Pastor Stephen Dedman

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where do you turn when fear, uncertainty, or trouble enters your life?

Context
Psalm 46 was written in a time of great uncertainty and danger. The psalmist describes a world that seems to be falling apart with mountains moving, waters roaring, and nations raging. Yet in the middle of chaos, there is an unchanging truth: God is our refuge. He is not distant from His people in times of trouble. He is present and powerful.

Application
September 11 reminds us that life can change in a moment. We remember the thousands of lives lost, the families who were forever changed, and the heroes who ran toward danger while others were running away.

We should remember, but we should also turn our remembrance into faith. We cannot control what tomorrow will bring, but we can know the One who holds tomorrow. When fear comes, run to God. When grief comes, seek His comfort. When uncertainty comes, trust His sovereignty.

The answer to a troubled world is not found in pretending trouble does not exist. It is found in knowing that God is with us in the middle of it.

Truth For The Day
When the world feels uncertain, God remains our certain refuge.

Pray
Lord, today we remember September 11 and the lives that were lost and the families whose lives were forever changed. Comfort those who still carry grief from that day. Thank You for the courage of those who sacrificed themselves to help others. Help us never to forget. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you spending too much time wishing for the past instead of asking God what He wants you to do today?

Context
Ecclesiastes is a book of wisdom that teaches us to see life from God’s perspective. In this verse, Solomon warns against constantly looking backward and assuming that the past was better than the present. Nostalgia can cause us to overlook what God is doing today.

Application
It is easy to say, “Things were better back then.” We remember the good moments and often forget the difficulties that came with them. But God has placed us in this season for a reason. Instead of wishing for yesterday, we should ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me today? How can I honor You with the opportunities You have given me now?”

The past can teach us, but it was never meant to hold us captive. We cannot go back and relive yesterday, but we can faithfully live today.

Truth For The Day
God wants us to trust Him with today instead of longing for yesterday.

Pray
Lord, thank You for every season of my life. Help me not to live in the past or constantly wish for yesterday. Give me wisdom to recognize what You are doing in my life today and faith to trust You with tomorrow. Help me use this day for Your glory and faithfully follow You wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

From the rising of the sun to its going down the LORD’s name is to be praised.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one thing you can praise God for today?

Context
Psalm 113 begins and ends with a call to praise the Lord. The psalmist reminds us that God is worthy of praise at all times and in every place. From the moment the sun rises until it sets, His name deserves to be lifted up. This is not simply a command for Sunday worship, it is a call to make praise a way of life.

Application
It is easy to praise God when everything is going your way. But Psalm 113:3 challenges us to praise Him throughout the entire day, regardless of our circumstances. When you wake up, praise Him for another day. When you face difficulty, praise Him for His faithfulness. When you experience blessing, praise Him for His goodness. When the day comes to an end, look back and recognize His hand at work.

Praise changes our focus. Instead of allowing our circumstances to become bigger than God, we remind ourselves that God is greater than our circumstances.

Truth For The Day
God is worthy of our praise from sunrise to sunset because He is always faithful.

Pray
Lord, help me to praise You throughout this entire day. When life is good, keep me grateful. When life is difficult, keep me trusting. Don’t let my circumstances determine my worship. Remind me that You are always worthy of praise because You are always faithful. May my words, thoughts, and actions bring glory to Your name from sunrise to sunset. In Jesus’ name, Amen.