We’ve been here before, not just because it’s my favorite psalm, but because it is SO HELPFUL when life is hard that we must keep returning to it. How do we give thanks when so much in our lives seems to be going wrong? Recently I had a conversation with a brother concerning why Paige Benton Brown puts her teaching up for just a week and then takes it down — driving us all bananas! He said, “I often save my notes from a sermon, thinking, ‘I can preach that again.’ But because God keeps working in my life, making all things new, when I look at those notes I want to start fresh.’ I feel the same way – -though we’ve covered this psalm umpteen times, we’re going to start fresh.
I have a wonderful 15-minute message from Mike Reeves to recharge us. Reeves says Psalm 42 is so important we must brush our teeth with it!
Why?
Because we keep putting our circumstances in the foreground and the gospel in the background. We must take our soul in hand and remind her of the great good news! Remember what Paige said for those of you in our last study?
“We must not look within for answers, but out to God!”
And Martyn Lloyd Jones, in his classic book called Spiritual Depression said:
“Don’t listen to your swirling soul, speak the truth of God’s Word to her.”
Let me give you an example from my life. Right now, if I were to listen to my soul, I might hear: “Your old body is falling apart. You hobble around at the end of the day. The dermatologist is going to zap you so look like a leper. Your ears are no longer catching everything that is said. And, as Ecclesiastes promises, it’s only going to get worse.”
Who wouldn’t be depressed by listening to that soul?
Instead, I tell her: “All true — but not the end of the story! I’m headed toward a beautiful strong resurrection body, younger than springtime! Truly, these troubles will seem so transitory in eternity. Meanwhile, no matter what I face, I’m LOVED with an everlasting love. 
Thursday: Start Brushing Your Teeth
Remember to read the Psalms as a lover reads, lingering on the images. For we have a Savior who is acquainted with grief, who understands the pain of living in this world.
- Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.
- In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground?
- Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them?
- Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her.
Friday: The Christian’s Ode to Joy
5. Listen to the above message (under 15 minutes) and take notes.
6. Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why.
Saturday: Meditating on the Breadth of the Gospel
7. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you?
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.)
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b.
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54?
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks!
God Hunt Sunday:
For those of you new to the God Hunt, it is simply a way to be alert to the reality of a living God in your daily life: an answered prayer; unusual timing or circumstances that make you aware God is at work; a Scripture that becomes radioactive; or simply the sense of His presence through nature, others, or His Spirit.
10. As you look back at the past week, how have you “spied” God at work? Give thanks!
Monday: Deep Calls To Deep
This is such a mysterious passage, but understanding it can really help you trust God when things are hard. Charles Spurgeon says it is the deep voice of God calling to us in the depth of our troubles. Think of Jonah cast into the sea — life can’t get much harder than that! Yet God showed that rebel His love by sending a great fish. Our own Lizzy sent me the following heart which I have on my bedroom wall:
Relationships no I like YouTube the one thing missing in
When you feel like you are drowning in a sea of troubles, even those brought on by yourself, He is there, loving you, just as you are.
11. How did God show His love to Jonah despite his sin?
12. How has God shown His love to you, even when the mess you were in was of your own making? Give thanks.
13. Whatever hard things you are facing right now, take your soul in hand and speak to her.
Tuesday: Keep Brushing Your Teeth
14. How many times in Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 must the psalmist take his soul in hand and speak to her? What does this tell you?
15. List at least five things in your life, whether personal or with loved ones, that tend to make you anxious. Speak to your soul about each one.
Wednesday:
16. What is your take-a-way? Give thanks!
109 comments
1. Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.
– Deer panting for streams of water, like his soul is: He has a thirst that can’t be quenched because he’s lost in his pain. This is so tender, so raw, and SO relatable.
– He’s like a camel in heat but it’s his soul in heat desiring God.
– My tears have been my food day and night: He’s in the deepest depth and trapped in the arms of depression and his soul is tempted to give up. This isn’t ordinary pain, but this is pain in the depths, hopelessness that people are driving in deeper by tempting him to doubt God (satan plays a part in that I’m sure)
– V4 is the start of a shift for he’s started with remembering the passion God has for him in protecting him and his responses to God’s deep love for him.
2. In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground?
V 5 is a shift as he starts speaking truth to his soul. He doesn’t ignore what’s going on in his soul, or try to change his thoughts to positive ones, instead of focusing on circumstances and the desperation his soul feels, he starts asking his soul questions which helps him see where his heart has gone for relief so he starts telling himself the truth – to put his hope in God. He may still be in pain but the shift is where he puts his hope.
3. Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them? That helps me see which mountain is the highest in my pain, my circumstances, or God.
4. Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her.
– I’ve suffered several losses in a short amount of time, (mom passed, two boys left for college all in the same month while working on some heavy issues with my adult son with autism). Also, trauma in the past for years that has been showing up via triggers which I’m receiving help with via a godly counselor. Triggers can so quickly put me in a state of fear or anxiety (reliving it).
“why are you so downcast? This pain is temporary =short lived compared to eternity with God. Put your hope in God for He is my hope, my salvation from this sinful world as well as from my sinful bends. Remember the romance when He wooed you, for He took on complete abandonment from God so He could woo you to Him. He just wanted you and it was nothing you did or had to earn. He is my hope, my salvation, not the relief from pain or my circumstances. So pant for God instead of panting for relief for He is my hope, my joy. Nothing on earth compares to you oh God! You’re beauty, your glory, your love and you brought me into the dance. So my soul, rejoice!
So beautiful REbecca
Rebecca, this brings tears to my heart. I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. So much pain in such a short window of time. Thank you for sharing these words from your heart. Truth: Triggers can so quickly put me in a state of fear or anxiety (reliving it). And this: This pain is temporary =short lived compared to eternity with God
Rebecca, your beautiful example of pressing into the Lord amidst your losses and pain warms my heart. Hugs, dear friend!
Thursday ~ Psalm 42
This song holds beautiful reflection on this pslam. The song becomes my prayer. Sometimes I need a way to take my soul in hand and it is often through song.
Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call (based on Psalm 42)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYGhnbXtqbU
Some of the lyrics:
Lord, from sorrows deep I call
When my hope is shaken
Torn and ruined from the fall
Hear my desperation
For so long I’ve pled and prayed
God, come to my rescue
Even so the thorn remains
Still my heart will praise You
Storms within my troubled soul
Questions without answers
On my faith these billows roll
God, be now my shelter ……
what a beautiful song — though I admit I hoped it was going to be you and your lovely daughters!
Nila, thank you for sharing this beautiful song. I shared it with a dear friend who is facing cancer and having to make difficult decisions. 🥲❤️
Thank you for sharing this hymn, Nila. I listened to it over and over and sent to a dear friend, who just lost her husband. You and your daughters have beautiful harmony that speaks to my heart.
Nila, me too. Songs really speak to my heart and am glad that the psalms have been put to song. Thanks for sharing. This one really speaks to me as I grieve to see what is going on in our world and the lost people that are in it.
Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time. His soul is panting and thirsting for God, he feel as if he’s waited a long time and still hasn’t come into God’s presence, he cries day and night, others are mocking him for his faith, he remembers “the good old days” when he used to go with the multitude into the house of God with joy and thanksgiving.
In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground? He tells his soul to wait for God for he knows that this is a season that will pass and God will help him with His presence.
Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them? Because if we don’t, we will allow our thoughts and feelings to rule our behavior.
Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her. My lack of motivation or desire to do pretty much anything. To my soul: You know that the joy of the Lord is your strength. You know that there are good works that He has set before you to be done and that He has fully equipped you to do those good works.
Dawn — that sounds like you are depressed! Lord, please lift Dawn up and give her Your strength, wisdom, and help. In Jesus Name
Are you, do you think?
Dawn, praying for you. Yes, the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Praying for you, Dawn. Praying that you sense the Lord very close to you. May He fill you with joy and inspiration. Praying for God to reveal to you what He has before you to do.
Thursday
1. Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.
I think in verses 1 as 2 he is depressed because he longs to have fellowship with God. He probably misses being able to worship in the temple as he says, “when shall I come and appear before God,” which may be part of it but he also knows that fellowship with God can be found anywhere and is exactly what his soul needs. His tears have been his food day and night…this is the most telling image of his depression to me because he has no desire to eat, but only cry! To make matters worse his enemies are continually taunting him saying, “where is this God of yours.” His heart is breaking as he remembers what it was like to worship in the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of great celebration.
2. In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground?
He does this by putting his hope in God and praising Him rather than focus on why he’s discouraged or sad.
3. Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them?
Because we need to tell our soul the truth – God’s truth, take our eyes off of self and remember that our hope is in God.
4. Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her.
When reading this Psalm, I had to ask myself, do I long/thirst for God as a dear pants for water? When I get depressed the last thing I want to do is run to God, but I know it’s the first place I should go. Oh Lord, put within my heart a thirst for you, a desire to have fellowship with You even when I don’t feel like it. To take my eyes off of me, my discouragement or sadness and hope in You, to look to Your word, Your truth in talking to my soul.
Such a good answer to 4.
1. Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.
He longs for God.
He thirsts for God.
He asks when he can be with Him.
He cries, he has no food.
His enemies taunt him about his “God.”
His heart is breaking because he remembers the good times.
2. In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground?
He turns his focus to God. He questions himself as to why he is so down. He praises Him and sings to Him.
3. Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them?
Because that’s what God wants us to do. He is right there with us in the Holy Spirit. Otherwise we are alone.
4. Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her.
Time for my husband. Oh Lord, my life is so chaotic with 2 jobs, raising 2 grandchildren and ALL that comes with that (school, homework, piano lessons, ski lessons, birthday parties, church, Awana, etc.), a class I am taking for work, exercise, and more. I can’t think about it too hard because then I am overwhelmed. My husband suffers because there is no more time for him. I want to spend time but I am exhausted and sleep wins out. Thank You for my husband. He has always been a good provider and has helped take care of me and the family all these years. Help us find time for each other. Help me figure out how to fit him in more readily, and want to make that a priority before everything else. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Hahaha, I forgot to do the soul talking. Whoops! Here you go.
Silly girl! You know that your husband is the most important thing after God. What the heck are you doing? He is a good man. He takes care of the family. You need to make sure he is taken care of too. It’s so hard to fit it all in but you must. God wants us to be kind and thoughtful to one another. He is such a good guy in so many ways. God gave us the gift of marriage so you need to respect that and make it a priority. Remember that we won’t always have this situation and we will need each other when all the kids and grandkids are gone (although I really don’t think that will ever be the case!). Get yourself together and make time for your hubby!
I agree with your prayer and love your soul talk. He does sound like a very good man!
Laura,
Your words here are helpful. I too need help with the same thing. With two small grandchildren living with us I have trouble ordering my priorities.
The “tyranny of the urgent” threatens higher priorities at times.
Help us Lord to take a deep breath this day and implement one small, intentional change in how we order our time.
I stepped away and have come back to realize I didn’t turn my sight to God. It sounds like I think I can fix the problem. Ugh!
let’s add this….
God, You are king! I praise Your Holy Name! Only You can make all things perfect. When I set my eyes on You and Your ways then I am set right. Thank You Lord for being a good God! You will make all things work for me. My marriage is in Your hands! When I am yoked to You then I am well.
You have a lot on your plate! Your husband sounds supportive and understanding! I pray you have some time together. 🙂 date night?
Laura dear, praying for you to seek God as you juggle your many responsibilities and be intentional to have time with your husband. Why don’t you ask him for ideas? Smile.
Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.Panting and thirsting for God. Tears continually food. Can’t meet with God. People questioning where is your God. Memories of when could go to God with praise.
In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground? For I will put my hope in God and praise Him.
Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them? So we don’t get lost in feelings and allow them to overtake what we know about God. He is always good. He hears and sees us. He never forsakes us.
Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her. My husband s health and decision not to follow recommendations. My God s arm is not too short. He can move hearts and change lives. He will never leave me or forsake me
5. Listen to the above message (under 15 minutes) and take notes.. People aren’t interested in Christianity because of miserable Christians. Psalm 42 is Christians ode to joy and to hang on to joy. Dont let your self control you instead control yourself. Why would Jesus have gone to cross if quiet time would do. If failure as a Christian now you qualify for Gods help. Your doubts are no measure of truth. The truth is not in you Get your truth from outside not your emotions. Get the truth from the life giving words of God, His medicine. 6. Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why. That my behavior doesn’t determine whether or not God loves me. He s already given me His Son at the cross. He s telling me not to get stuck with past mistakes, but to lift my eyes to God and remember through Jesus Christ I have peace with God and He can restore what the locusts have stolen. Get my truth from the living word of God. To not procrastinate on something He s leading me to do. To trust the truth I know about Him and not my doubts about self
Judy — one of my favorite lines from William Cowper:
To see the law by Christ fulfilled
and hear His pardoning voice
Transforms a slave into a child
And duty into choice
That’s an insightful quote. Thank you
Friday
6. . Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why.
– “Don’t let yourself control you, but control yourself. It is the essential key to joyful Christian maturity.”
And as Andrew Peterson reminds us in his song, Be Kind to Yourself, we need to apply the gospel in such a way that we encourage ourselves. Berating and shaming ourselves only sets us up for deeper discouragement.
– Martin Luther would write scripture on walls or carve on tables as visible reminders of the truth as he fought the good fight.
I have a friend who lost her husband in his early fifties. Then a few years later she lost two of her three sons . In the days, weeks and years following she had scripture verses framed and in large bold print throughout her home.
Nila, what encouragement it gave my heart to read of your friend using Scripture to carry her through her grief. Thank you for sharing.
Nila — I love Be Kind to Yourself!
1. Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.
My soul pants for You: His soul is parched, dry and needs the living water of God. When shall I come before You; He feels alone, lost in deep sorrow. My tears have been my food day and night; He cannot find God, or hope in his despair. I used to go with the throng; with joy and Thanksgiving; He is in pain so paralyzing he cannot open his heart to praising God.
2. In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground?
He is talking to his own soul, reminding himself of that his hope is in God,, that God is the source of help for his soul.
3. Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them?
I talk to my soul and I am reminded of the many times God has answered my prayers, and always in a way that I did not ever imagine. I have to go to the very lowest low before I see that the light is always from one source: Our Father. He is my hope. I will praise Him in the circumstance. I will wait on His way, not my own.
4. Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her.
My husband’s health declines, and a grown child is angry at our entire family. I feel helpless. Yet, God has my husband in His hand and I have to remember the many times He has carried us through difficult times. An adult child, who heart is hardened, can only be changed by God in His time. My attempts have failed. My heart cries, yet My soul rejoices that God is Love; that God has His own way to accomplish His purpose. I love that what God wants most is a relationship with us.
This is a quote from Joni Eareckson Tada says so much: “God allows what he hates, to accomplish what he loves. And what does God love? For people to enter into a relationship with Himself and become more like Him.”
Prayers for a breakthrough, Patti.
Thank you, Judy, Lizzy, Bing and Dee. Our God is always present, even in the trying times. Praying for the prison ministry this weekend.
Oh Patti. Yes, He is our Hope. You have remained so steadfast in your trials. I love this truth from you-“I love that what God wants most is a relationship with us.” I don’t think about that enough, but it is his heart. Full of mercy, gentle and lowly.
Patti, continued prayers for you in your husband’s health situation. And for your grown child who has a hardened heart. With God all things are possible. And we must be thinking on the same wavelength because I mentioned Joni as well in one of my responses. Made me smile.
Oh Patti — I am going to take Joni’s quote into prison with me this morning — it will minister to the women:
God allows what he hates, to accomplish what he loves. And what does God love? For people to enter into a relationship with Himself and become more like Him.”
Mike Reeves. Oh, just seeing him here this week makes me almost teary. Love him. God is so good. I really need this truth.
1. Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.
v. 1, 2- Panting—out of breath, weak, weary, thirsting for God
v 2b- “When can I go and meet with God?”—feeling he doesn’t see or feel where God is
v. 3- continually crying and unable to eat
v. 3b-the taunting of others- “Where is your God?”
4-remembering how he used to feel close to God
2. In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground?
He questions his thoughts-“Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
He re-directs his hope- “Put your hope in God”
He remembers who God is- “my Savior and my God”
3. Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them?
We are prone to self-focus. We become absorbed with our circumstances, our pain, how we are viewed…it is an unending pit that only becomes deeper and darker. The only way out, is to turn our eyes away from self and onto Him. We have to re-order our loves from self to Creator. We must remember our one purpose in all of life is to bring Him glory. That will include trials and pain. Speak truth to our soul.
4. Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her.
The circumstance that have occurred in just the last few days would tell me, ‘look at you, you went back to your mother again thinking she would soften and again you were rejected even more than the last time. The daughter you raised for 19 years has joined with your mother and sisters and all have turned against you and that is putting it mildly. You are no one to them and have no one but your husband and 2 boys left. Defective. Unwanted. Rejected.”
But God has been SO near, so tender and gracious to me. He is my Father and I am more His than my family of origin. As I prayed the other day, after my mom’s latest stab, outloud in the car with tears, “I want to be adopted” and then I laughed, of course! I AM adopted. And then hours later a message from a dear dear friend who has listened to much of mess so encouraged me with truth and love. And so I step forward, leaving the past behind. He is doing a new thing. He has been breaking me away from the destructive past and making a new path. Like the trail in my new backyard that leads to a stream…He is quenching my thirst. He is making all things new. We have a future hope where there are no more tears.
Wow, Lizzy! I love your answer to 3. Yes!!
And your answer to 4 has me in tears! Yes, He has adopted you! All of us! So thankful!!
Lizzy, oh my sweet friend! Yes, God has adopted you and I pray that you would remember God has your tears in a bottle and one of these days, there will be no more tears. We are ever the closest to God and Him with us when we are in deep pain. Let Him tenderly carry you through it all.
Sweet Bing, humbles me how the Lord so uses you in my life to encourage me. Just yesterday I wrote down that verse, Psalm 56:8-“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”
Oh Lizzy — so that is what has been happening. Thanks for sharing so we can pray.
You have been on the blog since I began and have become like a daughter to me.
