Summer ought to be a season when we’re able to rest well—a time we can spend with the Lord and His goodness. But, oftentimes, we actually fall out of healthy spiritual habits and end up trying to rest from the Lord instead of resting in Him.
That’s why we’ve created the Summer Selah Series. Over 40 days, we’ll be sharing daily devotions during a season where you may not feel very devoted.
Based on excerpts from his book Selah: Devotions From The Psalms For Those Who Struggle With Devotion, Ross Lester, our Pastor of Preaching and West Congregation Pastor, will provide readings from select Psalms, a brief devotional reflection, and some prayer points for each of the 40 days.
Take some time to read Psalm 68. Then, come back and read the following verses again.
“Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation.
Our God is a God of salvation,
and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.” (Psalm 68:19-20 ESV)
Just four very brief thoughts from Psalm 68 that hopefully encourage you.
Firstly, God is with us in our suffering. Verse 19 says that He bears us up when we are burdened. This sets the God of the Bible apart from any other deity or worldview. He is a compassionate God who is with us in suffering. The incarnation of Jesus was the ultimate evidence and validation of that. I love the thought that, when I feel like I am struggling under a heavy load, God bears me up.
Secondly, He doesn’t abandon us for periods in our suffering. Sometimes it can feel like we are walking the dark parts of the journey on our own, but the Psalmist confidently declares that He bears our burdens daily. This points to a God that is involved in the details of our lives. This speaks of a God who perseveres with us in our pain. This speaks of a God who never leaves.
Thirdly, He is sovereign even over suffering. When we recognize from the Scripture that God is compassionate toward us, we sometimes can’t help but picture Him as bemused and confounded by suffering, just like us. The Psalmist is quick to remind us though that He is a sovereign God of salvation who oversees everything and has power and authority over everything—even death.
Lastly, this incredible God who is with us and never abandons us and rules over the universe, also cares for us in our struggles and pain. He isn’t cool and unfeeling. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
He is with you.
He will never leave you.
He has power over how it plays out.
He cares for you.
Heavenly Father, there is nothing that is unknown to You and nothing that You cannot use for my good and Your glory. Help me to trust You more in the circumstances of my life.
Ross Lester, Selah: Devotions From The Psalms For Those Who Struggle With Devotion (Magnolia, Texas: Lucid Books, 2017)
