prayer

Entrusted to God; Living for Him

Think! God has entrusted you, as His child, with His Truths. This is enormous! It is the most valuable possession we can have –

In this last chapter of 1Peter, the Apostle concludes with instructions given to the elders of the church to shepherd the flock in verses 1-4. Then Peter gives specific instructions to those who are younger, and also addresses the group as a whole – encouraging them, praying for them, praising God, and reminding them to stand firm in their faith.

1Peter 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

‘Therefore’ resumes the exhortation from 1Peter 4:19, Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. Peter’s message of ‘keep on keeping on with your focus on your heavenly future’ continues. It’s as if he is saying, ‘since you have entrusted your souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right’, then here is your calling. Before we get to the specifics of what they ought to do, we’ll look at who this letter is addressed to and the words the Apostle uses to describe himself.

First, the Apostle addresses those in charge – the elders among you. Peter includes himself in this group of those he is exhorting; he refers to himself as a fellow elder. These are the individuals who care for the church – the shepherds of the flock, the teachers, pastors, elders, and deacons. They may have also been elders in age considering that Peter addresses the younger men in verse five, but this does not change the exhortation to the ministers of the church. We learn something about Peter’s humility in this verse as he includes himself in the same role as the elders of the church. He was one of the twelve disciples and a witness of Jesus’ life and death, yet he does not place himself in any position except that of serving together with those he is writing to. He also spent time with Jesus under His direct teaching but notice that the direction Peter gives to these men who lead the church is for himself also. If we are worldly thinking, then who you know gives you clout. When we are Christ-minded, each of us is equal; the need for our salvation is the same; the price paid the same; the eventual fruition of God’s grace and mercy the same. Individually we have certain roles, but each person is needed and as important as another.

To exhort in this verse means to invite, to call for, to (be of good) comfort, to desire. It seems that this is not so much a command as it is an encouragement to come alongside one another in their endeavors to lead the flock. Read this as an earnest request from the Apostle to the ministers of the church to press on.

Note, Peter describes himself as a witness of the sufferings of Christ. Imagine, walking with Christ physically, in His footsteps literally. This was Peter’s experience.

Acts 1:21-22 "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us – beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us – one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."

Acts 2:32 "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.

The Apostle well understood the sufferings of Jesus.

Acts 3:5 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.

Acts 10:39 "We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross.

“He was with Christ in the garden; he was with him when he was apprehended. and he was with him in the high priest's hall. Whether he followed him to the cross we know not; … He could, however, with the strictest propriety, say, from the above circumstances, that he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ. We are all to be a witness for Christ”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

The word witness, martus, is literal or figurative, by analogy, a martyr, someone who gives his life. A witness is also someone who can give an account or record of what they have seen or heard. Read what Jesus said to the Apostles:

Luke 24:44-48 Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. "You are witnesses of these things.

Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Pause for a moment and consider the Apostle who wrote this epistle. He walked with Jesus, he was friends with Jesus, shared meals with Him, and listened to His teachings. But Peter also knew what it meant to be pulled by fear, selfishness, and sin in the world. He denied the Teacher and Friend whom he loved and suffered the regret and shame of his weakness. Yet God still used him mightily. Our faithfulness may falter as we fight sin but God’s faithfulness to His children is always certain. Peter had witnessed the suffering of Jesus, he experienced His faithfulness and forgiveness, and now he was willing to suffer for Him.

Think of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Known by the name of Saul and a great persecutor of Christians, God called him to be a witness, and his life was dramatically changed. God is faithful to His children even when they are not, His forgiveness and blessings abound. This is a good reminder to move forward in our serving and walk with God despite our failures, because He is the One holding us up, providing His strength that we might continue to glorify His name. It is also an important reminder that we should never give up on praying for those who haven’t placed their trust in Jesus. God is working in hearts even though we may not see it. There is no one He cannot save if they genuinely seek Him.

Acts 22:14-15 "And he said, 'The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth. 'For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard.

Consider what it means personally for you to be a witness of Jesus Christ. To speak truth from God’s word, we must endeavor to know it; if we are to witness by our life, we must seek to understand what God desires from us so that we can be obedient and faithful to His call.

Think! God has entrusted you, as His child, with His Truths. This is enormous! It is the most valuable possession we can have – to be purchased by our Savior’s blood, to be called by God, to be an heir of His promises.

Do you seek to be a faithful witness of God’s word in your speech and in your serving? If so, how – what does this look like?
Is the desire of your life to be an ambassador of the Truth? Is your answer backed by action?
When others look at your life, do they ‘see’ Jesus; do they know there is something different about you? If asked about Jesus, do you respond as a witness of who He is and what He has done?

More than once, after sharing the Gospel with someone, I have heard their response of, ‘I know I need to do this but I’m not ready’. There are examples written for us of those who were called by Jesus and immediately left what they were doing and followed Him. There is an urgency to respond to Him, tomorrow is not guaranteed. In and of ourselves we would never be ready to bow before Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. It is God’s work in us – when we respond to His call, it is His power which changes our thinking, our behavior, and all the ‘things’ in our lives that need attention.

Everything else in our lives is secondary to our walk with Jesus. We are to be striving to become increasingly like Him, to give glory to God through our testimony of His truths. Being a Christian, a follower of Christ, is not something we add to our life – it becomes our purpose for living, our mode for serving, and our focus for the future.

Today, what is your purpose? How will you serve? Where is your focus?

Along with being a witness of the sufferings of Christ, the Apostle associates himself with being a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed. He shares in the praise and worship of Christ for the hope that is promised to those who follow Him. A believer’s inheritance is Heaven!

Do you anticipate your home in Heaven where you will be in the presence of God’s glory?

I have sweet memories of spending time with my dad in the weeks before he passed away. He wanted to hear about heaven. He was not afraid of death, instead he looked forward to his future. I remember his eyes lighting up when we read the description of the holy city, Jerusalem, found in Revelation Chapter 21.

Imagine. The hope we have of heaven is absolutely certain. Those who have placed their trust in Christ alone for forgiveness of sins become heirs in God’s Kingdom. Not because we have earned it but because of His grace.

1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Peter 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

John 17:19-24 "For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Romans 8:17-18 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Our purpose is to be a witness for Christ.

Our promise is Heaven.

Psalm 73:24-5 With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.

Some questions for application –

Are you willing to check your priorities? Specifically, what causes you to neglect reading your Bible and praying?

If you are in a Growth Group or Bible study, are you committed to attending and serving in your group or do you make excuses to not attend each week?

