Dear Eden families,
We wanted to talk about worshiping even when it is hard, while giving God the glory. We have been reflecting on a few songs that talk about how God is working even when we can’t feel it, and turning our situations around for His Glory during this time.
A verse that talks about this topic is Isaiah 25:1,
“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
This verse is talking about how we will praise the Lord because He has always kept His promise. The Lord planned things according to His will a long time ago that we may never understand, but He is using it for our good. If you don’t believe us, Romans 8:28 says,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
So, if we have been reconciled with Christ, He is working everything for our good. Our definition and God’s definition may look different at the time, but God’s ways are ALWAYS higher than our ways. So, as we look at some worship songs, really reflect on who God is.
One of our favorite worship songs is called Fighting For Me by Riley Clemmons. It is mainly talking about how God is always going with us everywhere we go and will never stop fighting for us.
The chorus is:
You stand up for me
In the darkest night
When my faith is weak
You're still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me
This shows us that no matter what it is, God will never leave our sides! He will go before us and fight for us in everything that we go through! He is fighting for us right this second! He is fighting for us now! He fought for us yesterday! He will be fighting for us in 100 years! Guys, I promise that He has been fighting against the COVID-19!
In the song Waymaker, we are reminded that even when we can’t see it, He is working! Even when we can’t feel it, He is working! He will NEVER stop working!
Another one of our favorite songs is called See a Victory! Part of it says:
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it to good
You turn it to good
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to You, Lord
Our God is so amazing that the enemy tried to take something and turn it to evil! But, God took it from him and turned it good! The enemy tried to make this virus into something evil, but God has a bigger plan to turn it into something good! God is working in this exact situation to turn something that seems awful into something that is beneficial to us. You may be wondering how this could be true, but think about this: our nation can become closer together and many people can come to Christ from this virus! For example, churches can livestream their services, and anyone can listen to them (even if they usually don’t go to church). God is taking a situation that may seem bad, and turning it for our good!
Our God is always victorious! He is stronger than this whole virus! He will never stop fighting for us! Even when we can’t see it, He’s working and moving in us! He will deliver us through this time! He will turn what the enemy meant for evil, and turn it into something good!
Today, we want to challenge you to do a few things.
- Make a list of either things you are thankful for or ways that God has worked things for your good in the past. What is something beneficial that has come out of this situation?
- Take some time to listen to the worship songs and read the verses that we have included in this devotion.
- Spend some time in reflection on the following questions (be HONEST with yourself)
- Do I praise God even when I am at my lowest of lows? Or, do I just pray that He will take it all away, and praise Him when He does?
- Do you truly believe that God works everything for your good?
- What are some ways that I can be a witness of serving a God that is taking what the enemy meant for evil and turning it for good?
- Are you giving the battle to the Lord?
- SHARE it with someone (friend, family member, mentor, neighbor or teacher)! This may not always be in your comfort zone, but trust us, an accountability partner helps you to stick to it and really reflect on what God might be saying to you.
Our GOD IS SO GOOD! We serve and live for a God who is bigger than any challenge or obstacle we may face! Praise Him both in the storm and out of it! Also, this season is going to look different than any other season we have ever had! Worship Him! Praise Him for His sacrifice! Thank Him that we can still stay connected online!
Have an amazing day!
Jessie, Mira, Emma
Students in grade 8
Helpful verses in this time:
God has a plan, and is in control - Romans 8:18, John 13:7, Jeremiah 33:3, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Proverbs 3:6, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Isaiah 46:4, John 16:33, Matthew 24:44, James 5:8, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 35:10, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 48:14, Psalm 23:4, Hebrews 13:5, Habakkuk 3:19, Isaiah 66:9
Fear - Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 91:5, Psalm 94:18-19, John 14:27,
Hebrews 13:6, Psalm 118:6, Psalm 56:3, Isaiah 41:13, 1 John 4:18, Proverbs 31:25, Psalm 37:5, Ephesians 4:23, Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Timothy 1:7, Joshua 1:9
Faith - Hebrews 11:1, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 17:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:2, Job 34:32, John 16:32, Psalm 118:5, Exodus 14:14, Romans 12:12, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 12:2, Romans 10:17, Jeremiah 17:7, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 48:14, Luke 22:32, Psalm 31:24, Hosea 12:6, Matthew 19:26, Psalm 139:9-10, Psalm 91:2
Songs that are helpful during this time:
"Fighting For Me"
“Waymaker”
“See A Victory”
“Raise A Hallelujah”
“Lord, I Need You”
“Trust In You”
“Voice of Truth”
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
“Stand In Your Love”
