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The Transforming Power of God’s Grace

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All this month at Do Not Depart we are looking at the history behind our great hymns of faith. In the introduction to this new series I posted the words to John Newton’s beloved hymn, Amazing Grace. Written in 1779, the hymn was originally titled, Faith’s Review and Expectation. It was John Newton’s testimony of the power of God’s grace to transform even the worst of sinners.

Early Years

Born in London on July 24, 1725, John Newton’s mother faithfully trained him in the Lord until her death when John was only six years old. Most of his formative years were spent at sea with his father, a respected sea captain. As he entered adulthood the spiritual influence of his mother faded, and he pursued self-satisfaction. It is at this point where his life begins to mirror that of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.

…the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.  Luke 15:13

In the pamphlet, Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade (1787), Newton wrote:” My headstrong passions and follies plunged me, in early life, into a succession of difficulties and hardships, which at length, reduced me to seek a refuge among the natives of Africa.”

 

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

 

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

 

A Life of Sin

Like the Prodigal Son, John suffered the consequences of sin. Attached to the sea, between 1742-1748 he spent time on a merchant ship, was pressed into service for the Royal Navy, and eventually worked on slave ships. He was not well liked, even among the worst of the worst. Physical and emotional anguish plagued his life during this time.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!”  Luke 15:17

 

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

 

Transformed by Grace

Just like the Prodigal Son had an epiphany while eating with pigs, it took a near tragedy at sea to turn John Newton toward God. May 10, 1748 is the day marked as the beginning of John Newton’s conversion. I appreciate his honesty when he said, “I cannot consider myself to have been a believer in the full sense of the word, until a considerable time afterwards.” He did not completely leave the slave trade until 1755.  During the seven-year span between his salvation and leaving the slave trade, the Holy Spirit worked in his life to produce a powerful preacher of the Gospel and abolitionist.

…But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

 

The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my Shield and Portion be,

As long as life endures.

 

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

 

Proclaiming Grace

In the years after 1755, Newton became an Anglican minister and working with Methodist, Baptist and Independent ministers and preachers to promote the Gospel. He discipled a young William Wilberforce who would later lead the abolitionist cause in Great Britain. As an abolitionist he wrote,

I hope it will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.

—John Newton, Thoughts Upon The African Slave Trade, 1787

In the latter years of his life he was a prolific hymn writer, producing over two hundred hymns. Of course, his most famous hymn, Amazing Grace, chronicles his life and the power of God’s grace to transform the most hardened sinner.

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.  Luke 15:24.

 

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, Who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

Listen to Amazing Grace.

Stand on the Rock

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Todays post, “Stand on the Rock” focuses on Edward Mote’s beautiful hymn, My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (often called, On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.)

This year has been quite tumultuous for most people. We’ve been confronted with a huge amount of suffering, fear, loss, insecurity, injustice, anger, and heartache in the last several months. When things seem to improve a little, another wave comes along. It can feel like almost minute to minute, the ground shifts from under our feet.

It’s easy to see it all and wonder, “What security do I really have? Where do I stand?” 

There’s a hymn that reminds me that no matter how the sands of the world shift, I stand on the Rock.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand. 

 

A Wise Builder

Edward Mote penned those words in his hymn, ”My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” well over 100 years ago. His words serve as a beautiful illustration of Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders (Luke 6:46-49). 

A foolish builder might approach the water’s edge and think the close proximity to life-giving water is good enough. But sadly, that puts a foolish builder on the unstable, sandy shore. When the rains come, his house floods, sands shift, and the house collapses. The foolish builder in the parable represents someone who appears to come to Jesus but never does what He commands.

Mote’s words emphasize Jesus’ teachings that a wise builder hopes in and follows Jesus. As saved Christians, we’ve all chosen the solid Rock. Digging deep into the high Rock of Jesus gives us stability! Through the constant, steady nature of God, we can find hope when our world shifts. All of God’s promises are true, His commands are good, and His ways are best. Always!

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49)

It is only through Christ that we will ever find true healing, stability, peace, and hope. Jesus alone offers us security. This security dwells within a Believer’s heart now, and will come to complete fruition in eternity.

How Did Mote Know?

