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

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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.

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Do we want God more than we want anything else? Today, Emma Dotter walks us through Psalm 63 where David sees his need for God, his dependence on Him and the provision He provides. From the moment David’s day begins, he thirsts for God as if he is in a desert with no water. When we sense that longing for something more, may we be reminded that Jesus Christ is the only one who can satisfy our souls. May we follow David’s example with praise as the mechanism for a heart of contentment in Christ.

Additional Scripture Referenced:
Psalm 27:4 – “one thing have I asked of the Lord…”
Philippians 1:21 – “to live is Christ; to die is gain”
Matthew 7:7-8 – “ask and it will be given to you”
John 10:14 – “I am the Good Shepherd”
Matt 6:31-32 – “Your heavenly father knows you need all these things”
John 6:35 – “he who believes in me shall never thirst”

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What is the importance of waiting in silence before the Lord? In Psalm 62, David is placing his trust in God while facing hardship and problems in his life. Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark staff member Melissa Miller point out that instead of trying to fix it himself or ignore his issues, he chooses to listen to God and sit before the Lord in silence. Just like David, we are called by God to slow down to catch up to the pace of God.

Additional Scripture mentioned in the passage:
Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

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Do we say vows to God today? Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark staff member Lauren Atkinson to talk through Psalm 61 and how we can use David’s words as a model for our prayers daily. David’s desire is for God to hear him and allow him to be in God’s presence. His vows to God are not something required for God to hear us today. For those in Christ, we can pray to God with confidence that He hears us. Take a few minutes today to pray through Psalm 61 as David teaches us what a prayer of dependence looks like.

Additional Scripture Referenced:
Psalm 139:7 – “Where shall I flee from your presence?”
2 Samuel 6 – David sets up the tabernacle
Matthew 5 – Sermon on the Mount
1 Corinthians 10:4 – “the Rock was Christ”
Matthew 16:18 – “on this Rock I will build my church”
John 1:14 – “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”
Revelation 21:3 – “the dwelling place of God is with man”

To hear more of Lauren’s story, check out her previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-138-psalm-53/id1600151923?i=1000662389567

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What is a didactic psalm? Today, Emma Dotter teaches through Psalm 60, where David is lamenting the costliness of Israel’s victory and teaching hearers to trust the Lord when they encounter similar difficulties. David understood that God is the ultimate deliverer of the people. Our victory comes through Christ, and we will reign with Him, the ultimate Victor, in the end. Take some time to remind yourself of the truth of victory in Christ. Listen in for a study trick on how to remember key events about Israel’s sin and God’s promises in Shechem.
Additional Scripture Referenced:
Genesis 12 – Schechem is where God promised land to Abraham’s family
Joshua 24:6 – Schechem is where Joshua encourages people to obey and follow God
Genesis 34 – story of Dinah
1 Corinthians 15 – “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Christ”
2 Samuel 8; 1 Kings 11; 1 Chronicles 18 – Israel's victory over the Edomites

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How can we suffer well on this side of heaven? In today’s episode, Parker Primrose fills in for Emma Dotter as he and faithful Watermark member Bentley Borrego discuss how David combats suffering, distress, and persecution in a biblical way. Bentley points out how, when suffering, David cries out to God in dependance, submits in faith, seeks His’s glory, and chooses to praise Him.

Interested in Watermark’s healing and discipleship program? Check out the link for Re:Generation below!
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