BRING JOY to YOUR SERVANT, LORD

 

March 8, 2025

 

This Weeks Theme Verse

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Psalm 86:1-7

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.

Today we start with this question, "Have you ever felt unworthy or disqualified from following God?" I often encounter people who feel this profoundly, and while they make little jokes about this, like the church roof would collapse if they came to church, there is sadness and pain in this belief. 

Maybe today as you read this, you think your past or present struggles make you unfit to approach Jesus. I want to say to you, and remind us all, that is just not true!! Lent reminds us that God calls us as we are, not as we think we should be. I know in the busyness of life, it is so easy to feel stuck, but what if this season could be a time to hear God’s call and respond? Think about it this way, what if responding to God's call in this season of Lent, this time of renewal, means leaving behind our doubts and stepping into the new life God offers all? That would be a worthwhile step wouldn't it. 

Psalm 86, is a song or prayer attributed to David. David is highlighting his desire to give all his trust in God. He knows that God is near to him in life and has been his source of life in all circumstances. By placing his trust in God, David is setting the intentions of his heart to let go of the control and trust in God’s abounding love.

RESPONSE

What is Jesus asking you to place in his hands? 

Pray for the courage to surrender distractions, doubts, fears or habits that keep you from fully following him.