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Please Join Us As See Truths About Christ Revealed Throughout The Book Of Revelation.
This Series Will Be Looking At The Entire Book Of Revelation (verse by verse) and Will Be Presented Every Thursday Morning
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)
Are We Patient TO All? Are We Patient AT All?
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: I Thess. 5:14-15 (5)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the next 6 devotions, we will be looking at this word of encouragement from Paul to the members of the church at Thessalonica. Our devotions will center on the six exhortations given to us by Paul…
1. warn them that are unruly,
2. comfort the feebleminded,
3. support the weak,
4. be patient toward all [men].
5. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man];
6. ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
EXPOSITION:
In this morning’s devotional we will be looking at the fourth of Paul’s exhortations to us…
be patient toward all [men]
Patience is, perhaps for many of us, the most difficult of all these exhortations by Paul. But in the context of our study, to be patient is listed as one of the greatest ways that we can show Christ to others around us. Perhaps this is why to be patience is so hard on our flesh!
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.” (Colossians 3:12-13)
So what does the Bible mean by “patience” or “longsuffering”? Both of these words, in the above texts, are translated from the same Greek word (makrothumeo) that carries four basic ideas with it:
1. to carry a weight
2. for a long period of time
3. without feeling abused or mistreated
4. without allowing anger (or a desire for “payback”) to burn within us
In other words, it to be patient means “to humbly, willingly, suffer under a heavy burden for a long period of time in the absence of anger or desire for retribution.”
Another word that is commonly translated “patience” in the Bible (hupomoneo) is used to describe a donkey that patiently stands while his owner continually adds a heavier burden to its back. It stands there, not kicking the burden off, not braying or running off. It simply stands and accepts the burden placed upon it.
These words represent for us the Scriptural concept of patience.
As difficult as it may be, how many of us truly exhibit patience in our lives? Patience is demanded in both the small and large things in life. From the short-lived suffering of standing in a long, slow line at the store, to the long-term burden of medical issues, personality conflicts, or mistreatment and abuse by others; how do we react when these burdens that are placed upon us?
APPLICATION:
Over the years, I have become convinced that EVERYTIME the circumstances in our life demand patience, it is the Lord opening an opportunity for us to show Christ to those around us.
People are constantly watching us and seeing how we accept the difficult times of our lives… What will they say about us?
Will they see our sinful flesh controlling our lives causing selfishness to rear its ugly head? Or, will they see the humility and love of Christ in us?
Will they see that we are no different from the lost fallen world and see no reason to trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior? Or, will they see our lives and be motivated to turn to Christ and be delivered from the bondage of Satan and their flesh?
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Do We Care About Those Who Are Struggling To Serve The Lord?
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Christ Is The Center Of All Biblical Revelation. Come Join Us As We See Christ In The Prophetic Scriptures…
Please Join Us As See Truths About Christ Revealed Throughout The Book Of Revelation.
This Series Will Be Looking At The Entire Book Of Revelation (verse by verse) and Will Be Presented Every Thursday Morning
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)
SIH’s Think On These Things: I Thess. 5:14-15 (4)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the next 6 devotions, we will be looking at this word of encouragement from Paul to the members of the church at Thessalonica. Our devotions will center on the six exhortations given to us by Paul…
1. warn them that are unruly,
2. comfort the feebleminded,
3. support the weak,
4. be patient toward all [men].
5. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man];
6. ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
EXPOSITION:
In this morning’s devotional we will be looking at the third of Paul’s exhortations to us…
support the weak,
Who are the “weak” ones?
The best way to understand the meaning of this word is to realize that this word comes for the Greek word “asthenes”. It is from this word that we get our word “asthma”. Anyone who is familiar with those afflicted with asthma know that it involves physical weakness and inability to perform a task (due to lack of breath). When an asthma attack is severe, it stops all other activity and brings everything to an abrupt halt.
