Friends, we live in a time that is filled with violence, confusion, greed, wickedness in high places, and many challenges every day. Many precious souls are lost and confused, and led astray by false gospels. The Word of God provides the only way of deliverance from the chains of sin in the fallen world we live in.
When you are experiencing grief, financial hardship, marital problems, or health issues, turn to the Lord to fill you with His loving presence through daily prayer and reading His Word in the Bible. Ask Him to help you and give you renewed courage and strength. Turn to the Lord our God for guidance and direction in your steps toward financial freedom. God’s Word will give you knowledge and understanding to get you through difficult times. The Scripture says, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). “Do not worry: saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31–33).
The Lord says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29–39).
Psalm 33:1–3 says we should “Sing joyfully to the LORD . . . Sing to Him a new song.” Singing songs from the Psalms were part of the Lord’s and His disciples’ daily activity especially after the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:30). Paul also told believers to welcome each other with “psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:19).
When we praise God with psalms, hymns, and songs, we are expressing our love for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as well as encouraging one another with testimony and affection. In times like these we should pray without ceasing. The effectual fervent prayers of the righteousness avails much. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–17; Psalm 34:8, 10).
Scripture Verses for Meditation
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplications, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! There the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 36:7)
“Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems
Your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1–5)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness to us. Make us mindful of those who need our help and encouragement. Help us go forth to serve You renewed and strengthened by Your mercy and grace. And help us to help those most in need. Lord, You are all-loving, all-seeing, all-knowing, and all powerful, and we know that you always have our best interest at heart. And in You there are no mistakes. When we are overwhelmed by the challenges, help us to cast all of our cares upon You and to trust in You to meet all of our earthly needs. When we are burdened with anxieties and stress and when nightmares trouble our sleep, please restore our peace, we pray. Teach us how to rest in the shadow of Your wings. Keep us in your ever-loving hands. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Moments of Meditation and Spiritual Readings; email: cburns@naavets.org