Servants of Grace

Psalm 148: Praise the Lord from Heaven and Earth

Psalm 148 calls all creation to praise the Lord because His name alone is exalted and His glory fills heaven and earth.

In this episode of Walking Through the Psalms, Dave Jenkins explains how Psalm 148 summons the heavens above, the earth below, every person, and especially God’s people to praise the Lord. This psalm reminds us that creation does not rule itself, the universe is not random, and God is sovereign over every circumstance of life.

Psalm 148 also points us to Jesus Christ, the eternal Word through whom all things were created and the Savior who has drawn near to His people in covenant love.

Show Summary

Psalm 148 widens the lens of praise. Angels, sun, moon, stars, sea creatures, storms, mountains, animals, rulers, young men, maidens, old men, and children are all summoned to praise the Lord.

The psalm teaches that nothing in creation is worthy of worship except God Himself. The stars do not rule. The storms do not act independently. Kings are not ultimate. God alone is exalted, and His majesty is above heaven and earth.

Most of all, Psalm 148 points us to Jesus Christ, the eternal Word through whom all things were created and the Savior who has drawn near to His people in covenant love.

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What You'll Learn

Why Psalm 148 calls the heavens to praise the Lord.

How creation reveals the sovereign command of God.

Why the sun, moon, and stars are not to be worshiped.

How Psalm 148 confronts idolatry and creature worship.

Why every person, regardless of age or status, is called to praise the Lord.

How God’s exalted majesty and covenant nearness belong together.

How Psalm 148 points us to Jesus Christ and the gospel.

Key Themes

The praise of God from the heavens

The praise of God from the earth

The sovereignty of God over creation

The creator-creature distinction

The danger of idolatry

The universal call to worship

The exalted name of the Lord

The covenant love of God

Jesus Christ as Creator, Sustainer, and Savior

Walking Through the Psalms

Walking Through the Psalms is a sermon series from Servants of Grace focused on helping Christians understand, treasure, and apply the Psalms in light of the whole counsel of God and the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The Psalms teach us how to pray, worship, grieve, repent, trust, rejoice, and hope in the Lord. They show us the greatness of God, the seriousness of sin, the comfort of His promises, and the glory of Christ, who fulfills the hopes and longings of God’s people.

Continue listening to more sermons from the Walking Through the Psalms series and be encouraged by the riches of God’s Word.

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Conclusion

Psalm 148 reminds us that all creation is summoned to praise the Lord. The heavens declare His glory, the earth obeys His command, and every person is called to worship Him.

The God whose name alone is exalted has drawn near to His people in Jesus Christ. Therefore, praise the Lord with your life, your words, and your worship, for He alone is worthy.

Finding Hope in Spiritual Weariness

By Dave Jenkins | Anchored in the Word | Servants of Grace

There are seasons in the Christian life when believers feel spiritually tired, discouraged, and worn down. Prayer can feel difficult. Obedience can feel heavy. Even doing good can become exhausting.

In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture gives real hope for weary believers through Galatians 6:9, Isaiah 40:28–31, Matthew 11:28–30, and Psalm 42.

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Key Scriptures

Galatians 6:9

Isaiah 40:28–31

Matthew 11:28–30

Psalm 42

Episode Highlights

Why spiritual weariness is common in the Christian life

How Scripture addresses discouragement and exhaustion

Why perseverance matters even when growth feels slow

The difference between self-effort and resting in Christ

How God renews His people through His Word and grace

Reflection Question

Where in your life today are you experiencing spiritual weariness right now? Bring that burden to Christ and trust Him to renew your strength.

Conclusion

Spiritual strength is renewed not through self-effort but through resting in Christ. Because Jesus has finished the work of salvation, believers do not carry the weight of the Christian life alone. Christ sustains His people through every season.

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Psalm 147: Praise the Lord for His Gracious Care and Faithfulness

Show Summary

Psalm 147 calls God’s people to praise Him for His gracious care, sovereign provision, covenant faithfulness, and the gift of His Word.

In this message, Dave Jenkins explains how the Lord heals the brokenhearted, provides for His creation, governs all things by His sovereign power, and reveals Himself through Scripture. Most importantly, Psalm 147 points us to Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh, who gathers sinners to Himself and reconciles them to God.