It helps if we compare being “weak” with those who are “feebleminded”…
In our previous devotion, we saw that the “feebleminded” were those who were lacking boldness, desire, or spirit. In other words, they lacked the inward strength of will to perform a task.
In comparison to the feebleminded, the “weak” possess the desire to serve the Lord, but are unable to fulfill their desires. They are weak, perhaps they are spiritually immature, weak in the faith, or struggling with some physical weakness which inhibits them from performing the task at hand. Because they take their service to Christ very seriously, it is like a “weight” of responsibility that lies before them. They deeply desire to bear their cross and follow Christ. However, when they try to lift the weight they find they cannot; their weakness inhibits them.
The important point is the feebleminded lack DESIRE while the weak lack ABILITY.
How can we help those who are weak?
In this text, we are told to “support” them. The idea of support involves “to attach to and prop up”. It implies two basic ideas:
1. to accompany someone
2. to help hold them up and make them firm
Any gardener knows that when a plant is drooping down, by tying it to a stake, it is able to stand tall, straight and firm. This is the exact meaning of “support”. We are the “stake” that should attach ourselves to the weak and support them in their service to Christ. When we see someone who is struggling to carry the weight of their service to Christ, we are to join up with them and help lift their cross and follow Christ.
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:1-6)
APPLICATION:
May we all be aware of those who are struggling to fulfill His will for their lives. May we take the time to share our lives with them and, in doing so, help them to serve the Lord in greater ways.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Are We A Comfort, Or A Pain, To The Discouraged?
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: I Thess. 5:14-15 (3)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the next 6 devotions, we will be looking at this word of encouragement from Paul to the members of the church at Thessalonica. Our devotions will center on the six exhortations given to us by Paul…
1. warn them that are unruly,
2. comfort the feebleminded,
3. support the weak,
4. be patient toward all [men].
5. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man];
6. ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
EXPOSITION:
In this morning’s devotional we will be looking at the second of Paul’s exhortations to us. Please keep in mind all of these exhortations accomplish several things on our behalf:
1. They show our love for the Lord and others
2. they help us to build a Godly testimony in the eyes of all who see us
3. and they benefit those that we are helping. If we help one who is saved we are aiding them to grow spiritually. If the one we help is without Christ, we are pointing them to Christ through our acts of love and kindness to them.
comfort the feebleminded
What does the Bible mean by the term feebleminded? The word translated “feebleminded” comes from tow Greek words that are fused together:
1. oligos – means “small, weak, faint or susceptible”.
2. psuche – means “will, spirit, or desire”
To be “feebleminded” means to be fainthearted or to be weak willed, lacking courage and/or desire
We are told to “comfort” those who are faint of heart. Again, this word comes from a fusion of two Greek words:
1. para – “to be near”, “to stand by”
2. mueo – “to instruct”, “to reveal mysteries”
This implies two principles… to accompany someone and to teach someone.
In other words, to be of “comfort” to someone teaches us that we are to stand near to the fainthearted, giving to them words of encouragement that is meant to strengthen and encourage them.
Folks, when we see someone who is struggling with doubts and fears in their life what are we to do? We are to approach them, stand with them as they face their fearful, discouraging situation and speak words of encouragement and strength to them.
One of the greatest Biblical examples of a human encourager is that of Barnabas. Although Barnabas was not his birth name, he became known as Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement/consolation”, due to his many acts of comfort that he performed (Acts 4:36-37).
