March 6, 2010

Opening Hymns:
Draw Me Close to You 47 (B/B)
Step By Step

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 63: 1-8

Message Comfort in the Desert
This psalm is example of pure and true joy and yearning. He has tasted the Lord’s spiritual food, and is longing for more and more of it. In other words, he has learned about the Lord and wants to draw closer and closer to God. Like the Israelites, David was in a desert. He was in the desert of Judah hiding from his enemies. He also was facing the trials that come with nature, and as I read this psalm it seems to me like David was, or felt alone.

David did not follow the Israelites example. Instead of complaining to God about his pain and loneliness, he praises God. I said last week that the bible gives us examples of what to do and what not to do… this is one scripture that we should follow. But it is easier said than done. When I am met with a challenge, or when I become distraught… lifting my voice in praise is not the first thing that comes to my mind. Instead, I would generally want complain and gripe as the Israelites did… especially if it is a problem that is ‘not my fault.’ However, when we are faced with a difficulty, and we take the time to acknowledge God’s presence in our life, the obstacle begins to shrink. If we look back on what God has already brought us through in the past, the future no longer looks bleak. God is above every obstacle. David was fully aware of this and trusted in the Lord, even in the desert.

Time of Prayer
*Respond: Lord hear our prayer

Lord, as we pass through our deserts, help us to feel your presence guiding us. Let us focus on You, and Your steadfast love so that when challenges come our way we shout out with praises rather than complaints… we pray to the Lord*
To all those who are recovering from natural disasters, that Your hand might be on them to help them rebuild their lives we pray to the Lord*
For people who suffer from chronic illnesses, that they might find the strength to cope with the challenges that they face we pray to the Lord*

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Lord Who Throughout These 40 Days (http://nethymnal.org/htm/l/w/lwtt40da.htm)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God