Edward Mote grew up as a non-Believer. Because his parents were busy managing a pub, he entertained himself by playing in the streets of London. He is reported to have said,

“So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God.”

But by the grace of God, Mote heard a sermon preached and gave his life to Jesus. He even entered the ministry in his 50’s and served for almost 30  years, in addition to writing 100’s of hymns.

Yes, he personally knew what it was like to live a life without the hope of Christ. And I’m sure he saw many people turn to “sandy soil” rather than digging deep and settling on the Solid Rock.

Here are more lyrics to this beautiful hymn that express the hope we have in a “stormy” and unstable world:

When darkness veils his lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
His oath, his covenant, his blood
Supports me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

When Darkness Veils His Lovely Face

As I said earlier, there is so much in our world that we could allow to “veil Jesus’ face.” Yet, we must remember, His grace is unchanging and He is our anchor. Christ’s blood supports, cleanses, and redeems us. 

When everything around us seems to give way, we must continually look to Him and be rooted in Him. Then we can remain standing… on the Solid Rock!

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore… (Ephesians 6:13, 14a)

How have you been reminded of the strength and stability of the Rock lately? Let us know in the comments.

In Christ, our Solid Rock,
Ali

When the ground shifts under your feet, you might ask “What security do I really have? Where do I stand?” Let’s look to the hymn My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less to see that we stand on the Solid Rock. #HIStoriesBehindTheHymn

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The HIStories Behind the Hymns

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Join DoNotDepart.com during the month of June as we delve into the history behind the great hymns and/or hymnwriters of our Christian faith. These are the stories of God’s working in the hearts and minds of his people— they are HIStories.

In the United States of America we are confronting the sin and strife of racial injustice. John Newton’s hymn, Amazing Grace, is a testimony to the transforming power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. I leave you with the lyrics of the great hymn and look forward to sharing more with you next week.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

—John Newton, 1779

 

Join DoNotDepart.com during the month of June as we delve into the history behind the great hymns and/or hymnwriters of our Christian faith. #HIStoriesBehindTheHymns

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Note: There is a seventh stanza to this hymn written by an anonymous writer. I have only included John Newton’s original lyrics.

Greatly Blessed… Psalm 84 – Series Wrap Up

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All this month, we’ve studied Psalm 84 in our series called “Greatly Blessed.” This post is the conclusion and series wrap up.

Psalm 84 is beautiful, isn’t it? Just now, I’m looking in my Bible and treasuring the words on the page.

As we’ve seen this month, the Sons of Korah, the doorkeepers who penned this psalm, go on to sing about why God’s dwelling place is a blessing. We learn of the joy, strength, attention, satisfaction, protection, honor, and blessing that the Lord pours out on those who trust in Him.

Like I stated HERE, in the introduction to this series, it’s no secret that when we dwell with God, we are blessed. And all this month, we’ve looked at some of the answers to why that is.

Reviewing Psalm 84:1-11

We looked at verses 1-2, to examine the intense longing expressed to meet with God in public worship and with public worshippers. I reminded us that though we don’t have to be in church to experience God’s presence, God created us for community. Worshipping God with our Christian family is part of God’s good plan for us.

In our study of verses 3-4, we discovered that the altar of God is approachable. Like the birds in these verses, we can draw near to God, ever singing His praise. Jaime wrote, “There is an instinctual need in our soul to worship and be near the Lord. Doing so is like coming home, finding a place of rest and sanctuary. When we are at rest, content in His presence, we are blessed and free to sing like the birds.”

In verses 5-7, we learned what Psalm 84 teaches about staying strong when we feel “stuck in the middle.” Lisa gave us three ways to stay strong and reminded us, that “we can trust we’re on the right road to victory if we’re walking with God. Let’s keep seeing God both along the way and at the end of the road.”

We examined verses 8-9 and found a “pilgrim’s prayer.” Cheli told us, “A pilgrim’s song, Psalm 84, is sung by one attuned to God’s Word as he journeys closer and closer to the heart of God. The journey of the psalmist is joyful, even amidst dangers and difficulties.  …Taking courage from faith and buoyed by our hope in Christ, may we be steadfast pilgrims until at last we are at rest in Him.”