Let’s see a few Bible accounts of how Barnabas encouraged others …
1. Barnabas encouraged others by giving materially to those in need. (Acts 4:34-37)
2. Barnabas supported Paul in the face of many doubters.
He overlooked Paul’s past and trusted Paul’s testimony of salvation and his desire to serve Christ. He placed his own reputation on the line by recommending Paul to the many doubters. (Acts 9:26-27)
3. Barnabas encouraged others by verbally encouraging them to continue in their service to Christ. (Acts 11:22-24)
4. Barnabas encouraged Paul by giving up his personal pursuits to physically accompanying him on his missionary journeys. (Acts 13:1-3)
5. Barnabas trusted Mark’s testimony of repentance and his desire to serve Christ in the face of a doubting Paul.
This was very similar to how Barnabas had trusted Paul’s testimony following Paul’s salvation and calling. How sad it was to see that Paul was not willing to do for Mark what Barnabas had done for him (Paul). Eventually, it was proven Barnabas was correct in believing John Mark and Paul actually called for John Mark to be at his side (Acts 15:36-39, 2 Tim 4:11).
APPLICATION:
Folks, if we dedicate our lives to serving others, by seeking to encourage the hearts of the downtrodden, we too, will be known as “sons (or daughters) of encouragement”. May we all leave behind the personal testimony that Barnabas has left behind for us to emulate…
“For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:” Acts 11:24
May we all be willing to give of our personal, worldly, pursuits to dedicate ourselves to encouraging those who are weak and faint of heart.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Do We Love Others Enough To Take Time To Warn Them?
warn them that are unruly,
(1 Thessalonians 5:14)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: I Thess. 5:14-15 (2)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the next 6 devotions, we will be looking at this word of encouragement from Paul to the members of the church at Thessalonica. Our devotions will center on the six exhortations given to us by Paul…
1. warn them that are unruly,
2. comfort the feebleminded,
3. support the weak,
4. be patient toward all [men].
5. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man];
6. ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
EXPOSITION:
In this morning’s devotional we will be looking at the first of Paul’s exhortations to us…
warn them that are unruly
Do we care about others around us? Do we desire to please the Lord with our lives? If so, we will take the time and effort to warn others who are erratic in their life walk for Christ.
Who are we to warn? It is those who are “unruly”. In other words, it is those who “unarranged”, or “out of proper order”. It is those people whose life walk is not in alignment with the principles of God’s Word…
1. Their speech and actions are not in alignment.
They may speak the truths of His Word without living them out in their lives. In these cases, their words and actions are erratic and inconsistent with one another.
2. Their lives are inconsistent from one moment to the next.
In these cases, they live inconsistent lives. They are like a ship tossed about by the waves of a sea. One moment they may be living in obedience to the Word, the next moment they are living in disobedience. In these cases, their service to the Lord is not consistent but varies based upon their situation, their mood, or their convenience.
How are we to deal with these erratic Christians? We are to “warn” them of their spiritual shortcomings.
If we study the idea behind the word “warn” it teaches us much about the proper spirit and way in which we are to give warning to others. The Greek word for “warn” literally means “to gently place in the mind”. This helps us to understand several basic principles:
1. to warn implies MILD counsel and correction.
It is simply placing in someone’s mind the need for change. It does not imply a forced submission. It is simply speaking to others wanting to place in their mind the importance of change for their lives.
2. to warn implies HUMBLE counsel and correction.
It excludes an attitude of superiority or lordship over others. It is not speaking down to them, nor is it commanding them to change their life. It is simply laying forth the truths of God’s Word in an understandable way, allowing the Spirit to convict and bring about the needed change.
3. to want implies LOVING counsel and correction.
It is a counsel that is given from a heart of love (for the Lord and the one in need of counseling). It is to lovingly place in the mind of the individual a gift of advice that is only meant to be of benefit to them. If we really love those around us, how can we withhold spiritual counsel from those who are erratic in their service for Christ?
Please note these basic truths about giving counsel to others is upheld in many other Biblical texts…
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 5:25-6:2)
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.” (Romans 15:1-2)
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
APPLICATION:
May we all understand the need to help those who are struggling spiritually among us. We can do this by gently placing in their mind the truths of God’s Word and the need to align themselves with those truths.
The best way for your counsel to be received and be beneficial to others, is by delivering the counsel with the proper spirit and manner. Love, humility, kindness and gentleness should always be a part of the counsel that we give to those in need.
