August 4

The prophet Amos is relentless in chapters 4–6. God’s people are being warned—again—not just for their actions, but for their refusal to return to Him. Over and over, God says, “Yet you did not return to me.” He sent wake-up calls—drought, famine, even natural disaster—but they still clung to empty religion and self-reliance. The people sang songs of worship, but their lives were far from just, merciful, or humble. Amos 5:24 echoes God’s heart:
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
God doesn’t just want church attendance or spiritual appearances—He wants our hearts.

Psalm 55 gives voice to the internal struggle many of us know too well. David is overwhelmed by betrayal, grief, and fear. He says, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” (v. 6). Have you ever wanted to escape the weight of life? Yet David doesn’t run—he casts his burden on the Lord (v. 22). He trusts God to sustain him when his world is falling apart.

And in Matthew 14, we meet the God who responds—not just with justice, but with compassion. Jesus feeds the hungry, calms the storm, and meets His disciples in the dark. When Peter sinks under the waves, Jesus immediately reaches out and catches him. He sees. He saves.

So here’s the tension:
Amos shows us a God who refuses to ignore sin.
Psalm 55 reveals a God who hears our cries.
Matthew 14 reveals a God who walks into our chaos and holds us up.

The same God who calls us to repent is the God who runs to rescue.

Are we listening? Are we letting God’s discipline draw us back to Him—or are we just trying to hold it all together on our own? Are we casting our burdens, or carrying them until we collapse? Are we looking at the wind and waves, or fixing our eyes on the Savior who’s already walking toward us?

God sees your heart, your burdens, your storm—and He still calls, “Come.”

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