Just a little bit more ∙∙∙

Just a little bit more ∙∙∙

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalms 16:11

Psalms 16:1-11

 1 Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge.

 2 I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”

 5 LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.

 7 I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night, my heart instructs me.

 8 I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

 9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

The Desire for “More”

John D. Rockefeller was once asked, “How much money is enough money?” His reply? “Just a little bit more.”

This simple yet profound statement reveals the insatiable hunger often found in the human heart, a longing for “more.” Rockefeller’s wealth was immense, even by today’s standards. A 1902 audit placed his net worth at $200 million, an astonishing figure when compared to the total U.S. national wealth of $101 billion at the time. By the end of his life, this fortune would solidify his position as one of history’s wealthiest individuals.

Yet, beneath the staggering numbers lies something more universal. Rockefeller’s answer reflects a sentiment many of us share, a feeling that “more” will finally satisfy us. But does it?

The Endless Cycle of Wanting “More”

For many, the pursuit of “more” is a vague yearning, a wistful hope for greater abundance, joy, or satisfaction. Yet, the truth remains that “more” is never enough. The appetite for accumulation often grows as it is fed, leaving the heart restless and unfulfilled.

But there is another way, a better, more excellent way.

David’s Heart Hunger for the Father

David had a profound understanding of this truth. He expressed a different kind of longing, a hunger not for material wealth but for the presence and goodness of his Heavenly Father. This longing is beautifully captured in Psalms 16.

David expresses the immense joy and delight he feels in experiencing the Father’s goodness when entering His presence. With humility, he recognizes that every good thing in his life is a gift from the Father. His words reflect deep gratitude, praise, and unwavering trust, as he values the Giver far more than any gifts he has received.

Depending on the Father’s Protection

David not only celebrated the blessings he received; he also depended on the Father for safety and guidance. While he appreciated the wonderful gifts granted to him, he recognized that these blessings were insignificant compared to the value of the One who bestowed them. For David, the Father was the fountain of every good thing, the wellspring of true satisfaction and joy.

Every Good Gift Comes from Above

This truth is echoed in the New Testament, specifically in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

Zane C. Hodges expands on this idea, explaining, “We might have expected James to say that God only gives good and perfect gifts, but in fact, he says more than this. Wherever there is such a thing as a flawless gift, that gift is necessarily from above. All human gifts, by contrast, are flawed in some way because the human giver is flawed. Only God can give perfect gifts.”

Unlike earthly givers, the Father is perfect in His generosity. His gifts are good, pure, and complete because He, Himself, is flawless.

REFLECT & PRAY

Wanting “more” isn’t inherently bad. It’s about what you want more of. Wanting more of the Father, a deeper relationship, greater intimacy, and fuller devotion is one of the greatest pursuits of life.

Mark Twain once quipped, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” With apologies to those who abstain from liquor, the sentiment applies even more to the Father’s presence. Too much of Him? Barely enough.

Father, how I long to have a heart like David’s, full of love and complete devotion to You. Help me to understand that nothing on this earth will ever satisfy me the way You can. You alone are my joy, my delight, and my portion forever.

INSIGHT

David’s Path to True Contentment

 

The longings of the human heart often drive people on desperate, futile quests for satisfaction. Wealth, power, recognition, or material possessions may seem like they’ll fill the void, but they rarely do. Yet, King David invites us to a far better way of living.

David came to understand that true fulfillment cannot be found in material pursuits. Instead of seeking happiness in external things, he chose to embrace the presence of the Father. He transformed his eternal home into his current residence on Earth. His life exemplifies a path to peace and joy that transcends the empty promises of worldly ambition.

A Heart that Longs for God

 

David’s reflections in Psalms 73 reveal the depth of his relationship with the Father and his understanding of true contentment. Consider these words from Psalms 73:25-28, where his heartfelt longing for God eclipses all else in his life. “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.”