Jennifer invited us to look intently at verses 10-11. She shared, “A single day in His presence is better than any number of years apart from Him. As we experience God’s goodness and grow in the knowledge that His presence is better than anywhere else, we will keep as close to Him as a well-loved puppy. …To work and serve at the threshold of God’s dwelling far surpasses life lived in comfortable luxury inside a place where He is not.”

Psalm 84:12

Look with me again at the first verse of this psalm. Then let’s look at the final verse together.

 

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

“O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” – Psalm 84:12

 

Sisters, our God loves us immensely! Dwelling with Him, in His presence, cannot be matched. Like the final verse of this psalm says, drawing near to God in trust is indeed a blessing!

How is trusting God a blessing? Like I mentioned above, this Psalm shows us that the Lord gives joy, strength, attention, satisfaction, protection, and honor to those who trust in Him. This simple formula yields an undeserved result: as we trust, He blesses! (To learn more about the blessings of trusting God, read Proverbs 3.)

Did you make new discoveries this month? How has Psalm 84 touched your heart? Share with us in the comments or in our Facebook community.

Blessings,
Ali

Greatly Blessed: Dwelling with God, Psalm 84 Bible study series wrap-up. #GreatlyBlessed #Psalm84

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Your Blessings Are Here for the Taking {Psalm 91:15-16}

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Open your eyes to see. Open your hands to receive. Your blessings are here for the taking.

Finish Psalm 91 with us today.

The Gifts Are Here

It’s your partner’s birthday. You spend time thinking about a gift, spend money buying it, spend energy wrapping it to give.

You set it on the kitchen table. But it goes unnoticed. Day after day.

Your present is never opened. The blessing is never received.

Do we do this with God’s gifts to us?

As we finish Psalm 91 this week, we see a multitude of blessings that God is ready to give.

When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Psalm 91:15-16

Why don’t we accept these gifts? Why do we block our own blessings?

Can’t Receive If Don’t See

We often don’t see the gifts. Our blindness causes us to miss out on God’s good gifts.

  • Maybe we’re too proud to notice.
  • Or we’re too ashamed to admit we need help.
  • Or too afraid to expose ourselves to disappointment.

We can’t receive what we don’t see.

But we don’t have to stay blind.

Be Expectant

Instead, we can wake up expectant every morning.

How? By humbling ourselves. By stepping out in faith to trust God more. By dwelling in the shelter of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).

Then we will discover God’s grace in our relationships, in our provisions, in our circumstances.

Once we see the blessings, we can open our hands to receive God’s gifts. To tear off the wrapping paper, rip open the box, and use the present inside.

The more we accept God’s love, the more our hearts are open to receive His blessings.

Psalm 91:14-16 lists these blessings from God to His children.

  • His deliverance
  • His protection
  • His answers
  • His presence
  • His rescue
  • His honor
  • His satisfaction
  • His salvation

I don’t want any of these gifts to be left sitting on the table, unwrapped, unused. Let’s receive God’s gifts and be blessed by them.

Don’t leave your gifts of grace unopened.

They’re here for the taking.

Don’t leave your gifts of grace unopened. Your blessings are here for the taking. #Psalm91

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Thanks for journeying through Psalm 91 with us for eight weeks. If you’ve also been memorizing, great job! May God continue to remind you of these truths again and again.

Have you left a gift unopened? What gift of God do you want to open today? Share your thoughts in the comments.

See all the Psalm 91 posts here

Better Than a Thousand Elsewhere {Psalm 84:10-11}

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Our family recently adopted an 8 month-old puppy. Cinnamon came to us after being hit by a car, sustaining 3 fractures and a lung injury, and spending 12 days in the veterinary hospital. He came home one month ago on pain medications and with limited activity, but now he is thriving and playful. And you know what? He doesn’t leave my side. As a puppy, he’ll need to learn to be alone on occasion, but his devoted attachment brings to mind the next verses in our study of Psalm 84.

Better Than A Thousand Elsewhere

You see, Cinnamon met us when he was in pain. For the first few weeks, I or one of the kids would sit in his play pen with him. He’d snuggle close and lay his head on our laps. The pain meds helped, but touch and affection alleviate pain, too. Now that he is more mobile, he feels safest when he is right beside me. In fact, he chooses following me from one room to another over chewing quietly on dog treats every time.

