Do you ever just sit and contemplate with wonder the overwhelming greatness of our God? Nothing can adequately describe him. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present; all things are complete in God. That’s mind-blowing! Bigger yet, this God has chosen to love and care for us. So, if we know and believe this is Truth, why are we so unsettled and filled with fear when life brings intimidating challenges with it?
Jesus warned his early disciples [and us] there would be trials and tribulations for all of his children, because there is a battle raging in the heavenlies for human allegiance. Good and evil are real enemies; salvation is only for humans. That means we will need to persevere by grace through faith, walk in love, and stay the course with Jesus. He knows how to navigate us through the challenges and into the promises.
In our LIFE Lesson [Inner Struggle for Holiness] from Wednesday evening, we looked into this passage from David. We talked about how David, in his song, is having an inner struggle with fear and intimidation, because evil is tormenting him. David decides to speak Truth and faith over his life. He knows God is faithful and trustworthy. He knows strength comes from God. He knows good will overpower evil. He also knows it means waiting patiently for God to act. Waiting patiently is not passivity; it’s faithfully pressing on to live for Christ while we wait for God’s appointed time. Patience and faith come together to fulfill God’s promises—faith alone is not what God is looking for…he wants to see Christ in us in the midst of the wait. Show others Jesus!
Psalm 271-6, 14 A psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2
When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.
4
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
5
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6
Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, we want to live by faith and develop a heart of patience. Teach us to trust your perfect timing for all things. Help us wait patiently for you, so we do not become irritable or frustrated. We bow to you knowing evil cannot have the upper hand. Like David, bring to our remembrance your faithfulness and the victories of other biblical heroes who had to endure and persevere. Give us grace and help us love like you and reach for self-control to live in your righteousness. Amen.