Lizzy, how harsh our family can be to us! We have a son who is rejecting us for our decisions. He won’t speak to us and we haven’t seen our new grandson who will be one in Feb. so cruel. They don’t know Jesus 😔. Praying for peace for us. 🙏🙏🙏
5. Listen to the above message (under 15 minutes) and take notes.
6. Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why.
Talking to yourself is the first sign of wisdom. However, don’t listen to your “self”, listen for God to speak to you. When we talk to ourselves, we express our feelings and feelings can be deceptive and fickle. Don’t let your “self” control you; you need to control “self”.
Do not trust Self: Self tells us:; God relates to me on how I perform…behave. You cannot earn God’s favor.
Trust God and His Word: Truth in God’s word tells us: We have peace through Jesus Christ. He is my Savior and my God. He paid a price for each of us.
In Psalm 42, David talks to himself with words of despair. He then turns to God and the result in hope.
Trust only God’s word of Joy and you will be a person of joyful integrity and you will be an ambassador for Christ.
Thursday: Start Brushing Your Teeth
Remember to read the Psalms as a lover reads, lingering on the images. For we have a Savior who is acquainted with grief, who understands the pain of living in this world.
Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time.
The deer panting for streams of water, soul panting and thirsting for God, tears my food day and night, pouring out my soul.
In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground?
Talking to his soul like almost reprimanding it. Background
Talking to his soul where to put her hope and that is God
Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them?
Our souls can wander to other things and thoughts that are not true. There is too much self in the soul.
Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her.
Lord, my dear daughter seems to be far from you. Richard and I are not getting any younger and I dread to think of how her life would be without you when we are gone. Soul is telling me that I have not done a good job as a mother, that I have failed her and You, and that it is my fault why she is where she is right now spiritually. But no, no, no, soul. You are not going to talk to me like that!
Because God will finish what He has started in my daughter’s life many years ago, Philippians 1:6. God hears my prayers for her to return to Him and will work out his purposes for her life. Job 42:2 states, “I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Regarding my mothering, soul, God is in control, and the messes I made God will turn its ashes into beauty. And there is nothing that can separate me from God’s love. Soul, I am leaning into God all the more because I know He loves me, He will take care of me, and my daughter and He will bring all things for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes. Romans 8:28 So, soul, stop telling me lies!
Friday: The Christian’s Ode to Joy
5. Listen to the above message (under 15 minutes) and take notes.
Thank you, Dee, for bringing us Mike Reeves again. I love his contagious joy! Aside from him, another person who embodies Christian joy is Joni Eareckson Tada.
6. Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why.
a. God’s truth is unaffected by how I feel. My feelings can be fickle and up and down. But the truth of God’s Word is always true. It is a fact; it is objective.
I am a feeling person, but I have been learning to talk truth to my soul. And the more I do that, the more I feel God’s joy.
b. Preach to yourself-you will be a blessing of joyful integrity, a beautiful attractive ambassador for Christ. I want to exude joy and be an ambassador for Christ.
Bing — you and your daughter remind me a bit of Augustine’s mother (her name escapes me now) and him — and how a child of so many prayers would not be able to escape the Hound of Heaven – oh, her name was Monica I think
Dee and Patti, thank you for the encouraging words. I do pray that the Hound Of Heaven keeps pursuing our daughter. And that our daughter will stop running away from Him.
What a beautiful prayer for your daughter, dear Bing. I love this: My feelings can be fickle and up and down. But the truth of God’s Word is always true. It is a fact; it is objective. Lord, hear our prayers for Bing’s precious daughter. How I pray that she will come to know You in a very personal way. Please continue to be relentlessly in pursuit of her heart. We love You Lord, our Heavenly Father, who has adopted us.
6. Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why.
1) We tend to think God relates to us on the basis of our performance. We assume that we fall in and out of favor with God. We must remind ourselves the gospel. We can’t do anything to earn God’s favor, our hearts lie. Remind ourselves to put our hope in God, in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2) We will not find truth inside our feelings, we must give our heart truth from outside of us.
7. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you?
I hope others see joy in me. It may not be bouncing off the walls joy but I hope they see a strong and steady hope in the midst of trials, with my eyes set on my future Home and living in the security of His love.
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.)
We are the joy set before Him. He had His eye on us. He endured the Cross by thinking of us being reconciled to God and Himself through His death.
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b.
This one always makes my eyes water. God loves us as He loves Jesus. It’s still hard for me to fully grasp/live like I believe that, but it is His Word, it is true. Go penny go.
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54?
Death will be swallowed up with victory and we will be changed! We will be like Him.
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks!
Lately I’ve been thinking if I could only have one book it would be 1 Peter. I love these truths so much I have them framed on my wall-
“According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 3:9
Didn’t know that about you and 1 Peter. Steve’s favorite book. What we are doing now in The Orchard.
I so love that you have these truths framed on your wall. I see the joy and hope in the Lord in you, dear Lizzy and it is so good to read daily: so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Headed into prison — have some new material — pray I remember it well and that God anoints us all for a great day. Thank you, dear sisters.
Prayers for you today, Dee. I pray your joy in Christ would be most evident to the women and they would long for the God who loves them and who you so well represent. “ For we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Cor 5:20
Prayers as requested. A spirit filled day and every heart touched. Thank you for showing faith expressing itself through love
Praying for you right now, dear Dee. Praying for the Lord to open the hearts of all who attend. Praying for peace, calm, joy and good tech too. Lord, be glorified.
6. Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why.
Christians are miserable people. It is true. For heavens sake!, we should be the light, we should be joyful! Those who are Christians and not joyful do not truly understand the Bible. We want to be like Jesus. He was NOT miserable. We want others to want to be with Him too.
God relates to me on the way I behave. He loves me, he loves me not. How I’m doing becomes the basis of my relationship with God. I need to talk to myself….to put my feelings away and realize that I put my hope in God! I don’t have to do anything.
Amen to this Laura!! We want to be like Jesus. He was NOT miserable. We want others to want to be with Him too.
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks!
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
His Mercies never come to an end.
They are new again this morning. New day, new mercies.
