Sermon Series Blog: Living Proof Pt.3
When Life Gets Heavy
“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.” – Psalm 119:25
There’s something powerful about being called a “visionary.”
I’ve been told that.
I’ve also been told I’m a dreamer... that I’m imaginative... and sometimes, that I’ve got too much wishful thinking. Especially when it comes to our ministry in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Over the years, as I’ve fundraised and shared the vision of Church in the City — from planting campuses to launching a school — I’ve heard it all:
“That’s unsustainable.”
“The cost is too high.”
“It’s impossible for a small church.”
“It’s a pipe dream.”
And listen, part of me wants to prove the doubters wrong. I’d love to go back and say, “We made it another year — in the black!” or “Look at what God has done!”
But that’s not my motivation.
Because at the end of the day, I’m not a visionary.
I’m not a dreamer.
I’m not fueled by positivity.
I’m simply Living Proof that God is faithful.
God’s Faithfulness Isn’t a Theory — It’s My Reality
Where I came from — the life I was headed toward — was either prison, addiction, or worse.
But God.
He preserved me. Rescued me. Restored me.
Not because I was smart or strong… but because He is faithful.
And I know I’m not alone in this.
I look around our church community and see stories of healing, freedom, hope, and radical transformation:
From cancer patient to healed.
From gang member to gospel carrier.
From drug dealer to hope dealer.
From broken family to family of God.
We are not just believers.
We are Living Proof that Jesus is alive — and active — in the lives of His people.
When Life Gets Heavy… and It Will
Psalm 119:25–40 is a cry from someone who’s overwhelmed:
“I am laid low in the dust…”
“My soul is weary with sorrow…”
“Turn my eyes from worthless things…”
The truth is, it’s not if life gets heavy. It’s when.
And when distractions grow louder… when the pressure feels too much… when the path ahead is blurry… you don’t need a title.
You need the Word of God and the power of prayer.
This is what revives us.
This is what gives us clarity and strength.
This is what makes us Living Proof to a weary world.
3 Ways to Stay Revived and Focused
Here’s how Psalm 119 invites us to get our focus back when we’re tired, spiritually foggy, or discouraged.
1. Call Out the Distraction
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things…” (Psalm 119:37)
Distraction is often digital — but more deeply, it’s spiritual.
David doesn’t pretend everything is fine. He names what’s pulling him away from God and brings it into the light.
Here’s a challenge:
What are your “worthless things”?
Check your screen time. Consider your conversations. Examine your priorities.
Distraction doesn’t feel dangerous, but it quietly drains your focus and faith.
So name it. Lay it at Jesus’ feet. And get your attention back.
"You can't overcome what you won't acknowledge."
2. Let the Word Revive You
“Preserve my life according to your word…” (v.25)
“Strengthen me according to your word…” (v.28)
When you’re weary, you don’t need hype — you need healing.
God’s Word is not optional hydration. It’s your lifeline.
It’s your defense, detox, weapon, and inspiration — all in one.
George Müller, who ran orphanages for 10,000+ children by faith alone, once said:
“The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord.”
Müller read the Bible cover to cover over 200 times. Not for information — but for revival.
If he could find joy and strength through the Word in the middle of daily pressure and no guaranteed income… what excuse do we have?
Action Step:
Meditate on one Psalm this week.
Speak Scripture out loud over your situation.
Let it renew your mind and revive your soul.
3. Obey Your Way Into Focus
“Teach me… give me understanding… direct me…” (vv.33–35)
Obedience tunes your heart to God’s frequency.
We often wait for a feeling before we obey — especially with things like baptism, generosity, reconciliation, or forgiveness.
But here’s the truth:
Clarity doesn’t come through emotion. It comes through obedience.
Just like a guitar sounds wrong when it’s out of tune — your life won’t play the right melody if you’re ignoring what God already asked you to do.
So ask:
“What’s the last thing God told me to do?”
Do that — and your spiritual clarity will start returning.
Let This Be Your Prayer Today:
“Father, we bring You our distractions, our doubts, and our dry places.
Revive us again according to Your Word.
Shift our focus. Stir our hearts.
Make us Living Proof — not just in what we say, but how we live.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
A Final Word
If you’re battling distraction… if you’re worn out… if you’re hungry for breakthrough — you’re not alone.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be honest.
And ready to respond.
You obey your way into focus.
You surrender your way into peace.
You press into the Word and become Living Proof that God is faithful.
Let’s keep walking that out — together.
