This is the Fast that I have Chosen...

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?  Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.  Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.  And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.  (Isaiah 58:6-11, ESV)

In 58:3 the people complained that God had not noticed or responded when the sought Him daily and fasted.  God responds by telling them that their worship was shallow without a right heart.  James tells us that religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. He also tells us that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  God will be responsive when their hearts are truly repentant and they are converted. When they stop acting wickedly toward others, and instead, respond toward them with love.  This is when God will pour out His blessings This is when He will guide them continually.  This is when they will be like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."  

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11, ESV)

The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted...

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.  (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.  (Psalms 34:18) For though the LORD is high, He regards the lowly, but the haughty He knows from afar.  (Psalms 138:6) A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice.  (Isaiah 42:3). For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.  (Luke 1:49)

Isaiah 54:4-8

"Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.  For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.  For the LORD has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God.  For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you.  In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you," says the LORD, your Redeemer. —Isaiah 54:4-8

It is important to know what the Scriptures say for many, many reasons, but today it is important because it helps me take the long view as my God gently and kindly guides me through this vale of tears.

His word speaks truth over my life and helps me to remember that someday soon my trials will end.  My life and my world will not always be sorrow and suffering.  Glory awaits!    God is speaking to Israel here as she is often pictured as the wife of Jehovah.  Similarly, in the New Testament the church is referred to as the a bride of Christ.  Like Israel, God is our Maker and our Redeemer.  The “little wrath” (vs 8) that God inflicted on His people Israel for their rebellion will be eclipsed by His “everlasting love” with which He will have compassion on them.  Our relationship with Christ makes us “forget” (vs 4) our past and our reproach. We have put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Colossians tells us that this new man is also renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.  Here we see only the edges of His everlasting lovingkindness toward us who believe.  We catch glimpses of His majesty as we seek Him.  It is enough...Our God always meets us at our point of need.  He is sufficient.  His Spirit dwells in us and bears our burdens.

Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.—Isaiah 46:4

We can look forward to the time when we will consider the sufferings of this present time as not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.

"O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires.  I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles, and all your wall of precious stones.—Isaiah 54:11-12

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.—Isaiah 54:10

The Pleasure of the Lord...

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;

He has put Him to grief.

When You make His soul an offering for sin,

He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,

And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.—Isaiah53:10-11a

Though Jesus did not deserve to die, it was the will of the Lord for Him to be “crushed”. 

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."—Matt 26:39

Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done."—Matt 26:42

He made His (Jesus) soul a guilt offering for sin.  Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!—John 1:29

He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His day’s...Jesus rose from the dead and lives and reigns forever.  

Verse 10b and the first part of verse 11 is my favorite because it is what I want in my own life...

“the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.”

The one time sacrifice of the Lord’s Servant provided complete satisfaction in settling the sin issue.  Jesus saw the labor of His soul and was satisfied.  His work was not in vain.   

By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.

I want my life to embody all that my God wants for it. I want the pleasure of the Lord to prosper in my hand and in my life. I want to see the labor of my own soul and be satisfied.  I can follow Jesus’ example and surrender, by His Spirit who lives in me, to His will and place my confidence, like He did, in God.  

And then one day, I'll cross the river

I'll fight life's final war with pain

And then, as death gives way to victory

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living, just because He lives

—Because He Lives by Kristin Chenoweth

And Be Kind to One Another...

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

What a beautiful exhortation!  What a perfect verse to take with us today and allow the Spirit to work it into our hearts and lives as we surrender to His leading.

Isaiah 48:50

As I read through Isaiah 48-50 this morning, I felt like I was walking on Holy ground.  God is speaking through Isaiah to the people of Israel, but also to me and to each of us.   It is always amazing to me how the word of God can do what no other book that I have read can do.  On the surface the message is clearly for someone else but as we read it , we can often hear our God speak to our own hearts to instruct, encourage and comfort. Today, His word through Isaiah did all three.

For example in Isaiah Chapter 49, Jesus speaks and declares His mission. In 49:3 He tells Israel that she is His servant in whom He will be glorified.

And in verse 4 hear the heart of Jesus...

Then I said, 'I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain;
Yet surely my just reward is with the LORD,
And my work with my God.' "

Don’t you feel like that at times...like you have labored in vain and have spent your strength for nothing?  You are not alone, Jesus suffered the same things and His footsteps are our pathway.  How did He handle discouragement as a Man?  The same way we need to...by placing our confidence in God.  “Surely, my just reward is with The Lord and my work with my God.” ❤️

God has a purpose for each and every moment of the life we live in this fallen world.  He has chosen us in Him since before the foundation of the world.  He heard Jesus’ prayer and He will hear ours because we are accepted in the Beloved.

