by Pastor Peter Leschke
As we continue with our current “Sit, Walk, Stand” message series, God has been drawing me back to the book of Psalms during my quiet times with Jesus. In this season when the news is filled with upheaval, God is using the Psalms to not only grow in my worship, but to grow me as a follower and disciple of Jesus.
Walking in the Way of Righteousness
During uncertain times, we need to have a place where we can ground ourselves, a place where we can stand on solid ground with God. He invites us into that right away in Psalm 1:
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
PSALM 1:1-3
Here we are invited NOT to walk in the steps of the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take, but to meditate DAY and NIGHT on the goodness and the law of the Lord. That’s how we construct a firm foundation of His strength underneath us — like the tree planted deeply by streams of water. I want my roots deep in God, especially in these constantly changing and shifting times.
Walking in His Comfort and Protection
Have you felt more overwhelmed and stressed in the last weeks or months? I know I have! A friend and colleague from our CTR staff reminded me at a meeting this past week of Jill Briscoe’s words: “Remember, when you are overwhelmed, you are overshadowed.” We are covered and sheltered in the “shadow of His wings,” and His comfort is always available to us:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
PSALM 91:1-2
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
PSALM 23:4
God will not leave us or forsake us in any season of trouble, stress or strain. He is with us on the top of the mountain and in our lowest valleys. He invites us to walk with Him and rest in Him.
Walking In His Delight and Joy
While our daily emotions during this COVID season may not always feel happy or peaceful, we are invited to walk in the delight and joy that Jesus offers us. No matter what our circumstances are, Jesus offers us His delight at all times!
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with
gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will rejoice over you with loud singing.
Jesus simply delights in you and I as his children. He not only loves us, He likes us! And in every moment of our life, we can choose to walk with Him. We can choose to follow and worship Him. And when we walk with Him in the light of his love and delight, we will find joy!
ZEPHANIAH 3:17
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance
PSALM 89:15
Christ The Rock family, let’s enjoy the delight that our Abba Father has in us. And let’s join Him each day in the walk of faith and seek His heart in the Psalms or any part of scripture. As we walk more closely with Him, He will grow us more and more in our love, hope and faith.