A Speech to The Soul | Javon Ruff
Sunday, October 20
Scriptures
Psalm 103:1-6, Psalm 34:1-3, Job 2:9, 1 Samuel 30:6, Deuteronomy 8:19, Matthew 15:19, Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 51:2, 5-10, Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:3, 3 John 1:2, Amos 3:12, Psalm 42:11a, 2 Samuel 9, Isaiah 55:1-2, Matthew 11:28-30.
Introduction
There will be difficult times in your life. But don’t allow yourself to focus on what didn’t happen or what could have been. Instead, focus on the goodness of God. During the message, "A Speech to The Soul," Pastor Javon Ruff examined King David's Psalm 103. Before we go any further, let's read it and take a brief pause between each verse to silently reflect on its meaning:
Psalm 103:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.
In life there is always something to complain about, but complaining won’t get you anywhere. Instead, whether you’re up or down, rich or poor, calm or stressed, choose to “bless God from both sides.” This means choosing to speak well of God, reminding yourself of His forgiveness, healing, redemption, justice, etc.
…And all that is within me…
Psalm 103:1 (NKJV) “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
In Joshua 3, the Israelites, poised to enter the Promised Land, faced a daunting task: crossing the Jordan River at flood level stage. Here, God instructed the priests to step into the flooding waters first. This moment was not random; God chose the river at its mightiest to showcase His power, parting the waters for Israel to pass on dry ground. Imagine if the priests hesitated, unwilling to commit fully. Often, God's resolution to our challenges waits on our complete surrender and action in faith. We must trust in God with all that is within us.
- Reflect on a moment when you sensed God calling for your total commitment, a pivotal step in faith. What was that step, and how did you respond to His call to go all in?
Exhortation – Outwardly and Inwardly
The value of godly relationships cannot be overstated. Some relationships are in close proximity (friend, spouse, mentor), while others can encourage from a distance (pastor, worship leader). However, there isn't always someone else around to encourage you. In those times, you must learn to give your soul a speech and encourage yourself in the Lord. Let's explore each scenario where we see David being encouraged by others, as well as the times when he had to encourage himself.
Outward | Jonathan Encouraged David
The Bible tells us to bear one another’s burdens, and in doing so, we will fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:1-2). What is the law of Christ? To love others as He has loved us. Agape love is love in action.
Jonathan, Saul's son, had this kind of love for David and moved into action. Jonathan helped David find strength in God (1 Sam 23:16-18). Jonathan exhorted David, saying, "Never! You are not going to die!" Jonathan made a covenant with David, stripping himself of his armor and giving it to David (1 Sam 18:4). A friend like this is one who loves at all times and is born for a time of adversity (Proverbs 17:17).
It is vitally important to have fellowship with other believers who can speak into our souls with encouraging words. At the altar, Pastor Javon impressed upon us that we need discipleship, community, and people that will come alongside us when we are overwhelmed. He said, "You can't do this alone."
- Do you have encouragers in your life? If so, how have they been able to encourage you or help you see more clearly? If not, do you tend to shy away from sharing your life or challenges with other believers? Why?
Outward | David Provided for Mephibosheth
We need people in our lives who will help us see our worth and value when we have self-inflicted or world-inflicted "wounds." People who help us to see and provide a seat at their table (fellowship), as David did with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).
- Has someone ever looked out for you by pulling you close and providing friendship, provision, or protection? What difference did that make in your life?
We Must Also Encourage Ourselves
There will be times when we don't have a human encourager, and we will need to encourage ourselves in the Lord. We have to literally speak to our own soul, as David did when he asked his soul, "Why are you downcast, O my soul?" (Psalm 42:11). David strengthened himself in the Lord (1 Sam 30:6). David kept praise on his lips, always, despite his circumstances (Psalm 34:1-3). The Holy Spirit has been given to us, and among other things, He is our comforter. We draw on Him to come alongside us to encourage and guide us into truth. The truth we need to know is: God knows us intimately (Jeremiah 1:5), God has plans for us (Jer 29:11), and God loves us unconditionally (Romans 8:31).
- Do you find it easier to encourage others than to encourage yourself? If so, why?
- If you have encouraged yourself in the Lord, did you see a 'shift'? Can you share your story?
Soul Sickness and Soul Satisfaction
Psalm 34:1-3 (NKJV):
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
As we learn to bless the Lord, and His holy name (Psalm 103:1), we begin to magnify Him and exalt His name (Ps. 34:3).