Better Than a Thousand Elsewhere

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
Psalm 84:10a

Whether we were in the midst of a crisis or simply grieved by our sin, each of us first encountered God in the context of pain. We had a burden only He could remove and a hunger only He could fill. He not only alleviates our pain, He has healed us, and He guides us in the way of life. He is our Provider, our Protector, our Comforter, our Guide, and our Light. A single day in his presence is better than any number of years apart from Him. As we experience God’s goodness and grow in the knowledge that His presence is better than anywhere else, we will keep as close to Him as a well-loved puppy.

The Doorkeepers that Sang

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 84:10b

To work and serve at the threshold of God’s dwelling far surpasses life lived in comfortable luxury inside a place where He is not. Did you know that the use of “doorkeeper” in this verse is not a random example of a humble job, but the vocational heritage of the authors of this Psalm? While the descendants of Aaron were the priests, the descendants of Korah, to whom Psalm 84 and ten other Psalms are attributed, attended to the custodial tasks of the Tabernacle and served as the doorkeepers (1 Chronicles 9:19). I can think of members of our church who serve similarly, attending to the uncelebrated details of the Church, living lives marked by worship.

 

Our Sun and Shield

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11

On the pilgrimage to the tabernacle, and in our walk with God, one encounters both foul weather and adversaries. Our God, the source of every good gift (James 1:17), is our sun and our shield, lighting the way and defending us from the evil one. While we may not take Him up on every good gift He offers, His blessings are not withheld.

We are doing our best to provide every good thing for Cinnamon. Interestingly, that includes a good deal of “no.” He has an abundance of attention and affection, nutritious dog food, and some tasty morsels after dinner. He also isn’t allowed to run or jump, to play with our other dog, or to go on walks. And, after chewing through five leashes in two weeks, he is frequently confined to a play pen. We really want to let him run free, but for now, Cinnamon requires a good deal of protection while his bones heal and become stronger. Right now, wrestling with another dog or running after a squirrel could seriously injure him and stall his healing.

I wonder if there are any “no’s” or “not now’s” in God’s answers to my prayers that are allowing me to grow, heal, and become stronger?

Pause. 

Let’s take a moment before moving on with the day to receive what this Psalm offers us.

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10a)
Have you lived apart from God, walked in disobedience? I have. What is it like? What is it like to be in His presence?

“The Lord bestows favor and honor.”  (Psalm 84:11:a)
How have you received favor or honor? Praise God!

The Lord is our sun and our shield. May we journey confidently in His presence.

A Pilgrim’s Prayer

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A pilgrim’s song, Psalm 84, is sung by one attuned to God’s Word as he journeys closer and closer to the heart of God. The journey of the psalmist is joyful, even amidst dangers and difficulties. Because of his delight in the Lord, the pilgrim psalmist pursues dwelling with God because that is his heart’s home. Augustine of Hippo echoes the words of the psalmist,

You move us to delight in praising You; for You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You. —from Confessions by Augustine of Hippo

Last week, Lisa walked us through the middle of the pilgrim’s journey, where things proved more difficult than at the start of his pilgrimage. She provided excellent strategies for “staying strong in the middle.” It is at the end of this “middle” section the psalmist turns to the Lord in prayer.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;

give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

Behold our shield, O God;

look on the face of your anointed! Psalm 84:8-9

Join me as I journey through these verses. Let’s uncover what the psalmist says phrase by phrase.

O Lord God of hosts…

The pilgrim psalmist’s prayer is a bold supplication, invoking Almighty God who rules over heaven and earth. In the safest place possible is the Believer who places herself/himself in the hands of God according to the fullness of His power and strength.

In the safest place possible is the Believer who places herself/himself in the hands of God according to the fullness of His power and strength. #Psalm84

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Hear my prayer; give ear…

Before God’s throne in prayer, the song writer petitions God to hear him— to hear his heart outpoured. He deeply needs God to listen to him. The added emphasis, “give ear,” underscores the depth of the psalmist’s need.