6. Share two things that really stood out to you and explain why. Psalm 42 is not about putting on a fake grin when all along we are dying inside. We are not to listen to our souls, we are to speak the truth of God’s word to our souls. Knowing that joy is found outside of ourselves, that the truths of the gospel and God’s love for us is unaffected by our actions and feelings is the way to experiencing true joy regardless of our circumstances, thoughts or feelings. This helps me to redirect my focus from what is going on inwardly as being true to taking what is the truth outside of myself and internalizing it.
Wow! Just got back from The Chosen season 3 at the movies! How wonderful it was! I cried through the whole thing. My friend laughed at me 🤷🏻♀️. I hear it is number 2 in the country right now go see it! It’s wonderful.
Great to hear, Laura! I am going to watch it with my husband on Monday!
I just saw it with my son today! We love “The Chosen”, my favorite scene was Jesus talking to little James about the reason he has not been healed. No one at our church has seen The Chosen. I am going to ask our Pastor if he will play Season 1 for the congregation if I buy it.
I cannot wait to see it! I love Season 1 and 2! Praise God that it is number 2 in the country!! I would be crying with you!
I love that Mike Reeves says we should tattoo Psalm 42 on the inside of our eyelids!
LOL I loved it when he said that, Laura!
THANKS FOR REMINDING ME OF THAT LAURA — WILL USE IT TODAY WITH THE WOMEN HERE IN TEXAS
Read Psalm 42:1-4 and find all the images that show both the depths of the psalmist’s depression and the circumstances that are pressing down on him. Take time. As a deer pants for water, his soul longs for God. His tears have been his food all day and night while men ask, where is your God? He used to go with the crowd to worship in the house of God with shouts of joy and thanksgiving.
In verse 5, how does he put those circumstances in the background and God in the foreground? He asks his soul, why are you so downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Why must we take our souls in hand and talk to them? To silence the nagative talk and remind our soul to trust and obey the Lord.
Your turn. List one circumstance or more that is pressing down on you. Then take your soul in hand and talk to her. My daughter has been falsely accusing me of attitudes I am not having. She believes some of my recent gifts are passive aggresive expressions. Remember who God says that you are, Lydia. Pray for your daughter and be sensitive to her insecurities.
GOOD SOUL TALK, LYDIA!
Prayers for healing in the relationship with your daughter.
I will pray for your relationship with your daughter, Lydia. Praying for God to open her eyes to your love for her.
Saturday: Meditating on the Breadth of the Gospel
1. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you?
I agree. I hope that I have the joy of the Lord and it is real. I find it more and more of a wonderful experience to be genuinely joyful by seeing God in the foreground.
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.)
He endured the cross for the joy set before him. The joy that is set before Him is his bride, the church, you, and me!
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b.
God loves me as He loves His only Son, Jesus.
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54?
When Jesus comes again, we will all be changed, the dead will be raised imperishable, immortal, and death will no longer have its hold on us.
2. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks!
Thank you, God, that you love me with the love that you have for Jesus. One of these days, this old body will be no more for the old order of things would have passed away, behold all things will be new. No more sorrow, pain, or death and we will all be with you. Thank you, Lord!
No more night by Christian Edition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AwA9rdr3fU
God Hunt Sunday:
1. As you look back at the past week, how have you “spied” God at work? Give thanks!
So many things to be thankful for this past week. This verse sums it up for me: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
I think of my life as a book that has already been written by God. In His mysterious, good, and loving ways, every joy, sadness, grief, and circumstance has been sifted through His wise Hands. Instead of resentment or anger, He is teaching me to give thanks in everything for that is His will in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18
I love Ecclesiastes 3:11 and the song No More Night!
7. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you? I think there are a lot of mixed messages from Christians I sure can give them I do have joy but I let impatience sometimes bury that joy into exasperation with a person I’m dealing with That is a sin on my part because I am hiding the glory of God when I let impatience and sin win
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.) I think the joy set before us was us He was delivering us from sin and safely into His Father s hands.
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b. That we are loved as the Father loves His Son
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54? We will be changed and spend eternity with God and Jesus
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks! And we know that all things work together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus What things? All things So stop the worry and complaining and enjoy the day God has made
10. As you look back at the past week, how have you “spied” God at work? Give thanks! He s been asking me to do something I don’t want to but I have peace and joy when I surrendered and have said I will do it. I thank You Father that you have saved me and are always faithful and You’ve saved a wretch like me.
Just posted 10-15 but they aren’t showing. I’ll give it some time and try again later if needed 😉
Lizzy, it came through to my email…weird it isn’t showing up. I can email you the copy of it if you didn’t keep it and want to repost it. It needs to be seen as it really encouraged me😊
7. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? No, I lived with an unbeliever for 31 years. He used that argument as a cop out to trying to believe in Jesus. It was all of the religious hippocrites fault! Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you? No, I believe that others in our sphere of influence need to see how we handle real life issues and experiences with God’s help. God gave us all of our emotions, pretending life is always joyful will not help anyone.
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.) Jesus endured the cross to obey His Father’s Will. We are the joy set before Him, He took our place and suffered and died for our sin, conquering death itself to secure us a place in Eternity with Him! Hallelujah!
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b. God loves each of us just as He loves His only Son, Jesus Christ.
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54?We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a flash, at the last Trumpet. The perishable must put on the imperishable, the mortal with immortality.
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? I will read Romans 8:28- 39! “Nothing can separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus! “ Give thanks.Thank You Lord for all the great things You have done! You are an Awesome God! I praise You with every breath I have.
God Hunt Sunday:
For those of you new to the God Hunt, it is simply a way to be alert to the reality of a living God in your daily life: an answered prayer; unusual timing or circumstances that make you aware God is at work; a Scripture that becomes radioactive; or simply the sense of His presence through nature, others, or His Spirit.
10. As you look back at the past week, how have you “spied” God at work? Give thanks! We got our first snow of the season this week and the temperatures have been in the low 30’s all week. I am so thankful to have my new roof finished just in time for the harsh winter weather. I spied God at work in all of the timing of my roofing project and the good, Christian men that were in charge of the project. THANK-YOU LORD!
Such a good God Hunt, Lydia.
7. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you? Yes, I agree. No I’m certain that no one sees an inextinguishable joy in me.
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? For the joy that was set before Him. Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? For us. What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.) We are the joy that was set before Him.
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b. He loves us the same as He loves Jesus.
