Pastor Adam spoke from the Psalms this week. There we find a rhythm that life itself often brings in its natural rhtyhm: orientation, disorientation and reorientation. Needless to say, we are all experiencing some disorientation right now with the Covid-19 situation. Pastor Adam spoke of how comforting and honest Scripture as a whole, but particularly the Psalms can be right now. It’s hard to find a centering point and balance in our lives at this time and place in history. No one has ever done this before. However, the Psalms provide us some beautiful examples of praise and worship. However, they are not all sunshine and rainbows. There are plenty of Psalms that express in open and honest ways the life experiences of doubt, fear and trouble. In fact, there is an entire series of Psalms called the “Psalms of Lament.” How might the Psalms speak into your life at this time?
The definition of lament is: a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. The Psalms of lament are: 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 85 and 90. Have you ever considered writing your own lament? Perhaps that might be an exercise during this time of “sheltering in place” and a way to express yourself openly and honestly in prayer to God?
INVITATION: Pastor Adam talked about how we are all sheltering in place right now. We are in the refuge of our own homes as we “shelter in place.” Join in as we see how the God of the universe desires to be our true place of refuge…..not just during this Covid-19 situation, but each and every day. Won’t you pray for God to work in your heart this week through these Psalms and even through this unusual situation we are all finding ourselves in?
MONDAY: Psalm 46:1-3: More than a dozen times, the Psalms refer to God as a refuge - a refuge “for the oppressed” (Psalm 9:9), for “the poor” (Psalm 14:6) and “in times of trouble” (Psalm 59:16). Here in Psalm 46, God is a refuge from the ravages of earthquakes and floods. The spiritual life is also beset by "climate changes.” In what specific areas of your life have you found God to be your refuge and strength? Are you looking to Him now during this pandemic? What devotional practices help you to find a spiritual center in times of stress?
TUESDAY: Psalm 46:1-3: We are re-focusing on these verses again today. Notice how all things mentioned are things beyond David’s (the author) control. We have no control over Covid-19. In fact, this entire situation may be showing you in new ways how out of control all things really are in our lives and schedules. During the life of King David, there was a very serious plague that was killing 100 people per day. A council of Jewish Rabbis prescribed offering 100 blessings per day. A blessing offered to God for each of the deaths. Observant Jews still make this a regular practice. You know what? The plague went away. Pastor Adam pointed out there are no promises or guarantees, but offering praises, gratitude and blessings is certainly a good place to start. In a situations where it feels like we have NO control, what might it look like to control how and when you offer blessings and praise to God? Before a meal, during a meal (flavors, smells, textures), after a meal (provision), new day, shoes to wear, new experiences, nature, etc. How can you make thanking God and offering blessings to God part of your day each day? The Rockhills women are beginning an online “prayer walk” practice on their Facebook page where they share photos, comments, verses, etc. of things that bring us joy or gratitude during this time of “social distancing.". Perhaps you might want to begin this as practice of prayer in your own life? If you are a woman, consider joining us at “Rockhills Women” on our Facebook page.
WEDNESDAY: Psalm 91:1-4: Pastor Adam said this is sometimes called “Psalm 911." Fear abounds in us - even in the best of times, and it is certainly rearing its ugly head right now. The psalmist feels danger as well, but he controls his fear by calling to mind these powerful and comforting images of God. With the psalmist, imagine this experience of protection. As your “enemies” pursue you, you are swept up in the warm, strong, soft wings and borne up and away from your enemies to a high shelter of safety. With God. There you can relax and lie down, knowing you are resting near the heart of the Almighty God who calls you His beloved. How can you pray today, with a sense of God’s love completely surrounding you?
THURSDAY: Psalm 121: The maker of the heaven and earth cares enough to know the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7). He is not surprised by this Corona virus. You can call on him for help. How will you do that today during your prayer time? How might you continue into your day calling on God for help?
FRIDAY: Psalm 23:1-4: Pastor Adam walked us through personalizing this well known Psalm. It IS personal because we serve a personal God. These verses invite you to be at rest in God’s restorative love. How can you rest in and with God today?
SATURDAY: Psalm 23:5-6: In the midst of all going on and amounts our “enemies” (perhaps Covid-19 right now), God welcomes you and gives you a place with Him. How can you meet with God at his “table” today and in the days to come?