Thus says the LORD:

"In an acceptable time I have heard You,
And in the day of salvation I have helped You;
I will preserve You and give You
As a covenant to the people,
To restore the earth,
To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages;—Isaiah 49:8

We can trust Him...we can sing for the Lord has comforted His people and will have mercy on His afflicted. He will not forget us, we are inscribed on the palms of His hands and our “walls” are continually before Him.

Filled with all the Fulness of God...

Eph 3:14-19; Eph 4:13

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,—Eph 4:13

Do this work in Your people, Father!  Give us hearts that seek Your will and follow hard after You.  Bring each of us to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Your Son. This verse brought yesterday’s reading to mind.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.—Eph 3:14-19

"Filled with all the fullness of God."  THAT is what I want for me...THAT is what I want for all those that my God has given me to love.  To be so strong spiritually as to be filled with His divine love.  Totally and utterly governed and ruled not by the things of the world but by the things of God.  Focused not on the earthly but on what is eternal in the heavens.  So totally dominated by Him that there is nothing left of SELF!  Filled with Christ...filled with the Spirit and filled with God!  I want to see Your greatness in my life and in the lives of those that I love, Father...Your majesty and glory...Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.--Ephesians 3:20-21 

I Will Go Before You...

'I will go before you
And make the crooked places straight;
I will break in pieces the gates of bronze
And cut the bars of iron.
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden riches of secret places,
That you may know that I, the LORD,
Who call you by your name,
Am the God of Israel.—Isaiah 45:2-3

This was said to Cyrus, but it is also there for you and for me...

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.—Romans 15:4

Let us press on then in faith and by faith knowing who our God is...He WILL go before us..He WILL make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  The crooked places WILL be made straight and He WILL remove obstacles before us. We will go forward in the strength of our God.  As Spurgeon says “no battering ram needed!”  He will do the impossible...the gates of bronze will be broken in pieces and the iron bars which fastened them cut.  When Cyrus and His armies conquered Babylon they took all its precious treasures.  As we walk through our trials allowing God to go before us, we rejoice because we know that God’s purpose in allowing trouble is to test the reality of our faith.   When we come through the wilderness leaning on our Beloved, we are given something more precious than what Cyrus received...tried and proven...precious faith.

This He will do so that we may know that He is a God and beside Him there is no other.

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 3:16-21

The Everlasting God...

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.—Isaiah 40:28-31

I read these verses last night and they so helped my heart.  God is so faithful to always meet us at our point of need. Sometimes I forget Who dwells inside me.  Have you not known, Isaiah begins....Have you not heard??? The everlasting God, the LORD,  The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

God has got me and my problems covered...He doesn't get tired and His understanding is unsearchable.  He knows what I am going through and He knows the state of my heart.  Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

Isaiah goes on to remind us (me) that He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might he increases their strength.  I am without strength and weak....BUT that is a good thing because His strength is made perfect in weakness.  He will uphold me. He will hedge me behind and before.  Colossians 1:11 says, "He will strengthen me with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy."

At my weakest I can cry out to Him with gladness knowing He has enough for both of us.  And as I cry out, my eyes fill with His goodness and mercy and love toward me.  I am poor and needy and yet the Lord thinks on me!

My strength will be renewed as I wait on the Lord.  I like to see the phrase  "wait on the Lord" as Jon Courson explains it.  I am the Lord's waiter.  I am serving Him here on earth and doing those things that He has prepared beforehand for me to do.  My job is to please Him and honor Him here as I journey through this vale of tears.   I am to spend time with Him in worship, in thanksgiving, in prayer and in the study and meditation of His word.  I am to look for ways to love those He has placed in my path with the love that He Himself has shed abroad in my heart.  I am here for Him...my life is about Him...not me.

Whatever He sends me is good and is for my good and His glory.  And as I go through this life there will be times like tonight when my strength is spent and my heart is weak.  Here is what I know: He will be gracious to me...He will incline His ear to me and hear my cry...He will strengthen my heart...He will be good to me...He will renew my strength...He will not leave me nor forsake me and in Him I have everything I need.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.--Psalm 84:5-7

Bear One Another’s Burdens...

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.—Galatians 6:2

I knew what bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ  meant, but I never thought about why Paul would be saying it in the context of the book of Galatians.  The Judaizers (legalists) were distorting the true Gospel of Christ by adding to it the requirements of the law as prerequisites for salvation. They were destroying grace and burdening the people with that which Christ died to set them free.  Paul is saying, in effect, if you want to fulfill the law, then love the people God has placed in your life by helping them then bear their burdens...this fulfills the law because this is love and love (Christ) embodies and fulfills the whole law.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."—John 13:34-35

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.—Philippians 2:3-4

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.—1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.—Galatians 6:9-10

Fruits of the Spirit...

