March 12, 2014
It’s not that we need anyone’s permission, but not always being happy is OK. And, it’s acceptable to have troubles and problems. Because - fact is - we all do, and will. But, we sometimes heap a heavy load of guilt on ourselves because we’re not; well … perfect.
Here’s a reality check from someone with spiritual credentials:
"Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am pining away; Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are dismayed. And my soul is greatly dismayed ... I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries." (Psalm 6.2-3, 6-7)
We would hardly call that a description of the “victorious life”. Sounding more suicidal than successful, the Psalmist bares the anguish of his troubled soul before his Creator Father. But, lest we think he has completely surrendered to dismay, these words remind us that his faith still holds:
“For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; They shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.” (Psalm 6.8-10)
Stepping back from the anguish of the moment, the Psalmist “zooms out” to the big picture perspective, and reminds us that victory is still the lot of God’s people. The Father HAS heard and received his prayers and supplications. His enemies WILL be defeated and ashamed. God will vindicate His people.
Divorced from the kingdom of God big picture, this life seems painfully unfair and hard. Evil appears to triumph. God’s people are often oppressed and crushed. From this perspective alone, we easily agree with the writer of Ecclesiastes: “ ‘Vanity of vanities,' says thePreacher, 'Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.’ “
But, the kingdom big picture allows as to say as did the apostle Paul: “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8.37-39)
May the big picture overshadow today’s present concerns and troubles.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
Here’s a reality check from someone with spiritual credentials:
"Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am pining away; Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are dismayed. And my soul is greatly dismayed ... I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries." (Psalm 6.2-3, 6-7)
We would hardly call that a description of the “victorious life”. Sounding more suicidal than successful, the Psalmist bares the anguish of his troubled soul before his Creator Father. But, lest we think he has completely surrendered to dismay, these words remind us that his faith still holds:
“For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; They shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.” (Psalm 6.8-10)
Stepping back from the anguish of the moment, the Psalmist “zooms out” to the big picture perspective, and reminds us that victory is still the lot of God’s people. The Father HAS heard and received his prayers and supplications. His enemies WILL be defeated and ashamed. God will vindicate His people.
Divorced from the kingdom of God big picture, this life seems painfully unfair and hard. Evil appears to triumph. God’s people are often oppressed and crushed. From this perspective alone, we easily agree with the writer of Ecclesiastes: “ ‘Vanity of vanities,' says thePreacher, 'Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.’ “
But, the kingdom big picture allows as to say as did the apostle Paul: “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8.37-39)
May the big picture overshadow today’s present concerns and troubles.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 9:17 AM
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