May we all be willing to humble ourselves and lovingly share spiritual counsel to those who are erratic in their service for Christ.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Do We Take The Time To Teach Others?
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: I Thess. 5:14-15 (1)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
For the next 6 devotions, we will be looking at this word of encouragement from Paul to the members of the church at Thessalonica. Our devotions will center on the six exhortations given to us by Paul…
1. warn them that are unruly,
2. comfort the feebleminded,
3. support the weak,
4. be patient toward all [men].
5. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man];
6. ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
EXPOSITION:
Now we exhort you, brethren,
Before we begin with the first exhortation, let’s attempt to answer the question, “What is an exhortation”?
In this verse, “exhort” comes from a Greek word (parakaleo) that holds three basic ideas:
1. to call near (to accompany and/or help)
2. to render encouragement (through words and/or actions)
3. to possess urgency (importance and/or insistence)
The idea that Paul is giving to the Thessalonians an “exhortation” teaches us that Paul was stepping to their side wanting to aid them in their walk with Christ. He did this by delivering a very important (urgent) message that was intended to encourage them in their service for Christ.
What was this important message? This message encouraged them to treat others in a Godly fashion. If you notice the six main exhortations, they all involve our relationship with others… how we treat them, and how we respond to them in various sets of circumstances.
How we relate to all others (family, friend and foe) is a central area of the Christian’s testimony. It is proof of our adoption into the family of God and of our spiritual growth and maturity…
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
(Matthew 5:43-48)
APPLICATION:
As we go about our day today, let’s always be aware of how we are treating those who are around us. Because of our fallen natures, it is so easy to become self-centered with our focus only upon ourselves. But for each of us who are Christians, who now possess the love of Christ within us, may we consistently think of others before ourselves.
By putting others first, we are displaying the love that our Heavenly Father showed to us when He gave Christ to die on the cross so that we might be saved…
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
(1 John 4:7-12)
A Godly relationship with others is the central method of displaying to the world that we are Christians…
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)
This is why, for the next 6 days, we will be studying Paul’s exhortation to treat others in a Godly way.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
He Is Leading His People Even When His Footsteps Are Unknown…
Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalms 77:19-20)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
“The Footsteps Are Not Known” (Psalm 77:19)
Have we ever doubted the Lord’s presence during the difficult times in our lives?
In the midst of troublesome times, have we ever asked “Why me?”
Have we ever experienced a devastating loss which caused us to question the Lord’s strength and sovereignty over all?
Most of us, if not all, have questioned the Lord in some of these ways at one time or another in our lives.
In our study for this morning, we will be looking at a very basic and comforting truth that is taught in God’s Word… Although we may not understand, or sense, His workings in our lives, we can still explicitly trust in Him!
THE SCRIPTURES:
Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalms 77:19-20)
THE STUDY:
In the background of our text, we find Asaph:
1. faced with a seemingly impossible dreadful situation (vs 1-3),
2. questioning the Lord and His purposes for his life (vs 4-9),
3. stopping to remember the Lord’s previous workings in his nation and personal life (vs 10-18),
4. coming to a very important conclusion in Psa 77:19-20 (our text)
Asaph comes to four basic conclusions based upon the Red Sea experience of the Israelites (Exodus 14:10-27) …
Conclusion #1 – Many times the Lord leads us into circumstances where great faith is required….
Thy way [is] in the sea,
Much like the Israelites who were led to the Red Sea, then by faith stepped out and traveled through the Sea with water surrounding them as a wall on both sides (Exodus 14:13-14)…
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Heb 4:14-16 KJV “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Conclusion #2 – Many times the Lord leads us into circumstances where we must face trials like overwhelming floods…
and thy path in the great waters,
The Israelites, when they were pursued by the Egyptians, faced the power of the Red Sea in front of them and the power of the Egyptian Army behind (Exodus 14:9)…
“But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.”
