Who isn't concerned about the future? The list of concerns, ranging from material to health needs, is almost limitless. And, for all that concerns us, there is nothing more reassuring than these words:
"Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
"I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)
Embedded in this wonderful Psalm of assurances are specific promises concerning inheriting the land:
"those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land." (Psalm 37:9)
"the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity." (Psalm 37:11)
"The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever." (Psalm 37:29)
"Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land" (Psalm 37:34)
These land promises are kingdom promises. They are echoed in the Beatitude of Jesus, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). So, if I delight in the LORD, and He gives me "the desires of my heart" (Psalm 37:4), my ultimate desire will be from the kingdom to come (Matthew 6:33). And it is my focus on this wonderful age to come upon the land I now live in that brings ultimate peace and contentment where anxiety and worry would otherwise prevail.
Not for a moment would I suggest that a kingdom focus is guarantee of a trouble-free life. Jesus realistically stated, "In the world you have tribulation" (John 16:33). A kingdom focus does not provide a worry-free life, but rather the perspective that minimizes trouble in light of our ultimate destiny. As such, the apostle Paul - who saw much hardship and suffering - could say, For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). What an amazing statement!
This day will no doubt bring challenges to us all. But, the promise that we are destined to inherit the land offers the perspective that puts present-day trouble in focus. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
"Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
"I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)
Embedded in this wonderful Psalm of assurances are specific promises concerning inheriting the land:
"those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land." (Psalm 37:9)
"the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity." (Psalm 37:11)
"The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever." (Psalm 37:29)
"Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land" (Psalm 37:34)
These land promises are kingdom promises. They are echoed in the Beatitude of Jesus, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). So, if I delight in the LORD, and He gives me "the desires of my heart" (Psalm 37:4), my ultimate desire will be from the kingdom to come (Matthew 6:33). And it is my focus on this wonderful age to come upon the land I now live in that brings ultimate peace and contentment where anxiety and worry would otherwise prevail.
Not for a moment would I suggest that a kingdom focus is guarantee of a trouble-free life. Jesus realistically stated, "In the world you have tribulation" (John 16:33). A kingdom focus does not provide a worry-free life, but rather the perspective that minimizes trouble in light of our ultimate destiny. As such, the apostle Paul - who saw much hardship and suffering - could say, For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). What an amazing statement!
This day will no doubt bring challenges to us all. But, the promise that we are destined to inherit the land offers the perspective that puts present-day trouble in focus. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 9:43 AM
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