Think – when we are committed to something, we are faithful. This means if we attend a Growth Group, or Bible study, or go to church on Sunday, then we hold those commitments as a priority, not purposefully making other plans at those times, or only attending when we feel like it or when it fits into our busy schedule. If our pattern is one of being too tired or too busy to commit to fellowship and encouragement of others, this should cause us to re-think our priorities.

Do you attend church services or go to a GG or Bible Study or church event to be served or to serve?

We are encouraged when we encourage others. We can easily take for granted our ability to meet publicly, let’s remember this is an incredible blessing – one which many believers in parts of the world do not have. Lord, increase our understanding of Your blessings!

Help us to take seriously our witness of Christ; help us to live focused on our hope of Heaven.

Submission to Authority

What thoughts enter your mind when you hear the word submission?

What examples of submission are practiced regularly?

Let’s pick up our study in 1Peter 3 posted on January 24th. Recall in 1Peter 2, we read the command to submit to those in authority (v.13). We then moved from a general application of submission to more specific applications. Servants are commanded to submit to their masters (v.18). Our example of submission is Christ to His Father’s will (v.21-24). In 1Peter 3 we were given another specific example of submission – wives to their husbands (v.1). In all instances, submission in a believer’s life stems from obedience to the word and is a reflection of the heart.

1Peter 3:7 now addresses the specific role of husbands to their wives. Fulfilling any role or command in Scripture is a picture of submission to God as our Head. His is the ultimate authority and we glorify His name when we willingly follow His word.

1Peter 3:7 You husbands likewise, live with [your wives] in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

A husband is to live with his wife in an understanding way.
A woman is a weaker vessel.
A husband is to honor his wife as a fellow heir.
The result is unhindered prayer.

‘Likewise’ tells us to look back. The same principle of submission and obedience to the word from the heart is applied to the husband. His submission is to Christ; He is to follow the commands God put forth to a husband. You could say, ‘In the same way’, or ‘In the same manner’. 1Peter 3:7 says husbands are to live with their wives in an understanding way, or according to knowledge in the KJV.

Think! What must one do to live in an understanding way, or according to knowledge?

To live according to knowledge, implies that something is known. I am unable to understand and apply information I am unaware of. So, we must seek knowledge with a desire to understand. This knowledge then is more than information stored, it is information applied. In order for us to begin to try and fulfill the commands God has set forth for us in specific relationships, we need to be able to answer some questions. Since marriage is addressed, this is where we will focus our thoughts. What does God’s word say about the marriage relationship? What does God’s word say about the roles of husband and wife? What is God’s design for husband and wife? It would seem reasonable that the answers to these questions would be the basis to living in an understanding way with one another.

Consider the importance of authority or leadership in any role to a believer – this responsibility requires a careful regard for the encouragement and care of those you are leading. God made a woman as a helper to man – it is wise for him to encourage his wife who is specifically designed to help and support him.

Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:23-24 And the man said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

Think for a moment of encouraging those in leadership. Many of you have worked in the education system. You may have experienced students who follow leadership and direction eagerly, and students who disregard authority. How does this affect the classroom? Is it encouraging or discouraging to those in charge?

What are you called to do when you don’t agree with those in authority or leadership?

In 1Peter 3:7, we read the words, ‘as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman’. In our world and culture today, these words totally do not fly! You could not be more politically incorrect! To be called a weaker vessel because you are a woman is considered demeaning and oppressive. I fear you would have woman’s rights advocates pounding on your door if you verbally promoted this! However, this is what God’s word says, so it is important. It is truth (whether we like it or not or agree with it or not) and must be addressed. But let’s make sure we understand the definition of a weaker vessel. We can jump to conclusions and easily take offense without truly understanding what is meant by a weaker vessel.

What comes to your mind when you think of something being weak?

Weaker, from asthenes, means strengthless – literally, figuratively, and morally. It carries the idea of being feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, and weak (-er, -ness, thing).

Obviously, the definition above seems to be a gut punch. This is quite opposite of the words from the 1996 song, “I Am Woman”, sung by Helen Reddy. You probably recognize some of the lyrics – “I am woman, hear me roar, in numbers too big to ignore … I am strong, I am invincible”. This song actually became relevant in the feminist fight for equality.

I looked up the word weaker in WordWeb and twelve definitions were listed. Among them:

Wanting in physical strength; “a weak pillar”
Wanting in moral strength, courage, or will; having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings; “I’m only a weak human”
Deficient or lacking in some skill

And my favorite:

Lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality; as in “a weak old woman”

Personally, I’m not offended by this, perhaps because I am able to relate!

If you google the question ‘Are women physically weaker than men?’, you will find that an overwhelming percentage of answers say yes. In general, women are physically weaker, they are anatomically different. It is no secret that our world is broken – it is imperative that we seek to share truth at every opportunity. It has become vogue for women to decide they are men and men to decide they are woman. Society, in their own demise, has coined a practice called gender reassignment; we ignore God’s perfect plan of creation and have instituted our own. Part of the process of a woman becoming a man, at least physically, is to pump her full of testosterone. Testosterone is the “key male sex hormone that regulates fertility, muscle mass, fat distribution, and red blood cell production”, according to MedicalNewsToday. All this to say, we know there is a difference between sexes, and we know that men are generally larger and stronger. This is not a ‘put down’, it is a fact. On average, women are smaller – they are shorter and weigh less. Consider why there are separate national sports leagues for men and women, and why they compete in most Olympic games separately, having teams of men and teams of women.

Does being a weaker vessel mean woman are incapable?

Not at all! Both male and female are vessels for God’s glory. Think! Do you consider less of a child because they are physically weaker than an adult? Of course not, it is expected because they are a child. How about someone with a disability who cannot perform the same tasks as others? It is acceptable that we are weaker than others in some areas. Any strength we do have either physical, moral, or emotional, comes from God. Whatever is accomplished by us is because of God.

2Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;

2Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

God did create male and female differences – biologically we are different, our hormones are different, and we have been given different roles in the area of reproduction. Men and women, in general, are also different in the way they think, how information is processed and related.

Think again about a vessel and its purpose. From the Greek word skeuos, it is an implement, equipment, or apparatus – “specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband”. This supports the truth that each gender has been created for specific roles. Neither is more important; however they function differently with unique abilities. Consider how sports teams are organized. Each player has a specific position and purpose. If they all work together, they are successful. Some positions are seemingly unimportant, yet without their cooperation and contribution, the team would not do as well.

God is the one who set up the team of husband and wife. Look back to Ephesians 5:22-33. Therefore, He knows how we work best together for His glory.

Consider this example. I want to plant something in my garden, I need to dig a hole, and I have a hose and a trowel available to use. What would I use?

