This Sunday we will study Psalm 27, a psalm asking for God’s intervention during times of trouble. In the next to last verse (v13), David declares, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” What does this mean?
Problem: My marriage is in trouble. Response: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
Problem: I have major health issues. I have received a diagnosis that is frightening. Response: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
Problem: I am experiencing financial problems. I don’t know if I will have enough money to take care of my needs. Response: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
Problem: My son or daughter is on drugs. My family is experiencing a lot of chaos. Response: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
It has been explained this way.
When the doctor says there is no cure, remember that it is not over until God says it is over. Engage that report with faith that says, “I have the Great Physician. I look to Him!”
When your outgo is greater than your income and your upkeep threatens to be your downfall, engage your fear and meet it with a faith that says, “He is able to supply my every need. He is my source and my supply!”
When rumors fly about your job, your reputation, the economy, or any other fear that tries to grip your heart, engage that fear by being a person of faith. Declare, “The Lord is my provider. I look to Him to meet all my needs!”
You may not know what the outcome will be or what God is up to, but faith and trust is what empowers you to walk without sight, to hold onto the Lord, and to walk into your victory!
Don’t let Fear control you! If the devil cannot get you to backslide, to turn away from salvation, he at least wants to limit you. He uses many weapons that are designed to restrict and cripple and paralyze you – discouragement, doubt, disillusionment, depression, and more – but one of his most effective weapons is Fear. He wants to overwhelm you with fear, to rule your life with fear. Do not let him!
Is the devil powerful? Yes! Can you face him on your own? No way! But remember that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Jesus defeated death, hell, and the grave when He rose victoriously from the tomb. Satan is a defeated foe. He wants to keep you in a prison cell of fear, but he no longer holds the key. In the triumphant name of Jesus, push open the cell door and leave fear behind!
Don’t let fear disable or immobilize you. You were created for greater things. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, and us, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind/self-discipline” (1 Timothy 1:7). Fear is from the enemy, but the Lord’s plan for you is to walk in faith, to experience the victory He has already purchased for you. So live in faith. Live in freedom. Don’t live in fear!
This Sunday, July 16, we will continue our new teaching series, “Summer in the Psalms”, with Psalm 27, “God is for me. Whom shall I fear?” A representative of Gideon’s International, the group that places Bibles in hotel rooms and distributes them to school children, will also be with us to share thrilling stories of the power of God’s word. Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am either in the building or online for the Live broadcast on Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations.
The Celebration of Life service for Margaret Draper will be here on Thursday morning, July 20. More info this Sunday.
Aloha ke Akua!
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