David’s passion for closeness with the Father is palpable. For him, being in the Father’s presence was the ultimate source of joy, comfort, and strength. His desire for God was greater than any longing for earthly things. He delighted in just being close to the Father.

The Beauty of Life in God’s Presence

 

David not only longed for God’s presence, but he also found unparalleled joy and fulfillment in it. This feeling is best expressed in Psalms 16, where David writes in Psalms 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Derek Kidner aptly describes this passage as “unsurpassed for the beauty of the prospect it opens up, in words of the utmost simplicity.” The “path of life” refers not only to a way of living but also to the eternal joy of standing in God’s presence. These joys are rich, varied, and wholly satisfying, both in what the Father is and in what He gives.

But even this earthly understanding of God’s presence pales in comparison to the glorious eternity David speaks of. Dwelling with the Father forever is far beyond anything the human mind can imagine.

The Eternal Reality of God’s Presence

 

The joys of being with the Father for eternity surpass even the most profound pleasures we experience on earth. Wiersbe explains, “The pleasures of heaven will be far beyond any pleasures we have known here on earth, and as we enjoy the Lord and serve Him, we will not be restricted or encumbered by time, physical weakness, or the consequences of sin.”

It’s a reality that we cannot fully grasp. What will it be like to stand face-to-face with the Father in His transcendent holiness? D.A. Carson describes the extraordinary transformation that will occur in us when we enter God’s eternal presence. Our sinfulness will be burned away, and the old nature, with all its flaws and desires, will be completely gone. We will then enjoy the unfathomable privilege of gazing upon the Father’s perfection in all its glory.

This transformation is essential because only then will we be ready to fully experience the unending sweep of God’s goodness, joy, and holiness.

No Need for “Just a Little Bit More”

 

David’s example challenges us to confront our own longings. Are we chasing after “just a little bit more,” or are we seeking what truly satisfies? David knew that true contentment wasn’t found in wealth or power; it was found in the unshakable joy of being near the Father.

When we open our hearts to God, we discover that the fulfillment we’ve been seeking is already here! As we experience His presence, we feel a deep joy and awe-inspiring worship. In eternity, this joy will grow far beyond what our earthly minds can imagine. 

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© Dr. H 2025

Belong to something greater

Belong to something greater

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! – 1 John 3:1

Matthew 5:13-16

 13 You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

 14 You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

The Human Need for Belonging

The desire to belong is one of the most profound and complex feelings within the human heart. People crave the warmth of connection, a place where they feel genuinely valued and accepted, surrounded by something meaningful. From the innocent friendships that blossom on sunlit playgrounds to the bonds of family that support us through life’s challenges, the need for belonging is a fundamental aspect of our shared human experience. These relationships create a tapestry of love and support, filled with memories that shape our identities.

This intrinsic need to be seen, understood, and cherished is woven into the very fabric of who we are, driving our pursuit of emotional fulfillment and enriching our lives with depth and meaning.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow, in his famous Hierarchy of Needs, identified the need for belonging as one of the key motivational forces in life. This need is positioned in the middle of his pyramidal hierarchy, Love and Belonging. It comes right after our physical and safety needs. It represents our desire for love, connection, and community.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

The need to belong is a fundamental part of the human experience on a psychological level. A sense of belonging is essential for emotional well-being. These needs are arranged in a hierarchy and must be met in a specific order. Once physiological and safety needs are met, a person can focus on fulfilling the need for belonging and love. According to Maslow, if the first two needs are not satisfied, a person cannot fully experience love for someone else.

A Deeper Spiritual Need

From a biblical perspective, the longing for belonging highlights our design to be part of God’s Forever Family and His Eternal Kingdom. This desire goes beyond simple social acceptance; it addresses a deeper spiritual need to connect with God and find our place in His eternal Kingdom. God aims to bring us into His Forever Family and make us whole. This has been His plan from the very beginning.

The Bible emphasizes that relationships are essential to God’s blueprint for humanity. In Genesis 2:18, God says, “It is not good for man to be alone,” emphasizing that our need for connection and community is fundamental. It goes beyond just biological instinct; it is His intelligent design.