Friend, God wants to hear your prayer. He loves it when you share it all. He is always ready to listen to you. He’ll never grow tired of hearing what is on your mind and heart. Your words are safe with Him.

O God of Jacob!

Powerless, weak, and right where God wanted him, Jacob did not stand a chance of winning a wrestling match with God (read Genesis 32). Grappling with God, Jacob learned what the apostle Paul preaches in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

But he [The Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

By His grace, God let Jacob win the wrestling match, but God won the man. Jacob surrendered his will to God and exchanged his strength for God’s strength. Jacob is justified by faith that God will secure the promised inheritance.

In calling on the God of Jacob, I believe the psalmist’s prayer is an admission of weakness and a petition to God for His strength. Strength to move beyond “the middle.” Strength to find joy in all circumstances. Strength to remain faithful to the end.

Do you need God’s strength today? Consider making Paul’s prayer your own. Invite God to replace your weakness with His strength.

Selah

The depth of the prayer requires a rest here. Take a moment to pause and consider who God is and what He has done. A link to Rich Mullins’ version of Fanny Crosby’s, All The Way My Savior Leads Me is provided here for your encouragement.

Behold our shield, O God…

As the psalmist’s prayer continues, he asks God for His favor by virtue of the character of the king the psalmist serves. Historically, a shield bore the emblem of the sovereign it served. Throughout scripture God describes himself as Israel’s shield. God says to Abram, “I am your shield” (Genesis 15:1).

Since God is our shield, it follows that He is our Sovereign and we are His people. The psalmist is asking God to look favorably on His children. When God sees me, I want Him to see that my shield bears the cross of His Son. Certainly, God’s unmerited favor grants us grace for each day and hope for the journey ahead.

Consider using a concordance or a Bible app search to see what God says about being our shield.

Look on the face of your anointed.

According to Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon, “look” can be translated as “regard with favor.” The word “anointed” refers to the king whom the psalmist served. So, after asking for God’s favor on His people, the pilgrim prays for his king. Certainly, we need to pray that our political leaders would know God’s wisdom, grace and mercy.

Considering this more deeply, I know the word “anointed” also refers to the Messiah. When I approach God’s throne in prayer, I desperately need Him to see Jesus, my mediator. Jesus secures my standing with God. In Christ, my hope is secure.

Strength to Journey On

Having faced difficulties in prayer and sought the Lord’s strength, the psalmist is ready to continue on his pilgrimage. Taking courage from faith and buoyed by our hope in Christ, may we be steadfast pilgrims until at last we are at rest in Him.

Taking courage from faith and buoyed by our hope in Christ, may we be steadfast pilgrims until at last we are at rest in Him. #Psalm84

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When Lions and Snakes Come, Hold on to God {Psalm 91:13-14}

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Lions and snakes come. Snakebites happen.

But see what God says about it. Continue with us through Psalm 91.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

My friend’s 4-year-old grandson Spencer loves to play outside. A delivery man pulled into their driveway to deliver a huge box on Saturday, April 25. Spencer was excited, watching the man pull the box out of his truck.

Then OUCH! Spencer screamed and jerked back in pain. The delivery man saw a snake on the ground.

Spencer had been bitten by a rattlesnake, right in his front yard.

We can’t prepare for moments like this. Snakes don’t give us a couple days’ notice to prepare. Lions don’t ring the doorbell first. Catastrophes don’t call to make an appointment for when it’s most convenient.

We continue to look into Psalm 91 this week. Verses 13-14 are a dramatic turning point. The text switches from the speaker’s voice in verses 1-13 to God’s voice in verse 14 through the end of the chapter.

13  You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14  “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.”  
Psalm 91

Maybe it’s been awhile since you’ve seen a lion or adder, but you relate to troubles and fears. They may look different for each of us. But we all have them.

The psalmist says if we want deliverance and protection, God will give it, if we hold on to Him in love and know His name.

But how can we love God more? How can we know God better?

Love Really Is the Answer

The best way to love God more, is to know more of His love for you. God started this love thing (1 John 4:19).

  • Have you seen blessings in your life?
    Thank God for them.
  • Have you been delivered out of our hardships already?
    Give God the credit due.
  • Have you fallen flat on your face and yet been picked back up?
    Acknowledge God’s grace and forgiveness.
  • Have you found strength to continue on in a current trouble?
    Know God is with you in it.

