Hearing God’s Voice from His Word
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Take a moment and turn your attention to God. Tell God that you desire to trust and obey Him. Ask God to speak to you from His word.
Psalm of the Day
Psalm 66:1-4 Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 2sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. 4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.”
Read the Entire Psalm
How awesome are your deeds – Take some time and think about God’s awesome deeds. What has he done that is awesome? There are numerous things. Bring them to your mind and then praise Him out loud for the awesome things He has done.
Scripture Reading
Psalm 62 – English Standard Version
To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
62 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse. Selah
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Give thanks to God for His gifts and His goodness.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin to you.
- Confess your sin to Him and receive forgiveness.
(1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.”) - Bring your personal requests to God.
(Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your heart before God”) - Pray for someone in your small group.
- Join with others from River and pray for Embrace. Ask God to use their ministry to protect unborn children and to point mothers to Christ.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
Rest my soul in God alone. The word alone is repeated several times throughout this passage. God is the exclusive place of refuge and rest. Our exclusive path to relationship with God is through Christ’s death and God’s word is the resource that lights our path to Christ through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is a real being. In the Psalms He reveals His power, justice, love, judgement, and His heart of compassion and concern for His people. He does not want to be a refuge among other places of refuge. He alone must be your refuge. There are false places of refuge that David pointed to in the Psalm, the refuge of possessions or importance. Important people are an illusion and possessions quickly fade. God alone is your constant place of rest and security.
Application: Commit to seeking God as your refuge. When life is not unfolding as you expected, go to Him, the personal God, for strength and help.