Devotions from Matt Redman – 10,000 ReasonsSample

Fires “God who keeps our fires burning, burning through the darkest night.” Sometimes life around us can develop a really negative and cynical tone. It could be a discouraging news story or a conversation about ‘what’s wrong with the world’- but you don’t have to venture too far to find a dreary outlook or hopeless mindset. As worshippers of Jesus it’s important we don’t let this attitude seep into our hearts and minds. We’re not to be escapist Christians who keep themselves from the reality of the world, and nor are we to sing a merry song over and above all the pain and noise in an attempt to ignore it or drown it out. No. We must engage with the issues of the day and run headlong into the culture around us. But at the same time we’re called to maintain a different mindset in the midst of it- never losing hope, never giving up on joy, and becoming bright-thinking worshippers, full of truth-filled optimism. That’s exactly why I love Psalm 18 so much. Towards the beginning of the psalm it’s clear that the writer is not living an easy or hassle-free existence. But still his confidence is in God: “You O Lord keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (v.28) Apply that bright-thinking to our own life today- and let it infuse confidence into all the challenges that may be facing you. God will keep your fires burning, and He will keep the dreams alive.