Getting to know God more doesn’t have to be complicated. But you do need to consciously choose it.

Loving God more means spending more time with Him, being more aware of His presence, learning more who He is, talking with others about Him, talking more in person with Him.

The more you know God, the more you’ll love God. You’ll then hold on to Him in love because you want to, not from guilt or fear or obligation.

You’ll know Him by name.

The Best Care

God doesn’t promise to keep the lions and snakes awake from those who love Him. But He does promise us victory over them.

We saw it foreshadowed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15), and fulfilled in the Garden of Gethsemane, that the serpent would bruise heels, but Jesus would crush its head. We, too, are assured to be overcomers of Satan (Romans 16:20).

God may prevent some problems from happening altogether. He may deliver you out of other problems right in the middle (the apostle Paul was snakebitten but shook it off, Acts 28:3-6). And if other problems continue on, God will stay by your side through them, every second, every step.

Local emergency responders came quickly to Spencer’s house after the snake bit him. They administered antivenom. Spencer was medflighted to a hospital, and given more medicine in ICU, with only his dad allowed to be with him due to corona quarantine restrictions.

Spencer stayed for in the hospital for 4 days, then went home.

The snakebite didn’t kill Spencer (but his dad killed the snake). Spencer recovered. And after 4 days in the hospital, he went back home with a story to tell.

Snakebites and lion attacks happen. Sometimes they are deadly in the physical realm (remember the Christians in the Roman coliseums).

But they don’t have to be deadly in the spiritual realm. Hold on to God through them for dear life, and that’s what He’ll deliver. Life.

Snakebites happen. See what God says in Psalm 91.

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See all the Psalm 91 posts here

3 Ways to Stay Strong When You’re Stuck in the Middle (Psalm 84)

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Can someone just give us an end date?

Sometimes being stuck in the middle is the hardest part of a journey. But even here, God can bless us, if we won’t give up.

3 Ways to Stay Strong in the Middle

Stuck in the Middle

We know when it began, when the coronavirus started keeping us in our homes. But we don’t know when it’s going to end. We don’t know when we can safely hug our friends again or sing with the choir at church or reunite grandkids and grandparents to play together.

Being in the middle can feel abysmal.

Whether it’s from the pandemic or other circumstances . . .

  • Our strength wanes; we’re weak.
  • Our supplies run out; we’re thirsty.
  • Our optimism turns dark; we’re discouraged.

Help in Psalm 84:5-7

But our lack never takes God by surprise. As we look at Psalm 84 this month (see all the posts here), we can see how God met needs in the middle of Old Testament days and how He can meet our needs right now in the middle of 2020.

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
Psalm 84

The sons of Korah wrote this song likely to give hope to the Israelites in exile 2600 years ago. They were also stuck in the middle of their story.

In Psalm 84, they praise God where they are now, but they also look forward to praising God elsewhere later. (Listen to a modern version of the song here).

We can do the same. We, too, can find reasons to praise Him now, and reasons to praise Him later.

Sons of Korah Psalm 84

3 Ways to Find Strength in the Middle

Here are 3 things we can use from Psalm 84:5-7 to help us in our middle.

1. SWAP YOUR STRENGTH

Swap your strength for God’s strength, even though it can feel counterintuitive to lay down our strength.

But when we humble ourselves and realize we can’t bear up on our own, we take on God’s strength.

Admit your weaknesses and depend on His power, one day at a time. Remind yourself often that He lifts up those who look to Him. Set your eyes on Him throughout your day.

His strength is in you.

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.”
Psalm 84:5

2. DRINK FROM UNEXPECTED SPRINGS

In Psalm 84:6, the psalmists say they find springs of water in the Valley of Baca (Baca was probably a large shrub).

Even in the desolate places, God has a history of providing water for His people. Where is God providing water for you? Are you going there to drink?

Allow yourself to be replenished by God’s grace by drinking deeply from His provisions. Expect to find Him everywhere, even in unexpected places. Maybe in a song, a scripture, a conversation, an experience, a prayer, a book.

His rain fills every pool.

