3rd January 2026

3rd January 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Psalm 131) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


I'm sure you know the feeling of a good meal and a comfy chair by the fire, before the eyes close and we fall into a lovely, calm sleep. The Psalmist David describes a similar feeling of contentment before the Lord with the image of a weaned child and his mother (v2). The child no longer angrily demands his mother's milk. He has been weaned and adult food has been slowly introduced to his diet. The result is a lovely sense of calm as the little one snuggles with his mum.


However, David wasn't describing a nice steak and a nap upon the sofa. His soul was quiet within him, he was enjoying spiritual contentment. This is a feeling which can often seem very far away. We wrestle over life's difficulties, we struggle to pray and our faith does not resemble that of the "spiritual giants" we watch on YouTube. Where does such contentment come from? David tells us "O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvellous for me." (v1).


David shunned pride, arrogance and ambition. His heart was not lifted up - he did not boast in himself and his accomplishments. His eyes were not raised - he was not arrogant and believing in his own greatness. He did not concern himself with things too great or too marvellous - he did not desire to climb life's ladder or win at all costs. David's soul found rest and contentment in Christ and he shunned all manner of pride, arrogance and ambition.


Brothers and sisters, as 2026 begins I call upon you to listen to David's cry "O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore." (v3). As always I do not promise you an easy road but wouldn't it be joyous if our soul found it's delight in Christ more often than not this year? Don't be deceived by that inner voice which recites all of your accomplishments, do not flatter yourself by whispering of how much greater you are than those around you and do not buy into the spirit of the age which demands advancement at all costs. There is another way, so child of God pick up your cross and follow Christ for on His path you will find rest for your soul. Hope in the Lord, again I say, hope in the Lord.
 
Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC
Q62 What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment? The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God’s allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the Sabbath day.
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