

by | Sep 2, 2023 | Devotional

Finding Inner Strength through Embracing Stillness

Introduction

In our journey through life, we face challenges and uncertainties that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. During these moments we can seek solace and guidance from the timeless wisdom found in the Bible. One particular verse, Exodus 14:14 carries a message that resonates across generations, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Key Texts

  1. Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
  2. Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Devotional 

1. Embrace the stillness

Life often demands action; however there are moments when our greatest strength lies in stillness. Exodus 14:14 encourages us to draw power from moments of tranquil trust and rest. By pausing and releasing our anxieties and fears we create space for God to intervene on our behalf. It is within this stillness that we come to realize that true power resides in surrender. 

2. Understanding God’s Nature

Being does not imply being inactive; rather it is a stance of understanding Gods character. Psalm 46:10 invites us to “Be still and know.” As we meditate on the nature of God—His love, faithfulness and authority—we establish a foundation of trust. This trust acts as a shield, during the challenges we encounter serving as a reminder that the One who fights on our behalf is both mighty and compassionate. 

3. Active Trust

Being still does not imply passivity. It represents a form of trust that empowers us to let go of our efforts and entrust our circumstances to God. We acknowledge that God’s wisdom and power far surpass our capabilities. By stepping and allowing Him to take charge we uncover His plans which surpass our wildest imaginations. 

4. Discovering Peace amidst Chaos

Life’s trials can create turmoil within us and in our surroundings. However, amidst the chaos, we can discover a sanctuary of tranquility by remaining calm in God’s presence. Just as Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:39) He is capable of calming the storms within our hearts when we seek refuge in Him.

5. Letting God fight for us

Exodus 14:14 serves as a reminder that it’s God who fights on our behalf in times of struggle. When we relinquish the need for control, we open ourselves up to His intervention. Our battles may appear formidable. With Gods intervention the odds are tilted in our favor.

6. The Power of Surrender

While surrender is often perceived as a sign of weakness it holds significance in God’s kingdom. When we let go of our fears, worries, and personal desires we open ourselves up to the embrace of God’s grace. True strength is not found in relying on ourselves, rather it is in placing our trust and dependence on our heavenly Father.

Conclusion

When faced with life’s challenges we can find comfort and peace in the words spoken in Exodus 14:14. By embracing stillness and having faith in God we tap into a source of strength that originates from the Creator of all things. When we entrust our battles to God, we embark on a journey marked by resilience, peace, and unwavering confidence that we’re never alone. Therefore, let us take a moment today to find stillness within ourselves deepen our connection, with God, and draw strength from the One who fights alongside us.

The J.E.S.U.S method of Bible study

The J.E.S.U.S method of Bible study

by | Mar 7, 2021 | Bible Study, Faith Blog

The J.E.S.U.S method of Bible study comes from the perspective of identifying your most pressing personal needs and then seeking God’s word specifically in this area with the Holy Spirit guiding you through the scriptures.

The acronym for each step is as follows:

Journal

  1. Spend a few minutes writing in your journal.
  2. What is going on in your life at the moment?
  3. What challenges are you facing?
  4. What emotions are you feeling
  5. What do you need from God?

E    Everything

  1. Give everything into God’s care and control – all of your worries, fears, anxieties and needs (1 Peter 5:7 and Philippians 4:6-7)
  2. Take a deep breath and relax, knowing that God will take care of everything
    (Exodus 14:13-14).
  3. Put your trust fully in God and He will give you His peace
    (Isaiah 26:3)
  4. If He wants you to take action, He will show you what to do
    (Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 30:21)

Scripture

  1. Pray and ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit to give you understanding of what you read     and to lead you to the Bible Scripture He wants to show you.
  2. Go to an online Bible (eg. Bible Gateway) and in the search field, type in the thing you are       feeling or needing the most (eg. peace, trust, faith, worry, fear, anxiety etc).
  3. Start at the first verse that comes up in the search results and slowly go down the list,
       reading each one.
  4. Not every Bible verse will be applicable to your situation, but many will.  Just keep reading.
  5. Listen for the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit as to what to read next. God will gently lead     you through the Scriptures.

