Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Join The Journey Editor Makaila Swank to talk about Psalm 66, a thanksgiving psalm praising God for his faithfulness. This psalm models for us how we can express suffering we experience, appeal to God’s mercy as we ask for help, praise God for his deliverance, and continue to praise Him for future faithfulness. We have hope for today knowing that we have been freed from the power of sin. The encouragement this psalm brings is amplified knowing that there is a day where we will experience no more pain or suffering for eternity.

Additional Scripture Referenced
Exodus 14 – God parts the Red Sea during the Exodus
Psalm 137 – psalm recalling Israel’s time in exile
Isaiah 43:2 – “when you pass through the water, I will be with you…”

For more of Makaila’s story, check out her previous episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000624748142

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How does nature sing to God? Today, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark member, Alfred Abraham to explain how nature declares the God of our salvation in Psalm 65. Nature speaks to how God preserves, provides for and protects us. As God cares about nature’s flourishing, so he cares about our flourishing. As Creator, God shows His power in creation and His intentionality in our lives today.

Additional Scripture Referenced:
Acts 2-3 – Pentecost
John 6:35 – Jesus is the bread of life
John 7:37 – Jesus the Living Water quenches the thirsty
Matthew 5:14-16 – Jesus is the Light of world
Philippians 2:4-11 – Christ’s example of humility in salvation

Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024:
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Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024:
https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM

You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

Why is it hard for us to ask for help? Today on the podcast, Emma Dotter takes us through Psalm 64 where David is asking God for emotional protection from discouragement and physical protection from harm. It can be hard to ask for help from others and the Lord, whether that is from fear of being vulnerable or a desire to be self-sufficient. When we don’t ask for help, we reinforce the idea that we should do things on our own instead of depending on the Lord. Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have full freedom to come before Him in need. When we ask God for help like David does in Psalm 64, we can move from hopelessness to joy, gratitude and praise for the Lord.

Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024:
https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g

Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024:
https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM

You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898