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54? Immortality
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks! That I am loved by God more than I can imagine!
I remember thinking how quiet you were — sensed guarded, probably because of hurt. Yet here you open up more and more and I’m so very glad. You let us see your beautiful heart. I do want others to see it too, and pray for more guard to come down, dear Dawn.
10. As you look back at the past week, how have you “spied” God at work? Give thanks! The illness that I had last weekend turned out to be Covid. My husband and I had avoided getting it up until now. We have it very mildly and wouldn’t have even thought to test for it except that we were both feeling extraordinarily fatigued. I’m thankful that it is mild, that we have been able to stay home and recuperate.
7. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you?
I agree with this idea that Christians are miserable people. I think people who see me probably know there is something different about me. I try to smile a lot. I don’t complain like I used to. I will say that some of my colleagues know how I feel about homosexuality and they believe I am hateful. They just don’t understand the Bible. They think Christians are mean.
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.)
”For the joy awaiting Him.”
The joy was us.
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b.
He loves us just as He loves Jesus!
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54?
We will be transformed. Our bodies will be made into immortal bodies.
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks!
Just wait sweet soul….it will be an amazing day and worth the wait for sure! Of course my new body will be 5’7”! I will be slim and not care about food or drink! My hair will be full and never need brushing! It will curl on its own 😉. Thank You Lord, in advance for Jesus coming to earth, enduring the pain, and representing us to You. Thank You!
You make me smile, Laura. I’ll be 5’7″ too.
I will be 5’5, Laura. Don’t want to be taller than you and Dee! LOL
11. How did God show His love to Jonah despite his sin?
He gave Jonah a second chance to do right. He didn’t give up on him.
12. How has God shown His love to you, even when the mess you were in was of your own making? Give thanks.
He persists. He is with me, prodding me and reminding me of what the next move should be even if I ignore it. Sometimes I feel like giving up. Knowing He is there makes me persist. My mom had an index card she wrote that basically said these things. I concur with her. Thank You Lord for being my “wing man.”
13. Whatever hard things you are facing right now, take your soul in hand and speak to her.
Although life is cruising along, even at its fast pace, I am ok because I know God is near. He loves me and won’t let me go. Thank God for that! I can count on Him. What can go truly wrong when I have Him with me? The answer is nothing. Life takes on a different look when I have this knowledge. There is nothing so important that He can’t help me fix. I love the story of Joshua and Jericho. No one knew how God would bring that place down! I love thinking of how He will get me out of my next bind. How will He fix the problem? Have faith Laura. He can make even the hardest hearts change. That is what I would love to see right now. The hearts of my husband and eldest son, be melted and forgive each other. Thank You, in advance, for touching these two, Lord.
10. As you look back at the past week, how have you “spied” God at work? Give thanks!
Believe it or not, we sang this song a week ago in church and then here we are discussing it! One year, many years ago, I choreographed a dance to the song. It was a peaceful one as I recall. It’s hard to write choreography down so I no longer have it. I wonder if God is speaking to me?
https://youtu.be/zrCT90eSjVY
10. As you look back at the past week, how have you “spied” God at work? Give thanks!
I praise God for carrying me through this week and allowing me to feel Him so near. One “sighting” is definitely this study, I am clinging to Psalm 42 and praise Him for deep calling to deep, His rescue. I praise Him for this reminder to turn my eyes away from myself and put my hope again in Him.
This morning at church we sang one of my favorite songs, a few of the lyrics: “The Lord is my Shepherd, He goes before me, Defender behind me, I won’t fear. I’m filled with anointing, My cup’s overflowing, No weapon can harm me, I won’t fear….”
I praise Him that we have a Father who does not get exhausted by us or frustrated or sigh when we draw near. He opens His arms and holds us close. As Dee said, “He is there, loving you, just as you are”.
11. How did God show His love to Jonah despite his sin?
God preserved Jonah’s life and rescued him. He gave Jonah another opportunity to obey. God uses Jonah to bring the people of Ninevah to repentance.
12. How has God shown His love to you, even when the mess you were in was of your own making? Give thanks.
Thank You God for showering me with mercy. Thank You that nothing is hidden from You and yet You love me. Thank You for using even my mistakes, for Your plan and purpose. Thank You for not giving me what I deserve, but instead being a God of generous grace and mercy.
13. Whatever hard things you are facing right now, take your soul in hand and speak to her.
I am God’s chosen daughter. I do not face these trials alone, for He will never leave me nor forsake me. I know that I will continue to have trials in this life but I am never alone. And one day I will be Home with my Father and be freed of all emotional and physical pain. Though others reject me, I put my hope in Him for He will never fail me.
14. How many times in Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 must the psalmist take his soul in hand and speak to her? What does this tell you?
Many times! I counted at least 8 of questioning his soul and re-directing his mind with truth. I recently bought myself some small cards that have a lie on one side and truth on the other. My mind’s default is to elevate my feelings above truth. I need to soak in truth and have it ready to combat the lies in my head, the lies from the world. The more I hold onto truth from my Father, the more I am an overcomer.
15. List at least five things in your life, whether personal or with loved ones, that tend to make you anxious. Speak to your soul about each one.
1. I can feel like less of a woman/mom because I have never birthed a child.
Truth: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. God has used it for His purpose.
2. I feel anxiety and shame because of rejection from my family.
Truth: I am chosen and loved by God as a perfect Father loves His daughter.
3. I feel anxious about being misunderstood or not valued/esteemed/approved of.
Truth: Take my eyes off myself and wanting my own glory and seek to bring Him glory in my words and actions.
4. This time of year I can tend to feel others judge me for not having any family to spend holidays with.
Truth: My family of 4 is enough. And, this year, God blessed me with a few different church friends inviting us to spend holidays with them.
5. I feel anxious about parenting. After having one child reject us, I have had moments of panic about my boys.
Truth: Only God is the perfect parent. His mercy is enough to cover all my sin. I cannot control their outcomes, but I can pray. And as long as they love Jesus and follow Him, nothing else matters.
Lizzy, your answer to #15 tells me of the dark valleys you are going through. I am blessed by your clinging to the truth. This brought me again to one of our favorite verses: “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” We are stamped with ownership by the living God, brought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. You are much loved here, dear friend.