Obviously, I would use the trowel to dig a hole. Does it make the hose any less important? Of course not, in fact without the water delivered from the hose, my garden would die. Both are necessary to accomplish the goal; they are used differently but work together and are equally important to the success of my garden.

Our last few studies in 1Peter 3 have specifically addressed roles in marriage. What if you are single? How does this text apply? Being single does not mean a person is incomplete or missing out on something. In fact, remaining single has its own strengths and opportunities. Each of us are to set our eyes on Jesus to accomplish His will in our life. Some He has destined to marry; some He has destined to singleness. Both relationships, if founded in Christ, will glorify Him. Contentment whether we are married or single, for whatever reason, will cause us to trust God for His direction.

1Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I.

Whatever relationship we are in, servant, master, single, or married, we are to walk according to God’s commands seeking to please Him through our obedience.

1Corinthians 7:17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And thus I direct in all the churches.

In 1Peter 3:7, we read another role of husband to wife is to grant her honor. Honor, time (tee-may’), gives something value; it means a high degree of esteem. This word is also used to describe something as precious, as in having high worth or being treasured. Each of us is to regard others as God’s creation, having value because of Him.

1Peter 2:17 Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

Husbands are reminded that their role is to protect, care for, and lead their wives. We have different roles but the same reality in Christ – fellow heirs of the grace of life – God’s riches, His forgiveness through Christ, His promise of a future with Him. Race, gender, age, abilities, and so forth, may separate our roles or importance in an earthly sense. However, in Christ, we are heirs of the same riches of eternal life.

Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him] in order that we may also be glorified with [Him.]

Ephesians 3:6 [to be specific], that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Titus 3:7 that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to [the] hope of eternal life.

The husbands’ instruction is to live in an understanding way, and to grant honor to his wife as someone who shares in the same standing in Christ – so that his prayers may not be hindered. The intent is that through obedience of the heart, the husband is right with God. As he seeks to live in an understanding way with his wife, honoring her as a fellow heir of Christ, he will be blessed. Obedience, understanding, care, and honor, are universal to all relationships in the body of Christ. Christ died for all; each life bowed before Him is precious.

Psalm 66:18 If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear;

John 9:31 "We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.

Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

In a marriage relationship, there is the blessing of co-laboring as husband and wife towards the same end. Right leadership of a husband requires the heart of a servant. Sin, in any form or thought, will hinder, or exscind, prayer.

Ephesians 4:29- 32 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment,] that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

1Peter 3:7 is an exhortation specifically to husbands, yet we can apply these principals in a general sense regardless of our specific role in life.

We can live in an understanding way with those in our lives. This might require showing more grace and forgiveness, developing a heart of compassion and care, accepting the strengths and weaknesses of others, seeking at all times to be an encouragement to others in their relationship with Christ.
If we are married, we can help our husband fulfill his role by willingly following his lead. We can show gratitude through our words and actions for his efforts to care for us. We can accept with joy that God has appointed our husband as head of our family. Ladies, if you are married the single most important thing you can do for your husband is to faithfully pray for his relationship to grow in the Lord. Then trust that God is working in both of your lives. If you are single, you can encourage your friends who are married to submit to their husband.

We all have authority to submit to in relationships, and each individual answers to the ultimate authority of Christ. You can purposefully choose an attitude of submission towards those in leadership over you. You can promote peace by concentrating on being a woman who honors God in all things.

Do Not Panic!

When the things that seemed certain in your life blow apart, how will you keep on keeping on? Focus on Jesus. It is His strength which upholds us (Isaiah 41:10).

How many times can you get punched in the gut or at least feel like it? Looking at the definition of gut-wrenching, here are some of the synonyms I read: upsetting, saddening, heartbreaking, tragic, and distressful. Most of us can relate to the adjectives above. So, when the things that had seemed certain in life crumble, how do you keep on keeping on? These questions are at the forefront of my mind right now as I see people and familiarity blow apart at the seams. Relationships that have spanned decades are dissolving and questions and confusion are threatening to overtake any kind of normalcy that has been known.

In any traumatic event, the only answer we can rest on is Jesus. God’s word, His inerrancy, His promises, His immutability, and His plan remain our firm foundation. I feel as if I am on a roller coaster and cannot get off. The upheaval is real, the reality is scary, however, the strong arm that is holding me is secure – I will not fall, I will make it to the end of this crazy ride. I may be a bit unsteady at the end, but God will be waiting with outstretched hands. He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

So, how will I survive in one piece? The immediate answer after the obvious one above, is my focus. Because of God’s mercy and grace in my life, I have the power to choose. Will I focus on my own sorrow, panic, and loss, or will I determine to encourage others who are hurting? As in anything else in this world, it is not about me! Rather, it is about my purpose to glorify God through serving others. This does not mean I pretend all is well – circumstances are not good, and I say that emphatically. It does mean that God is the one directing His people to carry out His plan and He will prevail. With my soul, all is well, nothing has changed, God remains the same. Do we have concerns? Absolutely.

But will we allow our concerns to stifle our mission? I hope not. When life’s circumstances threaten to overtake your thoughts, there is a choice to make – either you will become paralyzed and anxious about each small detail of trouble, or you will be motivated to focus on Truth. Most believers are familiar with the passage in Philippians 4:6-8. It follows Paul’s exhortation to those in the church to live in harmony in the Lord, to be of the same mind. Churches had problems then also. Sometimes, we forget that the ‘church’ is made of people who are inherently sinful. Even in our desire to genuinely follow God, we err in our evaluation of a circumstance, in our perception of a problem, and in our implementation of God’s truths. This was true then, and it is true today.

The ‘church’ is not a building; it is not the pastors or elders; it is people who are striving to bring glory and honor to God, encouraging one another, discipling one another. The church is people who follow God. Let us remember who we follow. My confidence in men and institutions may be shaken, but my confidence in God is secure. Our faith and trust are placed in His power, and His love, and His plan does not waver. Christ is sovereign over all things (Ephesians 1:21) and all human institutions. He will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Back to Philippians 4:6-8, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is o good repute if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”

How many times can you get punched in the gut or at least feel like it? More than we need to know, the Bible says man is born for trouble (Job 5:7). I am reminded to praise God for the ‘quiet’ times more than I do; to appreciate more fully those times without turmoil.

When the things that seemed certain in your life blow apart, how will you keep on keeping on? Focus on Jesus. It is His strength which upholds us (Isaiah 41:10).

How will you survive in one piece? You may become worn and tattered here on earth, but you have all you need in Him now and will one day be complete in your Savior’s presence (Colossians 2:10).

How will you remain focused on the mission God has given you?

Be anxious for nothing.

Pray with a thankful heart, let God know your concerns.