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What You’ll Learn

Why praise is the fitting response to God’s goodness.

How God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Why God’s provision reveals His sovereign rule over creation.

How God blesses and keeps His covenant people.

Why God’s Word is one of His greatest gifts to His people.

How Psalm 147 points us to Jesus Christ.

Listen to More Walking Through the Psalms

Explore more sermons in the Walking Through the Psalms series.

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When Life Feels Out of Control: Trusting God’s Sovereignty

Author: Dave JenkinsSeries: Anchored in the Word with Dave JenkinsDate: June 18, 2026

What should Christians do when life feels chaotic and overwhelming?

In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins explains how Psalm 46 and the doctrine of God’s providence help believers trust the Lord during seasons of uncertainty and instability. This episode explores how God’s sovereignty provides comfort, stability, and hope when life feels out of control.

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Key Scriptures

Psalm 46

Isaiah 41:10

Proverbs 3:5–6

Romans 8:28

Episode Highlights

Why Psalm 46 speaks powerfully into seasons of uncertainty

What the doctrine of providence means for Christians

How God remains sovereign when life feels unstable

Why security is found in God rather than circumstances

How the cross demonstrates God’s sovereign purposes

Reflection Question

Where in your life right now are you struggling to trust God’s sovereignty?

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Anchored in the Word ArchiveServants of Grace YouTube Channel

In this sermon from Walking Through the Psalms, Dave Jenkins preaches from Psalm 146 and explains why believers must place their ultimate trust in the Lord rather than in earthly rulers, institutions, or human strength. Psalm 146 calls Christians to lifelong praise, confident hope, and steadfast trust in the God who reigns forever and faithfully cares for His people.This message considers the danger of misplaced trust, the temptation of political idolatry, the faithfulness of God, and how Psalm 146 points us to Jesus Christ, the eternal King who alone saves sinners.Listen and WatchSermon SummaryPsalm 146 opens with a personal call to worship: “Praise the Lord, O my soul.” Before calling others to praise God, the psalmist first directs his own heart toward the Lord. True worship begins with recognizing God's greatness, faithfulness, and worthiness of praise.The psalm then warns believers not to place their ultimate trust in princes, rulers, or human strength. Human leaders are temporary, limited, and unable to save. Their plans perish, their power fades, and their lives come to an end. While Christians should pray for leaders and participate responsibly in society, Psalm 146 reminds us that our ultimate hope must never rest in any earthly authority.In contrast to the limitations of man, the Lord is the Creator of heaven and earth who keeps faith forever. He executes justice for the oppressed, provides for the needy, and remains faithful to every promise He has made. Because God never changes, believers can face uncertainty with confidence and hope.The psalm concludes by celebrating God's compassionate care for His people and His eternal reign. The Lord lifts up the humble, watches over the vulnerable, and rules forever. His kingdom never ends, His authority never fails, and His faithfulness remains constant through every generation.Ultimately, Psalm 146 points us to Jesus Christ, the eternal King. Human leaders cannot save sinners, but Christ alone redeems, restores, and reigns forever. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the hope and salvation that no earthly ruler can ever offer.Key TakeawaysThe Lord alone is worthy of lifelong praise.Human leaders cannot bear the weight of our ultimate trust.God remains faithful to all His promises.The Lord cares for the weak, vulnerable, and needy.Jesus Christ is the eternal King who alone saves sinners.Believers can trust God completely because He reigns forever.More from Walking Through the PsalmsExplore more sermons in the Walking Through the Psalms series at https://servantsofgrace.org/category/sermons/psalms/.Subscribe to the Servants of Grace YouTube channel for more biblical teaching, expository preaching, and theology resources: https://www.youtube.com/servantsofgrace.

God Uses Trials for Our Good

In this episode of Anchored in the Word with Dave, Dave Jenkins explains how God uses trials and suffering to strengthen the faith of believers, produce endurance, deepen dependence on Christ, and conform Christians into the image of Jesus Christ.

