Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Do Your Problems Control Your Life?

Encouragement, Trust

‘I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.’
Psalms 16:8

What you focus on the most will dominate your life. If you continually focus on your problems guess what? Your problems will determine the direction of your life. But if you choose to focus on Christ and put Him first, He will be your guide.

The Holman Christian Standard Version says, “I keep the Lord in mind always.” This gives us a better understanding. It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in the Lord. No matter what we face we can trust that God already has the outcome or the solution at hand.

The person who is at the “right hand” is considered the most powerful position of influence. Because the Lord is at “my right hand”, the Psalmist says, I will not be moved or shaken. This speaks in terms of security because the Lord is at our right hand and there is no need to worry.

Have you positioned Christ to stand beside you, to guide you, and to protect you? It takes a personal relationship with Jesus to put Him in the most important position in your life. If the Lord be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

What is controlling your life? Is it your problems or your faith in God?

Pray

Lord, I choose to put You first in my life. I position You at my right hand. You are my Strength and my Defender.

Stay Focussed And Encouraged

Encouragement

‘And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”’
I Kings 19:14

Discouragement comes when you are exhausted? There is no exception in the kingdom work of God. Doing the Lord’s work is exhausting. That’s why you need to stay refreshed and encouraged.

Elijah was discouraged from doing the work of God. He had just called down fire from heaven and experienced one of the most powerful victories on Mount Carmel. The prophets of Baal were defeated and people were turning to God. It was a powerful revival.

But because of this great awakening, Elijah was facing death threats causing him to run for his life. He felt defeated and discouraged. Oh how quickly it can happen in our life as well.

When we focus more on our troubles and problems than on the power of God we get overwhelmed. And certainly so when the devil attacks when we least expect it. Often times we get to this point right after we have done great things in the name of the Lord.

The good news is that God commanded Elijah to rest and it refreshed his mind, body, and soul. God also sent him a helper, friend, and companion. Elisha was a blessing to Elijah.

Sometimes we just need to take a moment to get refocussed and rejuvenated. If you are overwhelmed and exhausted you need to rest. Trust the Spirit of God to get refreshed and encouraged.

Pray

Lord, You alone are God! You are my Lord and Salvation! I focus on You and Your kingdom today. Encourage me and strengthen me through Your Spirit.

A Change Of Heart

Encouragement, Faith

‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.’
Psalms 51:12

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that a change would be good. We might think that a new job making more money could be the solution. Or maybe a new president could change our situation. Or thinking that a change of appearance could make things better. This way of thinking is dangerous.

It may not be the circumstances that need to change. Is it possible that your heart needs to change? Jeremiah 17:9 says, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” The heart according to the Bible is deceitful.

Sometimes we just need a change of heart. Not so much as turning over a new leaf or trying to live a better life, but a radical renewing of your heart. Let’s be honest, sometimes we get into a slump and allow our lives to be controlled by the world’s way of thinking.

What we need is a spiritual transformation. That is exactly what David needed after he sinned against God and his whole world crumbled. He finally discovered that the problem was in his heart. The change that he needed was internal, not external.

Do you need a change of heart? Do you need God to transform your heart and give you a new heart? All you have to do is ask, and you will receive.

Pray

Lord, cleanse me and make me new. Wash me and forgive me of my sins. Make me hear joy and gladness. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.