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16, ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)

We have, living inside us as believers, the power to live to please God. God’s precious Holy Spirit dwells in us and as we submit to the Spirit’s control (obey His word) our spirit grows stronger and we begin to look more and more like Jesus.  I looked up the word walk here and it is translated as a continuous action or a habitual lifestyle.  Walking also implies progress...hence as we submit to the Spirit’s power our flesh shrinks and our spirit is strengthened. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives becomes evident.  John MacArthur defines the fruit of the Spirit this way.  They are

“Godly attitudes that characterize the lives of only those who belong to God by faith in Christ and possess the Spirit of God.”

It is the Spirit that produces the fruit as we abide and cling to the Vine. I love how John MacArthur defines them...

Love - One of several Greek words for love, agape is the love of choice, referring not to an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond, but to respect, devotion, and affection that leads to willing, self-sacrificial service.  (John 15:13, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16-17)

Joy - A happiness based on unchanging divine promises and eternal spiritual realities. It is the sense of well-being experienced by one who knows all is well between himself and the Lord.  (1 Peter 1:8). Joy is not the result of favorable circumstances, and even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe (John 16:20-22). Joy is a gift from God, and as such, believers are not to manufacture it but to delight in the blessing they already possess. (Romans 14:17,Phil 4:4)

Peace - The inner calm that results from confidence in one’s saving relationship with Christ. The verb form denotes binding together and is reflected in the expression “having it all together.” Like joy, peace is not related to one’s circumstances (John 14:27, Romans 8:28, Phil 4:6-7; 9).

patience. The ability to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situations (Eph 4:2, Col 3:12, 1 Tim 1:15-16).

kindness. Tender concern for others, reflected in a desire to treat others gently, just as the Lord treats all believers (Matt 11:28-29; 19:13-14, 2 Tim 2:24)

goodness. Moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness (Romans 5:7). Believers are commanded to exemplify goodness (Gal 6:10; 2 Thess 1:11)

faithfulness. Loyalty and trustworthiness (Lam 3:22; Phil 2:7-9; 1 Thess 5:24; Rev 2:10)

gentleness. Better translated “meekness.” It is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense, while having no desire for revenge or retribution. In the NT, it is used to describe three attitudes: submission to the will of God (Col 3:12), teachability (James 1:12), and consideration of others (Ephes 4:2).

self-control -  This refers to restraining passions and appetites (1 Cor 9:25; 2 Peter 1:5-6)

When a Christian walks by the Spirit and manifests his fruit, he needs no external law to produce the attitudes and behavior that please God (Romans 8:4).

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:14, ESV)

Freedom in Christ...

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.—Galatians 5:13-15

The word “opportunity” used in verse 13 according to John MacArthur, was often used to refer to a central base of military operations.  The freedom Christians have is not to be used as a base from which they can sin freely and without consequence.  As born again believers, we ARE called to freedom...our freedom, however, is in Christ.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. —Romans 8:2

Our freedom in Christ is to be used for the benefit of others and perhaps by God’s grace, win them to Christ.

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. (1 Corinthians 9:19, ESV)

The key to this passage from my perspective is the word love used in conjunction with serving in verse 14.  The OT and the NT agree...love fulfills the law.  Love is the ruling principle of both.

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."—Matthew 22:36-40

When legalism reigns, love is lacking.  The outward requirements of the law become more important than the inward. Legalism misses the heart.  It overlooks and dismisses the people Christ died to save.  The best imagery for me of what happens among believers in the spiritual realm when love is lacking is aptly stated in verse 15...we bite, devour and are consumed by one another. Pretty graphic picture and a stark warning.

Isaiah 32:15-19

15 Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
And the fruitful field is counted as a forest.
16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,
And righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
17 The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
18 My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places,
19 Though hail comes down on the forest,
And the city is brought low in humiliation.—Isaiah 32:15-19

What a beautiful picture of the work the Spirit of God does in our hearts and lives.  Matthew Henry says it is God’s good will toward us and His good work in us. God by his grace gives men his Holy Spirit and in so doing He is in effect giving them all good things.