Drawing from James 1:2–4, Romans 5:3–4, 1 Peter 1:6–7, and John 16:33, this episode offers biblical encouragement for Christians facing hardship, discouragement, suffering, or uncertainty.

Trials are never meaningless in the hands of a sovereign God. Through suffering, God matures His people, strengthens their trust in Christ, and teaches them to rest in His promises.

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Explore More from Anchored in the Word

For more episodes from Anchored in the Word with Dave, visit the series page here:

Anchored in the Word with Dave

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Watch Anchored in the Word with Dave on YouTube

Walking Through the Psalms

In this episode, Dave Jenkins walks through Psalm 145 and explains how the greatness, goodness, mercy, and eternal kingdom of God call believers to continual praise and trust in the Lord.

Psalm 145 reminds Christians that the Lord alone is worthy of endless praise. He is great beyond measure, faithful in all His ways, kind in all His works, and near to all who call upon Him in truth.

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Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Servants of Grace YouTube channel, share this episode with a friend, and explore more biblical teaching through the Walking Through the Psalms series and Watch the Walking Through the Psalms Playlist

How Christians Fight Anxiety with the Promises of God

Show: Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins

Episode: How Christians Fight Anxiety with the Promises of God

Date: June 4, 2026

Show Summary

Anxiety is one of the most common struggles believers face today, yet Scripture teaches that believers overcome anxious thoughts by trusting the Lord, resting in His promises, and depending on Him in prayer.

In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins explains how Philippians 4:6–7 calls believers to bring their fears, worries, and concerns before the Lord and trust His sovereign care.

This episode explores how biblical peace flows from trusting the character of God, how Christians should respond to fear, and why the gospel anchors believers in seasons of uncertainty.

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Why Christians Need God's Promises in Times of Anxiety

Anxiety affects people of every age and stage of life. Concerns about health, finances, relationships, work, family, and the future can quickly consume our thoughts and rob us of peace. While the world often encourages self-reliance or positive thinking as solutions, Scripture directs believers to look beyond themselves and trust in the Lord.

The Bible teaches that peace is not found in controlling circumstances but in knowing and trusting the God who rules over all things. Through prayer, believers bring their fears before the Lord and remember His faithfulness, wisdom, and care. God's promises provide stability when life feels uncertain and remind Christians that they are never outside of His sovereign hand.

In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains how believers can fight anxiety with the promises of God by bringing their concerns to the Lord in prayer, resting in His character, and remembering the hope found in Christ. Rather than being controlled by fear, Christians are called to trust the God who is wise, faithful, and good. The peace God provides is rooted not in changing circumstances but in His unchanging nature.

How This Episode Helps Believers

This episode is designed to help Christians think biblically about anxiety and respond to it in a God-honoring way. Rather than turning first to worldly wisdom or self-reliance, believers are encouraged to look to the Lord and His Word for lasting hope and peace.

Scripture teaches that God is not distant from His people. He knows their fears, understands their struggles, and invites them to cast their cares upon Him. As believers meditate on God's promises and bring their concerns before Him in prayer, they learn to trust His sovereign purposes even when circumstances remain difficult.

The truths discussed in this episode provide practical encouragement for daily life and remind Christians that their confidence rests not in themselves but in the faithfulness of God. Because Christ has secured our salvation through His life, death, and resurrection, believers can face uncertainty with confidence and hope.

Biblical Hope for Anxious Hearts

One of the greatest comforts for believers is knowing that God has not left His people without help in their struggles. Throughout Scripture, the Lord repeatedly calls His people to trust Him, remember His faithfulness, and rest in His promises. Anxiety often causes people to focus on what might happen tomorrow, but the Word of God continually directs believers back to the character of God and His care for His children.

Jesus addressed this issue directly in Matthew 6 when He taught His disciples not to be anxious about their lives. He pointed them to the Father's provision for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as evidence of God's loving care. If God faithfully provides for His creation, believers can trust that He knows their needs and will sustain them according to His perfect wisdom.

For Christians, hope is not found in the absence of difficulty but in the presence of God. The Lord remains faithful in every circumstance, and His promises never fail. Even when fears persist and circumstances remain uncertain, believers can find confidence in the God who is sovereign, good, and worthy of trust. This confidence does not eliminate every struggle, but it anchors the heart in the truth of God's Word and the finished work of Christ.