Surround yourself with His peace.

Keep centered on His blessings.

Focus Heavenward, eyes forward to the great promise of our Savior, the gift of eternal life in heaven where tears will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4).

Slay Anxiety

It is then no longer I who is scrambling to solve a problem, it is God who is sovereign over all things, knows all things, and can do all things.

How do you respond when your own personal concerns about friends, family and life circumstances begin to creep into your joy? My response when I notice my heart is beginning to feel heavy and overwhelmed, is to dig into a well-known section of scripture once again. It is incredible how a child of God can repeatedly visit the same verse through the years and be encouraged by new and different insight. It is not that the Word has changed, but our experiences of God’s faithfulness, and hopefully our own spiritual growth, causes us to see more. God has lovingly placed in our hands His inerrant Truths. His warnings and promises in the Bible are His historical guidebook on how He works, who He is, what He has done and what He will do. The Bible is our manual on how we are to live – who we are in Christ and without Christ, what we have because of Christ and what we forfeit when we reject Him. For the umpteenth time I have needed to reset my sights on what is genuinely important and valued, giving less regard to worldly concerns. I am so thankful to my Lord and Savior for His tender care for my soul. Grab a cup of coffee and let us unwrap the priceless package of God’s word together.

Focus Heavenward, Sharyn.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Notice the action in Psalm 55 – cast your burden, meaning to throw out, down or away. Picture casting a fishing line into the water. However, in this case you would cut the line having no desire to retrieve it. We are to get rid of our burdens, placing them in the hands of God who is more than willing and capable to handle them. It is then no longer I who is scrambling to solve a problem, it is God who is sovereign over all things, knows all things, and can do all things. This truth creates a sigh of relief and peace in God’s children.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Again, we see action in Proverbs 16 – commit. We are to remove, literally roll, our burdens to the Lord. When all of our concerns are placed in Christ’s hands, we can take a deep sigh of relief. I will share part of my testimony here for sake of illustration. Years ago, I was unfamiliar with any specific scriptures in the Bible. However, when God determines it is time to open the eyes of one of His own, He orchestrates the circumstances. I was alone late one evening, my children were upstairs sleeping, and I was literally at the end of my rope. I had done everything I could possibly think of to change the direction of where we were headed. Nothing had worked. My life was in shambles, I had three children depending on me, I was scared, alone, felt hopeless, worthless, and ashamed by failure. As hot tears and silent sobs filled the dark night, I was led to take the blanket off the back of the sofa and lay it out on the floor. I then threw in my burdens, all of them, crying and telling God that I could not go on – it was all His. I was too weak to carry the load. I am sure if anyone had seen me talking to what looked like no one and pantomiming the placement of things in the middle of a blanket on the floor, I would have been carried off for evaluation. I rolled up the blanket and held it with both hands as high as possible and asked God to take all that was within and help me. In that moment of giving up of self and rolling my burdens to God, relief poured over me. A quietness I had never known settled in my soul and the peace of God’s care assured me that somehow, we would be okay.

Matthew 6:25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, [as to] what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, [as to] what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. [Each] day has enough trouble of its own.

Luke 12:22 And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for [your] life, [as to] what you shall eat; nor for your body, [as to] what you shall put on.

1Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Do not be anxious for your life, do not be anxious for tomorrow, do not be anxious for what you shall eat, do not be anxious for what you shall wear – Be anxious for nothing!

Be Anxious <merimnao> to be anxious about, take thought; through the idea of distraction.

When we are worried or bothered about something, it is what we think about most. In fact, just listen to others. Most often, they talk about what is bothering them. It does not take long to find out what is troubling to any of us as we are usually ready to share with those who will listen. Consider how you might mull over a situation again and again in your mind. When this happens, we find it difficult to concentrate on other things, even those things that are most important. We can become distracted; our attention can be drawn away from God rather than towards Him when our focus is diverted.

Is your soul distracted or troubled?

When Jesus sent the twelve disciples, He told them they would have difficulty, yet they were not to be anxious about all the details. Matthew 10:19 "But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak.

When Martha was complaining about the things that needed to get done, Jesus addressed her, Luke 10:41-42 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but [only] a few things are necessary, really [only] one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Read an account of what the interaction between Martha and Jesus may have sounded like, written by Philip Doddridge in his New Testament notes, “But let me tell thee, my dear friend, that there is one thing absolutely necessary, and of infinitely greater importance than any of these domestic and secular cares; even the care to have the soul instructed in the saving knowledge of the way that leads to eternal life, and to secure a title to it: and Mary is wisely attending to that; therefore, instead of reproving her, I must rather declare that she has chosen what may eminently be called the good part, which as it shall not be finally taken away from her, I would not now hinder her from pursuing; but rather invite thee to join with her in her attention to it”.

For nothing <medeis> not even one, anything, none at all.

In nothing be anxious, in other words, stop being anxious. Not that we do not care spiritually for one another. We need to exercise what is right, being diligent in our responsibilities. This is not license for a carefree, slothful life.

Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

2Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.

2Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

We are to work hard, making the most of our time, using our resources for the encouragement and service of one another. We are not to be distracted and anxious for worldly cares. Picture a squirrel running to and fro, easily distracted by every noise, breeze, smell, and sound. This is the opposite of what our focus should look like. We often try to figure out that which is not ours to care for. For some reason, we quickly take the burden of fixing those things which are God’s to fix and direct. We constantly need to remember that we are not the ones in control. Then our focus can become what it should be – a life honoring to God, taking care in all things to give glory to His name. Sometimes quick action is required, certainly service to one another is necessary, but frequently prayer is the answer as we wait upon God and trust in His work.

Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved [even in his] sleep.

But – instead of being anxious and distracted

In everything <pas> including all the forms of declension (downward slope, worsening, decline); all, any, every, all manner, whatsoever, whosoever.

Even when circumstances seem dire, like they will never be resolved, or it seems that things are getting worse and we begin to feel fear rise up in us. Even when we are certain we cannot go on – God can.

All the big things, all the little things, great and small – God cares! In necessity, in prosperity, in adversity, in everything, every time, every condition and every occasion. (cf. Matthew Poole’s Commentary)

Do you trust all things to God?

If someone were to ask, ‘Do you trust God’, many of us would quickly reply with an affirmation that indeed we do. But consider what is behind your most troublesome and heart-wrenching cares. We are to trust God with the impossible. I must admit, often it boils down to a lack of complete trust, I can lose hope and the word ‘quit’ enters my mind. I can readily forget where my sight needs to be centered. Oh Lord, give me a heart to immediately remember Your faithfulness in the past and build my trust in Your faithfulness for the future.