Example:

You might be feeling full of fear about the future, so you are reading all the Bible  verses about ‘fear’. 

God will guide you.  Sometimes He will prompt you to read the whole chapter the Bible text comes from, rather than just the one verse that talks about ‘fear’.  This may lead to reading the next chapter and other parts of the Bible.

This may be a little hard to understand at first, but you will find that certain words, verses, chapters, stories or concepts will seem to ‘leap off the page at you’, drawing your attention to them.  This is God leading you.

U   Understanding

  1. As you read God’s Word, pray that God will give you understanding of what you are
       reading.
  2. Ask God to give you understanding about how these Bible texts apply to your life,
       personally.

S    Summary

  1. In your journal, write down any Bible verses, chapters, stories or concepts that you feel God      has led you to that day.
  2. Write a summary of how the Bible verses relate to what you are facing or how you were           feeling in the first step of this process.
  3. Pray about your current situation and what you have read today.
  4. As you go about your day, be mindful of the scriptures you read that day and how they apply
       to your life.
  5. Continue to put your trust fully in God.
  6. Have your journal in a handy place, so you can easily re-read it if and when you need to. This will continue to strengthen you and maintain your peace as you go throughout the day.

 

Try this Bible study method out and let me know how you go in the comments.

Enjoy applying God’s Word to your personal needs. 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t let the failures of the past doubt your God-given destiny

Don’t let the failures of the past doubt your God-given destiny

by | Feb 22, 2021 | Faith Blog

Do you find it hard to hope for a good future because all you can see is the failings and mistakes of your past? 

Did you used to have a dream of your life’s purpose but now it feels like it is gone or it’s too late?

You are not alone. 

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of being human is that we fail.  But Jesus specializes in taking people who have failed in the past and giving them a future that is brighter than anything they could ever have imagined.

All we have to do is trust Him. 

When you look at Hebrews 11 in the Bible, it lists person after person, who is considered a
‘hero of faith’.

We look at them and all we see is their greatness and their accomplishments, but the truth is, many of them failed too.  They were human beings just as we are.

This should give us great hope.  Jesus takes our faults and our failings and turns them into a testimony to His glory.

Today, we are looking at lessons from the life of Moses, one of the ‘all time greats’ in the Bible’s Hall of Fame, listed in Hebrews 11.

I don’t know if you know the story of Moses, but He is known as the person who rescued God’s people from Egypt, where they were slaves and brought them to the border of the Promised Land.

Moses is one of the most revered heroes of faith from the Bible.  Moses ended up being the leader of several million people.  The Bible says he talked to God ‘as one talks to their friend’.  He partnered with God to perform some of the biggest miracles in the Bible such as the parting of the Red Sea and bringing water out of a rock, he wrote several chapters of the Bible and so much more.

But looking at the story of Moses before all his great achievements, he failed over and over.

Let’s look at what happened.

1. Moses had a criminal background

If you’ve been on the wrong side of the law in your past, God can still use you.

Moses committed murder!  Read about this in Exodus 2: 11-12.

He saw one the Egyptians beating one of the Israelites and he killed the Egyptian and buried his body.

It is quite probable that in his youth, Moses felt the beginning of a calling from God to help his people.

He had been raised in the Egyptian palace as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter
(Exodus 2: 1-10), but in his heart, he knew he was really an Israelite and he saw that his people were slaves to the Egyptians and he wanted to help them.

Unfortunately, Moses didn’t wait for God to tell him what to do.  In his humanity, he just lashed out in anger at the Egyptian and killed him.

2. Moses ran from the consequences of his actions

When Moses realised that people knew he had murdered the Egyptian and that he was in big trouble, he ran for his life instead of facing up to the consequences of his actions
(Exodus 2: 13-15).

Maybe, you have made some terrible mistakes in your past and you feel that God couldn’t possibly use you.

Perhaps you, too, ran from the consequences of your actions.

Take heart, God loves you just as much as he loved Moses.  If God can use Moses after committing murder, He can forgive anything you have done and use you too.

