This week's time spent in Psalm 46 has reaffirmed our trust in God as our refuge, strength, and ever-present help while realigning our hearts with His ways. Recognizing His greatness, faithfulness, and protection invites us to stop striving and, instead, depend on Him in every circumstance. Rather than rush past this powerful insight, Scripture, specifically the book of Psalms, invites us to engage in a contemplative practice called Selah. If the original authors found Selah as a necessary and important exercise, so should we, and that’s why we want to practice it today.

This week's time spent in Psalm 46 has reaffirmed our trust in God as our refuge, strength, and ever-present help while realigning our hearts with His ways. Recognizing His greatness, faithfulness, and protection invites us to stop striving and, instead, depend on Him in every circumstance. Rather than rush past this powerful insight, Scripture, specifically the book of Psalms, invites us to engage in a contemplative practice called Selah. If the original authors found Selah as a necessary and important exercise, so should we, and that’s why we want to practice it today.

Psalm 46 - "Selah" (Day 5)

Today, we turn our attention to Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God." At first glance, this beloved verse seems tailor-made for a summer centered on rest, especially when it falls on a Thursday - near the end of a busy and demanding week. But, what if our interpretation and understanding of this passage can be a worthwhile spiritual practice while at the same time taking it entirely out of context? Perhaps our answer is found in what drives and motivates us to run ourselves ragged, pushing ourselves to the limit.

Today, we turn our attention to Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God." At first glance, this beloved verse seems tailor-made for a summer centered on rest, especially when it falls on a Thursday - near the end of a busy and demanding week. But, what if our interpretation and understanding of this passage can be a worthwhile spiritual practice while at the same time taking it entirely out of context? Perhaps our answer is found in what drives and motivates us to run ourselves ragged, pushing ourselves to the limit.

Psalm 46 - "Cease Striving" (Day 4)

God's provision and peace are not only constant; they're also abundant. Unfortunately, over the years, some have hijacked, distorted, and twisted the meaning of abundance to the point where it looks nowhere close to God's original intent. Abundance has nothing to do with our wealth, prosperity, or personal well-being. It's about God and uplifting others.

God's provision and peace are not only constant; they're also abundant. Unfortunately, over the years, some have hijacked, distorted, and twisted the meaning of abundance to the point where it looks nowhere close to God's original intent. Abundance has nothing to do with our wealth, prosperity, or personal well-being. It's about God and uplifting others.

Psalm 46 - "Whose Streams Make Glad" (Day 3)

Regardless of whether our hearts are heavy or jumping for joy, His presence and help are beside us. In the bad and the good, His Spirit is there to guide, encourage, and inspire us. The God we worship isn't detached, distracted, or distant. During our most significant times of need, He isn't sort-of there or halfway paying attention. Neither is He bothered or annoyed by our pleading, conversation, and prayers; God cherishes the dialogue and invites us to come to His throne with our needs, fears, and hopes with bold confidence.

Regardless of whether our hearts are heavy or jumping for joy, His presence and help are beside us. In the bad and the good, His Spirit is there to guide, encourage, and inspire us. The God we worship isn't detached, distracted, or distant. During our most significant times of need, He isn't sort-of there or halfway paying attention. Neither is He bothered or annoyed by our pleading, conversation, and prayers; God cherishes the dialogue and invites us to come to His throne with our needs, fears, and hopes with bold confidence.

Psalm 46 - "Ever Present Help" (Day 2)

Psalm 46 runs similar to many other poems inside the book of Psalms. The author finds themselves in some uncertain circumstances with chaos unfolding around them. But, rather than begin with words of distress, Psalm 46 opens up with a declaration - God is our refuge, strength, and ever-present help. We find safety, security, and rest for our weary souls in God. A fortress might not change the dire circumstances taking place outside its walls, but under its roof, a refuge keeps you safe, a feeling we all desperately need to experience.

Psalm 46 runs similar to many other poems inside the book of Psalms. The author finds themselves in some uncertain circumstances with chaos unfolding around them. But, rather than begin with words of distress, Psalm 46 opens up with a declaration - God is our refuge, strength, and ever-present help. We find safety, security, and rest for our weary souls in God. A fortress might not change the dire circumstances taking place outside its walls, but under its roof, a refuge keeps you safe, a feeling we all desperately need to experience.

Psalm 46 - “Refuge and Strength” (Day 1)

Sabbath isn’t just a day to not work; it’s a day to delight. We pull away from the pressure to perform and achieve to delight in what God has already done and the faithfulness and love He will continue to show. We delight in the things around us that reconnect us to God and breathe life into our souls and spark joy in our hearts.

Sabbath isn’t just a day to not work; it’s a day to delight. We pull away from the pressure to perform and achieve to delight in what God has already done and the faithfulness and love He will continue to show. We delight in the things around us that reconnect us to God and breathe life into our souls and spark joy in our hearts.

