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Do we say vows to God today? Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark staff member Lauren Atkinson to talk through Psalm 61 and how we can use David’s words as a model for our prayers daily. David’s desire is for God to hear him and allow him to be in God’s presence. His vows to God are not something required for God to hear us today. For those in Christ, we can pray to God with confidence that He hears us. Take a few minutes today to pray through Psalm 61 as David teaches us what a prayer of dep...

What is a didactic psalm? Today, Emma Dotter teaches through Psalm 60, where David is lamenting the costliness of Israel’s victory and teaching hearers to trust the Lord when they encounter similar difficulties. David understood that God is the ultimate deliverer of the people. Our victory comes through Christ, and we will reign with Him, the ultimate Victor, in the end. Take some time to remind yourself of the truth of victory in Christ. Listen in for a study trick on how to remember key events about Israel’s sin and God’s promises in Shechem. 
 Additional Scripture Referenc...

How can we suffer well on this side of heaven? In today’s episode, Parker Primrose fills in for Emma Dotter as he and faithful Watermark member Bentley Borrego discuss how David combats suffering, distress, and persecution in a biblical way. Bentley points out how, when suffering, David cries out to God in dependance, submits in faith, seeks His’s glory, and chooses to praise Him.  
 
 Interested in Watermark’s healing and discipleship program? Check out the link for Re:Generation below!
 https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery
 
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Today, Emma Dotter walks us through Psalm 58 and answers the question, “Why do we need righteous judges?” Imagine if you were on trial and you didn’t have a fair, moral judge. In this Psalm, David is crying out for God’s justice on unjust judges or rulers who don’t make wise decisions. We can draw from David’s response as we consider how we respond to injustice or unrighteous rulers. David understood that all authority resides under God’s ultimate authority, and he ran to God with his concerns and desires. As believers, we have hope knowing that God puts...

How can we remain steadfast in the Lord no matter what comes our way or how we feel? In Psalm 57, while David is running from King Saul, he chooses to turn to God and place his confidence in Him. Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member Collin Fletcher encourage readers to remind themselves of the heart of God and His protection, providence, and presence. 
 
 Check out Collin Fletcher’s past episode!
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sH9058tHmtq0aAc2it8vD?si=2e5500d9e8104657
 
 Interested in Watermark’s healing and discipleship program? Check out the link f...

Why does God keep my tears in a bottle? What does that even mean? Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark staff member Wes Butler in today’s episode talk about the historical significance of people using bottles to catch tears and how God never lets our sorrow go to waste. Wes also points out that in Psalm 56, David is an example of how laments are a prayer in pain that leads to faith because knowing God’s faithfulness leads us to hope in Christ.
 
 Additional Resource mentioned in the episode:
 Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lame...

Where is God when we are experiencing betrayal? In today’s episode, Parker Primrose fills in for Emma Dotter as he and faithful Watermark member Nate Alvis talk about how David wrestles through the betrayal of a dear friend. Nate recounts how David walks through fear, fury, and faith and how he places his trust in God despite his circumstances. 
 
 Additional Scripture mentioned in the podcast:
 2 Samuel 11-12, David’s betrayal of a friend and his punishment
 1 Peter 5:7, “…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”                                                                                       
 Check our Nate’s previous episode!
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mVKr9ra8sOW57TQ...

What is a freewill offering and what does it have to do with gratitude? In today’s episode covering Psalm 54, Emma Dotter asks us about what our natural response to God is and whether we are moved to gratitude when we think about Him. In the Old Testament, a freewill offering was a voluntary offering to God as God moved the hearts of the people, while today, as believers, it more looks like noticing and obeying when the Holy Spirit moves us to honor God out of a heart posture of gratitude. 
 
 Additional Scripture mentioned in the episo...

Today on the podcast, Emma Dotter is joined by new Join The Journey Volunteer Admin, Lauren Atkinson, to discuss what David means in Psalm 53 when he says “there is none who does good.” David defines a fool not by someone’s intellectual capacity but by their spiritual state. Fools reject God in their hearts, and that is all of us before Christ. David cries out to God for salvation to come out of Zion. We know now the answer to David’s prayer. A Savior has come out of Zion, and His Name is Jesus Christ. 
 
 If you are int...

Who are we trying to promote in our lives, us or God? In this episode, Emma Dotter points out man’s tendency to lean toward temporary gratification in seeking praise, but that those who choose to be rooted deep in the house of God shine for Christ, not themselves. As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ and witnesses to all people, and we are left with the choice whether to glorify Him and trust in His steadfast love and power in our lives. 
 
 Additional Scripture mentioned in the episode:
 Isaiah 7:9, “…If you are not firm in faith, you...