Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9
Sometimes life can seem so unfair. You are doing what you know is right; you are doing your best and yet, bad things happen, unfair things happen. You feel as if you want to give up and not make the effort anymore to be your best and do your best. We can’t always dictate what comes our way but we can choose to hide in our God and trust Him to help us navigate those challenging roads. This is how David probably felt many times. He faced many unfair and challenging situations yet he trusted in his God. In verse 11 of Psalm 27, David seems to be asking God to teach him, to guide him, to direct him. He understands that life is not easy - after all he’s living it - and He covets God’s direction. The interesting thing is that it is not a general prayer for direction. He wants to know God’s way. There is a saying that says: “What would Jesus do?” It’s as if He wants God to teach Him based on what He, God, would do if He were in his shoes. It’s a genuine desire to live his life in a way that would represent God well. Yet, he doesn’t just want to be like his God but he understands that in the face of his adversaries, his enemies, God’s way will certainly be the only way to get through. We, too, would like to successfully navigate those challenges that come our way. Yet, when you think about it, the best way will always be God’s way. I like the saying: “What would Jesus do?” because it should be a reminder to us that Jesus also went through challenges and disappointments and that He is our guide to handling the various situations that come our way. He knows what pain, hurt and suffering are like yet, He responded to those situations at times with patience, at times with forgiveness, at times with firmness, at times in anguish, at times with righteous anger, and the list goes on. At the end of it all, David desired deliverance from every person or situation that was coming against him (v.12). Yet, while waiting for God’s deliverance, he still chose to believe that he would see his God’s goodness while he was alive (v.13). He would not have to die to experience it. This confidence is what gave him hope and the ability to endure whatever trial came his way. Let’s face it, sometimes when we are going through, what we believe is so important. Believing that God is good, believing that He knew all this would happen before it did and that He will work it out are things that help us face each trying day. Believing that God will come through for us, that we are going to make it, can provide that extra strength we need while we wait. What do you believe today? Because what you believe can either make you or break you. In the final verse (v.14), David encourages us to “wait on the Lord…” That word “wait” denotes to expect, to look patiently, to wait for… It also speaks of “trust” because once trust is involved you will wait for something with expectancy. He also advises us to be encouraged while we wait. This tells me that once your hope is in God, you will not be disappointed and this hope will be your comfort and strength. I believe many of us know what it’s like to go through really difficult seasons. We may sometimes wonder if, when or how we are going to make it through. We will have our good days, our hopeful days but then the discouraging, stressful days seem, at times, to outnumber the hopeful ones. I know I have said this more than once, but God is there … always … even when He seems far away. He sees, He knows, He has the answers and will deliver them at the right time. Sometimes, He will deliver quickly, but other times, we have to go through our period of waiting. Yet, our waiting is never in vain because it is during this season that we are strengthened, we learn trust, we learn patience, we learn valuable lessons that we can teach others as they go through their own challenges. God doesn’t waste a thing - good or bad. So, be encouraged that you will see God’s goodness even in the midst of the storm, that His grace will strengthen and keep you and that in turn your story will be a blessing and a source of hope and encouragement to others. Your season is not in vain! If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God is indeed your present help when you need it. You are never alone in your trials and tests and He always gives the grace, strength and encouragement needed while you wait on Him. He will come through for you. You are going to make it.
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October 2024
AuthorThis blog provides inspirational nuggets inspired by the Word of God and serves to encourage and motivate Christians in their Christian walk. |