This Devotional is part of our “Can’t Quarantine the Gospel” series where members of the church are contributing morning Quiet times during this time of Social Distancing. Today is Day 33 of our series. Any of the Devotionals can be read as a stand alone quiet time. You can see more devotionals here
This particular devotional was based on a sermon done by Jeff Schachinger on Sunday April 26th. You can listen to that sermon here:
Contents
Grounded for Life
Jeff Schachigner
We go through so many changes in our lives. Change is part of the human experience and how well we cope with change depends on how grounded we are. If we are grounded well, change will come and we will be fine.
Q: What have been some of the best changes in your life? Some of the hardest?
God’s Word is Always True
For us to build a strong foundation, we must build on the unchanging word of God. The media puts their own spin on things, people put their own spin on things, yet what we deeply desire is the truth!
Psalm 119:25
ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
We will always know where to go to get the answers we need most. We know where to go to deal with anxiety, stress, and frustration. In John 8:31-32 Jesus says the same thing: when we follow the truth we will be set free.
Q: Right now how are you feeling and where do you need Gods guidance?
- Are you feeling fearful?
- Anxious?
- Angry?
- Upset?
God is Always Sovereign
2 Chronicles 20:1
20 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites[a] came to wage war against Jehoshaphat.
2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,[b] from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.
We can all related right now. We have a vast army coming against us as well. Notice what they did: they went to God. This is a powerful lesson on what to do when dealing with a crisis.
Read 2 Chronicles 20:5-15
In the rest of this passage it show they clearly recognize who God is. They were at a loss, they were afraid yet they appealed to God and the fact that no one can withstand God! “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (v12).
Q: Where are you right now? What is the army coming against you right now?
There are times in our lives where things can be extremely challenging. We can feel like an entire army is coming against us and the constant flood of changes or attacks can feel unfair or unjust. Yet, God never promised that everything would always be fair. In fact he lets us know that we will have trouble sometimes in this world. This is why it is so important to remember that God is sovereign in both the good and the bad Job refused to curse God even when the worst came.
Even though things around us are changing, God does not. Don’t be afraid, don’t be discouraged and remember that the battle is his!
Jesus is Always Lord
1 Corinthians 8:6
6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
In a world that is rapidly chaging and the things that we once saw as anchors floating, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is still Lord!
Hebrews 13:8
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
If we are fully grounded in Jesus, we have nothing to fear! The quality in our lives will not be determined by how things are going around us, but how things are going within us.
Q: Are you firmly grounded in Christ? How can you firmly ground yourself in Christ?
