Magnify God Despite Difficulties

Psalm 57:1-3a, 10-11 “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me. . . For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”

Despite disaster, distress and desperate circumstances, David, the writer of Psalm 57, found safety and protection in God’s covering for him. David fled and “sheltered-in-place” in a cave to escape his enemy (Saul). He also had to contend with lions and hungry beasts while he sought refuge in the cave. He had many challenges but he knew God and he cried out to his Lord for mercy and help. He acknowledged God as his salvation, his only hope. David worshiped and proclaimed God’s unchanging character of love and faithfulness as he exalted God — all while experiencing the trauma of fearing for his life.

It seems to me Psalm 57 is quite relevant to today’s trouble of seeking safety from a potentially deadly enemy (a virus), and experiencing more difficulties from the isolation, loneliness and loss associated with staying home. Yet we too can experience God’s love and faithfulness as we call out to Him in prayer, believing that He hears our request and is able to help. When we know God, we know His never-changing character of love and faithfulness and can trust Him to not fail or abandon us.

David’s focus shifted from the difficult circumstances to God’s ability to provide — mercy, salvation, protection, love and faithfulness. David exalted God. He identified God as one who is above all things — God Most High. Indeed, God is bigger than what’s the matter. His name is above all other gods and all other names including all things that cause distress. When we magnify and exalt God, we are transported to another realm of understanding and can face the difficulty with courage and confidence.

David could have continued to look inward at his thoughts and emotions about his circumstances. He could have continued to look outward at his enemies, the results of the difficulties, and the bad news. Ultimately, David chose to look up and focus on God’s ability, which lead him to magnify and exalt God. He worshiped, sang and made music. There is something tangible that helps to change the atmosphere when you worship God even through pain, suffering and loss. As you do, God will be glorified and His name will be exalted.

Remember this: God loves you. He cares about you and He is always available. Call out to Him and believe He is for you and with you. Focus on Him and His ability instead of your circumstances and experience the joy and peace that can be yours as you trust Him.

As an intercessor, I feel a heavy burden to pray for people facing distress. I am thankful that I can cast all my cares onto Jesus because He cares for me and everyone. My prayer is that we would see God as our hope and salvation as we cry out to Him for mercy, and proclaim God’s great love and faithfulness even in the midst of hardship. I pray we find refuge in God, and that we worship and magnify God and not the current events. May God be glorified in our circumstances and may our hearts be steadfast because we trust God’s sovereignty.

I would love to connect and pray with you about your concerns. Contact me at VianneSatterfield55@gmail.com.

The Powerful Truth of God’s Word

Psalm 119:41-43 “May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.”

We live in a society that values free speech and people state their opinions face to face and on social media. This can be useful in creating dialogue and learning different perspectives, unless their speech is unwholesome, critical or is used to ridicule. People often are unaware of the power of their words! Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” We must be mindful of our words and be sure to use words that build up and not tear down others.

Unfortunately, sometimes we believe what others say about us more than what God says, or more specifically, what God’s Word says about us. This can be problematic and can lead to discouragement, distraction and derailment of our purpose. When we read and meditate on God’s Word, we fill and renew our minds with His truth. This is life-giving and a valuable use of your time that leads to spiritual growth.

It is vitally important to know, study and trust God’s Word, so that you can be ready to give an answer to anyone who may taunt you or use words to harm you. By speaking God’s Word aloud, you are declaring God’s promises over your life, and it will empower you with God-confidence to apply His truth to your life. Ask Holy Spirit to open your mind to better understand Scripture. He will give insight, new understanding and wisdom in applying it to your life.

God’s Word is a weapon of spiritual warfare. It is compared to a double-edged sword in Hebrews 4:12 and is described as the sword of the Spirit as an essential part of God’s armor in Ephesians 6:17. Learn to use God’s Word as an effective tool to fight the enemy of your soul. Use God’s Word to build yourself up and remind yourself of your identity in Christ Jesus. I routinely read aloud my list of “I am” statements that I generated from dozens of Scriptures, as a way to renew my mind and it is a mighty help during spiritual battles. God’s Word is powerful!

Sometimes when I engage in listening prayer, I receive a word from the Lord. I feel compelled to share this word, as I believe others may benefit from this too. During this encounter, I sensed the importance of laying aside distractions and spending time with Him out of a love for Him and not obligation. I believe God is encouraging us to let go of distractions, doubt, and disbelief, and to instead take up His Word which will reap a harvest of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control) when we read, meditate and apply the truth of God’s Word. I believe God is encouraging us to walk in truth, walk in love and walk in the light of God, as we believe and act upon His written Word, in love and obedience, as we engage in intimate times with the Holy Spirit through Biblical meditation and prayer.

