Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

Turn It Over To The Lord

Trust

‘And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”’
Mark 4:37-38

It feels great when you are in control of your circumstances. But what about when God allows things to happen around us that are completely out of our control?

Sometimes (many times) we tend to forget how big God really is. We also tend to forget how much He loves and cares for us.

The disciples found themselves in a helpless situation in the middle of the lake. Little did they know they were about to learn a very important lesson.

They were very familiar with the Sea of Galilee as they sailed many times before. But on this day the unthinkable happened! The disciples were experiencing hurricane force winds that were threatening their lives.

Where was Jesus in all the chaos? Mark tells us that Jesus was in the stern, fast asleep! Have you ever felt like God didn’t care about what was happening in your life?

They woke Jesus up and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Worry and fear will control you when you forget how much God cares and loves you. As soon as Jesus calmed the winds and waves, the disciples knew that God was right there in their midst.

When we find ourselves in the middle of difficult situations we need to immediately admit our helplessness to God and trust in His care and love and know that He is right here with us.

What is out of your control that you need to give over to the Lord? Trust God to take care of it.

Pray

Lord, I admit my weakness and helplessness to You right now. I need to experience Your love and care. Remove my fear and worry and give me peace. Let me know that You are with me.

His Goodness And Mercy Follow

Encouragement, Trust

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:6‬

Psalm 23 is a very popular chapter as a whole but today we will focus on just one verse. There are two things that follow every child of God: goodness and mercy. The word used here for follow means to pursue or chase after.

God pursued you with the call to salvation and He continues to pursue you. His goodness and mercy follows you wherever you go. God can only give good gifts. Please let that sink down deep into your heart. God loves you and only desires to see good things happen in your life. God’s goodness and mercy are gifts of protection to allow you to live with full confidence.

Not that we should boast, but we should walk around with a sense of confidence. A confidence that assures us that we have God on our side. If God be with us, who can be against us, right? God wants us to know without a doubt that He offers goodness and mercy that will never leave us and is always surrounding us.

Is there anything that has you upset or frustrated today? Let this verse be an attitude changer. If you let the things of this world get you down you are not enjoying the gifts of God. Too many Christians are moping around like they just left the dentist. We should be making a difference in our families, our workplace, our communities, and even in our church. God’s goodness and mercy is closely following us. Let your confidence of God’s goodness and mercy make someone else wonder what you’re up to. Let your smile be so compelling that people can only smile back in return.

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving me good gifts. Help me to know that you only want good things to happen today. Let my attitude reflect the blessings You have given to me.

Is God’s Word Revealed In Your Life?

Trust

‘Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!’
Psalms 119:5

Does this verse reflect your heart? Do your actions reflect God’s standards? As we mature in our walk with the Lord we should consistently reflect God’s will and ways in all our actions.

However, we are human and we fall short of the target of perfection. The psalmist goes on to give us some helpful insights to overcome our daily temptations. In verse 9 he says,”How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” There is supernatural power in the Word of God.

If we are to reflect God’s ways, we must know and keep God’s Word close to our heart. In verse 11 he says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” When we treasure God’s Word we hide it in our hearts and it provides for us a weapon against the temptation to sin. Thus the power of God’s Word!

If you desire to reflect God’s statues in your actions, you must know them and treasure them deep in your heart. The enemy wants to keep you in the dark but God brings all things to light. Verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Again, it’s the power of God’s Word.

Can we live pure in an impure world? Absolutely. Can we overcome the temptation to sin? Of course. The power of God’s Word gives us victory!

Pray

Lord, I need to trust in Your Word and meditate on it day and night. Give me the desire to study it and the wisdom to understand it. Thank You for giving me Your Word.