Pastor Stephen Dedman

I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭57‬:‭2‬

Psalm 57 is attributed to David, written during a time of great distress. It seems to indicate that it was written when David fled from Saul and hid in a cave. Despite the danger surrounding him, David’s faith remained steadfast. David expresses his trust in God’s protection and deliverance, declaring his intention to seek refuge in the Most High.

Life often throws us into situations where we feel stressed and overwhelmed, much like David hiding in the cave from Saul’s pursuit. In such moments, it’s natural to seek refuge, to look for a place of safety and security. However, our instinctual response may be to rely on our own strength or to seek refuge in temporary comforts.

Psalm 57:2 presents us with a different approach. Instead of turning to earthly sources for comfort, David directs his cry to God Most High. He recognizes God as the ultimate source. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from our circumstances to the character and power of God.

We are encouraged to cry out to God in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers. Just as David found refuge in God’s faithfulness, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us in every trial and that He is actively working on our behalf.

Pray

Lord, I come to You today acknowledging You as God Most High, the one who reigns over all creation. In moments of distress, help me to turn to You as my refuge and strength. Give me the faith to trust in Your provision and the courage to cry out to You in prayer. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the assurance that You are always working for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.

He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭6‬

Psalm 72:6 uses the imagery of rain and showers to illustrate the abundance of blessings that flow from the righteous rule of a king. Just as rain refreshes the earth, nourishing the grass, so too does the righteous king bring blessing and prosperity to the land.

We can apply this imagery to our understanding of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King of kings whose reign brings blessing and salvation to all who trust in Him. Jesus is described as the “Sun of Righteousness” who brings healing and restoration (Malachi 4:2). His reign is characterized by justice, righteousness, and compassion, and His blessings are poured out abundantly upon His people.

The imagery of rain serves as a reminder of the dependability of God’s provision. Just as rain falls upon the earth at the appointed time, so too does God’s grace and blessings flow into our lives according to His perfect timing and purposes. Even in times of drought or difficulty, we can trust that God will send His refreshing rain to nourish and sustain us.

Consider how you can be a channel of God’s blessings to others. Strive to live in righteousness and compassion, allowing God’s grace to flow through you to refresh and nourish those around you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the abundant blessings that flow from Your righteous rule. Help me to live in righteousness and compassion, reflecting Your character. May I be a channel of Your blessings to those in need, bringing refreshment and nourishment to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

”Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah:”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬

The prophet Jeremiah received a message of hope from the Lord for the people of Israel and Judah. They were in captivity and exile but God promised to fulfill His covenant with them and bring about a time of renewal and blessing.

In the midst of our challenging and uncertain times, God assures His people that He will perform the good things He has promised to them. As believers, we are heirs to the promises of God through Jesus Christ. Just as God remained faithful to His covenant with Israel and Judah, so too will He remain faithful to His promises to us.

Furthermore, Jeremiah 33:14 points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the promises of God and establishes His kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy.

Today, let us hold fast to the promises of God and trust in His faithfulness to bring about His purposes in our lives. Take comfort in the assurance that God is at work, even in the midst of your difficult circumstances. He will bring about His good and perfect will in His perfect timing.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to fulfill Your promises. Help me to trust in Your goodness and to rest in the assurance of Your faithfulness. I hold fast to Your promises and look forward with hope to the fulfillment of Your plans in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.