> Welcome back to our 5-part series exploring the broad themes from the five books of the Psalms and how they relate to the life of an ordinary Christian. Inspired by W. Robert Godfrey’s Learning to Love the Psalms, each post digs into how these biblically rich themes—confidence, commitment, crisis, comfort, and celebration—come alive through the story of Rachel, a young woman navigating the ups and downs of faith.
In the first post, we followed Rachel as she learned to trust in God’s care, drawing strength from Psalm 23 during a burdensome season of caregiving. Today, we’ll walk with Rachel through a new stage of her journey: stepping into greater responsibility and commitment to God’s Kingdom. In this phase, she faces challenges and doubts but learns anew that God sustains those who put their trust in Him.
This part of the series reflects the overarching theme of Book 2 of the Psalms—Commitment to God’s Kingdom. Psalms like Psalm 46, which proclaim God as our refuge and strength, and Psalm 72, which envisions God’s reign and justice through a faithful king, remind us of the calling to live for God’s purposes. Let’s see how Rachel takes a step of faith in her own commitment.
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The Weight of Calling
After several years of staying home to care for her mother, Rachel was now in her mid-20s and entering a new season of her life. A door had opened for her to move to a larger city, where she had accepted a teaching job at a high school. It wasn’t just any teaching position—this school served students from underprivileged communities. Rachel felt God nudging her not only to teach but also to invest spiritually in the lives of the students.
Eager to make an impact, Rachel started a voluntary after-school Bible study called “The Table,” a space where students could share meals and conversations centered on God’s Word. At first, just a few students attended, but the group quickly began to grow. Soon, the room was filled with teenagers seeking God, asking genuine questions, and sharing their struggles.
It was exhilarating for Rachel to see lives being changed, but it wasn’t without its challenges. The long hours of teaching and ministry drained her energy, and on top of it all, she began receiving pushback. Some parents questioned her motives, and her colleagues whispered at staff meetings, doubting whether her Bible study was appropriate.
One evening, completely exhausted after another long day, Rachel broke down in tears as she prayed, “God, did You even call me to this? It’s too much. I don’t know if I can keep doing this.”
A Refuge in Times of Trouble
As Rachel poured out her doubts to God, she was reminded of Psalm 46:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…”
(Psalm 46:1-2, NIV)
Those words felt like a balm to her weary soul. Rachel paused and reflected: God wasn’t asking her to carry these burdens alone. He was her refuge and strength—the one who would sustain her in moments of doubt, fear, and frustration.
The next day, as part of her morning devotion, Rachel went deeper into Psalm 46. The psalm’s declaration of a holy city where God reigns gave her new perspective. The ministry she was pouring into wasn’t about building her own success or reputation; it was about pointing others to the Kingdom of God, where His justice, love, and truth reign supreme.
This truth gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She committed herself once again to God’s calling, trusting Him to use her efforts for His glory, no matter how hard it seemed.
Anchored in God’s Strength
Over the next few weeks, Rachel began to notice subtle changes—not in her circumstances, but in her heart. The challenges she faced didn’t disappear: parents still occasionally voiced concerns, and there were days when her energy ran low. But Rachel was learning to rely on God’s strength rather than her own.
She began to pray before every Bible study, asking for God to guide her interactions with the students and for His Spirit to work in their hearts. She reminded herself daily that God’s Kingdom was bigger than any one ministry or challenge.
Rachel also learned to set healthy boundaries, ensuring she had time to rest and spend quiet moments in God’s presence. Psalm 46:10 became a verse she clung to: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Through it all, “The Table” continued to grow. New students arrived every week, hungry to learn about God. One by one, Rachel began to see transformation in their lives. A troubled student who once struggled academically began sharing how the Bible helped calm his anxiety. Another girl who often came to school angry began to reflect the peace and patience she’d learned from Scripture.
Rachel marveled at what God was doing. These moments reminded her why she had stepped into this ministry in the first place—not for her own success, but to honor God and serve His Kingdom.
Reflecting on God’s Kingdom
Rachel’s story reveals the beauty and challenge of committing to God’s Kingdom work. Whether in vocational ministry, teaching, parenting, or simply living out our faith in a secular world, we all face moments of doubt and exhaustion. Like Rachel, we can find courage in knowing that God is our refuge, who equips us for His work and whose Kingdom will ultimately prevail.
Psalm 46 reminds us:
- God is our strength, not us. When we feel weak and inadequate, we can draw from His endless supply of strength.
- We are part of something bigger. Our small acts of faithfulness contribute to God’s eternal Kingdom.
- God is in control. We can let go of the pressure to “make things happen” when we trust in His sovereign hand.
Reflecting on Your Life
Just as Rachel learned to rest in God’s strength, you might find yourself in a season where God is calling you to something that feels overwhelming. Commitments to family, work, or ministry can weigh heavily on our shoulders—but take heart:
- Where are you relying on your strength instead of God’s?
- What might it look like to “be still” and trust in His power instead of your own?
- How is God inviting you to commit to His Kingdom in your current season of life?
A Prayer for Commitment
Father, You are my refuge and my strength. Thank You for calling me to serve in Your Kingdom, even when the work feels overwhelming. Teach me to rely on Your power, not my own, and remind me to “be still” and trust in what You are doing. Use my small efforts to glorify You and to point others to Your Kingdom. Amen.
Join us next time as we follow Rachel into a season of crisis that tests her trust in God’s promises. Through doubt and struggle, she learns what it means to hold on to faith even when God feels silent. Until then, may you find strength in the refuge of God’s love.
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