Let God Be God
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 7:1-14 and Psalm 40:11-17 (NIV)
(Jairus Thomas, Pastoral Team)
READ:
Matthew 7:1–14
“If you… know how to give good gifts… how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (v11)
Psalm 40:11–17
“As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer…” (v17, ESV)
OBSERVE:
In Matthew 7, Jesus addresses a large crowd and His disciples, calling on them not to ignore wrongdoing, but to guard against hypocrisy and to depend on God. He points His listeners toward prayer and trust in their Heavenly Father rather than taking matters into their own hands.
In Psalm 40, David models this dependence by bringing his pain and injustice before God. He acknowledges his helplessness and finds comfort in knowing that the Lord takes thought for him.
APPLY:
“Do not judge.” These words were often quoted to silence me whenever I wanted to confront wrongdoing or unfairness, leaving me feeling helpless. I knew something was wrong, yet I was unsure how to respond. But as I reflected on Jesus’ words, I began to see that Jesus is calling me away from self-reliance and toward deeper dependence on God.
Instead of trying to control outcomes or carry the burden of justice myself, I can trust that God sees, knows, and will act in His time. I can still respond with humility and love, but I no longer carry the weight of fixing everything. Instead, I can bring my concerns, frustrations, fears, and sense of injustice to God.
The most powerful human response is not control, but surrender – surrendering everything to God in prayer.
In Psalm 40, David brings even his uncomfortable emotions before God. This reminds me that dependence on God means being honest with Him and entrusting Him with what I cannot control.
When I feel poor, needy, or helpless, I am comforted by the truth that the Lord takes thought for me. Because God is my helper, I can rejoice and be glad in Him. If an earthly father knows what is good for his child, how much more does my Heavenly Father, who knows and loves me deeply.
DO:
I will surrender everything to God in prayer and choose trust over control. I will remind myself that God is my helper and rejoice in Him, even when I feel helpless.
PRAY:
Lord, teach me to depend on You and not on my own understanding. Help me not to react out of frustration, but to trust You with ultimate justice. When I feel poor, needy, or overwhelmed, remind me that You take thought for me and that You are my help and deliverer. As I surrender all things to You, lead me to rest in Your care and walk in deeper dependence on You each day. Amen.