Key Scriptures

Philippians 4:6–7

1 Peter 5:7

Matthew 6:25–34

Fight Anxiety with the Promises of God

Why anxious thoughts should be redirected through prayer

How Scripture steadies fearful hearts

The difference between worldly peace and biblical peace

Why Christians can trust God's sovereign character

How the gospel gives lasting hope in fearful seasons

Reflection Question

Where are you tempted to trust your fears more than God's promises?

Call to Action

For more biblical teaching and encouragement, visit Anchored in the Word.

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The Lord Alone Is Our Strength and Blessing — Psalm 144

By Dave Jenkins

In this episode of the Servants of Grace Podcast, Dave Jenkins continues the Walking Through the Psalms series by teaching through Psalm 144.

Psalm 144 reminds believers that true security is not found in human strength, wealth, power, or earthly success. The Lord alone is the strength, refuge, deliverer, and blessing of His people.

This sermon explores how David praises God as his rock and deliverer while reminding believers of the frailty of human life, the necessity of depending upon the Lord, and the covenant blessing of belonging to God through Christ alone.

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Key Themes from Psalm 144

God as our rock and refuge

The frailty and brevity of human life

Depending upon God in suffering and spiritual warfare

The covenant blessings of belonging to the Lord

Christ as the true and greater King

Key Scriptures

Psalm 144

James 4:14

Galatians 6:1–2

John 14:15

Conclusion

Psalm 144 teaches believers that true strength, security, and blessing are found in the Lord alone. Human strength fades, earthly power disappears, but the Lord remains faithful forever.

Through Jesus Christ, believers receive forgiveness, reconciliation, spiritual security, and everlasting hope. The greatest blessing any people can possess is belonging to the Lord.

For more episodes in the Walking Through the Psalms series, YouTubes, visit Servants of Grace or subscribe to the Servants of Grace Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

How the Holy Spirit Leads Through Scripture Not Feelings

Dave Jenkins | Anchored in the Word | Servants of Grace

Show Summary

How does the Holy Spirit lead believers according to the Word of God and not according to subjective impressions or feelings?

In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins answers an important question about spiritual guidance, discernment, and sanctification. In a time when many people define the Spirit’s leading by personal impressions, inner peace, or emotional certainty, Scripture gives us a far more reliable foundation.

This episode explains that the Holy Spirit never leads believers away from the truth He inspired. Instead, He leads God’s people through the Word of God, producing holiness, obedience, discernment, and Christlike character.

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Episode Highlights

The Spirit of God always leads through the Word of God

The Spirit never contradicts Scripture

Spiritual maturity is seen in holiness and obedience, not dramatic experiences

Feelings are real, but they are not the final authority

God’s will is revealed primarily in His Word

Believers must test teaching carefully and reject partial truth and subtle deception

Key Scriptures

John 16:13

2 Timothy 3:16–17

Hebrews 4:12

2 Peter 3:18

Luke 24:27

Luke 24:45

Galatians 5:22–23

Romans 8:13–14

Jeremiah 17:9

1 Thessalonians 4:3

John 17:17

Acts 17:11

1 Thessalonians 2:13

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Psalm 119:105

Full Article

Many Christians today speak about spiritual guidance in deeply personal terms. They say things like, “The Spirit told me,” “I felt led,” or “God gave me peace about this.” While those phrases may sound sincere, the real issue is not whether they sound spiritual, but whether they reflect what Scripture actually teaches about the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible presents the Spirit’s leading in a very different way than much of modern evangelical language does. The Holy Spirit does not lead believers away from the Word of God, beyond the Word of God, or in contradiction to the Word of God. He leads believers through the Word He inspired. That is where discernment begins. That is where spiritual maturity grows. That is where true assurance and stability are found.

Jesus says in John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” That statement matters greatly. The Spirit is the Spirit of truth. He does not guide believers into confusion, contradiction, or self-defined spirituality. He guides them into truth. And since Scripture is the truth that He inspired, His ministry is never detached from the written Word of God.