Embrace God’s love for you through taking up His Word, speaking it aloud and trusting His powerful truth.

Finding Strength in God

I Samuel 30:6 “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.“

I have been drawn to this Scripture, as this year has been filled with unusual challenges and distress of all kinds for many weeks. In this passage of Scripture, David had suffered much loss due to a war — his family had been taken captive and his army/followers wanted him dead. He feared for his life and he had no one, except God to rely upon. Scripture doesn’t say how David strengthened himself in the Lord, however, based on what I know about David’s life, I can guess how he received strength from his God.

This Scripture implies that David had a personal relationship and a lifestyle of seeking the Lord his God. He likely needed much strength, comfort, guidance and wisdom. He had much sorrow and he cried out to God. He had great difficulty ahead and no one was on his side nor did he have family to give him support or help. He had to depend on God because there was no one else who could meet the need. He wept over the loss, yet he didn’t get stuck there. He probably knew he had to receive strength and wisdom to continue to fight the battle and to get victory. He didn’t have a pity party. He met with God in prayer, cried out in lament and also called out in confidence to his God. He allowed God to speak into his life to give him counsel and direction. Then he took action. He obeyed God. He got up from his place of sorrow, dusted himself off and kept going. He didn’t give up. He didn’t let the enemy get the best of him.

David was a musician; he played the harp and he wrote songs or psalms. He had been a shepherd before he was king, and his experiences prepared him for each challenge. Perhaps David worshiped with song and harp. Maybe he remembered the many ways that God met his need in the past — conquering enemies, and overcoming giants and beasts that threatened him. He was known by God and he knew and trusted God.

I find strength in the Lord as I practice solitude and intentionally listen for instruction and insight. I turn off the TV or radio and refrain from scrolling social media feeds. I give God room and head space to occupy my thoughts. When I receive something (a song lyric, Scripture or a knowing that I have heard from the Lord), I make note of it in my journal (as soon as possible) and I give myself time to think, reflect and write. This may occur while cleaning, cooking, driving or exercising. It is surprising how often this occurs even when I am not seeking guidance, however, I have made room for God to speak into my life, and thankfully, He does.

A “quiet time” could be Scripture reading or it could be a time of quieting myself as I watch a sunset or enjoy the breeze or the fresh smell after rainfall. Enjoying nature is a wonderful way of connecting with God, who created the heavens and the earth. I find strength in the Lord through listening and solitude.

I find strength in the Lord by writing my prayer concern in my journal. Being honest about my emotions and thoughts are critical to effective communication, whether it is with humans or God. He already knows all about it, yet telling Him helps me to trust Him more fully. Then I wait, listen and think about what is good, excellent and praiseworthy — instead of the stinking thinking that keeps me stuck. Recently, one of my friends shared about his cancer diagnosis and treatment. He said, “Prayer is the best treatment option.” I agree wholeheartedly, as having a lifestyle of prayer is the best way to live.

I find strength in the Lord as I remember God’s faithfulness and goodness. I think about times that He has “given” me a Scripture at just the right time. It is like a deposit that God makes into my heart and mind and is there for me to withdraw when I need it. Years ago, as a college student, I read Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” I didn’t know then how meaningful and needed that verse would be to me, but over time, that verse served as a promise that God indeed heals brokenness and provides comfort as only He can do. I have experienced both brokenness and healing. God is true to His Word. He is faithful and good, even in the hard times.

There are countless promises of God found in His Word that provide hope, strength and encouragement. See it as a treasure hunt and you will be thrilled to discover God’s promises as you seek Him. He indeed is “Promise Keeper,” as the song lyrics say.

I find strength in the Lord through listening to and singing worship songs. I find this to be a mood-booster and a motivator as it helps me to focus on the truth of God’s Word and often stays with me throughout the day. If I get cranky or out of sorts, I know that I probably need to worship through song. Turning on my worship playlist is often the key to receiving encouragement and strength.

I find strength and encouragement from my relationship with the Lord through intentional listening, solitude, singing worship songs, reading or meditation of God’s Word and prayer.

How have you found strength and encouragement in the Lord? Share in the comments and let us learn together how to receive hope from a relationship with God.