Beyond the Weekend

April 6 | Strength

April 6, 2016

Psalm 23

Start your time today by slowly and deliberately reading Psalm 23. David writes about what God’s presence really means: he can walk “through the darkest valley.” It’s a presence the Apostle Paul experienced perhaps, even under arrest in Rome, as he remembered and recited this very psalm.

In writing about being content, Paul tells us how he’s able to be content in dire circumstances, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4.13). Maybe you’ve read or heard that verse before. Often people quote it in the context of God helping them do whatever they want to do. But looking at it here, we see God gives us strength to find contentment in even the hardest circumstances.

Paul knew God was with him in the same way God was with David in Psalm 23. God is with you also in this same way as you attempt to change that spending behavior; when you try to move from two incomes to one; as you transition from spending to giving; as you parent a rebellious child; and as you face your next round of chemo.

For some of us, this is the message we need to hold tightly this week: God is with us in the midst of all life’s circumstances. His presence is the only force strong enough to bear the weight of our contentment. As you consider the strength of God’s presence, listen to the song “God is Able” by Hillsong Worship.

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