2026-01-04 Awaken My Heart

Awaken Your Heart: Discovering God in the Wilderness of Life

Ever find yourself wondering if God is trying to tell you something, especially during life's most challenging moments? As we step into a new year, many of us are eager to make changes—whether it's hitting the gym or starting a new diet. But what if the most important transformation is awakening our hearts to God? This sermon on solitude and spiritual growth invites us to explore how we can truly connect with God, even in the wilderness of our lives.

David's Wilderness Experience

Imagine being in King David's shoes. Once a mighty ruler, he found himself in the wilderness, hunted by his own son, Absalom. This wasn't just a family squabble; it was a life-threatening rebellion. Yet, in this desolate place, David penned Psalm 63, a powerful testament to his unwavering faith. He writes, "God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you, my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water."

David's story teaches us that spiritual awakening often begins in our most challenging times. When everything else is stripped away, we discover that God is better than life itself. It's not about self-improvement or new resolutions; it's about a heart that longs for God above all else.

The Power of Solitude

Why does solitude matter in our spiritual journey? In the quiet moments, away from the noise and distractions, we can truly hear God's voice. David's wilderness experience wasn't just a physical journey; it was a spiritual one. He valued God above all, declaring that God's love is better than life itself. This wasn't just theology for David; it was a lived conviction.

When was the last time you paused to listen for God? In our busy lives, it's easy to fill our thirst with substitutes—busyness, entertainment, or success. But true satisfaction comes from God alone. As David discovered, worship isn't about circumstances; it's about valuing God above all else.

Trusting God for the Future

David's confidence in God didn't come from changed circumstances. He was still in the wilderness, yet he trusted God for what lay ahead. This kind of faith is echoed in the New Testament by Paul and Silas, who sang hymns in a Philippian jail, praising God before their chains fell off.

What about you? If your future feels uncertain, if your prayers seem unanswered, worship anyway. Trust that God holds the future, even when you can't see the outcome. Confidence doesn't come from changed circumstances; it comes from a heart awakened to the God of the impossible.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

1. Seek God Earnestly: Begin each day with a simple prayer, asking God to awaken your heart to His presence.

2. Value God Above All: Reflect on what truly matters in your life. Are there areas where you need to prioritize God over comfort or success?

3. Embrace Solitude: Set aside time each week to be alone with God. Use this time to meditate on His word and listen for His voice.

4. Trust God for the Future: Write down your fears and uncertainties, then pray over them, asking God to help you trust Him with what lies ahead.

A Prayer for Awakening

Heavenly Father, awaken our hearts to seek You earnestly. Help us to value Your love above all else and trust You with our future. In the quiet moments, may we hear Your voice and find peace in Your presence. Amen.

As we journey through this new year, let's commit to awakening our hearts to God, trusting Him in every season of life. Whether you're a regular churchgoer or exploring faith for the first time, know that God is ready to meet you in the wilderness and lead you into a deeper relationship with Him.

2025-12-28 THE DEEP, DEEP LOVE OF GOD FOR US

Discovering God's Deep Love: Seeing Through 

Jesus' Eyes on the Cross

Ever Wonder How Deep God's Love Really Is?

Have you ever paused to consider the depth of God's love for you? It's a question that can transform your understanding of faith and life. This past Sunday, we explored this profound theme through the lens of Psalm 22, a passage that offers a unique glimpse into Jesus' experience on the cross. This sermon wasn't just a recounting of biblical events; it was an invitation to see the world through Jesus' eyes and to grasp the magnitude of His love for us.

The Cross Through Jesus' Eyes

Imagine standing at the foot of the cross, witnessing the events of that day. Psalm 22, written a thousand years before Jesus' crucifixion, prophetically captures His thoughts and feelings. It begins with the haunting words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). These words, echoed by Jesus on the cross, reveal the depth of His suffering and the weight of our sins that He bore.

As Jesus hung there, He saw the mocking crowd, the soldiers casting lots for His garments, and His mother standing by. Yet, in the midst of His agony, He uttered words of forgiveness and love. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). This is the heart of our Savior—compassionate, forgiving, and full of grace.

Why Solitude Matters in Spiritual Growth

In the solitude of the cross, Jesus demonstrated the power of being alone with God. It was in this solitude that He fulfilled His mission, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This solitude wasn't just physical; it was a profound spiritual experience. Jesus' cry of abandonment, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), reflects the depth of His isolation as He took on the sins of the world.

For us, solitude can be a time to hear God's voice and grow spiritually. When was the last time you paused to listen for God in the quiet moments of your life? Solitude allows us to reflect on our relationship with God and to understand His love more deeply.

Practical Steps to Embrace God's Love

Understanding God's love isn't just about knowledge; it's about transformation. Here are a few steps to help you embrace this love:

1. Reflect on Scripture: Spend time reading Psalm 22 and the Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. Let these passages speak to your heart.

2. Seek Solitude: Find moments of quiet in your day to pray and listen for God's voice. Solitude can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth.

3. Share the Good News: As you experience God's love, share it with others. Be an ambassador of His grace and forgiveness.

A Prayer for Deeper Understanding

Heavenly Father, thank You for the deep, deep love You have shown us through Jesus. Help us to see the world through His eyes and to understand the sacrifice He made for us. May we find moments of solitude to hear Your voice and grow in our faith. Guide us to share Your love with those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As you go about your week, remember that God's love is vast and unending. Let it transform your heart and inspire you to live out your faith with courage and compassion. If you're exploring faith or seeking to deepen your relationship with God, we invite you to join us at our next service or reach out for a conversation. You're not alone on this journey, and we're here to walk alongside you.