“As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.”
Psalm 84:6

3. REFRAME YOUR PERSPECTIVE

In the muddled middle, we’re most tempted to give up. We’ve lost the enthusiasm that came at the start, and the end goal seems out of reach.

But at this time, more than ever, we need to keep our eyes focused on the breathtaking view at the summit. Reframe your perspective to remember that not only is God with you in this situation, but there are better times ahead.

God won’t leave us down. He brought us this far to bring us up, to see us through to the end. Set short-term goals to stay motivated through each day. But remember the long-term goal of getting to the other side.

At each stop along the way, God has a gift for you. He has a special strength awaiting you. Travel from one stop to the next, picking up a new strength designed specifically for you, specifically for this step.

Go from strength to strength.

“They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.”
Psalm 84:7

Stay on the Right Road

Our journey isn’t over yet. We don’t have an end date.

But we can trust we’re on the right road to victory if we’re walking with God.

Let’s keep seeing God both along the way and at the end of the road.

  1. Swap your strength for His.
  2. Drink from unexpected springs in dry valleys.
  3. Reframe your perspective, going from strength to strength.

Not only is God worthy of our praise now, He will be worthy of our praise at the end, too.

With God, we can do this. We are and will be blessed.

Even in the middle.

Reflection Questions

1. Do a mental walk through your history of hard times. What was the hardest point? When did you most see God?

2. The Valley of Baca (Psalm 84:6) may be the same as Bochim in Judges 2:1-5. Read the story there. What lessons can you apply to your situation?

3. Look for a common theme in these verses and their surrounding text. How does it help you persevere in the middle?

  • Psalm 84:7, Strength to strength
  • John 1:16, Grace to grace
  • 2 Corinthians 3:18, Glory to glory
Stuck in the middle? Use these 3 ways to stay strong. Even here, God can bless us. #Psalm84

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Do you feel like you’re in the middle of something? What helps you keep hope alive? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Blessed Like the Birds (Psalm 84)

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One of my favorite parts of the morning routine is opening the window shades to look out over our backyard. From the patio to the tree line we host a breakfast buffet for a variety of woodland creatures including rabbits, squirrels, and birds. Many, many birds. 

I have come to love watching them interact with our small patch of the world. Rain or shine, every season of the year, the little birds in our yard are well cared for.  

In this second installment of our Greatly Blessed: Dwelling with God Bible study series, we’re looking at verses 3 and 4 of Psalm 84. 

“Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young, at your altars,

O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! – Selah”

Psalm 84:3-4

Picture of Birds

Birds are cheeky little creatures. Spirited. Remarkably resilient given their vulnerability to the elements. Jesus used birds as an illustration, showing God as a caring Father and provider. 

  •  “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” – Matthew 6:26
  • “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

The birds sing praises to the Lord, their creator and provider. It is as natural to them as breathing. 

  • “Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.”  – Psalm 104:12

 

An Approachable Altar

The altar was a flat surface in the courtyard of the temple, used to hold the sacrifices people offered to atone for their sin. It represents a place of consecration. The bridge  between God and man. Altars memorialized God’s great deeds and represented times He came near. 

Something about the sparrows nesting near the altar makes this holy space approachable. It is a place of safety and comfort, where even birds can hatch their young without fear. 

The altar is approachable! Come near to God. Blessed are those who dwell in His house, ever singing His praise! #Psalm84 Click To Tweet

As Natural As Nature 

A number of sources I came across in my research indicated that it might be better to read the phrase, “Even the sparrow finds a home,” as, “Even as…”  The poet is making a comparison by saying, “As a little bird seeks after a home, so do I seek/long/desire to be near your altar” 

This idea reminds me of Psalm 42:1, 

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” 

There is an instinctual need in our soul to worship and be near the Lord. Doing so is like coming home, finding a place of rest and sanctuary. When we are at rest, content in His presence, we are blessed and free to sing like the birds. 

 

Verse 4 ends with “Selah”, a word of uncertain meaning that denotes a time of quiet meditation. Or as Charles Spurgeon puts it, 

“In such an occupation as this we might be content to remain for ever. It is worth while to pause and meditate upon the prospect of dwelling with God and praising him throughout eternity.”

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