This Psalm describes difficulties David faced and presents his faith-filled response to such troubles. "I will thank the LORD with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful works. David was darinly personal in his language - he referred to God by His personal name, Yahweh! Our God who made and kept promises to His people. David provided an example in this verse that all Christians would do well to put into practice. We are wise to do two things when we become aware of good things the LORD has done for us: 1. Thank God for what He has done 2. Tell others about it!
3. David had a set of deep emotions that surged upward in praise to God. It was more than a sterile intellectual or philosophical pursuit, more than a set of rituals performed in sacred buildings - it was a rich experience that touched every part of his being - including his emotions. Are you absolutely thrilled to know God?
David had a close peronsl relationship with the Most High God. David knew this was an extreme privilege - it made him want to REJOICE AND BOAST ABOUT his Maker. What about you? Will you rejoice and boast about your Savior today????
David bragged about the Lord's granting of victory over his ENEMIES! David gave God the credit for success on the battlefield. Do you recognize the Lord's victory in your everyday life - victory over the enemy??? [Our enemy is not flesh and blood!]
David knew that he could trust his sovereign King to be a righteous judge - God had rebuked the nations, destroyed the wicked, erased their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to eternal ruin..."but the Lord sits enthroned forever. When any sit in a position of power, they must be careful how they use their power. David praised God for ruling justly over all nations and for judging the world with righteousness. On a personal level, David thanked God for upholding his just cause. We can trust the LORD to make right every wrong because He is in control and He is just.
The LORD is MY refuge and He is my Rock! He will execute judgment on wicked people. He will defend the innocent. His timing is not the way we would choose to deal with things, but He sees the end from the very beginning. We must not attempt to execute His judgment on others by exercising personal vengeance. RUN to His high hill, his stronghold.
The enemy would delight in having a stronghold in your life. A place where he can establish control in your life. His strongholds are totally opposite from what David is speaking about...his stronghold is for His benefit! God's stronghold - fortress - is for YOU!!!
Our objective is not to crush the victim's enemies, but to encourage, support, speak out for the one who is oppressed. The victim is too weak to prevail in their own strength - encourage them to run to the God's as their Refuge and support them in the journey. There are many who need our support and encouragement: unborn, racial biases, handicapped...those who are suffering.
"Give thanks in all things" - develop your habit of habitual praise! Good, bad, indifferent - praising in the little things equips us to praise Him when the BIG things come!
David maintained his fellowship with God - David actively pursued his relationship with the Lord. As Bro. Johnny pointed out several times yesterday in both sermons...as we seek (walk toward) the Lord, He runs to meet us! We take ONE step and He takes 99 toward us!!!!
"Let the redeemed of the LORD say so!" Express outwards amonth the people His works in your life. First, of course, you must recognize His hand in all that happens to You...then you can brag about HIM!!! He wants you to share your knowledge of His greatness with others.
If our enemies abuse us, God will bring them to justice. WE must be cautious to not mistreat those around us! Knowing that God will never abandon us encourages us to seek His help in times of trouble.
Let those who come behind us find us faithful. Many things that happen to us are not for us personally...it is for those who are watching us. Be the example to others - inspire them to pursue a relationship with the Lord. Your reactions and responses to the circumstances of your life can inspire or it can drive others from the Lord. Make it your goal in life to live the kind of Christian life that will attract others to Jesus. "Live your life so the preacher won't have to lie at your funeral!"
Don't seek personal revenge - personal revenge (even in tiny ways) can destroy your marriage, your friendship, your work relationship!!! The LORD will deliver us from our enemies and judge the wicked...may come in this lifetime, or it may come at the final judgment, but it will come. When we are confident God will make right the injustices suffered by His people, we can relinquish the need to seek revenge.
WE ARE TO DO ALL WE CAN TO CORRECT INJUSTICE ON THE PERSONAL AND SOCIETAL LEVELS - not through seeking revenge or taking up offenses, but showing mercy and doing kindness to those who are victims!!!
1 comment:
Dear Ms Bernadine and Wes. Thank for posting the class ouline. In class you discussed idols and how food can be an idol and what we teach our children when we don't practice good eating habits. I didn't see that in the notes. I was wondering what scripture passage you used to build the context of the message on idols and food. Thank you
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