Matthew 17:20 And He *said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.

Matthew 19:26 And looking upon [them] Jesus said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

By prayer <proseuche> prayer, worship, pray earnestly,

The answer to solicitous care or anxiousness, is fervent prayer. To pray earnestly means to take prayer seriously. This is more than the quick obligated words you may hear at times. It is understanding the value of prayer and the One to whom you are praying. Coming before the throne of God is not to be taken lightly. When I think of who I am, who God is and what He has done for me in spite of my sin, my heart is clothed in humility and gratitude. Then I am prepared to worship and bring my requests before our Almighty God.

When the Amalekites raided Palestine and David was distressed, he found solace in God, 1Samuel 30:6 Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Luke 18:1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

I have noticed a pattern in my life. Years ago, I spent time studying prayer as I was convicted of the need to develop a deeper, more complete time of praising God verbally, confessing my sins, thanking Him for countless blessings, and of bringing my own requests and the concerns of others before Him. I was intrigued by the stillness of the very early morning and the void of distraction and was challenged to ask God to help me seek Him through prayer when I awoke at these early times. Our God is faithful to answer the requests that cause us to rely on Him more deeply. I now often find myself wide awake in the wee hours of the morning and have come to treasure these sweet quiet times of prayer. I do not even question why I am awake any more, I just spend time in prayer. I am personally thankful for God’s faithfulness in developing a deeper time of prayer in my life.

Fervent prayer, which always pulls my focus back where it belongs, is the key to overcoming frequent worry. Sincere prayer causes us to remember who God is. When we focus on God, we cannot help but be silenced in our worry. Think of some of His attributes: He is light in darkness, He is without sin, He is everlasting, His strength is beyond comparison, He knows all things, He defines wisdom, He is holy and perfectly just. He loves us, He is good, gracious, faithful, merciful, patient, and compassionate.

I believe it is impossible to encompass my thoughts with the worship of God and be worried at the same time!

And supplication <deesis> a petition, prayer, request, supplication (asking God’s help, a humble request for help, plea)

Think of the scenario of a child needing their parent for something. You can hear the desperate sound of their voice as they plea for help. At that moment, only Mom or Dad have the solution to their call. We are to call to God, our heavenly Father, with the understanding that He alone has answers. Our plea to Him is one of dependence and trust in His faithfulness and power to overcome our trouble or see us through it.

When the king of Assyria taunted the people of Jerusalem, Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed, 2Chronicles 32:20 But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven.

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.

It is no surprise that we need God! His intervention in our lives is the only reason we have hope for our future and success in the present. There is a popular saying, ‘Know God – know peace’. How true this is. Right now, during this world-wide pandemic, in which 2020 will be noted for in history, circumstances seem downright confusing. However, there is no confusion on God’s part. He has the answers, He is guiding His people, and His glory will prevail. We are reminded to be on our knees as we seek His help in this desperate time. I pray you see this as a blessing! God is at work in the world.

Things may not turn out the way we think they should, but they will turn out the way God has intended. We may not get what we want but we will get what God has planned. We may not receive what we think we need but we will be blessed with what God knows we need in order to grow in His likeness and glorify Him.

With thanksgiving <eucharistia> gratitude; grateful language to God as an act of worship.

Bottom line – we do not deserve one ounce of any type of blessing God has bestowed on us. What we do deserve is death – instead, we have life eternal. What we do deserve is confusion – instead, we have the promise of His direction. We have peace instead of chaos, hope instead of fear, comfort in the midst of sorrow, joy in all circumstances, and forgiveness rather than condemnation.

Thanksgiving to God for His answers means you are resigned to your need of His care. It is trusting that God’s will is best; it is relinquishing your plan for His. He understands and knows all things. He is in complete control of all things and has allowed all things for your good and for His glory. We are to pray with grateful acknowledgement of mercies given, benefits bestowed, and God’s saving grace in all circumstances. We are to be thankful for the growth that results from affliction, for God’s strength to be sufficient when we are tempted, for His faithfulness when we fail and for our future and certain hope in Him.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude of] thanksgiving;

Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Let <gnorizo> to make known, give to understand

This is a small word with significant meaning. First, God wants to hear from us! He anticipates our dependence on Him and our desire to love Him. He wants us to voice our struggles and concerns to Him. He sent His only Son to suffer and die because of His great love for us. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. Second, we are to make known our concerns but then we are to give them to God for His understanding. We are unable to figure everything out, but God will allow us the information we need to honor Him. I like to know the beginning from the end, the expected result, the exact direction. But this is not my story, it is God’s. He will reveal to His children what is needed. The result is His to know.

Is your relationship with God hit and miss – there when you need Him but out of sight and mind when you believe you have things covered?
Do you lay your petitions and concerns at the feet of the cross – and leave them there, trusting in God’s direction and plan?

Earnestly seeking to know God day by day, moment by moment, and trusting in His knowledge and plan for all things, produces a heart of peace.

Your requests <aitema> a thing asked, petition

Does God care about my petitions, my thoughts, my cares, and concerns?

God tells us to bring our cares to Him. He desires our earnest need for Him. When we share prayer requests with others, we might struggle with what words to use or how it may sound. We may even hesitate to share certain things. God already knows our deepest thoughts, there is no surprise about our struggles, and He understands what we really need (which does not always match with our own thinking). Conversing with God in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving is the hallmark of our dependence on Him. It is the characteristic of an authentic relationship. Compare the idea of having the whole of your relationship at a facility where ‘church’ meets once or twice a week. God is not contained in a building. He resides in a believer’s heart and soul 24/7. Read the verses below. Notice the description of continually bringing your requests before the Lord.

1Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.

Be made known to God. (with generous, filial, unreserved confidence; not keeping aught back, as too great, or else too small, to bring before God, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary)

“They who by a preposterous shame or distrustful modesty, cover, stifle, or keep in their desires, as if they were either too small or too great, must be racked with care; from which they are entirely delivered, who pour them out with a free and filial confidence.” John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testaments

Do you present your concerns to God?

We sometimes readily and even eagerly share our prayer requests with others. God desires us to come to Him, to kneel before Him and pour out our concerns no matter how small. When we acknowledge our need for Him, seeking His counsel, His peace and comfort, trusting in His ways, He is glorified.

Picture the time you might spend with a close friend. You readily share even the smallest details of circumstances to explain your thoughts, whether they are funny, sad, encouraging or challenging. God cares about the details. This is not that we go to Him with a light-minded attitude, but with an understanding that He absolutely loves us, cares for us, has created us, and desires us to desire Him.

Does God really care about all my concerns?

Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. - every hair on your head is numbered.

1Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. – all means everything.