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"—Luke 11:13

The Spirit makes our wilderness a fruitful field...a fruitful field is then counted as a forest of fruitfulness when the Spirit is poured upon us from on high...Justice dwells with us and righteousness remains.  The work of righteousness is peace...peace with God and peace from God.  The effect of righteousness...security forever and ever.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.—Romans 5:5

Our habitation is our God...He preserves and keeps us no matter what kind of storm is raging around us.  Oh, Father...thank you for Your humbling work in my life...thank you that You heard my cry and  brought me up out of a horrible pit and set my feet upon a rock. Thank you for Your Spirit that You in Your lovingkindness have poured out in my heart.  I want to rely on Your Spirit today and every day for the strength and ability to do that which You have prepared for me. 

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,

Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,

They make it a spring;

The rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength;

Each one appears before God in Zion.—Ps 84:5-7

I will lift up my eyes to the hills--

From whence comes my help?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, He who keeps Israel

Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is your keeper;

The LORD is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;

He shall preserve your soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore.—Psalm 121

Our Sure Foundation...

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.—Isaiah 28:16

Such a beautiful and magnificent truth!  Our God is our sure foundation.  He, like the hymn writer says, has been proven o’er and o’er. He is the only One worthy of our trust. Whoever trusts Him will not act hastily.  I never quite understood what the last part of that verse meant, so I read it i the Amplified version and it made this verse even more precious!

“Listen carefully, I am laying in Zion a Stone, a tested Stone, A precious Cornerstone for the [secure] foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [who trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone] will not be disturbed or give way [in sudden panic].”

Those who trust God never need to run scared.  I liked the word “adhere” too.   It reminds me of the kind of glue that really sticks. The rulers of Judah were trusting in lies and falsehoods.  Their misplaced trust in Egypt would be to them like a bulge in a high wall whose collapse comes suddenly.  It will be smashed as completely as an earthenware vessel, with no fragments big enough to use even in minor chores. God speaks to Judah here and He speaks to us.

For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel has said this, “In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, In quietness and confident trust is your strength.”—Isaiah 30:15

Praying my heart rests in My God today and that my strength lies in a quiet confidence in Him rather than running from one thing to another in frenetic anxiety and fear. You LONG to be gracious to us...Blessed, happy, fortunate are all those who LONG for You since You will never fail them.

For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, For my hope is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; My fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged. 7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; He is my rock of [unyielding] strength, my refuge is in God. 8Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah.—Ps 62:5-8 AMPLIFIED.

“Staying” the Course...

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.—Isaiah 26:3-4

This verse became my life verse very early on in my walk with the Lord. I did not know much, but I knew that this one was core.  I think it’s simplicity appealed to me.  The Lord has used this verse relentlessly in my life.  It has become a testimony to me of the depth, power and wisdom of God. The longer I walk with Him the more I see that it truly is all about Him in every way.

Colossians tells us in Chapter 3:17 that  "... whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Acts tells us that "In Him we live and move and have our being."

Every moment is Jesus....every situation is Jesus....every circumstance is Jesus and He should be the basis for every relationship we have.  He is called Jehovah Shalom (God of Peace) and the Prince of Peace.  He is the Great I AM. Chuck Smith  has said that the name "Jehovah" can be interpreted as "The Becoming One." The One who becomes to people just what they need.  I love that...the Becoming One.   He becomes our peace when we focus our minds on Him.  I love that whenever my heart and mind go awry and anxiety threatens, these kind words of my God are my stay.  I run to the Rock of Ages and seek His strength.   I “stay” the course, I immerse myself in the Word and His peace which is an outflow of the fruit of His Spirit...love...floods my heart.  Ending with the OYB Psalm

Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah—Ps 61:1-4

Stubborn Children...

He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; you also saw the damage to the city of David, that it was great; and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses you broke down to fortify the wall. You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. —-Isaiah 22:8-11

Jerusalem prepared for the battle.  They strengthened the city wall and made sure there was enough water for a siege, but they did not look to the One who made the city.  They did not have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago.  All they did would not prosper or profit, because Judah did not do what was TRULY NEEDFUL.  She did not obey God. She did not turn her heart towards the Lord.

Even in the midst of war and chaos, the safest place for Judah and each of us to be is under our God’s wing of protection. Humility protects and preserves.  Lowliness of mind keeps us from our own wrong desires and settles our mind on what He desires.  His perfect will then covers us.

 "Ah, stubborn children," declares the LORD, "who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation. For though his officials are at Zoan and his envoys reach Hanes, everyone comes to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help nor profit, but shame and disgrace."  (Isaiah 30:1-5, ESV)

OYB Psalm today is perfect here...

Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.*—Ps 60:11-12

The Word Brings Perspective...

Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.--1st Samuel 19:11

In First Samuel 19 we find Saul trying to kill David yet again.  These years were obviously very difficult ones for David, but it is very helpful for us (me) to remember that some of David's most beautiful psalms were penned during this time.  As we read them and hear the depths of David's heart, we too, cry out with David and turn out hearts upside down before our God.

 Psalm 59 was written during this time in David's life.  As you read it, you can hear his desperation and his desire on his enemies.  He begins very distressed...but as I have always found in my own life when I bring my troubles to my God, my attitude begins to change as I lift my eyes to His throne.

My problems so often overwhelm my heart but they never overwhelm my God. These low points in our lives give us the greatest opportunity for faith.  All we need do is go to Him and pour out our heart.  He does the rest.

As I pray through all my troubles and focus on Him my perspective changes....just as David's did.  At the end of my prayer I am seeing God more clearly and my problems have dimmed in the light of His glory and grace.  I begin to praise Him even though nothing has changed in my circumstances.  Something has changed in my heart.  I have beheld Him and have been transformed just a little bit more into His likeness.  I then can praise Him as David did at the end of Psalm 59:

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.  Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.--Psalm 59:16-17

Grace to You and Peace...

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,—Galatians 1:3

The churches of Galatia had moved away from the one true Gospel.  They were perverting it by adding requirements of the law to the Gospel of grace. I am so grateful that Paul faced the Galatian church’s heresy straight on.  Even his typical greeting here puts truth to their lie.  If salvation is by works as they claimed, it is not of “grace” and cannot result in “peace,” since no one can be sure he has enough good works to be eternally secure.

Grace and peace are two words that cause my shoulders and back to relax when I hear them.  The burden is not mine.  Grace is God’s UNDESERVED kindness to me...a sinner.  It doesn’t ask me to do anything, instead, it tells me what God has done for me, and offers me...a hopeless, helpless and condemned sinner...a way out.

The God of the Universe invites me to receive His free gift of salvation, and when I accept, He imputes His righteousness to my account.  I am now at peace with God. I can rest in the knowledge that the penalty of my sin has been paid, and that I am forgiven.  It doesn’t end here though.  The same grace that saved me now keeps me...bringing me the peace of God moment by moment throughout my earthly journey and fulfilling His purpose for me. The arm of the Lord is made bare in my life as God, in Christ, sets out to finish the good work He began in me at salvation. The law does not bring God’s peace...it brings a curse...no one can keep it..it has no power to save...only condemn.

My Habitation of Mercy...

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings, will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast  I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.--Psalm 57:1

Be merciful unto me (ME!)- The picture this paints is of God the Father stooping and bending down to be gracious to me!! His daughter!!! Be gracious to me, Father,  show me your favor, your pity.  Incline your ear...encamp all about me.

for my soul - the center of all that I am; my heart

trusteth in thee - seeks refuge in You,  flees to You for protection

yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge- Your shade is my protection and defense.

until these calamities - engulfing ruins, destruction

be overpast - overtake and pass me.

Be my strong habitation where unto I may continually resort, thou hast given commandment to save me, for thou art my rock and fortress.--Psalm 71:3

Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.--Psalm 91:9

Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.--Psalm 37:24

Your hand, Father, is in all that comes my way.  You are intimately involved in my life. You will fulfill Your purpose for me.  When my life becomes “strange” and filled with trials...You know the way I take.  It is only my relationship with You that will calm my soul.

Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
'For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.—Isaiah 12:2

Whenever I Am Afraid...

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? 9 When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me. 10 In God (I will praise His word), In the LORD (I will praise His word), 11 In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? —Ps 56:3-4; 8-11

Focusing today on verse 3...so simple...so easy to say...so easy to remember.  WHENEVER I am afraid, I WILL remember in whom I have placed my trust.  Confidence in the Lord is a purposeful decision and helps stave off our emotional reactions to fear that can literally send us into a tailspin.

David was afraid and His fear probably took up a good deal of his “thinking” mind.  But His faith was there also and reminded him to trust.  If you are like me when you are afraid, your mind vacillates between fear and trust, and it is difficult to tell which one is winning.  It is a battle for sure!   When I look back at my trials, especially the ones that filled me with anxiety about the future, what I see now is that God used those fears to draw me closer to Him...to teach me dependence.  Spurgeon says this about vs 3.

“It is a blessed fear which drives us to trust. Unregenerate fear drives from God, gracious fear drives to him. If I fear man I have only to trust God, and I have the best antidote. To trust when there is no cause for fear, is but the name of faith, but to be reliant upon God when occasions for alarm are abundant and pressing, is the conquering faith of God's elect.”

