#238 – FIND REST (18/11/20)

Lockdown has taken a toll on all of our spirits. The loss of corporate worship, in particular, has left many of us feeling dry. Of course, we must be praying for God to bring this virus to an end; but in the meantime, like Elijah who drank from a miraculous steam in the desert (1 Kings 17), we must find fresh joy in God.

Readings and reflections

1. This psalm is medicine for your soul,

‘The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.’ (Psalm 116:5-9)

What does this text tell us about God?

What does the psalmist tell us about his own condition before God’s intervention?

Is your soul at rest? Let Jesus bring His light and life to you today.

2. Another Psalm that speaks healing to our hearts today is Psalm 23.

‘The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ (Psalm 23:1-4).

The Lord is your shepherd at this time; what does this text promise you as you trust and walk with Him?

For many, life that this time can seem like ‘the darkest valley (the valley of the shadow of death)’. Many are fearful for themselves or their loved ones. Take some time to pray for yourself and anyone that comes to mind that they would learn to walk with our Good Shepherd.

To memorise this week

‘Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ (Isaiah 40:30-31)

To consider this week

Have you considered starting a ‘running partners’ relationship? If we are to walk with God, we need the encouragement of our brothers and sisters. To find out more,

https://www.communitychurchputney.com/post/running-partners

Secondly, this week is a week of prayer and fasting for us as a church. Please sign up for as many sessions as you can at,

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyoxlMLUb3c-_QEJ7Ts36rX08SITCVpYhoLkxHZbG2GO0y8w/viewform?gxids=7628

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - WE ARE MEETING TO PRAY THIS WEEK.