Posted in Spiritual Applications

Yesterday evening, our pastor began his sermon in 1 Samuel 22 and in Psalm 57... when David was taking refuge in a cave.

Maybe it shouldn't amaze me, but it does... how God uses every piece of His Word to parallel and apply to our own lives and situation.  Well, last night was one of those times when I finally let it sink in and allowed my eyes to be opened.

I've been living in a 'cave'(metaphorically speaking, of course)... waiting to move out of this 'cave', becoming discontent with this 'cave', and questioning why God is choosing to keep me here in this particular situation. Trying to wait patiently but, in all honesty, have been failing. I go through 'bouts' of accepting God's will and making the best out of this 'cave. Then there are 'bouts' of focusing on my own will and feeling in despair in my 'cave'. Last night was the reminder I needed. And God knew exactly what it was that I needed to hear to gain a clearer perspective.

I was reminded that sometimes God allows us to sit where we are so that He can tune our hearts. And in distresses, to move us to where He wants us to be. That in those times of limitations, we can learn to value the will of God.

We sometimes carry the idea that when things are going right and well for us, that is when we are closest to God. But that is not necessarily correct... God is near to the broken hearted...

Psalm 34:18 ~ "The LORD is nigh (near; next) unto them that are of a broken (hurt) heart; and saveth (help; preserve; get victory) such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit."

I was reminded that sometimes God does allow us to stay at a 'stand-still', to remain where we are and that there have been plenty of others that have endured those times and we are no different than them. Ex... Moses (40 years in the desert); Joseph (2 years in prison); Caleb (40 years in desert); Paul (time in prison)...

How reassuring to be reminded that God knows exactly where we are (He put us there) and He knows exactly what He's doing.

The Lord brought to mind some Scripture for me in this time that I intend on re-memorizing and posting on index cards for daily reminders... (emphasis added)

Psalm 37:7 ~ "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him..."

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ~ "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Isaiah 26:3-4 ~ "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasing strength."

Lamentations 3:21-26 (and on) ~ "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."

Philippians 4:11 ~ "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Our pastor listed some things that David learned while in his cave from Psalm 57:

1. God would protect Him (v.1)

2. David figured out how to pray (v.2)

3. David understood God had a plan (v.3)

4. God increased David's perception and discernment (v.4)

5. David learned how to praise God (v.5)

6. David understood the power of God (v.6,7)

7. David's heart was filled with praise (v.8-11)

My prayer is that while I am living in my 'cave' and any future 'cave' that I may dwell in, may my heart be especially humble and teachable. May I learn all the things that the Lord desires for me to learn so that my 'cave dwelling' will not be in vain.