Laurelyn Shaw - "Discipline Of Delight" | Summer Sabbath, Week 6 - Message

Before we head into the weekend, we want to reflect one last time on Psalm 42 and how its author dealt with a downcast soul. So far, we've witnessed him engage in different habits that uplifted his spirits - recognizing his spiritual thirst, bringing his doubts and questions to God, preaching to himself, and acknowledging God's love by recalling His past faithfulness. These practices cause something to rise within us and spill out from us: worship.

Before we head into the weekend, we want to reflect one last time on Psalm 42 and how its author dealt with a downcast soul. So far, we've witnessed him engage in different habits that uplifted his spirits - recognizing his spiritual thirst, bringing his doubts and questions to God, preaching to himself, and acknowledging God's love by recalling His past faithfulness. These practices cause something to rise within us and spill out from us: worship.

Psalm 42 - “His Song Is With Me” (Day 5)

We all fight with forgetfulness, especially with our faith. We suffer from spiritual amnesia. We get so caught up in the here and now that we forget how many times God carried us through challenging times. Forgetfulness rears its ugly head most often during these moments of struggle. When we come face-to-face with adversity, we forget all that God has done for us.

We all fight with forgetfulness, especially with our faith. We suffer from spiritual amnesia. We get so caught up in the here and now that we forget how many times God carried us through challenging times. Forgetfulness rears its ugly head most often during these moments of struggle. When we come face-to-face with adversity, we forget all that God has done for us.

Psalm 42 - “I Will Remember” (Day 4)

We need to learn to stop listening to ourselves and start speaking to ourselves. We respond to the enemy's lies by shouting back God’s truth. This is what’s taking place in Psalm 42. The author is having a tough conversation with his soul and not pulling any punches. He goes further than simply asking why his soul is downcast; he urges it to continue hoping in God and praising Him.

We need to learn to stop listening to ourselves and start speaking to ourselves. We respond to the enemy's lies by shouting back God’s truth. This is what’s taking place in Psalm 42. The author is having a tough conversation with his soul and not pulling any punches. He goes further than simply asking why his soul is downcast; he urges it to continue hoping in God and praising Him.

Psalm 42 - “Preaching To Yourself” (Day 3)

In trying circumstances, what we do with our doubts and questions matters. Doubt can become a barrier toward faith, an excuse to give up hope, or utilized as an opportunity to take determined steps of faith and obedience amid trying times. Faith is not having all the answers but being convinced enough to commit and continue with courage. It is our faith that pleases God because faith requires trust and humility. Honest doubt fuels pursuit.

In trying circumstances, what we do with our doubts and questions matters. Doubt can become a barrier toward faith, an excuse to give up hope, or utilized as an opportunity to take determined steps of faith and obedience amid trying times. Faith is not having all the answers but being convinced enough to commit and continue with courage. It is our faith that pleases God because faith requires trust and humility. Honest doubt fuels pursuit.

Psalm 42 - “Why?” (Day 2)

Port City Community Church's mission is to Reach People and Help Them Walk With God. This podcast includes audio messages from Senior Pastor Mike Ashcraft and others. You can visit Port City online at www.portcity.church for additional content.

Despair is the backdrop for Psalm 42. In an attempt to capture the depths of what he was experiencing, the author leans on a familiar imagery in Scripture – water and thirst. The author finds himself beyond thirsty, but he’s not looking for relief from his circumstance; he has an aching longing for a relationship with his Creator. Like our bodies require water to function, our souls desperately need God to flourish. Because God created us in His image, we have a spiritual thirst that only God can satisfy.

Despair is the backdrop for Psalm 42. In an attempt to capture the depths of what he was experiencing, the author leans on a familiar imagery in Scripture – water and thirst. The author finds himself beyond thirsty, but he’s not looking for relief from his circumstance; he has an aching longing for a relationship with his Creator. Like our bodies require water to function, our souls desperately need God to flourish. Because God created us in His image, we have a spiritual thirst that only God can satisfy.

Psalm 42 - “My Soul Thirsts” (Day 1)

Mike Ashcraft

How do our moments of quiet, rest, and reflection help us process what we see and experience? Mike joins us to share how the Summer Sabbath experience is helping him navigate all the turmoil and difficulty present in the world.

How do our moments of quiet, rest, and reflection help us process what we see and experience? Mike joins us to share how the Summer Sabbath experience is helping him navigate all the turmoil and difficulty present in the world.

Mike Ashcraft - "Sabbath Activity" | Summer Sabbath, Week 5 - Message

Our responsiveness to His grace and guidance hinges on our ability to remember and rejoice. And, in today’s episode we want to practice just that - and spend some time remembering and rejoicing in God’s faithfulness, care, and forgiveness.

