Working Through the Lost (Psalm 39:3-4)

There are two ways to view the lost and how they treat you.  At first, David saw the lost as his wicked enemy with their words and actions wounding him.  These wounds began to consume his thoughts until a fire burned deep in his soul at which point he reacted and spoke revealing his frail and vain condition.

My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.  Psalms 39:3-4

Later, David's view changed.  He still saw the lost as wicked and desired deliverance from them, but one thing was distinctly different.  David viewed the actions of the lost as God's strokes upon him (vs. 10).  Instead of reacting against the wicked, he yielded himself to God.  He allowed God to purge him from sinful acts.

The former reaction is a struggle and battle with the world and with no benefit, but the latter works good out of evil and brings hope, correction, and strength to the humble.

As you face the hardship of living the Christian, strive to recognize the handiwork of God: even in the lives of the lost.

Propped Up (Psalm 37:23-24)

A number of years ago, my son came to me for help.  It seemed that through a series of wrong decisions, he had found himself in a very poor state spiritually: sin seems to do that.  Although I was greatly disappointed, I willfully stepped in to help.  My support was not based on the severity of his situation, but instead on my love for him.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Psalms 37:23-24

From this passage, we can see that good men, walking in the direction of the Lord, will fall and it is not of their own volition that they get back up and continue on for the Lord.  They don't get up: in fact it is the Lord who lifts them up and supports them to stand again.

You have seen card board cut outs of people, which contain a prop in the back to keep it standing.  This item  illustrates what the Lord does for us.  When we can't get up, he picks us up.  When we cannot stand, he props us up.  Whatever victory we get, it will not be based on our self will or determination.  It will be based on the goodness of God and his support and strength in our lives.

When you fall, instead of trying harder, look to God for the support and strength you need.  He will be there for you and do the work that only he can do.

As for my son, he too found strength that only God could bring to him.  He stood him up, established his feet and has been guiding him to victory ever since.

Knowing Leads to Trusting

Years ago, the GI Joe cartoon had a slogan, "Knowing is half the battle."  That slogan is true for believers as well.  How do you know or view God determines your level of trust.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (Psalms 9:10)

If you know God as one who is quickly angered at you and ready to judge, then you will have a difficult time trusting him. However, if you have experienced God's faithfulness and see him as a loving father full of mercy, then you will wholeheartedly cling to him in times of trouble.

The secret to the Christian life is not trying harder or laboring to mustarding up faith, but instead to get closer to him. Just as you and I can trust true friends but shy away from trusting strangers, we will more comfortably trust God as we move from a practically stranger relationship to one as a son resting in the bosom of his father.