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Counseling through the Psalms – Psalm 65 – “Our Generous God”

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Do you feel like you are missing something or someone that will give you security, satisfaction, or a sense of significance? Do you struggle with seeing only the worst possible outcomes of a situation? Do you struggle with negative thinking? Do your thoughts cause you to spiral down into depression, stress, or anxiety?

Do you struggle with a deficit mindset?

Some people recognize only the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive. They might receive many compliments on an evaluation but focus on a single piece of negative feedback.

Others exaggerate or minimize the importance of events. Others expect that a situation will turn out badly without adequate evidence. Others make assumptions that their emotions clearly and unmistakably reflect the way things really are, even when evidence proves otherwise.

All of these people struggle with what I call a “deficit mindset.” The person with a deficit mindset lives in scarcity and insufficiency. They are always at a loss, lacking something they want and believe they desperately need.

Why not live with a surplus mindset?

Rather than a deficit mindset, you should have a “surplus mindset” in Christ. In Christ, there is abundance, and you lack nothing in Him. You feel unloved; in Christ, God loves you infinitely. You feel unaccepted; in Christ, God accepts you totally. You feel unforgiven; in Christ, God forgives you completely. You lack nothing that you need in Christ!

Before one hears that as primarily material and earthly blessings, I want to be clear that when the Scriptures speak of abundance, it usually and mainly speaks about the spiritual and heavenly blessings that are poured out on the children of God because of Christ, however, there are times some aspects of the gifts are seen in material or earthly blessings that God gives His peoples.

Psalm 65 speaks of our Generous God

Psalm 65 is a psalm of thanksgiving for God’s spiritual and physical blessings. The spiritual blessings are seen in God’s saving His people and making atonement for their sins. The physical blessings are seen in God providing for His people by the bounty from the earth.

The psalmist expresses his confidence that God is amazing in His grace, awesome in His power, and abundant in His provisions. We serve a very generous God.

Be very grateful. Deepen your dependence on God. Place your confident hope in the goodness of God.

Hear a message by James Long, Jr. from our Counseling through the Psalms series on Psalm 65.

Message Exposition Psalm 65 – Our Generous God

  • The psalmist praises the God of amazing grace (Psalm 65:1-4)
    • Seven things we are told about our gracious God
      • 1. God, who is worthy of praise (vs. 1)
      • 2. God, to whom we should make vows (vs. 1)
      • 3. God, who hears our prayer (vs. 2)
      • 4. God, who forgives our sins (vs. 3)
      • 5. God, who chooses His people (vs. 4)
      • 6. God, who welcomes us into His presence (vs. 4)
      • 7. God, who satisfies (vs. 4)
  • The psalmist praises the God of awesome power (Psalm 65:5-8)
    • Three things we are told about our strong God
      • 1. God is our Savior (vs. 5)
      • 2. God is our Strength (vs. 6)
      • 3. God is our Sovereign (vs. 7-8)
  • The psalmist praises the God of abundant provision (Psalm 65:9-13)
    • Abundant provision: Well-watered lands (vs. 9-10)
    • Abundant provision: Overflowing wagons (vs. 11-12)
    • Awesome Praise: Vibrant and joyous worship (vs. 13)
  • The Gospel in Psalm 65

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About James and Lessons for Life

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation.

Subscribe, and enjoy the show! 

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