From Darkness To Light
What do we do with our negative feelings like fear, sadness, doubt and anger? We’re often tempted to bottle them up and deny them. But the Psalms show us that we can bring all of our emotions to God in prayer and find healing. The Psalms take us on a journey from darkness to see the light of God’s face. By faith we can go from our places of lament to spontaneous praise.
12.26.21 | A Complicated Return | Ezra 3:8-13
One thing, of many, that the pandemic has changed is our worship, both in its methodology and its impact. Though we have experienced some return to normalcy, we can also attest to the reality that our worship has been indelibly affected. In Ezra 3:8-13, we are privy to the tension between the joyous return to the familiar and disappointing resignation that things will never be the same again. In that light, we must ask the question: how is a Christian supposed to faithfully straddle that fine line? As we enter into a new year, we hope and pray that we can redeem our imperfect worship with the promise of the Gospel.
12.19.21 | God With Us | John 1:1-5; 14-18
Advent shows us that in midst of our darkness, God has broke into the world to bring us the light of Jesus. The arrival of Jesus means that God has come close to be with us and brings with him light, adoption and grace upon grace.
12.12.21 | Finding Joy | Psalm 103
The Psalms begin in darkness but ultimately ends in joy. From despair, anger and fear, we can also finally find arrive at joy. Joy comes as we contemplate and sing the goodness of God, His providence over all things and ultimately His faithful love for His people.
12.5.21 | Praying Your Fears | Psalm 46
We live in a time when any number of things can make us fearful. Psalm 46 shows us how we can pray our fears, process our fears and ultimately find liberation from them. Faith can overcome our fears as we contemplate the power, beauty and faithful presence of our King.
11.28.21 | Healing Our Anger | Psalm 10
We live in a time where people are angry over any number of issues and angry at other people and groups. Psalm 10 explores what’s at the root of all of our anger. God invites us not only to express our anger but to be healed from our unrighteous anger. God’s call is to reflect his righteous anger and experience His radical grace.
11.21.21 | How to Give Thanks in Hard Times | Psalm 40
When life is difficult, it’s a struggle to bring ourselves to have a thankful spirit. Psalm 40 shows us how we can give thanks in midst of the challenges of life. Thankfulness gives us perspective in midst of the pain and reassures us of God’s ultimate faithfulness.
11.14.21 | What To Do With Your Blues | Psalm 42
Sometimes we’re overwhelmed by sadness and feel distant from the love of God. Psalm 42 shows us that we can bring our tears to God and begin a process of encountering him in our pain.