3. Moses tried to step into his destiny before he was ready.

Instead of waiting on God to lead him the right way, he let his emotions get in the way and lashed out in anger, killing someone in the process.

All through our lives, in good times and bad, God is working in us, bringing us to maturity of character and faith, leading us right to His unique destiny for us.

God knows when you are ready.  At just the right time, He will begin to move you towards the purpose he created you for.

4. After failure, Moses ran away as far as he could get

After failing at the beginning and creating a huge mess, killing the Egyptian, Moses ran away as far as he could get.  He settled in Midian, on the other side of the desert (Exodus 2: 15-25).

No matter how far away you have run from where God originally called you,
when the time is right, He knows just where to find you.

5. Moses had been away for a very long time.

Moses lived in Midian for 40 years. 

He was 80 years old when God called him to begin fulfilling his destiny (Exodus 7:7).

It doesn’t matter how long it has been since God first called you.
You can never be too old or gone too long, for Him to be able to use you.

 

6. He married someone from another race and had children to her.

Moses settled down in Midian and found a wife and had children (Exodus 2: 21-22).

We know that later on, Moses’ family complain to Moses about his foreign wife.

But that didn’t matter to God.

It doesn’t matter where life has taken you or what you have done while you have been away from God.

God understands the pain and loneliness that you have suffered.  He knows that you have done whatever you felt necessary to cope with life.

God knows you and your family completely and loves you just as you are.

7. Moses looked at his own lack of qualifications

The first thing Moses does is question God about his lack of qualofications to do what God asked (Exodus 3:11).  Moses says ‘but who am I to bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’

He knew he was an imperfect man who had made many mistakes.  How could God possibly use him after all the bad things he had done and after all this time?

We all often fall into this temptation.  Instead of looking at our great God who has called us, we look at our own failings.

God doesn’t need ability.  He just needs willingness; someone who will say ‘yes Lord’.

God’s answer to Moses question was “I will be with you”.

This is all any of us need to fulfil our destiny and our purpose – a humble, willing and obedient heart.  The only thing we need is “God with us”.

8. Moses started to make excuse after excuse.

Moses was terrified about what God was asking him to do.  He wanted to get out of it any way he could.

First Moses says ‘but what if they don’t believe that you have sent me?’ (Exodus 4: 1-9)

God then gives Moses two miraculous signs that he could do in front of the people to help them believe him.

Then God promises that if Moses does these two signs and they still don’t believe him, He gives him one more miraculous sign to do.

That’s three miraculous signs!

Even the miraculous signs still did not convince Moses to do what God asked him to do.

Moses says ‘but I don’t speak well’ (Exodus 4: 10-12).

It is widely understood that Moses may have had a serious stutter or something else like this.  What is clear is that he didn’t have any confidence to have to speak in public.

Moses still doesn’t get it.  God is not looking to Moses ability, courage or strength.  God would provide those things.  All he wanted was for Moses was to say, ‘yes Lord, I am willing and I trust you’.

9. Moses pleads with God to send someone else.

Despite all the miraculous signs and help that God had offered, Moses said ‘please God, send someone else (Exodus 4:13).

Have you ever felt that God wanted you to do something for Him, but it terrified you and you pleaded with God to send someone else?

Remember that God won’t ask you to do anything without equipping you fully
to carry it out.

10. God sends someone to help him and partner with him.

It doesn’t matter what insecurities we have or what disabilities we have, God knows about them all.

God knew that Moses was not a good speaker, but He knew that Moses’ brother Aaron was a good speaker.

God had anticipated this issue and had already told Aaron to go and meet Moses in the desert and that he and Moses would go to Pharaoh together (Exodus 4:27-28).

In Exodus 4:14-17 God tells Moses that he would be the ‘go between’ between God and Aaron and he would tell Aaron what to say to Pharaoh and the Israelites.

God already knows your limitations and
He has made provision for them. 

You will have challenges on the way, but God is with you

Moses finally agrees to do what God has asked.  He meets his brother Aaron in the desert and they go to Egypt.

