Try as we might, we are an emotional creature whose feelings seem to change with the wind. One minute we are trusting, the next we run in fear. One minute we stand strong upon God’s grace and the next minute we are caught up in our own guilt. Such a silly people we are; yet, God is so gracious and loving toward us.
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I can almost hear Him sigh at times, with that soft gentle smile upon His face as He whispers, "Dear Child, why are you worried? Don’t you remember who I am and that I have it all figured out for your best blessing and to lead you to your greatest joy? Before you were ever born I loved you and I love you still with an everlasting love."
We often look at the old testament men and women of God with wonder as we watch their faith rise and fall. We even desire to believe that we are different than they. Let us take a peek at the 25th Psalm and see if we do not just see a bit of ourselves in David.
He begins with: "Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.2 O my God, I trust in thee:"
Then suddenly He remembers the enemies surrounding Him and with a tremor in his voice He writes "3 let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me." Then, immediately following David remembers the truth of who God is and asks God to lead Him through the paths. "4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old."
AHH, but as He is focusing on God’s greatness and righteousness; David remembers his own guilt and failure as his next words are: "11 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great."
David answers himself with the truth revealed that God will provide a way to those who believe in and revere the Lord. "12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15 Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net."
Then, once more David thinks of his own weakness to perform and his own inability to love God as he should when David writes "16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee"
Yet, this time; David has come to the final realization that it is God who is steadfast, certain and only God who can guide him. God’s plan through whatever path that might take David is the only path toward righteousness-a righteousness provided by God to cloak His servant. It is God who is working out all things providing salvation and sanctification for David. So that David will follow God when God says move and sit still when God says sit still.
So did you see a glimpse of yourself in the 25th Psalm? Do you ever find yourself waffling between faith and fear? If so there are three things you must remember.
First: God is our Salvation and our Sanctification for all who believe in Him -the Great I AM.
Second: God will lead you, guide you and show you the way, just ask.
Third: Even when our feelings waiver, God’s love and promises stand firm.
C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity: "But the great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him."
So when you are uncertain of the future path, trust God as we are reminded by this song to just ask God and He will light the path.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsjZ94K7UQs
QUESTION: HAVE YOU EVER STOOD WONDERING ABOUT YOUR OWN WAIVERING EMOTIONS OF LOVE AND FAITH FOR GOD? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORY OF GOD’S GUIDING YOU ALONG A PATH TO JOY INSPITE OF YOUR WAIVERING EMOTIONS OR IF YOU ARE IN THE MIDST OF INDECISION AT THIS MOMENT AND NEED PRAYER.
© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”