REGARD

Step 2

We come to regard God as the only one whose power can fully restore us.

Psalms 103:2-5 (read out loud)

2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

APPLICATIONS:

Imagine you’re putting together a jigsaw puzzle, and you’re missing that one pivotal piece. You search high and low, and then… you find it! That missing piece represents just how intentional God is about our lives. He knows exactly what is needed to complete the picture—the joys, the struggles, and even the boring days are all part of a divine masterpiece.

Think about a gardener who lovingly tends to a plant. They water it, provide sunlight, and sometimes prune it. Like God, who cares for our lives, ensuring we grow in the right direction. The moments when we feel pruned or challenged are just God’s way of shaping us to bloom in ways we can’t yet imagine. (BY THE WAY PRUNING THAT GOD DOES MAY HURT, BUT IT WILL BE FOR OUR BETTERMENT, AND HIS GLORIFICATION)

Picture God as a master chef, preparing a complex dish. Each ingredient is unique—some sweet, some bitter. Yet, when combined with care, they create a delicious meal. Our lives are like those ingredients; God skillfully blends our experiences—the good and the bad—into a flavorful existence. He knows exactly how to season our lives for the best outcome!

As we continue on this path of restoration, we will focus today on the word Regard! 

What does that mean to you? 

Is that something you say when you are sharing greetings with  someone?

Maybe thinking of someone?

Giving best wishes?

In this lesson , we are talking about “ to consider or think of someone or something in a specified way”

In the few scriptures we just read, we Regard God as the ONLY ONE, whose power can fully restore us.

In our lives before we become broken, we don’t really Regard God at all or maybe half heartedly. (I see you shaking your head!)

Kind of like going through the motions to please someone or something in our lives

Regard

Do you realize that God has regarded your life, even before you were born ?

Do you also realize that God has literally been waiting for you and I to turn OUR lives over to Him?

If you know that now, and realize that fact, then you can really Regard God's sovereignty and power over your life.

That you really can’t control anyways!

Verse 4 says to us clearly and loudly that He “Redeems our lives from the Pit”!

Another RE word by the way (Smile)

He crowns you and I with love and compassion

OUR OBJECTIVE NOW

Now we can realistically look carefully at God's deep and enduring love for us

Know that He even knows the hairs on your head

He even counts your tears

When feeling like your tears in the face of grief or loss go unnoticed, consider creating a memory wall in your home. Gather photos, letters, and treasured items that remind you of what you’ve lost. In a quiet moment, reflect on these items and pray over your pain. PLEASE DO FOCUS ON THE GOOD THINGS AS WELL! This act of remembrance allows you to articulate your grief, recognizing that God is with you in your suffering.

He takes our messes, and makes a message from them! (Amen?)

BIBLICAL WEAPONRY

What do you need in your quest to Regard God?

Bible

Accountability partner

Prayer time daily and consistently

This recovery/discipleship meeting weekly

Disengagement from those things that squander your perception of regarding God !

FINAL THOUGHTS

Simply said, is this: To regard God truthfully and earnestly, is to be in constant communication with Him! He is just a prayer away my family Don't wait to do so.

AT THIS TIME WE WILL DISMISS OUR ONLINE FAMILY UNTIL WE SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT TIME! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN OUR NUTS & BOLTS VIDEO

QUESTIONS

What were your previous thoughts about “REgarding” God? 

What is your heart's desire now about “REgarding God?