Psalm 51:2-10 says He will wash us whiter than snow, cleanse us from our sins, and blot out our iniquities (planned sins); He will teach us wisdom. He will create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. He will give us peace that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7).
[Activity] Remember, He is the One who will forgive our iniquities (Psalm 103:3) and heal our diseases. As we read through the list of the "diseases of the soul", let's pause after each and thank God that each is under His feet and capable of being healed by His healing touch: bitterness, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, depression, fear, emotional trauma, harmful soul ties, hatred, chronic insecurity, and even suicidal tendencies. Amen!
He can restore us to be greater than before, as a treasure, rather than being damaged goods. True satisfaction only comes from God, as He is the only one who can satisfy the longing of our soul. Let Him be our first choice, and not just settle for anything; let's get rid of substitutes (sin).
- From the list of "diseases of the soul" mentioned (bitterness, anger, resentment, etc.), which one resonates most with you personally? How can acknowledging God's healing touch in this area change your daily approach to life or relationships?
- What does it mean for you to let God be your "first choice" in daily decisions? Discuss practical ways you can eliminate "substitutes" (sin) from your life to deepen your surrender to Jesus.
John prayed, ‘Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers’ (3 John 1:2). Psalm 23 says, "The Lord is our shepherd; we have all we need." Whose report will we believe? We believe the report of the Lord!
- John's prayer in 3 John 1:2 links the prosperity and health of the body to the soul. How do you interpret this connection? Share an example from your life or someone you know where spiritual health influenced physical or emotional well-being.
Crowned with Lovingkindness and Tender Mercies
Psalm 103:4 NKJV
“Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,”
Redemption is the process of buying something back, of ransoming, of recovering something by paying the price. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, yet through Christ's mercy and sacrifice, we are given grace when we repent and make Him Lord of our lives. Repentance brings deliverance. The deliverance that Jesus has generously provided humanity means redemption for our sins; it is deliverance from the enslavement of sin and release to a new freedom in Jesus Christ!
- Think briefly about the amazing gift Christ Jesus gifted us through His undeserved grace. Discuss how it makes you feel to honestly acknowledge the magnitude of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
He not only redeemed you, but He also wants to share your burden. Jesus promises rest to those who labor and are heavy laden if only we come to Him (Matthew 11:28).
Through penning songs, David understood and desired to express his profound gratitude to God. Psalm 107:9 says, "For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness." God’s nature is to love, protect, heal, and comfort His children. We must never forget or take the Lord's lovingkindness and tender mercies for granted. Praise Him today!
- How can you develop a daily ‘plan of gratitude’ to God for the many blessings you enjoy?
Conclusion | Benefits Package from God
Someone might not always be around to encourage you, so you must learn to encourage yourself. Remind yourself of how many benefits come with serving God. He forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases, redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with lovingkindness, and satisfies you with good things. Do you want to receive satisfaction for your soul? Surrender to God and magnify Him!
Don’t forget God’s benefits. Your soul has a benefits package from God.
- God forgives all your iniquities. Even the worst of your premeditated sins can be forgiven because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
- God heals all your diseases. God is a physical healer, but He can also heal you from sickness in your soul. Bitterness, anger, depression, anxiety, fear, hatred, and insecurity can all be healed by God.
- God redeems your life from destruction. Everything in the natural may say your situation is over. But there’s nothing God can’t restore.
- God satisfies you with good things. So many are trying to find satisfaction in the substitutes: money, women, men, power, or titles. True satisfaction for your soul is only found in God. Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water that satisfies your soul.
Reflection and Action Steps:
- Reflect on God's Benefits: Take a moment to reflect on each benefit listed above. How have these truths impacted your life? Can you share a personal testimony where one of these benefits was evident?
- Encourage Yourself: Develop a habit of reciting these benefits daily. Use them as a shield against doubt and despair. How can you incorporate this practice into your morning routine?
- Surrender and Magnify: What areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to God? Consider how you can let go and allow God to work in those areas. Commit to magnifying God in your life through praise, worship, and sharing your faith.
- Encouragement for Others: Just as you encourage yourself, find ways to remind others of these benefits. How can you be a beacon of hope and a reminder of God's goodness in someone else's life?
By embracing this "Benefits Package from God," not only will you find strength and peace in your own life, but you'll also become an inspiration for others once they see blessings that come from a relationship with our Creator.
Prayer
- Live Out God's Benefits: Pray for opportunities as a group to demonstrate and share the redemption, healing, forgiveness, and satisfaction God offers.
- Surrender to Jesus: Pray for a deeper surrender to Jesus, inviting His Presence to heal and guide each person this week.
Resources