Our responsiveness to His grace and guidance hinges on our ability to remember and rejoice. And, in today’s episode we want to practice just that - and spend some time remembering and rejoicing in God’s faithfulness, care, and forgiveness.

Psalm 32 - “Remember And Rejoice” (Day 5)

Before, our hidden struggles encouraged us to hide from God. With sin creating distance, the last thing we’d want is for God to be close; we'd resist looking to Him for guidance. But, now things are different - a restored relationship influences how we respond to His direction going forward. Since He is responsive to us, God invites us to posture our hearts to be responsive to Him.

Before, our hidden struggles encouraged us to hide from God. With sin creating distance, the last thing we’d want is for God to be close; we'd resist looking to Him for guidance. But, now things are different - a restored relationship influences how we respond to His direction going forward. Since He is responsive to us, God invites us to posture our hearts to be responsive to Him.

Psalm 32 - “I Will…” (Day 4)

Being vulnerable and availing ourselves requires bravery, honesty with God, and a persistent trust that He can do more with our mess than we could even imagine. When we acknowledge our struggles, radical forgiveness, unconditional love, and redemptive grace reach the deepest places of our souls.

Being vulnerable and availing ourselves requires bravery, honesty with God, and a persistent trust that He can do more with our mess than we could even imagine. When we acknowledge our struggles, radical forgiveness, unconditional love, and redemptive grace reach the deepest places of our souls.

Psalm 32 - “Then I Acknowledged…” (Day 3)

If God didn't design our hearts and souls to bear sin, how do we reconcile this with our desire to manage it? Our lives depend on getting found. There is no healing in hiding. To come out of hiding means to stop trying to cover our faults and sins.

If God didn't design our hearts and souls to bear sin, how do we reconcile this with our desire to manage it? Our lives depend on getting found. There is no healing in hiding. To come out of hiding means to stop trying to cover our faults and sins.

Psalm 32 - “When I Kept Silent…” (Day 2)

As we turn our attention to Psalm 32, we'll witness a different type of turmoil; rather than something beyond our control, this fight resides within ourselves - the pains of hidden struggles, unconfessed sin, and covered-up shame. Our natural tendency will be to avoid this tension and to avoid exposing our darkness to the light, but when we do, we rob God of the opportunity to show a different side of His character - the One who graciously forgives.

As we turn our attention to Psalm 32, we'll witness a different type of turmoil; rather than something beyond our control, this fight resides within ourselves - the pains of hidden struggles, unconfessed sin, and covered-up shame. Our natural tendency will be to avoid this tension and to avoid exposing our darkness to the light, but when we do, we rob God of the opportunity to show a different side of His character - the One who graciously forgives.

Psalm 32 - “Blessed Is The One…” (Day 1)

Being alone with ourselves is a scary venture, so we rush to avoid the silence. We’re afraid of slowing down and what those silent moments will reveal to us and also about us. But, the busier our life is, the more we need quiet time alone with God. If we do nothing about it, our lives will reflect our culture: busy, distracted, angry, hectic, and loud. So, God invites all of us who are weary and worn out to come to Him for rest. For our lives to look more like Jesus, our rhythms need to look more like Jesus, and Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. He got alone, and He got quiet, and so should we.

Being alone with ourselves is a scary venture, so we rush to avoid the silence. We’re afraid of slowing down and what those silent moments will reveal to us and also about us. But, the busier our life is, the more we need quiet time alone with God. If we do nothing about it, our lives will reflect our culture: busy, distracted, angry, hectic, and loud. So, God invites all of us who are weary and worn out to come to Him for rest. For our lives to look more like Jesus, our rhythms need to look more like Jesus, and Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. He got alone, and He got quiet, and so should we.

Clay Everett - "In The Quiet" | Summer Sabbath, Week 4 - Message

As we’ve walked through this passage together, we saw the ups and downs of David’s faith journey -  confidence and contemplation along with struggle and pleas for guidance. David ends Psalm 27 with an encouraging rallying cry that he speaks over not only himself, but to you, me, and his readers - “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

As we’ve walked through this passage together, we saw the ups and downs of David’s faith journey -  confidence and contemplation along with struggle and pleas for guidance. David ends Psalm 27 with an encouraging rallying cry that he speaks over not only himself, but to you, me, and his readers - “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27 - “Wait For The Lord” (Day 5)

The pleading from David continues but shifts to a desperate prayer for guidance - ” teach me Your way, O Lord.” For God to be our teacher, we must posture ourselves as humble students willing to listen, receive, and act upon His wisdom, correction, and guidance.

The pleading from David continues but shifts to a desperate prayer for guidance - ” teach me Your way, O Lord.” For God to be our teacher, we must posture ourselves as humble students willing to listen, receive, and act upon His wisdom, correction, and guidance.

Psalm 27 - “Teach Me Your Way” (Day 4)

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