“This oppressed man cried out and the Lord heard; he saved him from all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. How blessed is the one who takes shelter in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you chosen people of his, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 Even young lions sometimes lack food and are hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:6-10 NET
Father God,
The Psalms are the outpouring of faith and personal need and all the emotions known to us. David here is writing from his experiences. He had killed a lion or two in his time (1 Samuel 17:34-35). As you do?! If You were a shepherd. David knew that even strong, young lions would sometimes have to go hungry. In contrast to those strong animals, he was confident that those who seek You, God lack no good thing.
But I know You are not Santa Claus Father! And You do not give us what would harm us. David learned that Your faithful genericity does not mean that he will always get what he ‘wants’ from You, God. Or, even that what he thinks are ‘needs’ will be met. What we need, You understood as You know Your good will for us and our lives. We all have tough times and sometimes even adversity, but then You can even use that for our good! Even when we don’t like it . . .
We just do not always see the whole picture. If we did we would not necessary understand it. It seems to me that what You promised is that we will never lack what is in our best interest? You do not promised to meet our wants, or to satisfy our expectations, but to meet all our needs. Thank You for all we have and for all Your promises. And unlike young lions reliant on themselves when they grow up. . . we are not reliant on our self and our own strength but trust in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
We pray:
For family, friends, neighbours, our church family. Those living in our neighbourhood.
For our town, our local council and the prosperity of the surrounding area.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine.
For Gaza and an end to the latest conflict. Not to escalate, for those caught in the middle of the bombardment.
For help, relief and comfort for those hit by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for the devastated areas in Libya and Morocco. For all the aid and medical agencies.
For our Government and our King. Sincerity, honesty and openness. Uncover all that is not right.
For all those who work in Christian media, printing, radio and Bible translations.
For our own needs for today and this week. Be our Good Shepherd.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 13th October 2023
Yes I do return to this hymn regularly because it helps me worship and have faith. You will have those that help you . . .
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me (oh-oh)
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
(I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing)
Lyrics: Jason Ingram / Brian Johnson / Ed Cash / Ben Fielding / Jenn Johnson