Go back to the beginning of Philippians 4:6 which says, - in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 139:1-3 O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known [me.] Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.

1John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us [in] whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

“Resigning yourselves to the disposal of God, be anxiously solicitous about nothing; but in every difficulty, by prayer for what is good, and deprecation of what is evil, with thanksgiving for mercies received, make known your desires to God, who, if He see it fit, will grant your requests. Or if not, these devout exercises will enable you to bear with patience whatever affliction God allots to you.” Macknight on the Epistles

What is the result of practicing Philippians 4:6?

Thanksgiving results in prayer which replaces anxious thoughts with resounding peace.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Only a child of God can understand this peace. It cannot be explained. But when it is realized, it trumps all anxious thoughts as our soul is guarded by Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

“Both our bodily and spiritual interests will be safe when we place them in the Lord's hands, and, through the peace which will result from our faith, our thoughts will become steady, calm, resolute, and joyful”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

Purposed

What does it mean to live? It is opposite of death. As a child of God, a believer who has placed their trust completely in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, to live is to be made alive again. To be revived, to be preserved, to be saved and made whole in Christ. Our need to be saved from the power of sin and death has been fully met in Christ.

Word by word, line by line and we’ve come to the last two verses of Psalm 119! This study of understanding God’s gift to us through His written commands has caused my heart to grow in its praise for our Lord and Savior. The value contained in the Bible written by hands, directed by God, is immeasurable. These last two verses in this Psalm end with a praise, a prayer request, and a determination and purpose to follow God’s commands.

Psalm 119:175 Let my soul live that it may praise Thee, and let Thine ordinances help me.

My soul is what makes me, me! It is that very part of me that only God can access, It is the inner most recesses of my heart, The soul is not found in anatomy books, its location is known only to God, it is His to change, to direct and to own. It is God who initiates the love that causes our conversion to trust in Him; it is God who has the authority to place us exactly where He desires; and it is God who possesses our soul to use our lives for His glory. The request of David to let his soul live is directed to the only One who is able to do so. The Psalmist understands that this most precious part of him that defines his spiritual awakening belongs to God.

What do you think? When we believe these truths with our whole heart, we will more likely desire His leading, and plan and move forward even in difficulty. The question of ‘why is this happening?’ is not where we will linger. Instead it will be a question of ‘what would You have me to do?’

What does David request in Psalm 119:175? – let my soul live.

Remember the setting which David is writing. He repeatedly asks for God’s mercies and protection as his life is threatened. David suffers because others hate what he believes and what he stands for. Truth is always a threat to those who follow their own selfish ambitions.

Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

David represents truth and because of that, his life is in danger.

At one point, the Psalmist also has the hand of God disciplining him for sin in his own life, for choosing to follow worldly lusts rather than keeping his eyes on God.

Psalm 119:75 I know, O LORD, that Thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.

The Psalmist has experienced God’s protection and God’s judgement. He has learned to cry for help and forgiveness. He realizes he deserves neither yet he also knows God’s great love for him.

A familiar section of scripture comes to mind.

Ephesians 2:1-5 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Consider this: the very fact that you are able to understand scripture – not as a grammatical exercise but as a life-changing manual of love from God – is because God has reached down into your soul and claimed it for Himself, because He loves you! Ponder this truth for a moment. It should move you to an overwhelming sense of thankfulness and awe for God’s power and presence in your life.

Why does the Psalmist pray to let his soul live? That it may praise God! Our soul is designed to be with God in heaven. Is your soul filled with praise for God who alone makes this possible? Whom do you speak of, whom do you boast about, and whom do you celebrate?

Psalm 34:2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, "declares the LORD.

We are saved to praise! Our desire as we live on this earth should be to praise God. When we are called to heaven, we will praise God. It’s not about us – it is about God’s glory. How are you praising God with your life? Do you freely speak of Him? Where do you spend the time He has given you? Are you quick to serve others as an opportunity to show your praise to God? Is His praise the goal of your pursuits? Are you light in a world of darkness? Are you aiming to fulfill your desires or to fulfill the desires God has for you?

There are things we all enjoy. Each of us has been given unique likes and dislikes, dreams, abilities and opportunities. All of this is good – as long as my pursuit of them does not diminish my obedience and desire to serve God. How are you doing in this area? Are you willing to pray that God will even remove the desires you have so that your focus and pursuit is more completely on Him?

Our example in David is that he asks God to protect his soul and to comfort his soul – so that he can praise God.

“Let my soul live. Fill it full of life, preserve it from wandering into the ways of death, give it to enjoy the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, let it live to the fulness of life, to the utmost possibilities of its new created being.” Treasury of David

How does David determine to praise God? Through the power of His word: “And let Thine ordinances help me.”

All of God’s word collectively – His judgments, His commands, His blessings – every aspect of God’s word is to be used to help us live in a manner that brings glory to His name.

David can personally testify to God’s protection, His guidance, His care, His discipline, His promises, His unwavering love, His forgiveness, His strength, His mercies, His grace, His peace, and His comfort. Each of us are able to do the same! God is David’s hope presently and for the future. Each of us is able to have the same hope!

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose.

2Corinthians 4:17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

1Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to [obtain] an inheritance [which is] imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

God’s judgments – the fact that He is in control, sees things exactly as they are, and will right all wrong in His time – comfort and help us in time of affliction. We can be secure in our direction as we seek to follow Him in all righteousness and we can be assured that God will tend to those who are against Him. God’s word is an encouragement to those who seek Him. God has given His children a complete instruction manual on how to live in a way that is honoring to Him. This is not a manual in which we check off a box each time a task is completed. Rather it is a living guide that will continually direct us if we are sincere in our desire to follow God. God will work in our lives as He corrects us and leads us to be conformed to His likeness. Either in death or life, we are to praise God – His glory is our focus.

Is our hope and confidence in God? Is our praise to Him shown in a life of desiring holiness – even when it means denying what the world calls happiness? Think eternal versus momentary.

Psalm 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant, for I do not forget Thy commandments.

This is an interesting conclusion to this Psalm. In the previous verse, David was praising God, now he seems to be considering his dire straits. The more we understand our need for God, the more our praise will increase as we recognize His protection and blessings. Consider what it means to hear good news. Typically it is information beneficial to ourselves or others, something that is desirable and has positive effects. The Good News of the gospel shines brighter and brighter when we identify more and more with the bad news of our lost condition.

Truth –

All humankind is lost in their sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
Sin is anything done against God’s commands (1 John 3:4; 5:17).
Sin is avoiding to do what God says (James 4:17).
Our thoughts can be sinful (Genesis 6:5).
Our speech can be sinful (Matthew 15:19).

