How to Find God: Praise. Thank. Seek.

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Summer in the Psalms is a sermon and written reflection series based on the weekly Psalm and associated readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. This week’s Psalm is Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b.

Guest writer: Mary Lynn Errigo

Read

Matthew 14:22-33

Reflect

Psalm 105 urges us to give thanks to the Lord and call upon His name. It tells us of the Lord’s wonderful works on behalf of Israel. It reminds us of God’s covenant with us and that He will keep His word forever. He is worthy of all our honor and praise.

The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3). So when we give Him thanks and praise, He shows up. As we call upon His name and tell everyone around us of all the blessings He has bestowed upon us, doing these things will begin to become natural to us.

Jesus tells us that if we seek Him with all of our hearts we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). He says when we call upon Him, He will tell us great and mighty things that we would not otherwise know (Jeremiah 33:3). Imagine that! He will reveal to us great and mighty things from the mind of God, just for seeking Him and calling upon His name.

Matthew 14 tells us that Jesus often went off by Himself to spend time with His Father. Just Him and His Dad, talking and learning about God’s will. Jesus also demonstrated the Father’s love and care through His many miracles, miracles that brought safety, calmed fears, and met needs. Imagine this God, who loves to spend time with us, who keeps His promises to us, who says He will make our hearts glad. Why wouldn’t we run to this Father with such a love as this?

God is real and alive. When we take the time to sit before Him and wait on Him, we will begin to feel the joy of basking in His presence.

Respond

Are you feeling weak and worn down today? Have the worries in your life and for the people whom you love become a burden to you? Go to your Father and tell Him about it. Give Him thanks and praise today for all the blessings that He has given you.

God is already in your future, knowing where you’re going, waiting to spend time with you and to renew you. He says, “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Spend time with Him. He will tell you great things and give you strength for the day.

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