Psa 69:1-2 KJV “To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.”
Conclusion #3 – Many times the Lord leads us into situations where we are unable to discern His workings nor His presence with us…
and thy footsteps are not known.
The Israelites did not understand the Lord’s workings nor did they recognize His presence and coming deliverance (Exodus 14:11-12)…
“And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
Rom 11:33 KJV “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”
Job 5:8-9 KJV “I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:”
Conclusion #4 –we can know BEYOND A DOUBT that the Lord is our Shepherd, therefore He will lead, feed and protect us…
Although we may face very difficult trials in life that demand an exercise of faith…
Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
He has led us to this place, He will care for us during this trial, and He will protect us until we are delivered (Exo 14:21-31)…
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen….
And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them…
But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.”
Although we may not sense the presence of God in our life, nor ever fully understand the “whys”, “hows” and “what ifs” of the trials we face, as God’s people we can rest assured that we are not alone, we are safe in the hands of our wonderful Shepherd…
Psa 23:1,4 KJV “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want… Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Job, another man of God that faced many very serious trials in life, came to the same basic conclusions as Asaph… Whenever we are facing the difficult trials in life, we can rest assured that The Lord is with us, protecting and caring for us and working for our good every step of the way…
[Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out: [he is] excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. (Job 37:23)
May the Lord bless you as you continue to seek His truth.
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May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
During The Difficult Times Of Life… Do We Wait On Him?
Psalms 27:14 – “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Psalms 27:14
Psalms 27:
[A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.
One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, [when] I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.[When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not thy face [far] from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
As we will see in our series, King David addresses many of the same issues that each and every one of us faces when we are in the midst of the most difficult, fearful situations of life. May the Lord honor this study in His Word, by granting to us the truths of this Psalm and their practical application to our life.
EXPOSITION:
In our text for today, David concludes his Psalm on dealing with the fearful times of our lives. Keep in mind that, so far, we have seen:
- David’s confidence in the Lord (vs 1-3)
- David’s desire of the Lord (vs 4-5)
- David’s praise of the Lord (vs 6)
- David’s request for God’s presence (vs 7-11)
- David’s request for deliverance from his enemies (vs 12)
- David’s motivation to persevere in the midst of his difficulties (vs 13)
Now, in this final section of the Psalm, David reaches out to each one of us with words of encouragement as we, too, face the fearful times of our lives.
David’s words of encouragement to others…
Psalms 27:14
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
David encourages us to do two things in times of hardship, opposition, and fear:
“Wait on the LORD:
First of all, David instructs us to “wait on the Lord”.
The word “wait” comes to us from a Hebrew word that means “to collect hopefully” or “to gather together expectantly”.
The idea David is expressing to us is the need to collect:
1. our needs
2. truths about His person and work
3. His promises to us.
Then, based upon this “collection”, wait for Him expectantly.
In other words, when we understand who He is and what He can do for us, then we become aware of His great promises of care, protection and enablement that He gives to us, we can confidently expect our needs to be met.
be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:
Secondly, David encourages us to “be of good courage”. This can only be done if we are waiting upon Him.
In other words, because we are expecting the Lord to intervene on our behalf, then we can take control of our fears and put them aside.
There is nothing to fear, He will step in and meet our every need. Perhaps this will be by taking the situation from us, or perhaps, it will be by standing with us in the midst of the trial. In either case, we can boldly face the fearful times, knowing He is with us.
wait, I say, on the LORD.”
David in summary, emphasizes the need to “Wait on the Lord”
APPLICATION:
Folks may we always learn to wait upon the Lord in times of trials. In doing so, we are submitting to His will for our lives, allowing Him to intervene without our interference, and standing boldly against our opposition through His gracious enablement.
“A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.” (Psalms 123:1-2)
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Our Source Of Strength In The Midst Of Trials… Our Faith In The Lord.
Psa 27:13 KJV
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Settled In Heaven Blog 