God created us for relationships, not only with one another but ultimately with Him. The Bible tells us that we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and that He longs to bring us into fellowship with Him. The intimacy of the Garden of Eden reflects this divine design. However, the fall shattered that connection, leading humanity to become separated from God and to seek belonging in ways that often leave us feeling empty or out of place.

Despite our brokenness, God’s desire has always been to restore us to Himself. Through Christ, the way to true belonging is accessible. Ephesians 2:19 reminds us, “You are no longer strangers and outsiders. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” A rich and unshakable sense of belonging is found in His Forever Family.

Belonging to Something Greater and Faith

Maslow’s ideas reveal more than just psychological insights; they highlight our search for purpose and connection with the Creator. Faith often gives a deep sense of belonging to something greater than oneself. It links individuals to the Living God, the Father, and faith communities, sharing common beliefs and values.

  • Spiritual Connection: Faith fosters a relationship with the King of the Universe, giving individuals purpose and meaning that go beyond their immediate circumstances.
  • Community: Religious groups create a supportive environment where people can connect and feel part of a larger spiritual family.
  • Service to Others: Many faith traditions encourage helping others, tapping into our natural desire to nurture and connect. Acts of service, like volunteering or helping those in need, strengthen the feeling of belonging to a greater mission.

REFLECT & PRAY

For the children of the King, the merging of the need to belong to something greater and being part of the Father’s Forever Family is the realization of the Father’s design. The kingdom of God offers a deep and unshakable sense of belonging that is grounded in the eternal.

Father, thank You for creating us with a deep desire to belong. Help us discover our identity and purpose in You, knowing that Your Kingdom and Forever Family are where we truly belong. Draw us nearer to You and each other.

INSIGHT

The Value of Belonging is Realized in Nursing

For nurses, the desire to belong to something greater intersects beautifully with their faith. Their beliefs can inspire their caregiving, while their work as nurses enables them to embody their spiritual values.

In nursing, the feeling of belonging to something greater is reflected in the profession’s core values of compassion, empathy, and service. Nurses frequently work as part of a team, united by a shared mission to care for others and improve lives. This sense of purpose fosters a strong connection among colleagues, patients, and their families.

  • Patient Care: Nurses play a vital role in patient care by providing support and empathy, fostering a sense of connection that aids in healing.
  • Teamwork: They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, creating a supportive environment with a shared goal: better patient outcomes.
  • Professional Identity: Nurses play a vital role in patient care by providing support and empathy.

Encouragement for the Journey

Belonging isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a gift and reality we find in Christ. When we fully realize that we are loved, forgiven, and called by God, we can face the uncertainty and rejection of the world with confidence. We belong, not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is.

If you have been looking for a place to call home, remember that God has already provided a place for you. His arms are open wide, eager to welcome you into His Family.

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© Dr. H 2025

Stand still ∙∙

Stand still ∙∙

Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD. – Exodus 14:13

Exodus 14:10-31

 10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD.

 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.

 14 The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

 15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!

 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.

 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.

 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!”

 19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.

 22 So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

 26 When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.”

 27 So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea.

 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses.

A Simple Question: Could the Red Sea Miracle Have Really Happened?

Late one Sunday afternoon, a group of professors and graduate students gathered for a potluck, discussion, and some brain games. One professor, who had been out fishing, arrived late, looking a bit scruffy in his fishing outfit, complete with lures stuck in his hat. He could have easily been mistaken for a disheveled gardener. As he entered the room, he sat down with a perplexed expression.

He broke the silence with a question he was contemplating while fishing. “The supposed miracle of the Red Sea, could it have really happened? The story reads like real history, not mythology. But is it possible?”

