Hey Wednesday Weekly friends,
I'm Bro. Stephen Copeland, filling in for Bro. Patrick while he's serving at Kids Camp this week. I may not have met each one of you, but know that I love you and want to see every one of you in Heaven someday!
I asked Bro. Patrick if it would be cheating for me to simply submit Psalm 34 for the weekly devotional.....It's SO good. If you haven't read it lately, I would encourage you to get your Bible out and read it verse by verse. I'll add a few of my meager thoughts, but the Scripture truly speaks for itself.
It starts with:
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad." (Psalm 34:1-2)
In a world that loves the latest gossip and hot takes, Lord help me to be speaking His praises and boasting only in Him at all times! This alone would solve a ton of problems people go through. I don't think it's a mistake that David says his soul will make her boast in the Lord. This is something that comes from deep within and it's not just surface level. It reminds me of another Scripture: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Our mindset matters! Do we constantly think negatively of others, or criticize? Lord help me to boast only in him and to keep my thoughts on good things.
"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:3)
I love the invitation this Psalm gives—we aren't in this race alone! I enjoy hearing someone sing a solo just like anyone else, but have you ever been in a church service with congregational singing where the Spirit just takes over? There is something powerful and unifying about worshiping together. Worship doesn't exclude; it's freely available to anyone and everyone. Beautiful congregational worship from Christ's Sanctified Holy Church Campmeeting from 1998.
"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." (Psalm 34:4-6)
These verses encapsulate my testimony in such a simple but beautiful way. What a blessing it is to call upon the Lord and know that he hears you! And not only does he hear, but he delivers and saves. He cares, and there is no sin, burden, or problem too great for him to handle.
The chapter goes on for sixteen more verses, and once again, I encourage you to take a few moments to read it when you can. I hope it encourages you as much as it encouraged me.
Blessings,
Bro. Stephen Copeland
