Beyond the Weekend

March 1 | Where Are You?

March 1, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:2

Read: Psalm 42
Listen: 
Psalm 42

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Not all of the Psalms of Lament (one-third of the Psalms) are structured the same, but they all show us how to approach God in the middle of exhausting challenges. In Psalm 42, the author is experiencing a season of crisis. At the same time, he is trusting in God. It’s as if his heart “ping-pongs” between the struggles that drain him and his confident hope in the God who rescues. He doesn’t stay long on one side or the other but moves back and forth. He first faces the struggle and then turns to God.

The psalmist gives voice to an experience common to everyone who has followed God for any amount of time. It’s easy to think only new believers experience times of struggle and doubt. Spiritually mature people still encounter times when God seems distant but remains their only hope. One moment they are confident in God’s presence and know he is all they need. Fifteen minutes later, they feel like they are drowning as the reality of the situation again washes over them.

If we follow Jesus long enough, we’ll eventually experience the feelings voiced by the psalmist. We need his words to respond appropriately. In this psalm, we find words to use when we’re in those seasons. These are honest, healthy, hopeful words.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Read slowly through Psalm 42 several times. Focusing on verses 9-11 as a model, write a similar prayer in your journal. Don’t be afraid to use honest, healthy, hopeful words as you identify with the psalmist. Then pray to your loving Heavenly Father, who desires to hear from you about everything you experience.


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is Mark 13.

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