So good, Lizzy — maybe frame it!
1. I can feel like less of a woman/mom because I have never birthed a child.
Truth: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. God has used it for His purpose.
2. I feel anxiety and shame because of rejection from my family.
Truth: I am chosen and loved by God as a perfect Father loves His daughter.
3. I feel anxious about being misunderstood or not valued/esteemed/approved of.
Truth: Take my eyes off myself and wanting my own glory and seek to bring Him glory in my words and actions.
4. This time of year I can tend to feel others judge me for not having any family to spend holidays with.
Truth: My family of 4 is enough. And, this year, God blessed me with a few different church friends inviting us to spend holidays with them.
5. I feel anxious about parenting. After having one child reject us, I have had moments of panic about my boys.
Truth: Only God is the perfect parent. His mercy is enough to cover all my sin. I cannot control their outcomes, but I can pray. And as long as they love Jesus and follow Him, nothing else matters.
Dear Lizzy, What beautiful truths you have spilling from your heart, during a time of such trials. God will honor your faithfulness to His Word. Your truths are all from Our Heavenly Father and He is faithful to His Word. I am going to save your words, because they so speak to my heart too and they are such good daily reminders.
We live in a very difficult time and in a very broken world. God is the Father of all of us, our earthly family is in our care for a short time. We can give so much love, but we have no guarantee of the returns. Our hearts break and I am so thankful that He hears our voices. All of your anxieties are fears I share. Yet, your Truths are stronger than your fears. How I pray for Jesus to speak truth to your heart each day during this Season of Thanksgiving and Advent.
Amen to Bing’s verse! Isaiah 43!
11. How did God show His love to Jonah despite his sin? Jonah didn’t drown or get chewed up by the big fish Instead he was spit out in dry land and allowed to complete God s mission for him Then in his misery over Nineveh repenting God sent comfort and spoke with him
12. How has God shown His love to you, even when the mess you were in was of your own making? Give thanks. He didn’t let go of me or turn His back He kept wooing me to return to Him Thank You Lord You have been so good to me and treat me far better than I deserve
13. Whatever hard things you are facing right now, take your soul in hand and speak to her. Look to the Lord. He is for me and will see me through whatever the future holds.
14. How many times in Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 must the psalmist take his soul in hand and speak to her? What does this tell you? 5 That it’s important not to dwell and stay with the problem but to lift our soul to depend on God
15. List at least five things in your life, whether personal or with loved ones, that tend to make you anxious. Speak to your soul about each one.
The thought of having to lead a prayer session. This is not dependent on me. It’s the Holy Spirit that will direct. God will do it. Unforgiveness between family members. Ask Him to mend this relationship. He cares for them. Your job is to praise the Lord praise health appears to be declining in husband Trust the Lord to get him treatment needed before it’s another critical situation The Lord will help me and guide me to be able to respond lovingly to people
Praise the Lord oh my soul He will get you through this season
Saturday
7. Martin Lloyd Jones said that one of the main reasons people have ceased to be interested in Christianity is due to miserable Christians. Do you agree? Do you think the people with whom you rub shoulders see an inextinguishable joy in you?
Yes and no…I have come to learn that people like to have excuses for not being interested in Christianity and this is one of those excuses. But, as a Christian the gospel is good news and it’s important that I live like it so they don’t have this excuse to give about me.
For me, I have to be intentional and dependent upon the Holy Spirit in making sure that people see an inextinguishable joy in me. This last Sunday upon arriving for worship practice I was feeling anything but joyful, even after praying on the way there and listening to Reeves sermon before going. But I just started singing “You’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in your heart,” while I was setting up and it really changed my attitude and others as well. Our pianist even started playing it on the piano and made the comment I haven’t heard that song in ages!
8. Reeves said that Christians who are so lacking in joy have forgotten the gospel. He asked, “Why did Jesus go to the cross if a quiet time could have done the trick?” Let’s consider how we can talk to our souls.
A. Consider — why, according to Hebrews 12:2 did Jesus choose to endure the cross? Since He had everything when He was with the Father, why did He humble himself and leave? What was the joy set before Him? (This is huge.)
He endured the cross because of the joy awaiting Him.
He humbled Himself out of His love and obedience to the Father and His love for us.
He could look past the horror of the cross and see the good that was going to come out of it, the salvation and redemption of His chosen ones…His joy!
B. Because of the finished work of Christ, describe God’s love for us according to John 17:23b.
God loves us as much as He loved His Son.
C. Because of the gospel, what do we have to look forward to according to 1 Corinthians 15:51-54?
We will be given bodies that will be transformed into bodies that will never die…mortal bodies into immortal bodies. Death is swallowed up in victory.
9. We must share these things with our souls as often as we brush our teeth. What can you tell your soul today to give her joy? Give thanks!
I praise and thank You Lord, because Your instructions are perfect, reviving the soul. Your decrees are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Your commandments are right, bringing joy to the heart, they are clear, giving insight for the living. Your laws are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from the comb. Psalm 19:7-10
Love your story of Joy jOy joy…
Love all of your responses, Sharon. Yes to Joy!! no matter the circumstances!
Monday
11. How did God show His love to Jonah despite his sin?
Jonah was throw into the water because he didn’t want everyone to be punished for his sin of running away from God. He was swallowed by a big fish where he spent 3 days in the fishes belly praying and coming to grips with what God wanted him to do. God in His loving mercy had the fish spit Jonah out onto the beach so he could continue on to Nineveh and do what God had called him to do.
12. How has God shown His love to you, even when the mess you were in was of your own making? Give thanks.
Thank You Lord for never giving up on me, for the many chances You have given me because of Your great love for me.
My ninth grandchild was born this evening! Garnett Anastasia 🙂
Oh Dawn!! How amazing! And what a beautiful name!
Congratulations! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Congratulations, Dawn! What a beautiful Thanksgiving time gift from the Lord! I love her name!
Congratulations, Dawn! Beautiful name!
14. How many times in Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 must the psalmist take his soul in hand and speak to her? What does this tell you?
I count 5 times he “regroups” and refocuses himself on the truths of God. He asks himself, “ “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!”
