Because...

This week, students up and down the country will be heading back to their different colleges, courses, and friendships.  

Some of you may be feeling rested, expectant, and energised for all that the year ahead may bring! 

Others of you may be feeling a serious lack of Vitamin D, getting back into the usual rhythm may seem too soon and there may be some background nerves about exams and the future.  

I want to share with you some verses from Psalm 63 that ‘popped’ out to me a couple of days into the new year.  

It’s a Psalm of David, likely written when he was fleeing from Absalom (and though it probably isn’t set in January…it is set in a desert!).  

The whole Psalm is incredible, I’m diving in in at verse 3:  

“3 Because your love is better than life, 
    my lips will glorify you. 
4 I will praise you as long as I live, 
    and in your name I will lift up my hands. 
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; 
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you… 

 
7 …Because you are my help, 
    I sing in the shadow of your wings. 
8 I cling to you; 
    your right hand upholds me…” 

Did you notice the two becauses? They’re astounding.  

In fact, I have a feeling that with these two becauses – we can face anything.  

As we step into a new year,  may we know - to the very core of our inner being, the love of God in Jesus. May this bring freedom, courage, security and would this ‘bubble out’ of us in worship and praise.  

As we step into a new year, may we know that He is our help. We do not go back to studies, friends, mission or exams alone. We do not face 2026 (and whatever may lie beyond) as those needing to fend for ourselves.  

No matter what the year ahead holds: we are loved beyond measure. And we have a Helper that we can cling to, take shelter in, and will uphold us.  

Because your love is better than life 

                                                         Because you are my help  

“Father, may we know the power and truth of these two becauses in the very depth of our souls. And would our friends who yearn and seek for a love and help like this – see that it’s available to them too, in Jesus. Amen.”  

        If you would like to read the whole of Psalm 63 (it’s mega!) you can do that here 

• If you are feeling a little lethargic as you head into January – this podcast episode with J John is like a shot of expresso to the soul. Listen, laugh and be encouraged by what Jesus can do - click here!

• If you would like to spend some time as a CU in the Psalms, we’ve got 5 tailor-made 15 Min Bible Studies called ‘Sing’ here: https://www.festive.org.uk/15-min-bible-studies