Psalm 68 - Serve and Be Served

Most of us will admit we need God and we are satisfied once He fills our own needs. But God doesn't save us and provide for us so we can sit back and watch those around us drown. We have been reminded continually through the Psalms that God provides. But how does He provided for you? He uses His creation and His people to provide for your needs. When you are lonely, He sends a friend. When you are disappointed, He sends an encouragement through a person, when you've been wronged, he sends justice or comfort through people, when you are hungry you eat His food. We aren't suppose to rely on people to meet our needs but are to rely on God to meet our needs with people. That means you are to serve and be served. Do you actively look for ways to serve those in need? Who in your life is fatherless, widowed, imprisoned, poor, or alone? You've been given alot to give away. But you also must allow yourself to be served. So many want to bear their burdens alone. Do you ever cry out to God for help because you are so overwhelmed but then don't take a friend up on her offer to watch your kids? Have you ever cried out to God to help your marriage but then not set up the babysitter for a date night or tell your husband you'd rather read than join the activity he's invited you to do with him. If we can cast our cares on Him who promises to daily bear our burdens then we are able to help shoulder the needs of others. If we are carrying around our burdens ourself we will get worn out and self focused. God is awesome and gives power and strength to His people to help another which proclaims the power of God.

Psalm 68 Questions -

1. What things are smoke and wax in your life that will blow and melt away before God?

2. Do you envy people or things that God chooses to bless? Could pride be limiting your relationship with God?

3. Read Ephesians 4:1-16. What gifts have you been given? Are you using them to further the fame and name of God or yourself?

4. Do you daily give your burdens to Christ to bear or do you shoulder them until they cause you to fall?

5. What do you do that proclaims the power of God?

6. Where do you turn for power and strength? When do you feel weak?