Hello dear friends. I trust all of you are resting in the Lord's great love for you. This week we are going to take a look at a wonderful conversation within the soul of the Psalmist. May his words be an encouragement to any of us who are in despair.
Grace and peace,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #37
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11
Core Value: Prayer
Soul talk is good for the soul. What is “soul talk?” It is those conversations I have in my head and heart that no one hears but me and God. It is a moment of complete frankness and transparent candor on how I feel about what is going on in my life with the only One who “gets it” and can do something about it. A healthy conversation within the soul always includes two components: the problem and the best solution to my problem. In this case, the Psalmist states the problem is one of despair, of depression. Fortunately, he had a problem that had a solution and directed it towards the One who is our glory and the One who lifts our head (Ps. 3:3).
Principle #37 & Personal Application: The quality disciple practices the kind of faith that is centered upon hope in God.
• The prayers of the quality disciple are offered in faith, even when one’s circumstances are difficult: We pray in faith even when we our soul is in despair and we are deeply disturbed.
• The prayers of the quality disciple are centered upon hope in God. Our hope is not in our “faith” nor is our hope in our ability to improve our circumstances. Our hope must be in God.
• The prayers of the quality disciple that are offered in faith impact one’s attitude. Even when we are down, the Lord will gladden our heart.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I become down and discouraged, how does my hope in God’s ability to help me usually play itself out?
How focused are my prayers when hard times come my way?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I become down and in despair and it seems that there will be no end to my discouragement, please remind me of Your promise to me: You will grace my heart with hope in You. You will grant me the faith to trust You and worship You for the times when I will praise You—during the storms and after them too. May I experience a gladdened heart (a heart that has been lifted up and refreshed) so that my life may be seen by others as another testimony of Your great faithfulness to me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
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http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
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