Sometimes we want to do things our own way. Sometimes we choose to ignore God's direction for our lives and pretty soon we find ourselves lost, wandering down the wrong path. We all make mistakes. When we go the wrong way, we need to humble ourselves, re-route, and get back into God's plan for us.

In every situation we face, our greatest desire should be to do God’s will because we love Him, and because we know that no matter how difficult it may be for us to do His will, doing it always works out for the best. However, in order to do God’s will, we first need to know what it is. What is it that God wants us to do? How can we know exactly what God’s will for us is in every situation? How does God reveal His will to us? These are important questions that every child of God will ask.

We all face times when our blood boils. Someone says something to us, or does something that deeply wounds us, or hurts our pride, and out of it rage starts to simmer inside. What do we do with that anger and rage? How do we deal with it? In Psalm 109, David shows us both what to do and what not to do when we seethe with anger. Let’s learn from his example, and choose to deal with our anger in a way that improves the situation, blesses our own hearts, and honors God.

Are you tired? Do you feel like your strength and hope need to be renewed? When you find yourself weak, tired, in the dark, uncertain of the future. Fix your eyes on Jesus, your Good Shepherd. Stick close to Him. Trust that He knows the way through this valley and will see you safely through. Believe that He has good reasons for taking this route, even though it is hard and unfamiliar. Hold on to the truth that there is something better waiting on the other side of this valley. There is always hope and strength to be found in every situation if and when you choose to put your trust in Him!

Have you ever felt trapped and cornered with no way out; no possible escape? Have you been lonely and isolated? Thinking that no one cares about you and no one is available to help you? If you are going through a rough patch, cry out to God, find refuge in Him, and praise His holy name!! Even if things are good, don’t wait until they get bad- Praise His holy name!!

Stress. Anxiety. Burdens. Whatever they are, God wants us to cast them on Him – surrender them to Him and trust that He is in control. David tells us that whenever we are burdened, God promises to sustain us through the burden and that He will not let us be moved or shaken by it. God never promises us that burdens will not come our way, but He does promise that He will carry us through them.

Shame can be an overwhelming feeling. When we feel shame, we often feel like giving up. The question is where is our shame taking us? We must persevere, and come to confession, transparency, and forgiveness.

Jesus knew how to navigate His emotions well by bringing them to God in prayer. Jesus felt a crushing anguish, and he expressed that to his friends and to God the Father. This is an important lesson for us. Many Christians feel like depression and anguish are sinful emotions for the Christian. Jesus, however, shows us that good Christians deal with these feelings and that we can bring them to God.

God calls us to come and worship him! God does not merely want us to sing, He wants us to come into His presence, find our complete joy in Him, lift our hands, and cast our cares on Him. He wants us to sing to the rock of our salvation, to make a joyful noise! We were created to be worshippers of God!

Jesus came to serve others, not to be served. Serving others as Jesus did requires deep humility. Serving others tests our faith and exercises our hearts. How can we serve God’s people with pure and obedient hearts?