King David was no stranger to danger. He faced threats (internal and external), sickness, and war. One of the reasons so many people love his psalms is because they are so honest. He demonstrates a wide range of emotions and thoughts while speaking to (or talking about) God, and while going through his various difficulties. … Continue reading Fighting pessimism with praise
worry
God is bigger
According to an old legend, many years ago when spies were taken captive by the Persian Army and brought in to be killed, the general did something strange. He would give the spy an option. He could choose to face the firing squad, or he could choose to be subject to whatever was behind a … Continue reading God is bigger
Worry grows when left alone
I recently read that the word ‘worry’ comes from an old German word ‘wurgen’ meaning ‘to strangle, constrict, choke.’ That’s telling, isn’t it? Worry strangles our brains, constricts our perspective, and chokes our peace of mind. One of the things I’ve learned about worry is that it grows when left alone. If you don’t proactively … Continue reading Worry grows when left alone
The future you? A pillar of righteousness and peace
Imagine someone describing you like this: “They’re a pillar! They try to live rightly before God and others, and are free from excessive worry.” Wouldn’t that be great! But hold on, let’s back up a minute. There are times when hardship is discipline from God. I’m not saying that all hardship is discipline from our … Continue reading The future you? A pillar of righteousness and peace
Worrying means you suffer twice
In the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander tells people not to worry. In response, one of the characters says, “Tell me, has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?” He replies: “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”* Isn’t that great? Worry is a … Continue reading Worrying means you suffer twice
Even after you have disappeared from the earth
There is a famous poem by Shelley called “Ozymandias” which describes the remains of a statue found in the desert. The pedestal of the statue has this inscription: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”* Wow, he must have been a very impressive ruler! But hold on. … Continue reading Even after you have disappeared from the earth
Brains like a broken Etch-A-Sketch?
What will next month hold? Or next year? Or the next 5 years? At this point in human history, we’re not so sure. Covid-19 has changed a lot of things. But guess what? God provides. Speaking to the Hebrews in Deuteronomy 8:4, Moses reminded them about this very fact, even as they had wandered through … Continue reading Brains like a broken Etch-A-Sketch?
Does it choke it or stoke it?
In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus says that some people “hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” He’s describing people who don’t respond well to God’s word and message because of three things. The one we’ll … Continue reading Does it choke it or stoke it?
In the chaos
Last week I was talking to one of our church elders about the Canadian federal election. He said, ‘No matter who wins, God is still in control.’ He wasn’t being dismissive. Elections matter. What he was doing was demonstrating great confidence in the almightiness of God. God is on his throne. As we read in … Continue reading In the chaos
The virtue of material modesty
This week we’re wrestling with worry. After all, if we don’t find a way to take it down, it will gladly do so to us! Today’s idea goes hand-in-hand with what we’ve talked about already—about rooting yourself in the voice of Christ, about using a worry filter, and about practicing gratitude proactively. Here it is: … Continue reading The virtue of material modesty
The Up Devotional 