Worship Devotional XC
Originally posted to the Facebook group on 9/25/2021.
Worship Devotional for 9/26/21
Psalm 46:1-3:
"God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil."
Our God is a God of rescue. He alone is able to save, to heal, to redeem, to protect, and to deliver. When we go through troubles in this life, why do we look to the things of the world? They are not able to save or to deliver us from the evil that threatens us on all sides. We will have to face difficult trials in this life. We will have to endure sorrow and suffering before our souls finally come enter into perfect peace and rest in the glory and presence of our Eternal God.
For now, no matter what you are going through, whether things are good or bad, turn your eyes to the Lord and set your heart and mind on Him. Surrender your attempts to fight the battle by your own strength over to the One whose strength and majesty are unfathomably great. He is the Lord of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Father in heaven. And because we have been reconciled to Him through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, we have confidence and peace knowing that this God — our God, the living God — is on our side. He will come to our rescue and protect us from the evil one. Let us hold onto faith in Him!
Songs:
1) Psalm 46 (Lord Of Hosts) by Shane & Shane
Psalm 46:
"God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah
There is a river — its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High. God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns. Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth. He makes wars cease throughout the earth. He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces; He burns up the chariots. 'Stop your fighting — and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.' Yahweh of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah"
Listen to Shane Barnard behind the song here.
2) A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Matt Boswell & Isaac Watts
Psalm 46:7:
"The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold."
This hymn by Martin Luther is based on Psalm 46 and is a reminder for us that God is our refuge and stronghold. No matter what evil and tactics of the enemy may come against us, the truth remains that God is greater and stronger. He has already secured the victory. All that is required of us is that we trust in Him and endure in faith.
3) A Mighty Fortress by Christy Nockels
Hebrews 12:1-2:
"Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne."
Revelation 22:1-5:
"Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like a crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the broad street of the city. The tree of life was on both sides of the river, bearing 12 kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His slaves will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever."
4) Every Giant Will Fall by Rend Collective
Like the giant slain by David in 1 Samuel 17, like the giant's descendants in 2 Samuel 21, like the city of Jericho in Joshua 6, like the 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in 2 Kings 19 (also Isaiah 37 and 2 Chronicles 32), and like the many armies that came against Israel in 2 Chronicles 20, the enemies of God will fall, no matter how threatening or fierce or formidable they may seem to us. We are weak, but God is strong. He is able and willing to fight for us and to shelter and protect us, because He loves us! So take heart in the midst of whatever battle you may be fighting right now, and turn to and put your trust in the Lord of Hosts, our Rescuer, Deliverer, Protector, and Defender — our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Theme(s): Lord Of Hosts, Psalm 46, Battle, Refuge, Stronghold
Scripture references:
Joshua 6
1 Samuel 17
2 Samuel 21:15-22, 22
2 Kings 18-19
2 Chronicles 20:1-30, 32:1-23
Psalms 18, 46, 59
Isaiah 8:11-17, 36-37
Daniel 7:27
Matthew 19;26
Philippians 4:12-13
2 Timothy 2:10-13
Hebrews 12 (esp. vv. 1-2 & 28-29)
Revelation 22:1-5