These are sobering statements. But, the hope we have is great and the writer of Psalm 119, David, never completely forgot who he was and the miraculous gift he’d been given. The beginning of verse 176 above mirrors a familiar verse in Isaiah.

Isaiah 53:6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.

Sheep are largely thought of as unintelligent animals. They tend to panic and are easily preyed upon as they have little ability to defend themselves. Sheep need constant protection. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says, “A sheep, when it has once lost the flock, strays in such a manner as to render the prospect of its own return utterly hopeless”.

Something important to note is the tone of David’s words. He knows his tendency is to wander from God, he is in constant battle with his sin nature. Understanding his need for God’s direction increases his desire to obey God and seek His protection. It is a scary world out there with opportunities to stumble around each corner!

Paul understood the pull of sin in his life also. Romans 7 beginning with verse 19 says, “For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:19-23)

Do we have an accurate view of ourselves? Do we see the conflict in our heart? We cannot fight what we do not recognize. A lost soul does not recognize its misery and does not understand its eternal ruin. A graced soul desires God’s hand to hold him secure and pull him back when he wanders.

Throughout this Psalm, David has requested God’s help and protection. He has confessed his sin and he has confessed his love and need for God’s word. David’s heart is full of devotion to God. We see this in his praise for Him and his purpose to obey Him.

David requests for God to “seek Thy servant”. On our own, we would not seek God. It takes God’s hand reaching down to us. God will not leave His children defenseless; He will not allow them to remain lost and without their Shepherd. David knew what it meant to be a shepherd. This is a heartwarming picture of God’s love and tender care and mercies.

Ezekiel 34:12 "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.

Matthew 18:12 "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?

Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

God will look after His children. He will help them to avoid danger. He will restore them to peace. We must make an effort to remember and practice His commands. This effort is more than just awareness. It is more than ‘I’ve been in the Word today’. We cannot claim any portion of our lives for ourselves. All of us belongs to God.

David ends Psalm 119 with his resolve to follow God, “For I do not forget Thy commandments”. He’s penned similar words several times over the course of his writing.

Psalm 119:16, “I shall not forget Thy word”.
Psalm 119:44, “I will keep Thy law continually”
Psalm 119:55, we read that David intends to “keep Thy law”.
Psalm 119:93, “I will never forget Thy precepts”.

The repeated dedication to observing and keeping God’s word speaks of the value it holds to the Psalmist.

“In this humble, prayerful manner this long Psalm closes, and so will the believer's life-story end. Confession mourns a thousand faults, faith sees grace still alive within the soul, and prayer pleads for divine mercy. With such a prayer our earthly life will come to a fitting FINIS.” Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

I forget all kinds of things. Often, I am looking for my phone or even the car in a parking lot. I have even momentarily forgotten names of those I’ve known for years. In those cases, I’m largely on my own to remember details. God wants us to remember His commands, therefore He will not leave us alone with our feeble brains to call to mind what His word says – He’s given us His Holy Spirit to help. God knows we are weak. Because of His amazing love for us, He gives us every possible way to succeed in following Him.

Philippians 2:12-13 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for [His] good pleasure.

We have a great and certain hope. In this last verse of Psalm 119, we have a confession of sin, a request for God’s help and a renewed commitment to follow Him. In humility we need to come before God seeing and believing in His truths. God has showered His mercy upon us through His Son. He gives us grace to weather any storm and He desires to continually bless His children.

Are we seeking our Savior through God’s sanctifying Word or are we determined to satisfy ourselves?

2Corinthians 3:4-5 And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as [coming] from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, [even] Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Cry With Your Whole Heart

Prayer is not an exercise we take part in; prayer is a tangible way of speaking to God with the expectation that He hears us and answers us.

What is prayer?

WordWeb defines prayer as “The act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving); reverent petition to a deity; an earnest or urgent request”.

Prayer is the act of communicating with deity but not just any deity – the One True God. There is only one God of all creation, of the universe. Prayer to any other source will avail nothing.

De 4:35 "To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.

Isa 44:6 "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me.

The nineteenth section in Psalm 119 begins with several verses devoted to David’s prayers to God.

Ps 119:145 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will observe Thy statutes.

Ps 119:146 I cried to Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.

Ps 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words.

Ps 119:148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word.

Psalm 119:145 begins with the words, “I cried with all my heart”.

The word for cried means to call out to someone. Notice how David cried – with all his heart. This makes me think of the difference between actual crying for a reason and whining. Whining is making a noise so others notice how unhappy you are. If you’ve ever experienced a three year old doing this, you get the picture!

God doesn’t want just our lip service. Those prayers memorized that are repeated over and over almost as a mantra may make us feel as if we’re doing something good, but do we even know what we’re saying? Is this type of prayer coming from a heart or from a mind that has learned to put words together that sound good? Words are only words. Prayer is not an exercise we take part in; prayer is a tangible way of speaking to God with the expectation that He hears us and answers us.

Consider the different types of conversations you might have with people. Some you’re fully engaged in, others are only informational and sometimes our conversations can be obligatory. Hopefully, we are fully engaged when praying to God, expecting truths from His word to affect our daily lives. Going to God with a heart of gratitude and recognized need is so much more than an obligation.

When we talk about the heart, we are speaking of the feelings, the will, the intellect and the center of who we are. Effective prayer to God needs to be with an understanding of who He is, who we are, and what He has done for us. In order to pray we need to be righteous before Him having accepted the gift of eternal life.

Pr 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Jas 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

We have the example of praying with understanding. Often, people will say they are praying for something, or even praying for us. That’s good! But, just who are they praying too? Is it the God who saves them? Do they know the truth of the Gospel and the power of prayer offered to an Almighty God?

The Psalmist pleads with God to answer him, to hear him. David knows God hears him and because of God’s work in his life, David will be able to keep God’s commands. David’s whole heart is committed to prayer before God and he goes to God with a heart of obedience – desiring to keep God’s statutes.

It’s much like us praying to God, in a heartfelt petition, to help us continue on even when it’s really difficult. It’s like saying ‘I come before you God, fully committed to You, please assure me of your work in my life, so that in Your strength, I may keep walking forward’.

Ps 119:10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; do not let me wander from Thy commandments.

Are your affections and heart completely devoted to God? Do we cry to God in earnest? Does our petition include a desire to obey God’s commands?

Ps 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

We see another element of David’s prayer in Psalm 119:146.

Ps 119:146 I cried to Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.

The Psalmist understands his need for God’s work in his life, hence the request, ‘save me’.