Our God is all knowing, all seeing and all powerful.  We belong to a God who embodies lovingkindness.  We are precious to Him.  Our God knows what we go through.  His arm is not shortened...deliverance will come.  He is FOR us and therefore, no one can be against us.  He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all..ME included...how will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all things?  I will praise His word!

Thankful for His Grace...

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.-2 Corinthian’s 12:9-10

So thankful for His grace that is never in short supply.  No matter what I go through in this life His grace...His unmerited favor is continually there to supply my need and help me endure.  I am comforted that in my weakness, He is strong.  By the grace of God I am what I am and do what I do!  

Praying, Father, that Your grace toward me would not be in vain.  Praying that I can surrender in my weakness trusting that You will see me through...knowing that the weaker my human vessel, the greater Your life in me will shine.  Oh, to have this mindset, when weakness, infirmity, and tribulations come my way.  Oh, to have this mindset, wherein I could boast in my weaknesses and embrace them, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The great power of God overcomes and transcends the clay pot. The messenger’s weakness is not fatal to what he does; it is essential —John MacArthur

A Prayer of Faith...

Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is with those who uphold my life.
He will repay my enemies for their evil.
Cut them off in Your truth.—Ps 54:4-5

I love this prayer of David’s!  Cut them off in Your truth.” Cut them off, Father, according to what Your word says will happen to the wicked. God’s word is truth.  It is right and just and will come to pass.  His promises to those who believe as well His promises to those who do not, WILL come to pass. The Lord is my helper...Ps 118 tells me the Lord is for me among those who help me. God is on my side!  Vengeance is His...He will reward evil unto my enemies.  I can forgive them!  If they refuse to repent, God will judge them according to His truth.  This, as Spurgeon rightly says, is not a prayer of malice but a prayer of FAITH for it has an eye to the word of God, and only desires the performance of that!

Safe in the Arms of Jesus...

“then the LORD will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering. And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.”—Isaiah 4:5-6

Mount Zion will be covered by a canopy of a cloud by day and of flaming fire by night...I needed this reminder today.  What a gift from the Lord.  I am secure and safe.  God’s care and protection over not just me, but also over those I love who are “in Christ”.  His abiding Presence  goes with us and is within us.

Safe in the arms of Jesus
Safe on his gentle breast
There by his love o'er shaded sweetly
My soul shall rest...Fanny Crosby

The Goodness of God Endures Continually...

The goodness of God endures continually...
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.
I will praise You forever,
Because You have done it;
And in the presence of Your saints
I will wait on Your name, for it is good.—Psalm 52:1b; 8-9

O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for his mercy endures forever.
The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children.  The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.  I will trust in the mercy of God...He remembered me in my lowly state...He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock.  My God established my steps and put a new song into my mouth.  Those that are planted in the house of the LORD will flourish in His courts.  The LORD takes pleasure in those that fear Him...in those that hope in His mercy.  I will trust in Your mercy and my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.  I will wait on the LORD, I will be of good courage, and He WILL strengthen MY heart: wait, “I” say, on the LORD.

Leaning On Our Beloved...

Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her Beloved?--Song of Solomon 8:5


O Father, may this be said of me!  Who better for me to lean on then You, the One who has the words to eternal life...who better to cleave unto than unto Your Son who makes roads in the wilderness and rivers in the deserts.  Help me, O God, to hearken and consider, to incline my ear to You and allow You to be my perfect Peace...my all in all.  Let me not trust in man but in You, my Father, who hears me, helps me and fights my battles.  You are my Hope, my Maker, my Husband, my Redeemer and my Friend...You, Father, are my God over everything.  You place Your banner of love over me and cover me in Your righteousness.

You are my King who greatly desires me...You are my Lord and I worship You.  I am your beloved, leaning on your bosom, and You are mine.  Your grace is sufficient for me and Your strength is made perfect in weakness. You who make all things new...You who are my strength in weakness...You who brings beauty from ashes....You who can make my darkest night light about me and my greatest grief a spring...it is YOU who are my God!

You, my mighty God, are in the very midst of me!  You will save me...You will rejoice over me with gladness.  You will quiet me with Your love and with singing You will "joy" over me.

His Banner Over Me Is Love...

He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love.—Songs 2:4

Jesus’ banner over me is love.  Jesus publicly declared His love for me on the cross at Calvary.  He publicly and openly proclaimed it by dying on the cross to save me when I was still His enemy.  I was that joy that was set before Him...I was the reason He endured the cross and despised the shame.  His banner over me is love...the self-giving and self-sacrificing kind of love.   I love You, Father, because You first loved me.  May I declare Your faithfulness and Your salvation and not conceal from anyone Your lovingkindness and Your truth. The eternal God is my dwelling place, and underneath me are His everlasting arms. His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me.