Another professor chimed in, mentioning that she had been discussing the Bible with one of her graduate students, who happened to be present. She suggested that he might know the answer. All eyes turned to the grad student, who was caught off guard and unsure how to respond. Yet, in that moment, the Father provided the words, as promised in Matthew 10:20,“For it is not you who will be speaking, it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

The grad student replied simply: “Oh, it’s quite simple, really. It is indeed the recorded history of a miraculous event. If you believe in God, then you believe miracles can happen. If you do not believe in God, then miracles are impossible. Because I believe in God, I’m totally confident that God performed a miracle, and it happened.”

The fishing professor nodded thoughtfully and said, “Oh, I get it; it is quite simple, isn’t it?”

The Red Sea: A Story of Miraculous Deliverance

The story of the Red Sea is one of the most well-known accounts in the Old Testament. For those who do not believe in God, it is often dismissed as mythology, likened to the tales of Greek and Roman gods. But for the children of the King, it is a story filled with the aroma of life unto life (2 Corinthians 2:16), a testament to God’s power and faithfulness.

The narrative is straightforward:

  • The Father redeemed His people, Israel, from slavery in Egypt.
  • Through the Ten Plagues, God broke Pharaoh’s resistance and secured their freedom.
  • However, Pharaoh had a change of heart and pursued the Israelites, trapping them with their backs to the Red Sea.

In their desperation, the people cried out to Moses, who turned to the Father for help. God’s response was simple yet profound, Exodus 14:16, “Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.”

The Miracle of the Red Sea

In an astonishing display of power, the Red Sea parted, creating a dry path through what had been a mucky seabed. Towering walls of water stood on either side as the Israelites walked through to safety. When Pharaoh’s army pursued them, the waters returned, swallowing the Egyptians and securing Israel’s deliverance.

This miracle was not about Moses or his staff. The power resided solely with the Father. Moses and the staff were simply instruments in God’s hands, used to achieve His divine purpose. This event is a vivid example of God intervening in the space-time continuum to rescue His people.

The Miracle-Working Power of God Today

While most of us will never face a literal Red Sea, the same miracle-working power is available to every child of the King. The Father chooses when and how to intervene in human history, but His power to save, deliver, and provide remains constant. As Psalms 37:5 reminds us, “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The story of the Red Sea is a reminder that God fights for His people. When we face impossible situations, we can trust in His power and faithfulness. As Exodus 14:14 says, “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”


Father, thank You for being there for me. When I face challenges that seem insurmountable, help me to calm down, focus, and remember who You are and what You do. I trust in Your power to deliver and sustain me.

INSIGHT

The Miracle of the Red Sea and Its Deeper Meaning

The parting of the Red Sea is one of the most awe-inspiring miracles recorded in Scripture. Yet, beyond the dramatic display of power, this event reveals profound truths about the Father’s purpose, human nature, and the essence of worship.

God’s Sovereign Plan: Protecting His People and Defeating the Enemy

This entire event was orchestrated by the Father to protect His people and eliminate a powerful enemy bent on their destruction. Exodus 14:4 reveals that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, leading him to pursue the Israelites, a decision that ultimately destroyed Egypt’s powerful and fearsome army.

This was not a random act of power but a deliberate plan to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and care for His people. The Father’s intervention was both a rescue mission and a declaration of His authority over all nations.

The Fleeting Nature of Miracles

Miracles are awe-inspiring in the moment, but their impact is like the morning mist and soon fades as time passes. Exodus 14:31 describes how the Israelites were filled with awe and faith after witnessing God’s mighty power, “When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in His servant Moses.”

However, as time went on, their awe diminished, and the people quickly forgot what God had done. This pattern of forgetfulness is echoed throughout Scripture:

  • Psalms 78:11-13: “They forgot His deeds and His miracles that He had shown them. For He divided the sea and led them through, making the water stand up like walls!”
  • Psalms 106:13: “Yet how quickly they forgot what He had done!”

This forgetfulness is not unique to the Israelites. It reflects a universal human tendency to lose sight of God’s past faithfulness when faced with new challenges.

