Dwell | PsalmsSample

My Rock and My Redeemer

Introduction

Hi this is Jessika, and welcome to Dwell.

For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we recenter upon the Lord by opening our hearts to hear from him through the words of Scripture.

Thanks for joining us.

Silence

As we begin, let's sit in silence for a moment, seeking to be attentive to the presence of God, the one in whom we live and move and have our being.

Passage

Today’s passage comes from Psalm 19:14.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (ESV)

Exhortation

When I was a child, my Mama's opinion was the only adult perspective that truly mattered. Whether it was about how I dressed, how I spoke, or the things I did, I would casually dismiss unsolicited opinions by saying, "Well, my mum says it's fine." The child in me firmly believed that if it was acceptable in my Mama’s eyes, external comments held little significance. All that mattered was her approval because she was the most important adult in my life.

This childlike simplicity, if you will, is what we should cultivate in our relationship with our Father. Our primary concern should be that the words we speak line up with His will and bring honor to Him. We should focus on ensuring that the meditations of our hearts — our innermost thoughts, intentions, and reflections — are acceptable in His sight.

Why? Because He holds the utmost importance in our lives. He is our unyielding 'rock,' providing strength and stability in every season. He is our ‘redeemer’, our constant source of salvation and deliverance.

Let Psalm 19:14 resonate with the child within you, that part yearning to fulfill God's will in both speech and thought, simply to please your Father. Today, let this verse unlock that childlike devotion within you.

Active Response

In response, let's return to the truth from today's passage one more time and spend a moment in quiet reflection:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Closing Prayer

Oh Lord,

In our reflections on the innocence of a child seeking a parent's approval, we collectively bring our hearts before You. In the simplicity of that childlike trust, we aspire to align our words with Your will and our thoughts with Your intentions.

Guide us in prioritizing your approval above all else. May our shared desire be to please You in both speech and thought, recognizing Your utmost importance in our lives.

In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Outro

Now, go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.