READ: Psalm 55 (Focus vs. 2-5 & 16-23)
MEMORY VERSE
“[The Lord] will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
BACKGROUND
My family and I brought my dad home from the hospital. He had a degenerative disease, and we were now adjusting to the new twenty-four-hour medical routines of his suddenly becoming bedridden and requiring a feeding tube.
I was also planning for my mom’s gastric procedure and dealing with demanding clients at work. Feeling overwhelmed, I sought privacy in the bathroom one day and cried out to God: Help me, Father. Please give me strength to get through the days ahead.
David also felt overwhelmed by troubles (Psalm 55:2-5). Attacked by his son Absalom, betrayed by his close friend, and helpless over the ensuing violence in Jerusalem, David said, “Fear and trembling have beset me” (v. 5).
But David chose to trust God (v. 23). He believed “[God] will never let the righteous be shaken” (v. 22).
Years of trusting the Almighty had taught David that although troubles may unsteady us, those who place their faith in God will never be irrevocably lost and hopeless. “They will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (37:24 nlt).
David knew God would support him with His strength and wisdom: “I call to God, and the Lord saves me” (55:16).
Fourteen years later, we continue to care for my dad at home. The years have taught me that when we cast our cares on Him, He sustains us (v. 22).
God bears our burdens, and He bears us up too.
Karen Huang
INSIGHT
The Bible repeatedly assures us of God’s care. In Psalm 55, David urges, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (v. 22). Later, the prophet Nahum writes, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7).
Centuries later, Peter pens similar words: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). How do we know God cares for us?
The Bible tells us He’s a “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:15). He loved us so much that Christ died for us—providing help and care for us now and the hope of eternity with Him (John 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:10).
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
How does God remind you He won’t let you be shaken? How can you entrust your troubles to Him?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…although troubles may unsteady us, those who place their faith in God will never be irrevocably lost and hopeless…God bears our burdens, and He bears us up too.”
PR’s TAKE
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“When (our) struggles feel relentless, they force me (us) to trust God day by day, moment by moment, breath by breath.” Vabeetha Rendall Risner (Adapted)
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for helping me walk through the days ahead.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“HE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH” Rhiannon Giddens
When your path is full of worry
He will see you through
When you feel alone on your journey
He will see you through
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen, amen
When you think the world’s gone crazy
He will see you through
When it looks like the end of days
He’ll surely see you through
All your silver, all your gold
Won’t shine brighter than your soul
Amen
Amen, amen
All your silver, all your gold
Won’t shine brighter than your soul
Amen
Amen, amen
Amen, amen