Psalms 43:5 NLT
This tells me that we continually need to do this. Self-talk. Mike Reeves says talking to ourselves is wise.
15. List at least five things in your life, whether personal or with loved ones, that tend to make you anxious. Speak to your soul about each one.
Time and timeliness –
oh Lord! I trick myself to be on time. I lose track of time! I am late often but I try so hard. I get wrapped up in my activities and struggle to pull away. I lose sleep trying to get it all accomplished. I know you have the perfect timing. Thank You for that. I will remember that You will help me fit it all in.
Defending my actions –
Sometimes I do and say things that might seem harsh. Sometimes it’s just truth that needs to come out. It happens daily! Open mouth, insert foot. I need to listen and stop talking! Oh Lord tame my mouth.
Future of daughter and grandkids in this fallen world –
This “new” world is a scary place. I fear for the conditions in our country! It’s not the good world that it used to be; evil is creeping in. I want the grandkids to know what I knew about America. I believe You placed us here for doing good for others. But, the secular world is growing. I remember that You are good and You are in charge, not humans. The grandkids know You! We will leave them with that….hope in You, like Jacob and his monument. We will continue to tell of You and Jesus’ love for them.
Pleasing my husband –
This is probably the hardest of all things. My husband frets about many things…The electric bill has been triple the amount for the last 3 months. We use less and pay more. We have lost hard earned retirement money, and now he is talking about me not being able to retire. Ugh! I’m so sick of teaching because of the craziness of the administration. Our country is being mismanaged and we are suffering. He is stressed and needs me near and giving him attention. I know it won’t always be this way, but He needs patience and I need to find the time for just him. I can think of little things to do daily that might make it better. Lord help me do that!
16. What is your take-a-way? Give thanks!
Be thankful in all things. Thank You Lord, that we have the money to travel to see our son for Thanksgiving. Thank You for protecting us this week and always. Thank You for a car that runs and hot water; yes, hot water! Hot water for coffee in the morning and showers at night. I need to talk to myself with God’s truth. Don’t be anxious, rather trust He is in charge of all things. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
16. What is your take-a-way? Give thanks! That God gives me joy not just a pasted smile on my face but genuine joy when I lift my eyes to Him. Thank You Father for your loving kindness for being with me every moment of every day. Thank you for the blessings You give. Family friends laughter and peace with You. Thank you for showing me better ways of doing things.
Tuesday
14. How many times in Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 must the psalmist take his soul in hand and speak to her?
I interpret his “I will” as speaking to his soul…1) 42:5 “I will put my hope in God. 2) 42:5 “I will praise Him again.” 3) 42:6 “I will remember You.” 4) 42:11 “I will put my hope in God.” 5) 42:11 “I will praise Him again.” 6) 43:4 “I will go to the altar of God. 7) 43:4 “I will praise You with my harp. 8) 43:5 “I will put my hope in God!” 9) 43:5 “I will praise Him again.”
What does this tell you?
How important it is to self talk to my soul as it takes the focus off of me and puts it on Him.
5. List at least five things in your life, whether personal or with loved ones, that tend to make you anxious. Speak to your soul about each one.
Finances…I will remember how He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies and how much more will He take care of me.
Health…I will put my hope in God and trust in Him as my great Physician.
Salvation of family members…I will continue to lift them up and pray, seeking His guidance in how to pray and what to say.
Discouragement…I will hope in God.
Future of grandchildren (I agree with you Laura)…I will put them in Your hands God, continue in prayer and trust that you will protect them and they would chose to follow you and be great men of God. I will remember that He is still in control.
Wednesday
16. What is your take-a-way? Give thanks!
I have a choice…that whatever my circumstances may be, I can either allow them to steal my joy or I can turn and put my focus on Him, who He is and what He has done for me. He never changes, always faithful and as Reeves said, “Even suffering, beaten up, imprisoned Paul could be joyful always!”
“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.
1. How did God show His love to Jonah despite his sin?
He sent a big fish to rescue him from the waters.
2. How has God shown His love to you, even when the mess you were in was of your own making? Give thanks.
I was in an unhealthy relationship many moon years ago and I have clung to that relationship as an idol. I bargained with God, making promises that I couldn’t keep. I lost some friends in the process, but God did not give up on me. He carried me through the years of despair by giving me godly friends who loved me for who I am and not for what I can do or give to them.
Lord, thank you for not giving up on me. The psalmist indeed wrote words that I can echo: Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16
3. Whatever hard things you are facing right now, take your soul in hand and speak to her.
Soul, listen to me. Jesus has you no matter what you are going through. You do not have to earn His favor and His smile on you. Your circumstance is not hidden from Him. He sees you. Believe His Word, His truth. You have been called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ. Jude 1
Oh, Bing! I so love this! Soul, listen to me. Jesus has you no matter what you are going through. You do not have to earn His favor and His smile on you. Your circumstance is not hidden from Him. He sees you. Believe His Word, His truth. You have been called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ. Jude 1
1. How many times in Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 must the psalmist take his soul in hand and speak to her? What does this tell you?
V. 5, 11, 5
3x at least?
Our soul can be misled because it focuses so much on emotions or the self. I need to focus on the truth. And to do that, I need to be reading and meditating on God’s Word.
15. List at least five things in your life, whether personal or with loved ones, that tend to make you anxious. Speak to your soul about each one.
1. Soul, when your body and mind slow down, and you struggle with the process of growing older remember these words” “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. Even in your old age, I will be the same and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you, sustain you, and deliver you. To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? Isaiah 64:4-6 Berean Standard Bible
2. When you worry about the future of your loved ones, (Richard, Ruth, immediate family in the Philippines), Soul, trust the providential care of the Father. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
3. Soul, when you are tempted to think the worst of anything that concerns you (world affairs, church family struggles, difficult relationships) let me remind you of these verses:
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” NIV
Corinthians 10:4-5 “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.” NIV
4. When you start feeling” insignificant, of no value, struck down or discouraged, soul, put your hope in God. “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
5. When I am restless and overwhelmed (work and church responsibilities), Soul, hear the Word of the Lord. “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” JOHN 14:27 NIV
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Wednesday:
16. What is your take-a-way? Give thanks!
Speak truth to my soul and Remember the gospel. Always.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!