‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭17‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬ — Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men.

The well known lyrics of “Amazing Grace” were written by John Newton in 1772. You can read more on Wikipedia. Some of the lyrics sing; “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.”

In our key verse, David is telling the Lord that he didn’t deserve all that He had done for him. How often do we say; who am I? For me, I often think about it when I fall short to sin. 

Many artists have sung this song. A personal favorite of mine is a modernized version of Amazing Grace, from the a cappella group, Pentatonix.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for saving me. Thank You for Your unending grace that rescues me. Help me to live out my life so that others may experience this same love and grace that only You can provide. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

We read in ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

Many of you have heard the story of Horatio Spafford who wrote the song, “It Is Well With My Soul.” If you haven’t, you can read more on Wikipedia. In 1871 Horatio lost his entire family. First, his son had died of pneumonia, followed by his four other children, who drowned. Some of the lyrics include; “Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”

In our key verse John teaches us that no matter the grief we experience here on Earth, no one can take away the joy we will experience one day in our heavenly home. I am so thankful for the eternal lot that I have in Heaven. 

There are many artists who have sung this song. A version I like is by Reawaken Hymns.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You that no matter what I face, I can still experience joy. Help me to rejoice through my trials so that others may see You. Help me to find joy here on earth through Your goodness that continues to follow me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭ASV‬‬ — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

This week I want us to get back to our roots and worship with some old hymnal songs. One of my favorites, “Blessed Assurance” was created in 1873. The words written by Fanny Crosby and music by Phoebe Knapp. Some of the lyrics sing; “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.” 

We all have a story. Would you believe that Fanny Crosby’s story includes that she was blind? In our key verse the Apostle Paul doesn’t promise the Christian life to be easy. To live in Christ is the constant pursuit to follow Him, knowing that we have the promise of eternal life no matter what our present circumstances are. 

You can read more about Blessed Assurance on Wikipedia. There are many artists that have sung this song. I personally enjoy listening to Carrie Underwood’s rendition.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the freedom to pursue You. Help others to see You through my story. In my present circumstances, help me to remember that my story isn’t over yet. There is victory ahead. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV —- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
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Watch today’s See You Saturday video to hear about a fear Julie and I overcame together with the love and encouragement of Jesus.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank you for Your endless love that helps me overcome my fears. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 ESV (English Standard Version) — So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Pull out your list of fears one more time. Read through them and make notes on ways God has spoken to you or reassured you this week. How are you feeling about fear today? Are you ready to break up with fear? Take a moment now to listen to “The Breakup Song” by Francesca Battistelli.

Are you ready to “break up” with your fears? Are you ready to lay down your list of fears and trust God? Today, let’s allow our faith to be bigger than our fears. Let’s walk by faith.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I lay my fears at Your feet. Continue to give me strength and courage to trust, obey, and walk by faith. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV — Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Last week and this week we have been addressing our fears. Yesterday I encouraged you to remember times God has fought for you. Today, let’s praise God for His faithfulness. First, read this history of the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” written by Hymnology.

Now spend some time praising God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for fighting your battles. Give thanksgiving for His mercies and compassions that are new every day. I encourage you to hold your list of fears up as you praise God and listen to this version of the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Draw courage from God as you worship and praise Him.

Let’s pray. Dear God, great is Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your new mercies and compassion for me. I lay my fears before You and praise You for the work You are doing and will continue in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Exodus 14:14 NIV — The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Take a moment to remember the story of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt by reading all of Exodus 14.

Pull out that list of fears you have been working through this week. Some of your fears may be fear of failure, fear you are not enough for a task, or fear of success. Now put yourself in the Israelites’ shoes, which were probably dusty sandals. Imagine their thoughts and fears as they left their homes in Egypt. What a scary adventure! Moses told them that God would fight for them and God did just that.

Now take a moment to sit and remember all of the times God has fought for you, strengthened you, and brought you through deep waters on dry ground,  just as He did for the Israelites. Reread your list of fears through the lens of God’s warrior heart. 

As you close your time of reflection today, listen to “Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickham. Draw strength, courage, and assurance from the words of the song and trust that God will fight for you as you face your fears today.

Let’s pray. Thank You God for fighting for me. Forgive me for times I focus on my fears instead of Your steadfast love. May I be ever mindful of how You fight for me everyday. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.