Let’s consider David. He was a man who was often pursued by enemies. Despite the dire circumstances he sometimes found himself in, his psalms are full of faith in God. Even though he didn’t know the gospel because he lived before Jesus, he was expert at preaching truth to himself. He had experienced God’s steadfast love firsthand and he had confidence in God’s faithfulness.
The other day I was reading Psalm 59 and something stood out to me. As I’ve been reading the psalms sometimes I can almost see the transformation from despair over the circumstances to trust in a Sovereign God take place. Psalm 59 is a prayer for deliverance from David’s enemies. Here’s what I noticed. In verse 9 David says in future tense: “O my strength I will watch for you, for you, O God are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me.” Later in verse 16 he recounts what God has done for him past tense, “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.” Mixed in with these past and future tenses are phrases that are present tense such as “O God you are my fortress”. Verse 17 again mingles future and present tense. “O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
I love this example. Most likely there will not ever be the kind of physical enemies against me that David had. But there are enemies. Ephesians 6 refers to flaming arrows of the evil one that will be fired on believers. Then of course the things of this world are always vying for our attention, our love, our worship. Then there’s the sinful heart, which works itself out in deeds of the flesh. So, even though an evil king who wants to kill me is not pursuing me, I am in real danger if I am not on alert to my enemies. I’d say that on most days the biggest enemy is my own mind that gets consumed with other things.
Have we experienced God’s steadfast love? Even David didn’t know about God’s ultimate steadfast love – the crucifixion of Jesus – but those of us who have put our faith in Christ do know. We can recall the cross and the penalty that was paid for our sins, we can have hope in the future that because of the cross we will stand spotless before the throne of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and we can know that today we are free to live a righteous life because we have been freed from the law of sin and death. This is THE GOOD NEWS!
Speaking of past, present and future, all our sins are forgiven. The sins of yesterday, the sins of today and the sins not yet committed tomorrow and beyond are removed as far as the east from west.
No matter what sin, temptation, or trial we face today, we stand covered by the blood of Jesus who has already met our deepest need past, present and future. Rejoice today in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday and forever.
Comments
Apr. 15, 2008 - Amen!
Posted by baronsgirl
Thanks for this, Joy. I love how we see in the Psalms that David did hurt and did struggle to believe, but did preach truth to himself. Sometimes I think "we" think we should never struggle in our faith if we "truly believe." But clearly this man after God's own heart was an example to us of someone who did wish for different circumstances, did have emotions much like many of ours, and yet...he continued to choose to talk to God about it, to remind himself of God's faithfulness, and to believe that that same God would continue to be faithful. And you're right - for him to be able to do that without even knowing of Jesus...what grace God gave to him, such a gift of faith!
I pray that the Lord will enable me, our family, to remember the importance of doing this WHILE we are struggling or hurting or just plain whining. That we would remember God's loving kindness to us, His faithfulness to His people throughout all generations, His payment of our ransom! And believe, because His word is THE truth, that He IS being loving and gracious to us - no matter the circumstances of our life at present. I think that is where the disconnect lies for me at times. I am humbled by the gospel. But I don't usually think of it at the times when I need most to preach it to myself!
Oh, Lord, by Your matchless grace, would You cause us to be drawn to the cross and the empty tomb at those very moments of selfishness? When we are quick to complain or whine or moan, would You cause our hearts instead to live in the light of the truth of who YOU are, and ALL that You have done for us? All that You are doing, and have said that you will do? Please help us to keep the gospel at the forefront of our minds at all times. We can't do it apart from You, Lord! It's for our good and for Your glory we ask it in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.
Apr. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Joyous
Amen to your amen Jodie. "Oh for grace to trust him more."
Thanks for your call yesterday. You are a blessing to me.