My name is Kurt Drescher and I am the pastor of stewardship here at Grace. My wife Sharon and I live in Reading, and like many of you, we have been spending a lot of time together at the house these past couple of weeks. We have never been in the situation where we both have been working from home all day – every day. Navigating these uncharted waters, despite all the challenges, Sharon and I are coming to the realization that there are still so many things for which we are truly grateful. I will say that our morning walks together with the dog have been a little bit more regular and the number of meals we have together has increased, and our conversations have been a lot deeper. I think that could be said of our devotional and prayer life as well – more regular and a whole lot deeper. While we all navigate these unprecedented times – I think some of the questions we are asking God are revealing, at least for us, just how much we do trust and find comfort in God and in His Word. There are so many promises imbedded in scripture. The words “God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble” seem significantly more meaningful to us today than they did even a few weeks ago. We talked about what we could be reading together, and I went to the bookshelf and found a book, given to us many years ago from an older and much wiser couple. It is favorite and familiar devotional of ours – “A Yearlong Journey through the Psalms”. I would like to share some passages and promises from God that we find in the Psalms.

G for God is good!

Psalm 145:8-10 (NIV)

8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The Lord is good to all;

he has compassion on all he has made.

10 All your works praise you, Lord;

your faithful people extol you.

R for Rest in Him!

Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

my hope comes from him.

6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God[a];

he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, you people;

pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge.

A for Adore and praise Him!

Psalm 145:1-3 (NIV)

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;

I will praise your name for ever and ever.

2 Every day I will praise you

and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

T for Trust in Him!

Psalm 37:3-6 (NIV)

3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

E for Endure in His Love!

Psalm 136:1-4 (NIV)

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,

His love endures forever.

F for Faithful forever!

Psalm 119:89-90 (NIV)

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;

it stands firm in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;

you established the earth, and it endures.

U for Unchanging

Psalm 102:1-2;25-27 (NIV)

1 Hear my prayer, Lord;

let my cry for help come to you.

2 Do not hide your face from me

when I am in distress.

Turn your ear to me;

when I call, answer me quickly.

25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26 They will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

Like clothing you will change them

and they will be discarded.

27 But you remain the same,

and your years will never end.

L for Love that is unfailing

Psalm 33:5-6;20-22 (NIV)

5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,

their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

20 We wait in hope for the Lord;

he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,

even as we put our hope in you.

I find reading even familiar scripture passages takes on a whole dimension these days. It is both our prayer and deepest desire that during all this turmoil people who are far from God would draw closer and folks who are close to God would experience an even deeper and richer relationship. Sharon and I are GRATEFUL to and for our great God and we are trusting in His goodness, faithfulness and unfailing love for each and every one of us. As you go through your day, in this ever changing “normal”, consider intentionally pursuing gratitude. Colossians 3:15 gives us three important words at the end of the verse: AND BE THANKFUL. What can we give thanks for today?

God is good!

Rest in Him!

Adore and praise Him!

Trust in Him!

Endure in His Love!

Faithful forever!

Unchanging!

Love that is unfailing!

The General Thanksgiving Prayer

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,

we, your unworthy servants give you humble thanks

for all your goodness and loving-kindness

to us and to all whom you have made.

We bless you for our creation, preservation,

and all the blessings of this life;

but above all for your immeasurable love

in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;

for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,

that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,

not only with our lips, but in our lives,

by giving up ourselves to your service,

and by walking before you

in holiness and righteousness all our days;

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.