Faith Rooted in God’s Word, Not Miracles

While miracles can inspire faith, they are not the foundation of biblical faith. True faith is rooted in the facts and promises presented in the Word of God. Miracles may confirm God’s power, but His Word provides the enduring truth that sustains faith over time.

Even today, many dismiss the miracle of the Red Sea as myth or legend. If you were to ask the average person, “Did the miracle of the Red Sea really happen?”, few would answer “yes.” This skepticism underscores the importance of grounding our faith in God’s Word rather than fleeting experiences.

God’s Desire to Display His Glory

In Exodus 14:4, God reveals His ultimate purpose for the Red Sea miracle, “I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD!”

What does it mean for God to display His glory? The Hebrew word for “glory” is kabod. Kabod originally meant“heavy.” It came to convey the idea of “weightiness, honor, and splendor.” In this context, “it means that God’s actions would lead people to recognize and honor Him for who He is.” As the UBS commentary explains, this can be expressed as: “People will praise or honor me.”

God’s desire to display His glory is not self-gratifying but an invitation for us to acknowledge His greatness and respond in worship. Recognizing and honoring the Father for who He is and what He does is the essence of worship both then and now.

A Call to Stand Still and Trust

In the face of overwhelming fear and uncertainty, Moses delivered a powerful message to the Israelites in Exodus 14:13, “Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.”

This command to “stand still” is a call to trust in God’s power and timing. It reminds us that deliverance is not something we achieve through our own efforts but something God accomplishes on our behalf.

The story of the Red Sea challenges us to remember God’s faithfulness, trust in His Word, and worship Him for His glory. As we face our own “Red Sea” moments, we can take comfort in the promise of Psalm 37:5, “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you.”

Final Thought: The Heart of Worship

The miracle of the Red Sea is not just a historical event; it reveals God’s character and His desire for us to know and honor Him. As we reflect on His mighty works, let us respond with awe, trust, and worship, recognizing that He alone is worthy of all honor.

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© Dr. H 2025

The worst kind of lazy ∙∙

The worst kind of lazy ∙∙

We hope with all our hearts that each one of you will display the same zeal to make your hope come true and that you will continue doing so until the end so that you may not become lazily lethargic but may copy those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. – Hebrews 6:11,12

Hebrews 6:9-12

 9 Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.

 10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.

 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.

 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent.  

The Doldrums: A Metaphor for Stagnation

The term “doldrums” originates from sailors, describing areas near the Equator where sailing ships were immobilized due to a lack of wind. This region is known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). It shifts seasonally and marks the convergence of the northeast and southeast trade winds. Beyond its nautical roots, “doldrums” has become a metaphor for “listlessness, despondency, and a lack of energy or enthusiasm.”

The Weight of Laziness and Depression

Laziness often carries negative connotations, but some have humorously reframed it as “selective participation.” For example, Ronald Reagan once quipped, “I have heard that hard work never killed anyone, but I say why take the chance?” Similarly, another writer joked, “Who says nothing is impossible? I’ve been doing nothing for years.”

However, laziness can also be a symptom of something more serious, depression. Two key aspects of depression that are often mistaken for laziness are:

  1. Lack of Motivation: A persistent inability to find the drive to act.
  2. Anhedonia: The clinical term for the inability to feel joy or happiness in activities that were once loved.

Understanding Depression: A Loss of Color

Depression’s lack of motivation is not the occasional slump we all experience after bad news or failure. It is a deeper, more persistent voice that whispers, “Why bother? Nothing matters, and nothing ever changes.”

Anhedonia, on the other hand, can be likened to a painter losing all the colors in their palette. While they can still paint, the canvas is reduced to shades of black, white, and gray, bland, dull, and devoid of meaning. The joy and satisfaction once found in the act of creation are gone, leaving behind a sense of emptiness.

The Self-Critical Cycle of Depression

Depression often fosters self-criticism and judgment of others, robbing individuals of their sense of worth. This self-loathing can spiral into a self-fulfilling prophecy, where feelings of inadequacy lead to further withdrawal and stagnation.