When they tell the Israelites that God was concerned about their misery and had come to rescue them and they did the signs from God, the people believed Moses and Aaron and rejoiced that God hadn’t forgotten them.

Even after Moses finally set off to fulfil his God-given destiny, it wasn’t easy.  There were many, many challenges along the way.

But Moses just had to remember God’s promise that “I am with you”.

 

God is bigger than any challenges you will face.

You plus God can achieve more than you ever dreamed possible.

Have hope. God is still in control.

Have hope. God is still in control.

by | Feb 14, 2021 | Bible Study, Faith Blog

When life looks like it is spiralling out of control; things like the pandemic that is currently sweeping across the whole world, it can be hard to believe that God is still in control – but He is.

God is the Creator of the universe and He promises in His Word, that He will be there to the end.

Isaiah 41:4 it says “Who has controlled history from the beginning? I, the Lord am the one. I was here at the beginning and I will be here when all things are finished.”

When you are in the middle of a world-wide pandemic, it is hard to see beyond it, but many such things have swept the world before and eventually, they have all come to an end and life has gone on.

There has been other pandemics, such as the Spanish Flu, polio, Swine Flu and Ebola.

There have been other significant and tragic events such as World War 1, World War 2, the Great Depression of the 1930’s, the global recession of 2008.

There have been devastating fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.

In each of these events, eventually they all came to an end and people could begin to re-build their lives.

In the Bible in Psalm 90:4 it says:

“To You a thousand years are like a day that has just gone by.”

When we are in the middle of these hard times, it feels like they will never end, but to God, it is just like a day or a few hours.  He knows the end from the beginning.

This is when it is so critical to exercise our faith in our loving, all powerful God.

We need to walk by faith, not by sight
(2 Corinthians 5:7).

In Isaiah 41:9-10, God says:

“I have chosen you, and I have not turned against you. So do not worry, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you.”

And in Isaiah 41:13 God brings us further comfort:

“I am the Lord your God. I am holding your right hand. And I tell you ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’”

In Isaiah 41:17-20 it says:

“17 The poor and needy people look for water.
But they can’t find any.
Their tongues are dry with thirst.
But I, the Lord, will answer their prayers.
I, the God of Israel, will not leave them to die.
18 I will make rivers flow on the dry hills.
I will make springs of water flow through the valleys.
I will change the desert into a lake of water.
I will change the dry land into springs of water.
19 I will make trees grow in the desert.
There will be cedars, acacia, myrtle and olive trees.
I will put pine, fir and cypress trees
growing together in the desert.
20 People will see these things and understand.
Together they will think carefully about these things.
They will know that the Lord’s power did this.
They will know that the Holy One of Israel made these things.”

In other words, God can, and will, bless His people right in the middle of their hard times.

Even in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says:

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future”.

Many people don’t realise that when God brought this encouraging and hope-filled news to His people, they still had to go through 70 years of being held captive in a foreign country.

But God promised that at the end of the 70 years, it would finally be over and they could come home and that their future would be good.

He encouraged them to make the most of the current situation. 

Earlier, in that same chapter, in Jeremiah 29:5-7 God says:

“5 Build houses and make your homes there. Plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Get married. Have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons. Give your daughters to be married. Then they too can have sons and daughters. Let there be many more of you and not fewer. 7 Also work for the success of the city I have sent you to. Pray to the Lord for that city. If it succeeds, you too will enjoy success.”

Right in the middle of their captivity, God tells them to move forward with their lives.

God did the same with Joseph.  Right in the middle of Joseph’s captivity and when he went on to be in prison, God was with him the whole time and blessed him with favour and success, even when Joseph’s future looked very bleak indeed.

Joseph realised later on, after he was made ruler of Egypt that God had been there the whole time.  God had brought him through these hard times for a purpose – to save millions of lives during the famine.  God had used his time in captivity to train Joseph for leadership. 

God is always working on behalf of His people; no matter what it looks like.

So take heart.  Instead of trying to look through the fog ahead of you, look up and see the loving face of God assuring you that He is with you right now, in the middle of the trial and He will bring you safely through.