That is why 2 Timothy 3:16–17 is so important. All Scripture is breathed out by God and is sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The same Spirit who inspired the Word now uses the Word to shape the people of God. He leads us not by bypassing Scripture, but by bringing us deeper into it. He uses the Word to expose sin, renew the mind, strengthen faith, and train believers in obedience.

This means that true spiritual guidance is not mainly about receiving private impressions. It is about being formed by divine revelation. The Spirit works through the means God has appointed. He illuminates the text, helps us understand its meaning, presses its truth upon our conscience, and empowers us to obey it. He does not lead us into self-trust, but into submission to Christ through His Word.

Luke 24 helps us see this clearly. Jesus opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures, and He taught them that the whole Bible points to Him. The Spirit’s ministry today follows that same Christ-centered pattern. He helps believers understand the Bible rightly, see how it testifies to Christ, and apply it faithfully in daily life. Spiritual growth is not mystical independence from the Bible. It is deeper dependence on the truth of God revealed in Scripture.

That is also why the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 matters so much. The Spirit’s leading is seen not mainly in dramatic claims, but in transformed character. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are evidences of His work. Romans 8:13–14 adds that those who are led by the Spirit are those who, by the Spirit, put sin to death. In other words, the Spirit leads believers toward holiness, not toward self-centered certainty.

This is where feelings must be put in their proper place. Feelings are real. Scripture speaks honestly about them, especially in the Psalms. But feelings are not infallible. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that the heart is deceitful. That means emotions, impressions, and internal sensations cannot serve as the final authority for the Christian life. They must be tested by the Word of God.

Many spiritual errors begin here. People redefine obedience by their emotions. They confuse inner peace with divine approval. They assume that sincerity is the same thing as truth. But biblical peace does not come from personal preference. It comes from walking in the truth. God’s will is revealed primarily in Scripture, and His great will for His people is their sanctification. As John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” God grows His people through His truth.

So how do believers discern whether something is truly the Spirit’s leading? A few questions help. Does it align with Scripture? Does it promote holiness? Does wise Christian counsel affirm it? Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit? If something contradicts the Bible, it is not from the Spirit. It does not matter how intense the feeling is, how persuasive the teacher sounds, or how attractive the message appears. The Spirit never contradicts Scripture.

This is especially important in a time of subtle deception. Some teachers use Bible words but do not explain the Bible in context. Others give partial truth while avoiding the full meaning of a passage. Some appeal constantly to emotion, experience, and personal story while minimizing careful biblical interpretation. These are serious warning signs. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans because they searched the Scriptures to test what they were hearing. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 commands believers to test everything and hold fast to what is good.

That means faithful teaching should help Christians think biblically, read carefully, and grow in discernment. If a teacher encourages you to focus more on your feelings than on God’s Word, more on your experience than on God’s truth, or more on private impressions than on the meaning of Scripture, that teacher is not helping you. The Spirit of God always leads deeper into the truth of God’s Word.

There is actually great comfort in this. Many Christians worry that they are somehow missing God’s voice. But the good news is that God has already spoken clearly, sufficiently, and finally in His Word. You do not need secret guidance. You need faithful obedience. The Spirit’s work is often quiet, steady, and ordinary. He grows your love for Scripture. He convicts you of sin. He deepens your trust in Christ. He strengthens perseverance in the daily responsibilities of life. That is real spiritual maturity.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” That is how God leads His people. He does it by His truth. He does it through His Word. He does it by His Spirit. And because the Spirit never contradicts Scripture, believers can walk with confidence, clarity, and discernment as they stay anchored in Christ.

Takeaways and Reflection Questions

Am I looking to Scripture first when I need wisdom and direction?

Have I confused strong feelings with the leading of God?

Is my understanding of spiritual maturity shaped by holiness and obedience or by dramatic experiences?

Do I test what I hear from teachers and preachers by the context and meaning of Scripture?

How is the Spirit using the Word of God to grow me in Christlikeness today?

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who wants to grow in biblical discernment and spiritual maturity.

You can subscribe to the Servants of Grace Podcast wherever podcasts are available, YouTube, and you can find more biblical resources at Servants of Grace.

Stay rooted in the Word of God and anchored in Christ.