Letter to the Congregations: 30th August 2025

Our Dear Brethren,

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!”

King David often cried out to God. He did this in moments when he was afraid because of the armies of his enemies. He did this when he was upset and felt like he was about to lose control. He did this when sad and alone and when he was glad and rejoicing. David had learned at a very young age to cry out to his God, and relearned this same lesson throughout life when he had forgotten it in moments of weakness.

In Psalm chapter four, in the first verse, David gives God credit for the fact that he was made righteous, that he had been called and urged to change his heart when he had sinned. This is a powerful acknowledgment, and one that we should take note of. Our God, in His grace and mercy, has called us when we are weak and has helped us to be able to change so we might be spiritually strong. Our God desires to hear from us and lift us up when we are weak or afraid or sad or tired. And also when we are ready to rejoice.

This psalm is filled with cries to God, but also good advice for us when we are feeling weak. It’s a message to give us hope and remind us that God looks kindly upon those who seek to be righteous and must do so by seeking Him. It’s a psalm of encouragement and peace that gives credit where credit is due for the blessings we have. We can read this psalm and be reassured, just like David was, that we serve a God who is with us and desires us to have peace no matter what is happening in our lives.

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe