Preach to Yourself + This Sunday!
The gospel frees us to "talk back" to ourselves.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11).
Growing up, we were often instructed never to “talk back” to our superiors, whoever they might be. But there are many times when talking back is exactly the right thing to do. One example is found in Psalm 42. Daily, we wake up with a voice already in our head. Maybe it’s the voice of fear, shame, stress, or regret. And if we’re not careful, we’ll listen—passively absorbing every anxious, defeated word.
But Psalm 42 shows us another way.
Instead of being led by his feelings, the psalmist grabs hold of them and talks back. “Why are you cast down, O my soul?... Hope in God!” He doesn’t wait for his emotions to change. He steps in with truth.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said, “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” In other words, don’t let your inner monologue become your master. Preach to yourself. Remind your soul what’s true of you in Christ.
You may not feel like God is near. But He is. You may not feel like joy is possible. But it is. You may not feel like your story ends in praise. But it does.
Let’s dare to rebel against the lies in our heads. Let’s dare to believe the good news of the gospel. Let’s preach to our own hearts, “Hope in God” because Christ lived for us, died for us, resurrected for us, and is coming back for us. He is our salvation and our song.
THIS SUNDAY AT IMMANUEL
HOLY COMMUNION: Join us for our 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services as we continue our sermon series, The Gospel According to Genesis, and receive Holy Communion. All are invited to come!
SUNDAY SEMINARS
Sadler Hall
9 AM: Studying the Bible Together, led by Dr. Tom Cox, studying the book of Romans in the blue room
10:45 AM: The Bible’s Big Story, led by David McLemore, helps you read and apply the Bible by showing how the entire storyline points to Jesus, His grace, and His gospel. All are welcome!
Sadler Chapel
9 AM: Last Word: The Gospel of Christ in the Book of Revelation, led by Dr. Russell Moore in Sadler Chapel
Student Ministry
9 AM: Student Seminar (grades 5-12) in the gymnasium
ON THE HORIZON
Next Steps - If you are interested in learning more about membership at Immanuel, our Next Steps Seminar is for you! You can join us on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Immanuel Cafe for our next class. RSVP here!
Women’s Cohort Interest Lunch - Are you looking for women to walk with you as you follow Jesus together? Women’s Cohorts are a place where women, by the Spirit’s power, seek maturity in their daily practice of following Jesus through accountability and deep relationships, under the example of a mature, Godly woman. Groups will begin in September and space is limited. Join us for an interest lunch on Sunday, May 4 in Sadler chapel immediately following the second service. Sign up here. You can Abby Norris at abby.norris04@gmail.com with any questions.