When the struggles begin to close in, you may find yourself without the words to pray, unable to find those words of prayer and praise. When David was in trouble, suffering and running from enemies he had these thoughts of God. Christianity can become like arduous labor; it can become legalism, and it can steal our joy, if we have the wrong focus. When I dont have the words to pray, I turn to Bible verses about praising God and use those to pray through Gods Word. They become lame and disabled. Only those who are trained by the trial, develop the character God wants. Jesus is a descendant of David. With this new birth, we receive an inheritance in heaven (v. 4). Thats why the author uses a general term for hardship. I dont come from a completely reformed background. 118:15). God honors him in Scripture and, no doubt, in heaven. He did this with Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. When I read something in God's Word, I'm convinced God is right and I have the faith and courage to act on that, I'm praising God - by the obedient attention I'm giving His Word. His existence is timeless; He had no beginning, He anticipates no end. They were abusing the Lords Supper, and God brought weakness, sickness, and even death on them. His law may not seem good or fair to men - - but God is God; He is the Judge of all the earth; His name shall endure forever, and this is about SOVEREIGNTY! God has complete independence in the exercise of His authority. We must have an eternal view. Or who has been his counsellor Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him? I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. When you lose your love for Christ, trials dont feel like they last only a few days as it was for Jacob working for Rachel. They fell away from God, they complained about God, and they were divided. This is where he prepares his counselors. "And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fadekept in heaven for you" ( 1 Pet 1:4 ). She has joy because she has the right focus as she considers this new baby that will be birthed into the world. It awakens your spiritual self to view a heavenly perspective. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the . James said the same thing: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life (emphasis mine) that God has promised to those who love him (Jas 1:12). What we do today will affect our eternity. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. Its one of the ways we can tell if its genuine. This is Paul's outburst of praise, informed by revelation - and inspired by the sovereignty of God. Listen to what he says in the previous verses. My plans, my purpose, my schedule. He wrote to the Philippians about "the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have" ( Philippians 1:30) a conflict, which he says, "really served to advance the gospel" ( Philippians 1:12 ). He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new.. Is he God your Protector? Power belongs to God. You, God, are my God, day. Ephesians 2:6 says we are seated in heavenly places with Christ. Psalm 73:26. Victory. This is how I approach it if you need some guidance to start. I have no doubt that God did this so that we could apply it to any trial we experience, whether sickness, depression or demonic persecutions. Let us hear that this inheritance is not only heavenly, but it will be earthly. You are my ever-present help in times of trouble. We can rejoice in trials because they have purpose. The point the author is trying to make, is that God is in control of every hardship a believer goes through (cf. Next . This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I have found many young Christians that have lost joy or even fallen into spiritual depression, thinking they had sinned in such a way that they had lost their salvation. Haman is from the tribe of the Amalekites, who hate Israel. The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. The thrust of David's words are - God is worthy of our praise, our worship and obedience and He is worthy of praise due to His greatness; His power, glory, victory and majesty. What I say next is absolute. We can rejoice in our trials because those who are faithful will be honored and praised by God. Judas denied Christ and never returned. What was David's reaction to all of his troubles? We are trained by persevering through the trial and seeking the Lord and his Word in the midst of it. He says you may have had to. This can be translated if necessary as in the ESV or if need be as seen in the KJV. Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me, Psalm 56:1,2,9 To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. The metallurgist will put it in the fire and see at what temperature it melts. On that day David decreed for the first time that thanks be given to the Lord by Asaph and his relatives: "Give thanks to the Lord; call on his name; proclaim his deeds among the peoples. Application Question: What ways have you experienced the loss of joy in your salvation? When I am vulnerable, you are my refuge. But that's not it. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. We see evidence of this with David. Fueled by loads of coffee, I'm passionate about helping and encouraging you along this journey, too! If it melts early, it is not real. He is near to the brokenhearted ( Psalm 34:18 ). When you read Psalms, you can find so many verses about God's children singing praise even in the midst of hard times. These praises are not always after victory. Simon Peter was privileged to see Jesus transfigured and he later wrote about it with these words: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty," (2 Pet. It is the relationships around us that often enable us to endure hard times. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Trust in the Lord and do good; Many people are only thinking about tomorrow or focusing on the next immediate milestone: graduation, marriage or retirement, but that view is too shortsighted. In this passage, faith is both compared and contrasted with gold. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love (emphasis mine). All rights reserved. Maybe that is why God touched Jacobs thigh and caused him to limp after wrestling with God and prevailing. Whats the secret for a Christian to have joy while suffering through bankruptcy, cancer or even a lost child? WE PRAISE GOD IN PRAYER when we follow Jesus instruction, and express our adoration for Him -- "Hallowed be Thy Name," (Matt. Gold is valuable in part because of how long it lasts, but gold will eventually fade and corrupt, unlike true faith. 