Crossroads - Weekend Messages

In 1988, the acapella song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” became a smash hit for previously unknown artist Bobby McFerrin. It was the first acapella song to ever reach #1 on the Billboard charts. In 1994, Disney’s Lion King popularized the Swahili saying, “Hakuna matata,” meaning “there are no worries!” And in 2013, a new Super Bowl ad launched where a white guy named Dave speaks in a Jamaican accent, appearing next to his coworkers saying stuff like, “No worries, man. Everything will be all right!” and, “Julia! Turn the frown...the OTHA way around!” These popular songs, movies, and ad campaigns suggest that if we really zoned in on the good things in life, it would feel like a party. But how many of us experience that day in and day out? This Sunday in our Top Ten Psalms series, we will focus on Psalm 46. In this Psalm, God reaches into our hearts in a much more powerful way than any song, movie, or commercial could ever do, teaching us how to find calm in the midst of our crazy everyday existence.

God has just delivered the children of Israel from Egypt. Between the Passover event and the deliverance at the Red Sea, God moved powerfully in the lives of the children of Israel. As the narrative continues, God chooses to meet with Moses and the children of Israel at Mt. Sinai. Sinai is where God begins to share His heart for His people. God gives His law (i.e. the righteous requirements for living) at Sinai. In dramatic fashion, God meets with His people and explains to them what it means to live a godly life. The New Testament reveals to us that the law reveals our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. Thus, the law points to our need for salvation in Jesus. What an incredible reality!

When Bon Jovi’s third album was released, it catapulted the New Jersey band into superstardom. It was the best-selling album of 1987, beating out U2's "The Joshua Tree" and Michael Jackson's "Bad." The second #1 single on the album was the song "Livin’ on a Prayer." "Livin’ On A Prayer" is the perfect title for Psalm 51, the next Psalm in our Top Ten series. This Psalm shows David at his most raw moment. With his grievous sins brought into the light, David chose to press into the Lord in prayer. Understanding that prayer is our pursuit, in the midst of the struggles we face, in so many ways we are all Living on a Prayer.

“Yo, Adrian! I DID IT!” Can you name the movie? Of course you can! Rocky Balboa is etched in our collective minds. Now can you name the theme song of the Rocky movies? Of course you can! The “Eye of the Tiger” is a legendary song from the 80s, and it's all about overcoming adversity and obstacles. As the guitar riff builds, confidence grows in your heart...you can do it, you wanna take on the world. In our next Top Ten Psalm, Pastor Daniel will dive into Psalm 37 and give us keys to overcoming the tough things we face. We will get some mind-blowing thoughts about practical Biblically Christian spirituality.

In 1965 John Lennon wrote what became a hit title song for the movie "Help!" and the rest is history. Later in an interview, John said about the song, "I was fat and depressed and I was crying out for help." The Beatles were on top of the world, but John Lennon didn't feel any more secure than anyone else. We all want to feel secure. There are all kinds of things that make us afraid, some real, others imagined. And in every case, our fears get in the way of living a peaceful life. So what do we do to feel secure? In our next Top ten Psalm, Pastor Bill will bring some Help! from God's Word. In Psalm 27, God has some amazing things to say about our security, and it will reach both our heads and our hearts and help us to live in peace.