I will say with Paul:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16, ESV)

May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!  (Psalms 20:4-5, ESV)

Meditating on the Word...

And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding.—Ps 49:3b

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

My heart is overflowing with a good theme;
I recite my composition concerning the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

I want very much to be a “meditator on the word of God”...to be the one whose heart is so overflowing with Jesus that my words are filled with His grace.  What a joy it is to seriously consider what God has placed in my mind.  The full assurance and understanding that comes to a heart that has “fully digested” His word, so to speak, is priceless and I do want more of it.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.—Psalm 1:2-3

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;—1 Peter 3:15

If meditating on those things that are above then is so wonderful, why don’t I do more of it?  I get distracted...or rather, I allow myself to get distracted.   My thoughts get away from me and my day continues with my mind focused on the earthly rather than the heavenly.  Praying I can, as it says in 1 Peter, “gird up the loins of my mind” or pull in the loose ends of my thinking and allow my mind and my heart to find its peace and rest in my God and His word during the course of my day.

Have I not written to you excellent things In counsels and knowledge, To let you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?—Proverbs 22:20-21 AMP

“it seemed fitting for me as well, [and so I have decided] after having carefully searched out and investigated all the events accurately, from the very beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus; [Acts 1: 1] so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught [that is, the history and doctrine of the faith].—Luke 1:3-4 AMP

God’s Good Instruction...

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
So that your trust may be in the Lord;
I have instructed you today, even you.—Proverbs 22:17-19

I love this because it is so personal...I have instructed YOU today...even YOU.  As I read these verses I picture a parent exhorting their precious child to incline his ear (the KJV says bow down thine ear...I like that better because it tells me that humility is needed to hear the words of God) and receive God’s wise words with meekness.  Let them sink down deep so that they direct your steps and lighten your path.  God’s word was not written for His benefit but for ours.  His commandments to us are not burdensome but for our good.  He is jealous for us and wants His best to be accomplished in our hearts and in our lives.

Wisdom’s knowledge is a pleasant thing.  When His words are fixed in our hearts, our words will be gracious and kind and will feed many. God’s wisdom will guard our mouth and give us a good reputation. His words on our lips will be fitly spoken like apples of gold in settings of silver.  As a wise man receives the wisdom of God, he does not become less dependent on God because he is now so wise, but he becomes more dependent on God because he realizes how little he does know.  He has a proper view of himself in relation to God and is humbled.

By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [Are] riches and honor and life.—Prov 22:4

"Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.—Isaiah 50:10

Every Good Gift...

As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.—Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

When I was a little girl and I would complain that something was hurting or that I was anxious about an upcoming event, my mom would instruct me to think on something else...something that I loved.  I didn’t always do what she said but looking back they were wise words.  Rejoice and enjoy those gifts that God has given you!   When we see God’s goodness in our life in those things He has blessed us with, we will not dwell too much on “the days of our life” because God keeps our minds occupied with those things we love.  In the context here, it is riches being talked about.  If God has blessed you with riches and wealth, enjoy them and use them for His glory!

These verses brought a verse from Corinthians to mind.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.—1 Corinthians 10:13

I thought of those gifts that God has blessed me with that bring joy to my heart and occupy my mind (drawing, writing, photography, hiking, teaching, sewing, a love for little ones, a love for animals). Christ is my first and foremost joy. Therefore, I can see my gifts as good and be thankful for them because they have God as their source. Seeing them that way enables me to enjoy them and even view them as a way God has given me of escape from the sin, the toil, and the trouble of life.   The “gifts” the world give do not bring peace or joy.  They bring bondage.  The gifts that God gives are priceless and enduring.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.—James 1:17

He Has Put Eternity in Our Hearts...

Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.—Ecclesiastes 3:10:b

This is such a good reminder for me...Truly anything done in this world is vanity and grasping for the wind UNLESS it is done in the Lord for His eternal purposes and His glory.  This IS truth and yet as a believer I still hold onto the lie because I want the glory.  I strive and revel in those fleeting moments of triumph gained from “my toil under the sun”.   I look to man for approval instead of God.  My focus is on what can be seen.  I walk by sight...not faith.  Vanity of Vanities!  Hoping in this world THANKFULLY leaves me feeling empty and discontented...even and especially after I have had some “success” in that arena.

My discontent is based on my own sinful desire to be singled out and deemed “important” by the world’s standards.  Hoping in God and trusting Him with “my life” puts and end to striving and brings His peace to my heart.  I want what He has for me because I want His will to prosper NOT MINE.