7. The trial given to Paul was a work of grace to keep him from the sin of pride. The first 21 verses are a cry to the Lord, laying out the problem that David finds . In Psalm 34, David reminds us that we should praise God through the good times and bad. are - This is taking place right this minute. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God (emphasis mine).Daniel 3:2425 (KJV). I will praise the name of God with a song;I will magnify him with thanksgiving. _________________________________________________. 11 Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Gold can be passed from generation to generation. The Psalm tells us it was because of sin. We rejoice in the fact that we are new and we are not the same anymore. Because your love is better than life,my lips will glorify you.I will praise you as long as I live,and in your name I will lift up my hands. How he served on earth affected his future servicethe service he would do for the rest of his life. I probably read through the Bible fifteen times in close to a year and a half. When people hear me preach, they will hear a strong emphasis on the importance of Scripture, the importance of daily meditation on the Word of God because that is the way God comforted me and I, therefore, comfort others the same way. See, true faith, unlike gold, is imperishable. 5 Things You Should Know about the ESV Bible Translation. Likewise, Psalms 117:2 - "For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Judas didnt have genuine faith. We are educated, in the first eleven chapters of the Roman letter; there we find analysis and argument and affirmation. When we view our trials in comparison to eternity, then they become light and momentary. Many have experienced this in athletics or the military, as they have gone through both joys and difficulties with those around them. Was it a voice of complaint? . In his great mercy he has given us new birth (emphasis mine) into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Pet 1:3). However, genuine faith lasts forever, and faith that ultimately falls away from God in the midst of trials is spurious. Jesus had always said that one of the disciples was unclean and a devil (John 6:70). You'll find great expressions of reverence and honor for God. Concepts and Connections. It absolutely works! This is something we can rejoice in even in the midst of trials. It may be the sin of a wrong focusfocusing on the things of the world, the economy, and the problems in life. Psalm 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Make level paths for your feet so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed (emphasis mine). Now why would these trials be necessary for us? Feel free to take just a sentence or small portion of the verse to focus on each day. We see Israel going through trials in the wilderness, and God disciplined them. Paul - in the first eleven chapters - takes up the subjects of justification, sanctification, glorification and NOW, it's like he stops out of breath TO ADORE THE GLORY OF GOD, and to speak of His sovereignty. I will rejoice over them and honor them. it convinces me that I am actually in a real conversation with God himself, my very Creator. He never changes. He teaches you how to better hear Gods voice in times of suffering. Praise the. Some years ago I visited a man who was wealthy and successful. Listen, many of us have lost our joy. Paul said he was at the same time sorrowful and still rejoicing. To have joy in trials is not to deny pain. 3. 6. Peter says it is possible for these believers to have both great joy and grief in the midst of their trials. Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually Heb 13:15. This is how Paul could suffer and yet still be joyful (2 Cor 6:10); his salvation was always on his mind and he did not lose focus on it. He knows exactly what you need and how much you can handle. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. No, this is about being so impressed by the character of God, so influenced by His marvelous attributes, we have to say something; we are compelled by the sheer power and majesty of the Lord to bless Him, or praise His name. Psalm 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. Is he God your Provider? With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Here I am! Want to explore further how God is by your side through it all? In fact, one of the things that I respect about the reformed tradition (Presbyterians, Reformed Baptist, Reformed Church of America, etc.) It is to recognize the fact that they can exist together. Remember that God is surrounding you! The power of praise in times of trouble is that His joy bubbles up inside of you and covers you in peace. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us (emphasis mine).1 John 2:19, He doesnt say they lost their salvation or lost faith. Peter saw them as little in comparison to the glories of eternity, and so must we. The next thing David said is, an acknowledgment of the ETERNITY OF GOD. Chapter 69. This is a phenomenal concept. These have come so that your faithof greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by firemay be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (emphasis mine).1 Peter 1:7. All this will enable you, in a special way, to be able to minister to others. This is not their fault, and it is not necessarily a lack of spirituality. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD. When shall I come and appear before God? It touches your heart to remember that God has saved you in the past with his son Jesus. We are so time-oriented - we are so many years old; we have 24 hours a day; we do things at certain times We are creatures of time - so only with great difficulty, are we able to think of eternity. God - Who is God to you at this very moment? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. Power. Many of them are in the middle of adversity and calamity. This was something shameful in that culture. Oh yes, this is the perspective we must have. In the same way, trials are necessary in order to prove the reality of ones faith. "And he will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'

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