Spiritual Laziness: A Warning from Scripture

The Scriptures address the dangers of laziness, both physical and spiritual. In Hebrews 6:12, believers are warned: “So that you may not be sluggish.” The Greek word nothros, translated as “dull,” “sluggish,” or “lazy,” conveys a sense of being “slow to act, hesitant, or unwilling to engage.”

As Wiersbe explains: “We must not be lazy (‘slothful,’ the same word as ‘dull’ in Hebrews 5:11) but apply ourselves to the spiritual resources God has given us. We have the promises from God. We should exercise faith and patience and claim these promises for ourselves.”

This laziness extends beyond action to hearing and understanding. In Hebrews 5:11, the author laments: “We have much to say, and it is hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing.”

REFLECT & PRAY

As Lech Walesa humorously noted, “I’m lazy. But it’s the lazy people who invented the wheel and the bicycle because they didn’t like walking or carrying things.” While humor can lighten the topic, the reality of spiritual and emotional stagnation requires intentional reflection and prayer.


Father, thank You that You are always there for me, no matter how low I go or how discouraged I become. When I am deep in the doldrums, it is hard to look up. But I am looking up as much as I can.

INSIGHT

Navigating Emotional and Spiritual Doldrums

There are moments in life when we feel emotionally and spiritually stuck in the doldrums. These are dry, joyless times that leave us feeling disconnected and unmotivated. In such moments, we face two choices:

  1. Give up, abandoning our confidence and service.
  2. Press on, taking small, deliberate steps in the right direction.

Even when progress feels impossible, baby steps can lead us forward. Consider the example of David after his confrontation with Nathan regarding his sin. His response in Psalms 51 offers a powerful starting point for renewal.

A Prayer for Renewal: Psalms 51:12

“Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance! Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey!”

This heartfelt plea captures the essence of what it means to seek restoration. David doesn’t just ask for forgiveness, he asks for joy, strength, and a renewed desire to follow God.

Lessons from Psalms 51:5-17

David’s prayer in Psalms 51 offers a guide for overcoming difficult times. Here are the key takeaways.:

  1. Acknowledge Your Condition (v. 5-6)


“For I was born a sinner, yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.”
David acknowledges his brokenness and the necessity of honesty before God. Genuine renewal begins with self-awareness and humility.

  1. Seek Cleansing and Joy (v. 7-8)

“Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me, now let me rejoice.”
David seeks both forgiveness and the restoration of joy, recognizing that joy is a gift resulting from being in a right relationship with God.

  1. Ask for a New Heart and Spirit (v. 10-11)
    “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.”
    Renewal requires transformation, a pure heart, and a faithful spirit. David yearns for God’s presence and guidance, a clean heart, and a steadfast spirit.
  1. Pray for Sustained Obedience (v. 12)

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you.”
David recognizes that obedience flows from a heart filled with joy and gratitude for God’s salvation.

  1. Embrace God’s Plan (v. 16-17)

“You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
God values a humble and contrite heart more than rituals. True transformation starts from within.

The Purpose of the Doldrums

Even the downtimes in life are part of God’s plan. Though painful, these moments provide opportunities for learning and growth. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” consider shifting your perspective to: “What can I learn from this?”

The difficult times are temporary. Like a lawnmower that eventually runs out of gas. These periods of struggle will pass. However, while you are experiencing them, they can refine you, teaching lessons that can only be learned in moments of stillness and hardship.

Encouragement for the Journey

As A. A. Milne reminds us, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” When you feel stuck, remember that the Father is with you, even in the doldrums. Take small steps, lean on His promises, and trust that joy will return in time.

Final Thought

The doldrums are not the end of the journey; they are a pause, a moment to reflect, learn, and grow. With God’s help, you can move forward one step at a time toward joy and renewal. Whether you find yourself in the doldrums of life or struggling with spiritual sluggishness, as children of the King, we are called to “look up, lean on God’s promises, and take small steps forward.” Even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for renewal and joy.

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© Dr. H 2025