NEWThe AMI QT Devotionals for today is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland. Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot School of Theology (Th.M.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Simplicity”
Psalm 27:4-8 (NASB)
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. 5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. 6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
My wife and I just celebrated my daughter’s second birthday, and I must admit these past couple of years have been a learning experience. But as much as I have learned already, there seems to always be more philosophies, methodologies, and practices (many which contradict each other) in how to raise a child. In fact, what I am most confident about is the fact that there isn’t one “this is how it should be done.”
But this isn’t just in parenting. It’s the case in all areas of life. It’s driven by an assumption that having more options is always better. More options mean more choices, which somehow guarantees better results. But that isn’t always the case, is it? In an age of endless research and information, sometimes it’s nice to have just one solution. There is great value in simplicity.
This is the heart expressed by David: One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek. While running for his life as a fugitive, the one thing David seeks above all else is the presence of God. Before, I understood this as a reminder to forsake all other things so that I may find my security in God, especially in the midst of trials. More recently, however, this psalm spoke differently to me.
It showed me the value of simplicity. There is great joy and freedom in simplicity. I don’t need to research more. I don’t need all the understanding in the world or the “right” words to say in order for God to hear my prayers. I just need to know that no matter what I face, what I need is God’s presence. And that is a prayer that God is always faithful to answer. This is what David prayed for: One thing have I asked of the Lord.
Have you ever had a time when you became discouraged because you weren’t sure what to pray for? Well this psalm shows us that it’s not so much about what we ask for but more so Who we ask for. And when we ask for His presence, we’ll realize that the other questions and concerns don’t matter as much. Because what we always needed was Him.
Prayer: Father, thank You. Thank You that You are always the answer. Thank You that we don’t need complete understanding or some semblance of clarity. We thank You for the freedom we have in this simple confession that all we need is You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 20
Lunch Break Study
Read Romans 8:14-17, 26-27 (NASB): “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him… 26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Questions to Consider
- What is the indicator that we are children of God?
- Limiting your response to this passage, what does the Spirit do in the life of a child of God?
- What does it mean to you that when we do not know how to pray, that the Spirit of God intercedes on your behalf?
Notes
- The Spirit of God and being led by the Spirit is the indicator that we have been made sons and daughters of God. Verse 16 – the Spirit Himself testifies of this reality.
- The Spirit of God leads us (v.14), He frees us and calls us to cry out to God (v.15), He assures us of our adoption (v. 16), He intercedes on our behalf with words that we don’t have ourselves (v.26)
- Personal response. There is great freedom that though we do not have the words, the Spirit who knows the mind of God, intercedes on our behalf. And just like David is Psalm 27, the first thing the Spirit cries on our behalf is “Abba! Father!”
Evening Reflection
There are many things that happened throughout today: While some of you have come to terms with certain issues in your life, others are still wrestling through them. But no matter what you may have encountered today, there is great freedom in this simple truth: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Take a moment to allow this great yet simple truth to fill your heart and your mind as you find your rest tonight.