Consider. What is the most important part of our relationship with God? What is our relationship with God based on? Because of God’s perfect love for us, He sent Jesus, His only Son, to suffer and die to pay the penalty for our sin. We need only to accept His gift of grace and desire to live in obedience. God is the only one who can save us. What does He save us from?

"Save me" from the dangers which surround me, from the enemies that pursue me, from the temptations which beset me, from the sins which accuse me.” Treasury of David

David is once again crying out to God in prayer and this time he requests God to save him, to defend and deliver him, to help him. And what is the Psalmist’s motivation and end to his request? “I shall keep Thy testimonies”.

Even though the Psalmist experienced danger and persecution from all around him, his main object in praying for God to save him was that he might be able to follow God’s commands and live a life worthy of his calling. There is no thought of ‘save me so I can do whatever I want or like’, only ‘save me so I can honor You’.

When we pray, what is our object – to request God’s supply so that we might serve Him more, or to request His comfort so we can continue serving ourselves?

“Brief as are the petitions, the whole compass of language could not make them more comprehensive.”Hear me." The soul is in earnest, the whole heart is engaged in the "cry." "Save me" -- includes a sinner's whole need -- pardon, acceptance, access, holiness, strength, comfort, heaven, -- all in one word -- Christ. The way of access is not indeed mentioned in these short ejaculations. But it is always implied in every moment's approach and address to the throne of grace. "Hear me" in the name of my all prevailing Advocate. "Save me" through him, whose name is Jesus the Saviour.” --Charles Bridges.

Ps 5:2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to Thee do I pray.

“Save me. From my sins, my corruptions, my temptations, all the hindrances that lie in my way, that I may "keep thy testimonies." We must cry for salvation, not that we may have the case and comfort of it, but that we may have an opportunity of serving God the more cheerfully.” --Matthew Henry.

In Psalm 119:145-146, we have the Psalmist continuing in prayer with an earnest cry to God with his whole heart in order that he might be able to keep God’s commands even in the midst of adversity, not to gain his own desires, but to please God by following Him. The Psalmist understood completely where his help came from, who his strength was, and his need for God’s saving grace. As we continue on to the next few verses we are given an idea when David prays.

Ps 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words.

Ps 119:148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word.

ALL THE TIME!

You may be thinking, ‘I’m not a morning person, though’. Certainly not as early as the implication in this scripture. Perhaps we need to look deeper at the intent of our Psalmist. He anticipated his time in prayer so highly that it caused him to rise early. So much was his desire to spend time with God that he simply couldn’t wait till morning light! And his desire continued on into the night so that when you would have expected him to sleep, he was still awake and in prayer with the God he loved.

Sometimes when something is on our mind, we have trouble sleeping. In those moments, where do you turn? What do you do? Perhaps the answer is the example we see in David – go to prayer. God hears us at any time.

Prayer was so vital to David’s relationship with God that it encompassed his day and night. We see the same devotion to prayer in Job’s life.

Job 23:12 "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

And there are several accounts recorded for us of Jesus being devoted to prayer.

Lu 6:12 And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

Mr 1:35 And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there.

The Treasury of David says of Psalm 119:147, “His supplications had become so frequent, fervent, and intense, that he might hardly be said to be doing anything else from morning to night but crying unto his God.”

In verse 147, it says “I wait for Thy words”. Wait can be translated hope, to be patient, to trust. This hope is a certain hope, not one that may or may not transpire, but a definite trust that God will answer prayer.

Hope is a necessary part of sincere prayer. Consider. If we did not have certain hope of God answering our prayers, how would our communication with God change? To be sincere in our prayer we must believe that God will hear us and will answer us. This doesn’t mean we will get what we ask for – we don’t even know what we really need – but, it does mean God will answer in His time and His way for His glory and our good. This we can be certain of. When we believe the answers are in God’s hands, we have cause for an earnest need of prayer, to come before Him with expectation of His blessings and answers.

When I was young, I prayed to many different statues and saints of old. I didn’t trust these pieces of stone and marble and non-living people for anything. There was certainly no real expectation of gaining from these prayers but in my understanding at that time, there was a certain amount of blessing bestowed on those who did these things. My prayers were half-hearted at best and absolutely without a genuine belief and trust that anything would happen. I did not have the hope our Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 119:147. David knew he was praying to the Living God.

The account of Daniel and the Lion’s Den, a story most of us are familiar with, in Daniel chapter 6, ends with this decree going out from king Darius:

Da 6:26 "I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion [will be] forever.

Daniel was saved by the Living God, not a god made by men, but the One True God who is able and desiring to answer His children who cry out to Him. Waiting expectantly for God’s answers to prayer is what compels us to fervent prayer! Do you view prayer as something you are supposed to do or is it a necessary part of your life?

“I wish that when I first open my eyes in the morning, I may then, in soul ejaculatory prayer, open my heart to my God, that at night prayer may make my bed soft, and lay my pillow easy; that in the daytime prayer may perfume my clothes, sweeten my food, oil the wheels of my particular vocation, keep me company upon all occasions, and gild over all my natural, civil, and religious actions. I wish that, after I have poured out my prayer in the name of Christ, according to the will of God, having sowed my seed, I may expect a crop, looking earnestly for the springing of it up, and believing assuredly that I shall reap in time if I faint not.” --George Swinnock.

Psalm 119:148 says, “My eyes anticipate the night watches”. Following is an explanation of what is meant by night watches.

“The Jews divided the night into three watches, which began at what we call six o'clock in the evening, and consisted each of four hours. The Romans taught them afterwards to divide it into four watches of three hours each; and to divide the day and night into twelve hours each; wherein different guards of soldiers were appointed to watch. At the proclaiming of each watch the psalmist appears to have risen and performed some act of devotion.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Whether we are called to be up at a specific time or go to bed at a specific time, doesn’t seem to be the path of this verse. However, the reminder to be in continuous prayer is clear. The word meditate is also used in reference to spending time in God’s word. This conveys the idea of pondering over the word. Thinking upon the word over and over was what caused David to have hope even when it was difficult. How do we know this? Because he has continually referenced his cry to God along with his desire to keep God’s commands. What was the fuel that kept our Psalmist going? Truth. Certain Hope. Trust.

In the Treasury of David, the Psalmist is described as an “ardent, earnest, and painstaking student” of God’s word. When we consider meditating on something, it means to think deeply over a period of time, to reflect on information we have. When applied to the word, this is so much more than checking off a box, completing our reading for the day.

Throughout Psalm 119, there are several instances of requesting understanding. As we cry to God with our hearts, seeking His answers, trusting in His work, and desiring to obey His commands; as we continuously pray and meditate on God’s word, He will give us understanding. What a privilege it is to know our Savior more and more!

Tag: prayer

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