Sermonette - March 19, 2018

I would dare say that most Christians who read the Bible have a favorite book or two. I am always intrigued to hear what a person’s favorite book of the Bible is and why. If you see me, I would love to hear yours. I find the book of Romans to be one of my favorites, as it is a book I have often gone to. I love how Paul writes so many deep theological thoughts and then shows in the latter part how to apply what he has stated.

But here lately I am finding the Psalms to be of great worth to my faith, especially when it comes to times of prayer. I have read the Psalms before, but in the last several months I have been using an app called YouVersion to read and listen to the Psalms. There is something about allowing the Word of God to saturate my life. Listening has enabled me to simply hear what was written.

One of the reasons I enjoy digging into the Psalms is that you see such rawness in many of the Psalms. You see the writers of the Psalms going through the ups and downs of life. You see how they respond to those who mistreat them and how in times of intense trials, they chose to place their hope and faith in God Almighty.

As a Pastor who seeks to teach the next generation to seek God, I find myself recommending the book of Psalms more and more as a place to learn what it looks like to seek God through the good and bad times. No matter where you are in your walk, I would encourage you to take the time to read the Psalms. They are full of encouragement and challenge. They are full of raw emotions along with deep hope and faith.

I will leave you with a couple verses from the Psalms that have helped me through the years. I hope it will help you as you seek God.

Psalm 42:5 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 91:1-2 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”