True contentment comes from Godliness in the heart, not from wealth in the hand.
From Philippians 4:11-13: “For I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
From Psalm 31:1-2: “In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.”
Facing life’s overwhelming odds
Darkness invades, hope crashing down
Searching for sustaining refuge
Forsaking another showdown
Emptiness penetrates deeply
Faith weakening, now feeling mocked
Each empty promise calling out
Distant future forever locked
Calling to Father above
Reaching for His righteous-filled hand
Praying for heavenly rescue
Grasping mercy, fleeing quicksand
Light overcomes evil’s doomsday
God’s promises, always to trust
Mighty fortress restoring faith
Distant future looking robust
From Psalm 31:14-15: “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.”
A life of strong faith doesn’t happen automatically or without any effort on our part. Spiritual growth requires the appropriation of all the means God has provided to help us walk faithfully with Him.
From Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”
How do you respond in times of crisis? When you encounter trouble and distress and don’t know what to do . . . fix your eyes on your mighty God.
From 2 Chronicles 20:12: “O our God, will You not execute judgment upon them? For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
From Philippians 4:19: “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Looking to Almighty God
Reigning over His creation
Following His guiding rod
Praying without cessation
Seeing that God will provide
Nourishing Word filled with grace
Sending Spirit, as our guide
Blessing man, follow His pace
Witnessing divine kindness
Offering daily praises
Removing sinful blindness
Navigating life’s mazes
Kneeling under mercy’s hand
Worshipping our Risen Lord
Escaping evil’s quicksand
Vanquishing enemy’s sword
Obeying Holy One’s voice
Standing always as faith’s rock
Providing life’s better choice
Trusting in heaven’s crosswalk
From Psalm 34:10: “The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
When we are weak, then are we strong. When most empty of self, we are most full of God.
From Ephesians 3:17-19: “And that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Charles Hodge (1797-1878) was an American theologian and Christian teacher.
From Psalm 34:6: “This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord and was saved from every trouble.”
Desiring smoother path
Journey faces pitfalls
Stressful days wait ahead
Darkness erecting walls
Showing what’s possible
Spirit lights Father’s way
Humbly see and follow
Walls crumble, new causeway
Turning toward Father
Life surrendered to Him
Troubled times diminished
Days no longer as grim
Tasting acts of goodness
Challenges overcome
Father’s peace now descends
Doubts reduced to breadcrumbs
Walking in Father’s love
Mercy remains steadfast
Every promise trusted
Faith transformed, hope recast
From Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”
The next time you’re disappointed, don’t panic and don’t give up. Just be patient and let God remind you He’s still in control.
From Luke 8:15: “But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with endurance.“
If my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!
From Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.“
Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was a Christian author and speaker. She and her husband, Jim, spent time as missionaries in Ecuador.
Don’t have anything to be thankful for? Check your pulse!
From Psalm 103:1-2: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits.”
Big Sky Buckeye 