So grateful this morning for the conviction His word brings.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12.

God has put eternity in my heart.  He has made me accepted in the Beloved.  What I do in Him for His glory is where my heart finds its rest. The only lasting efforts in this world are those designed to accomplish His purposes for eternity.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,—2 Corinthians 10:3-5

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.—Psalm 17:15

Job Prayed for His Friends...

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

and in the NIV:

After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Job was released from captivity when he prayed for his "friends" who were critical and condescending toward him in a time of great suffering and grief.  We are to pray for our enemies and we are commanded to love them.  This is such a hard thing to do and it cannot be done without the love that the Holy Spirit has shed abroad in our hearts.  We are to pray God's riches blessings upon those who hate us, who slander us, who backbite and do all kinds of evil against us.  Now it is easy for me to pray for my enemies as David prayed...Lord break their teeth...but methinks God has something else in mind than that kind of prayer.

Really thought on this one.  I thought about how the bible teaches that we are to do unto others as we want them to do to us.  Therefore, I should pray for others as I would want them to pray for me!  I reminded myself that God commands things that only bring about good for us and glory for Him.  If I believe this, then it is only my pride that keeps me from praying rightly for those that do not do me good.  

By the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in me then, I will obey my Father in Heaven and pray for those who persecute me and speak evil against me.  I will pray that God's richest blessings be upon them and their household.  God's richest blessing is salvation.  If this blessing occurs in the life of one of my enemies, they will no longer be my enemy. I will have gained a brother or sister through the putting aside of my bitterness and pride and yielding to the Lord.  James tells us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man yields much. Obey God.  Do those things He asks of us even though they seem hard...even though the very thought of it might make you feel ill.  As you obey His grace will be there and He will align your will with His.  Satan is silenced by submission to God's authority.  

Faith Encouraging Truth...

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,—2 Corinthians 4:13

Paul is quoting David here from Psalm 116...He is looking as it says in Hebrews 12 back to the cloud of witnesses that went before him and finds encouragement and strength in their mutual faith.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.—Hebrews 12:1-2

If they could endure who had not seen the risen Lord, Paul could also and so can I.  Paul “re-minds” himself of truth  in verses 14 through 18 of 2 Corinthians 4.

knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.  For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.  Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”—2 Corinthians 4:14-18

Such glorious, faith-encouraging truth!  I NEED to do as Paul did and as David did!   So often I find myself speaking worldly words in the face of adversity (okay...even in the face of minor annoyances) rather than words of faith.  My eyes focus on what I can see and feel and my faith falters.  Oh Father, forgive my lack of faith.  I do groan in this tent, desiring as Paul says to be clothed with my heavenly habitation.  You, Father, are preparing me right now (Light affliction - vs 17) for my heavenly home and have given me Your Spirit as a guarantee.  By Your Spirit then, may I look and speak of those things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  

So then, being always filled with good courage and confident hope, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—-2 Corinthians 5:6-7 AMPLIFIED BIBLE   

We Do Not Lose Heart...

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.—2 Corinthians 4:1

It is SO easy to lose heart in this fallen world.  So much evil, sin, suffering and death.  So much despising of the things that are precious...so much despising of even God Himself.  How does one stay the course in the face of all of it?

How!?  Because WE have been given the ministry of reconciliation.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.—2 Corinthians 4:6-7

How AWESOME IS THAT!!  God lives inside of us and He is reconciling the people in our lives to Him through us!  Oh, that God’s light and grace through us would make them “light in the Lord”!  What a privilege!!  Knowing this, how can we lose heart!!?  Like, Paul, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting ME! into the ministry.

I am so glad Paul does not say that the excellence of the power is of us.  There is so much at stake.  The Bible tells me that my sufficiency is never of me and always of God.  I am thankful that the life I now live, I live for His purposes and His glory.  It is by God’s grace that I am what I am.  Like Paul, it is not me who labors, but the grace of God which is always with me.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.—Galatians 2:20

The suffering and death of Jesus became a spiritual reality in Paul’s life as He lived for His Lord.  The same can be true for me and for you. Paul’s sufferings enabled him to experience the fellowship of Christ sufferings and the victory of His resurrection.  He was hard-pressed, as we sometimes are, but not crushed....struck down but not destroyed.  Through his suffering, Paul carried in his body the dying of our Lord Jesus so that the life of Jesus was also manifested in Him.  If I have to suffer...and that is a given as a believer...I want my suffering to make the life of Jesus evident in me.  I want the life I live to my God to turn hearts toward Him.

For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So then death is working in us, but life in you.—2 Corinthians 4:11-12

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.—2 Corinthian’s 6:4-10