AfterThoughts: July 21, 2024

July 21, 2024
The God Who Protects
Psalm 46

This week, Pastor David brought a message from Psalm 46, reflecting on the God who protects. We pondered how:

Our Hope Rests in the Character of God
Our Hope Rests in the Presence of God
Our Hope Rests in the Promise of God

GOING DEEPER:

Pastor David asked us to consider the things that keep us up at night (finances, marriage, children, health, chaos in the world, weight of our work when others depend on us to make decisions with clarity). Psalm 46 teaches us that we have hope in an unchanging God who never changes in our ever-changing world. What keeps you awake at night?

Psalm 46 teaches us that our hope rests in the unchanging character of our God (vv. 1–3). God is our security no matter what happens. Even if the worst thing does happen to us, it cannot shake us from the steady grip of God. How have you experienced this truth in your life?

Pastor David said that our hope also rests on the presence of our God (vv. 4–11). We have a sure and present hope even when we can’t feel it (Matthew 28:20). There is no danger that can befall that is out of the sovereign sight of our ever-present God. What uncertainty in your life tempts you to doubt God’s presence right now?

Often, we can think of Psalm 46:10 as a good luck charm, while instead, it is an invitation to trust God more fully. In the face of our anxieties and fears—both real and imagined—God assures us that our security rests completely in His hands. What external signs do you exhibit when you have trouble trusting God? How can you adjust your schedule this week to make more time for prayer, study, solitude, and reflection?

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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