It’s an emotional time, and God can meet us where we are. This series looks at different meetings between God and people in the Psalms across a range of feelings and situations. Can you find yourself and God here?
For more on the Psalms, see our Boxset Binge The Bible series here.
Are you anxious about what to do in life? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at a worship Psalm where the writer's main concern isn't to work out their activity but bond in their being with God. We can generate needless stress for ourselves by focusing on working to please people, or God, instead of being strengthened through healthy relationships. Can letting God search, test and shape our character relieve us of stress as well as guiding what we do?
How can we face huge obstacles and learn to overcome them? In this talk, Bern Leckie looks at Psalm 18 and the training journey David is taken on by God after crying for help in a desperate situation. He sees what God can do, then starts to walk with God, get trained and strengthened by him, and finally can do everything he needs to claim victory in God's strength. Can we apply this where we need help and strengthening in our lives?
How can we make a difference in difficult times? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at why our hurried, anxious responses to challenge can make life worse, but if we can learn to become a non-anxious presence, we can change our world. We can learn about how to do this from the writer of Psalm 37. Like them, can we trust God to help us, creating space in our lives for trust and delight to grow?
How do our desires shape the direction of our lives? In this talk, Joanna Moss looks at Psalm 84, and how a longing to be with God and in His presence can influence and bless the rest of our lives. Through this Psalm we learn that as we take time out from our busy lives to centre on God and receive His blessings, we can become more aware of God’s presence in us and at work in our lives. Can this Psalm be an encouragement for us to seek more time to just be with God?
How good is the feeling of relief? In this talk, Sarah Dowdeswell looks at how important it is for us to feel "Phew!" or "Finally!" kinds of relief when our circumstances change. Psalm 23 has become famously useful for connecting with God when we need relief, even if we are not yet seeing the changes we would like. Can we believe that God's grace is bigger than the circumstances we are in?
When we are feeling lost, how can we regain peace and perspective? In this talk, Claire Lynch looks at a Psalm with a heart cry to God about his awesomeness. It points to a “King of Glory” who is strong, victorious, connects people to God and is coming to change our city and the rest of the world. We recognise him as Jesus. But when we hit challenges and obstacles in life, are we welcoming him in to do what he does best?
How can we turn difficulty and pain into positivity and praise? In this talk, Dan Green looks at a time when David chose to turn his focus from himself to God. As David reminded himself of God’s character and what he had done, David gained a fresh perspective on his own place in the world. Could this also help us to find more joy, thankfulness and peace in life?
What happens when we bring our pain to God? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at Psalm 40, a heartfelt cry of desperation quoted across our culture, including at the end of every U2 concert. If we can identify with the urgent call for help to deal with stuff which looks too hard for us, maybe we can feel God’s closeness the way this writer could too.
