"Leaning on My Rock"

WORD:

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. "  (Psalm 61:2)

DEVOTION:

When we are overwhelmed, it takes so much just to keep standing. I know that when I am physically overwhelmed, it takes all my energy just to walk to the nearest place to sit and rest. When I am mentally overwhelmed, I need to rest my brain and take a break from "thinking" so much. When I am emotionally overwhelmed, I need a place where I can break down and just cry, and release all the emotions I have had pent up inside.

Isn't it wonderful that we have a God - who is a Rock - that is higher than we are? He is strong when we are not. He is sturdy when we are ready to collapse. He lets us lean on Him when we are ready to fall down.

When your heart is overwhelmed, remember that Jesus' yoke is light, and He is always willing to exchange burdens with us. We just need to pray to God and ask for His hand in our heart, to bring rest and peace. I have felt strongest with God during my weakest hours, because that was when I was leaning on God as my Rock, and He helped me survive the storms and crashing waves in life.

"We can give thanks for everything because even the worst of situations will drive us right to God. And He promises that His peace will stand guard over us." —Buddy Riddle

PRAYER:

Dear God, You are strong, sturdy, and almighty. Thank you for being there as my Rock when my heart is overwhelmed and life seems to be crashing all around me. Please give me peace and rest when I feel like I can't get up anymore. Help me remember that You are always there for me to lean on when I feel heavy. Thank You for guiding me through the dark times of life even when I can't see you or feel your presence, but You are always there watching over me.

APPLICATION:

What is it that easily overwhelms you? Is it family problems, financial issues, personal stress? When you feel overwhelmed, take a "pause" each day with God and spend some time leaning on your Rock.

WORSHIP:

Shining - Phil Wickham

You guide me through the dark

You calm my fearful heart

I will rest in You

You give me perfect peace

You fill my deepest need

I will rest in You

God, shining like the sun

Let Your kingdom come

I want to be with You in Your presence

I'm here to give You praise

You take my breath away

And now I'm here with You in Your presence

"Broken but Bandaged"

THE WORD: 

Psalm 147: 3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit."

DEVOTION:

Some have said that there is no worse ailment than a broken heart. According to the dictionary, to be "brokenhearted" means   "having the spirits depressed or crushed by grief or despair."

Everyone has suffered from a broken heart to a certain degree, and some have suffered worse than others. It could be the broken heart of seeing someone you love pass away, or it could be the broken heart of having been the victim of terrible circumstances.

When people are physically wounded, a bandage is usually used to protect the wounds from infection or getting worse. In some translations, Psalm 147:3 says God "bandages up their wounds." A bandage is a "piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body."   God bandages our wounds with His love and grace so that our wounds do not get worse, and infect the hope and joy in our heart.

How can you have joy when you have a broken heart? As Christians, we have joy in knowing that one day - God will bring us to His Home where there are no tears, no pain, no broken hearts.   Do not forget that joy and happiness are different. Happiness is a temporary emotion that is a result of how this world satisfies us,  while joy is our inner spirit based on knowing that God has saved us.

God is the Healer of the brokenhearted who binds our wounds  - this includes physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. You may be suffering from many wounds, but God is near to the brokenhearted - and when you are near to God, that is the best time to strengthen your spiritual life.

My heart has been broken by illness, by harsh words, by loneliness,  by relationships. When we are broken, God feels our pain when nobody else can. He is there ready to bind our wounds when we give them to Him.

PRAYER:  

Dear God, You are the Healer of the brokenhearted. You have promised to be near me whenever I feel like life cannot get any worse. Help me remember that my sad times on this earth are temporary, and the pain I am facing today cannot compare to the times of joy awaiting for me when You bring me to Your Home.

APPLICATION:  

How do you sense God's presence when you are brokenhearted?

WORSHIP: 

"Esther" by Esterlyn

"He heals the broken Hearted

He binds their wounds

He is Love"