Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Week 2: GOD IS WORKING OUT HIS PLAN
Psalms 138:8 - "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
When life goes in directions we didn't expect, and when those directions include suffering and frustration, it's natural to become discouraged. We wonder if God has forgotten us and may worry that our lives will end with a sad story of unfulfillment. Before examining Psalm 138 it may be best to read Psalm 137. There you will find the Psalmist writing about a time when God's people were in bondage. The situation they found themselves in was absolutely contrary to the promises declared to them. The question was asked, "how can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" (Psalms 137:4) On last week we briefly discussed the importance of praising God at all times. Although there is such a thing as a sad song, singing is usually associated with things that are joyful and lovely. So, how can we sing the Lord's song in our strange or uncomfortable situation? Why should we be expected to rejoice when what we're presently experiencing is far from what is expected? I will submit that we can sing (rejoice, praise God) again whenever we take the time to remember that God is a faithful promise keeper.
In Psalm 138, David begins by thanking the Lord for his "unfailing love and faithfulness" (138:2). But, as David first composed Psalm 138, he was "surrounded by troubles" and endangered by "the anger of [his] enemies" (138:7). In faith, David said, "The LORD will work out his plans for my lifeŸfor your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever" (138:8). David had confidence in God's ultimate purpose for him, which God would fulfill. Thus David did not have to be afraid or discouraged. God would take care of him! Philippians 1:6 reads, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." One modern-day songwriter wrote: "I don't believe He's brought me this far to leave me."
Take comfort in the fact that God will never forsake us. Although at times He seems very silent and nowhere to be found when we desire to see Him manifesting His plan in our lives the most, God is there working behind the scenes. Psalm 138 does not end with a firm confession of trust in God's care. Rather, it concludes with a focused request: "Don't abandon me, for you made me" (138:8). It's as if David's trust in God wavered for a moment. "Lord," he prayed, "you will fulfill your purpose for me. Yes, indeed. Oh, but don't forget me! Don't abandon me!"
Thus Psalm 138 exemplifies the reality of our life in God. It is true that God will work out his plans for us. In this truth, we stake our lives. Yet there are times when we aren't so sure. We wonder. We worry. We doubt. Psalm 138 encourages us to not hold back in those times, but to lay before the Lord both our confidence in him and our hesitations. He will take all of these and work them together for his purposes.
Blessings!
Week 2: GOD IS WORKING OUT HIS PLAN
Psalms 138:8 - "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
When life goes in directions we didn't expect, and when those directions include suffering and frustration, it's natural to become discouraged. We wonder if God has forgotten us and may worry that our lives will end with a sad story of unfulfillment. Before examining Psalm 138 it may be best to read Psalm 137. There you will find the Psalmist writing about a time when God's people were in bondage. The situation they found themselves in was absolutely contrary to the promises declared to them. The question was asked, "how can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" (Psalms 137:4) On last week we briefly discussed the importance of praising God at all times. Although there is such a thing as a sad song, singing is usually associated with things that are joyful and lovely. So, how can we sing the Lord's song in our strange or uncomfortable situation? Why should we be expected to rejoice when what we're presently experiencing is far from what is expected? I will submit that we can sing (rejoice, praise God) again whenever we take the time to remember that God is a faithful promise keeper.
In Psalm 138, David begins by thanking the Lord for his "unfailing love and faithfulness" (138:2). But, as David first composed Psalm 138, he was "surrounded by troubles" and endangered by "the anger of [his] enemies" (138:7). In faith, David said, "The LORD will work out his plans for my lifeŸfor your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever" (138:8). David had confidence in God's ultimate purpose for him, which God would fulfill. Thus David did not have to be afraid or discouraged. God would take care of him! Philippians 1:6 reads, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." One modern-day songwriter wrote: "I don't believe He's brought me this far to leave me."
Take comfort in the fact that God will never forsake us. Although at times He seems very silent and nowhere to be found when we desire to see Him manifesting His plan in our lives the most, God is there working behind the scenes. Psalm 138 does not end with a firm confession of trust in God's care. Rather, it concludes with a focused request: "Don't abandon me, for you made me" (138:8). It's as if David's trust in God wavered for a moment. "Lord," he prayed, "you will fulfill your purpose for me. Yes, indeed. Oh, but don't forget me! Don't abandon me!"
Thus Psalm 138 exemplifies the reality of our life in God. It is true that God will work out his plans for us. In this truth, we stake our lives. Yet there are times when we aren't so sure. We wonder. We worry. We doubt. Psalm 138 encourages us to not hold back in those times, but to lay before the Lord both our confidence in him and our hesitations. He will take all of these and work them together for his purposes.
Blessings!
WEEK 2: GOD IS WORKING OUT HIS PLAN
JULY 2022
Summer Reflections
Summer Reflections
Week 1
Praise God Always
Praise God Always
Week 2
God is Working Out
His Plan.
God is Working Out
His Plan.
