Bethany Beacon
Sharing faith, hope, and community—one week at a time.
Week of September 28, 2025
This fall, we’re walking through the book of Ephesians together in a brand-new sermon series called Made for More.
Too often, church can feel like a machine—more programs, more guilt, more effort. But Paul reminds us: before we’re told what to do, we’re reminded of who we already are in Christ. The Christian life isn’t about striving harder—it’s about living from the fullness of Jesus that’s already been given to us.
We’ll explore six powerful shifts we must make in order mobilize and live into the abundance of Christ as a church:
From more effort to more Jesus
From more volunteers to more masterpieces
From more guilt to more love
From more hierarchy to more missionaries
From more programs to more mission fields
From more strategy to more surrender
And finally, beyond good intentions—to living out our masterpiece mission.
“When Negativity Feels Loud”
A Reflection on Psalm 37
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong…”
— Psalm 37:1
Psalm 37 begins with a word we all need: “Do not fret…” (v.1). It’s so easy to get pulled into frustration when people around us seem to find fault with everything. We’ve all met folks who seem to think criticism is a spiritual gift — always pointing out what’s wrong, never seeing what’s good. Their words can sap our energy, cloud our joy, and tempt us to react.
But David, the psalmist, tells us something different. Instead of fretting or envying, “Trust in the Lord and do good” (v.3). This isn’t just nice advice; it’s an active choice. We choose to anchor our hearts in God’s character rather than in other people’s opinions. We choose to “do good” even when negativity swirls around us.
I’ve had to learn this personally. Growing up, I saw how my grandparents kept doing the next right thing no matter the weather or the talk.
Now within my own family alongside my husband and children, I’m learning that God calls us to the same steady faithfulness: keep planting seeds of kindness, integrity, and patience — and let Him handle the harvest and the critics.
Psalm 37 offers more wisdom for weary hearts:
“Commit your way to the Lord” (v.5) – Hand Him the hurtful words and trust Him to vindicate you.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (v.7) – Don’t rush to defend yourself; let God’s timing bring clarity.
“The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (v.11) – God’s peace outlasts human pettiness.
This week, if someone’s negativity starts to wear you down, pause and pray Psalm 37 back to the Lord. Ask Him to help you let go of the fretting and to keep your focus on His steady goodness.
God sees your heart. He honors your faithfulness. And His peace truly is stronger than their criticism.
Let us Pray:
Lord, thank You that You see and know our hearts. When the voices of criticism and negativity grow loud, help us not to fret but to trust in You and keep doing good. Give us patience, wisdom, and grace to respond with kindness and courage. Help us delight in You and find our peace in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Click “PLAY” on the video below to see what’s going on at Bethany this week.