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When we consider the Old Testament Saints, the Apostles, and the Leaders of the Early Church; we tend to think of them as heroes.  We think their faith and obedience far exceed that of which we can attain.  Yet, when we truly study the Word of God, we find they were ordinary men and women.  Not the heroes we would have even chosen. That is if we were authoring the story.   The Holy Spirit did not even allow them to “hide” their sin nor their failures as they wrote. Instead, He had them include their failures for all to see, eternally. Why? So, that we might know there is no salvation without Jesus Christ. The Power of Redemption is in Jesus Christ Alone. Provided by Grace alone. That is our only Hope.  

Even in the darkest trials, our only hope is the power of redemption by grace.  Particularly this is true when we come face to face with our own depraved natures.  The I which I try desperately to hide from the world. And myself.  At the end of the day. When I finally come to the end of myself.  Only then do I know with certainty. Were it not for Grace, I am hopelessly lost, undeserving of standing in the presence of a Holy God. Nothing my hands can do can change that.  But thank God, His Grace can.  

The Heroes of Faith, both Old and New Testament 

 We may desire to emulate them. Or place them on pedestals.  But the truth is. Not one of the heroes of faith did anything of value apart from the workings of the Holy Spirit in them.   Only in humility could they become useful to God’s work. Paul wrote: 

⁴ But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2 (NASB) 

The Power of Redemption Comes Only Through Grace

 Whenever they would attempt to do anything in their own power, they would fail miserably.  The Power of Redemption comes only through Grace, as God reaches down to touch a soul.  We see this displayed throughout scripture but for today’s lesson let us focus on David, Peter, Paul, Joseph’s brothers, and Jesus.  Through a glimpse into their lives, I want to share with you the abundance of hope and even joy found because of the Power of Redemption through Grace alone.   

The Power of Redemption by Grace—David’s Early Years as King 

God chose David to be King over Israel and promised that his would be an everlasting covenant.  That promise was made by God.  It was an act of grace.  David was considered the uninvited one in his family.  When Samuel came to anoint a new king from among Jesse’s sons, David was left out on the hill tending the sheep.  Later, although already Saul’s armor bearer, when war broke out, he was sent away.  Uninvited to the battle against the Giant.  In his humility, God chose him.  For years, David ran for his life from King Saul.  He trusted God for his safety and his promise of grace. David knew he was unworthy of such honor and grace.  He came before God seeking the Power of Redemption through grace.   

 
¹¹ For Your name’s sake, O Lord, 
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. 

¹² Who is the man that fears the Lord? 
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. 
¹³ He himself shall dwell in prosperity, 
And his descendants shall inherit the earth. 
¹⁴ The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, 
And He will show them His covenant. 
¹⁵ My eyes are ever toward the Lord, 
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 

¹⁶ Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, 
For I am desolate and afflicted. 
¹⁷ The troubles of my heart have enlarged; 
Bring me out of my distresses! 
¹⁸ Look on my affliction and my pain, 
And forgive all my sins. 
¹⁹ Consider my enemies, for they are many; 
And they hate me with cruel hatred. 
²⁰ Keep my soul, and deliver me; 
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. 
²¹ Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.   

Psalm 25 NKJV 

The Power of Redemption by Grace—David Stumbles

In his zealous fervor to honor God, King David forgot the importance of doing things God’s way.  We see this when he determined to bring the ark home to Israel.  

David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand. ² And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. ³ So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.  2 Samuel 6 (NKJV)  

So, what is the problem here? With immense joy, dancing, and celebration, they were bringing the Ark of God home? Yes, but in the book of Numbers it was clear only the Levitical descendants of Kohath could move the Ark. (Numbers 3:29-31) Furthermore, it was never to be placed on a cart (Numbers 4:15). No one was to touch the ARK. It was to be carried on their shoulders with special rods that passed through the rings in the corners so as never to touch the ark.  

So, a little disobedience with such fervor, what could go wrong? 

They were doing the right thing, just the wrong way.  But that can be fatal.  

⁶ And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. ⁷ Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. ⁸ And David became angry because of the Lord’s outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place Perez Uzzah to this day.  2 Samuel 6 (NKJV) 

So, who was really to blame?  David.  He thought his zealous worship was enough.  So, he who was responsible to know and uphold the law, did not! God’s anointed was charged with reading the Law Day and night.  He was responsible for doing all it said. Yet he failed and a man was dead because of it. Sin brings death.

The Power of Redemption by Grace:  The Ark Restored the Right Way 

⁹ David was afraid of the Lord that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” ¹⁰ So David would not move the ark of the Lord with him into the City of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. ¹¹ The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household. 

¹² Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So, David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. ¹³ And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. ¹⁴ Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. ¹⁵ So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. 

Notice, those bearing the ark are now the right people and the right way.  Furthermore, David sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.  The power of redemption was in the blood to forgive their sins.  A picture of Jesus Christ to one day come as the final sacrificial lamb.  

The Power of Redemption by Grace:  Peter 

It was in the darkness of night. No one really knew the how or why of it all. A mockery of a trial that broke every rule of justice. Little to no sleep. Yet, Jesus had told them, this was coming. He had rebuked Peter when he said, “it cannot be.” And had even called him, Satan to suggest it. Still, who would have thought, the Jewish priests would carry on such an injustice, breaking every rule of their own court. Peter had even been told of his impending failure, yet he did not believe. In fact, he believed he would fight to the death to protect His Lord. Now as the scene played out and Jesus was facing the trials of the Jewish leaders, Peter denied his Lord three times. Broken, He fled the scene. But He would soon know the humbling effects of forgiveness, grace, and love. 

                How dark must those hours have been for Peter.  He could not forgive himself.  Not after all this.  It was cold and dark.  The world was completely upside down.  He followed Jesus to the courtyard; but seemed hours there alone in the cold.  Surrounded only by the riffraff.  He wanted to warm his heart and soul by the fires.  Jesus inside before the elder priest and then taken through the courtyards to the house of Caiaphas.  What was happening?  He waited, wondering, remembering.  He had tried to save Jesus with his sword in the Garden and Jesus told him, no?  In fact, Jesus restored the ear of the guard.  So, what was happening?  Was it all over?  Could this be the end? Then, Peter did the one thing he thought himself was the unforgivable offense.  He denied His Lord.  

An Unforgiveable Offense in Peter’s Mind- 

Have you ever felt like you failed God? Failed to follow His commands or found yourself falling into the same pit of temptation, repeatedly? I have. Peter did. David did. Then it is with a broken and contrite heart, one looks upon Him again. Peter did not come to the foot of the cross as Jesus died. Did he feel unworthy? Perhaps.  

When Jesus had turned to look at him, Peter felt the eyes of Jesus penetrate his heart and soul. All too often through my life I have also felt the sting—Jesus eyes penetrating my heart, condemning. Yet, because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, 

Peter so excited that Jesus was resurrected, still did not understand his role going forward. He had failed God, so how could he be useful for anything. He returned to fishing. It was all he knew and what he was good at. He could not continue to fail his Savior there. But Jesus had a different plan.  

Back at the beginning, Jesus had met Peter at the shores of the lake. Again, this night, there were no fish. So even as a fisherman, he felt his ineptitude. He was naked in that boat when he looked across the sea to see Jesus on the shore. Quickly, he wrapped his naked body with a robe and began to swim across the sea. Must like us, we want to cover up the nakedness of our sinful hearts when we come to the Savior. But He see us and knows who we are.  

Jesus walked with Peter that day and with a simple question revealed the depths of His heart and that of Peter.  

The Power of Redemption in A Burning Question from Jesus: 

Peter, do you love me with an agape “God-like love?”  Oh, Lord, I love you with a Philleo (friendship love).  Then again, the same question.  Third time, Jesus asked, do you love me, Simon Peter; yet this time he says it using Philleo as the word for love. Peter said Lord you know my heart. Now Peter understood the Humbling Effects of Forgiveness, Grace, and Love. Now he was ready for the ministry to which he was called.  

Peter then was ready to begin the ministry as God had called Him to. He was later willing to die for Christ. Although, he insisted on being crucified upside down due to his being unworthy to die in the manner that Jesus died.  

The Power of Redemption in the Words of Peter 

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ⁸ whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.  I Peter 1 (NKJV) 

The Power of Redemption by Grace:  The Apostle Paul 

Somehow, I always believed, that once saved, Paul was an example of unwavering faith and steadfast obedience.  There was always some question lingering in the back of my head about his taking the vow of the Nazarene and rushing to Jerusalem to be ritually cleansed.  Never did I want to believe Paul, the great apostle of grace, could have ever failed to obey God perfectly.  But there it is.  God had told Paul from the beginning he would be the apostle to the Gentiles. He had no ministry amongst the Jews. These were God’s words.  Yet, despite multiple warnings of what was to come, he went in haste to Jerusalem.  I never thought about it.  But there it is in Acts 21 (NKJV) 

¹Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. ² And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. ³ When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there, the ship was to unload her cargo.  

Notice how many cities they passed through and did not stop to preach or start a church.  Paul was hurrying to get to Jerusalem to perform this ritual of sanctification, despite his having taught that salvation is by grace not works.  This despite his rebuking Peter for performing Jewish rituals to keep favor with the Jews.   

⁴ And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. ⁵ When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. ⁶ When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home. 

Note that those warning Paul had warned him in the Spirit (capital S).  

⁷ And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. ⁸ On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. ⁹ Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. ¹⁰ And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 

¹² Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 

¹⁴ So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” 

Paul Imprisoned and the Power of Redemption by Grace 

Paul with great zealous fervor went to Jerusalem.  He did not heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit.  Never again was he going to plant a new church or at least we are not told if he did.   While in Jerusalem and later in prison, he was beaten, abandoned at times, and suffered greatly.  However, there he was humbled.  With any semblance of pride gone, Paul remembered it was grace alone that saved him.  He had hours alone with God where he found the power of redemption surging through himself.  Professing the gospel of Christ to the Roman guards, he was the catalyst of a new revolution of believers in Rome.  Furthermore, he wrote at least 5 of his letters from prison (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon, II Timothy and 2 are thought to be in between imprisonments (I Timothy and Titus).   

God never casts aside any of His sheep.  He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep.  Not one will ever lose.    

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2 (NASB) 

The Power of Redemption by Grace Joseph’s Brothers and Jesus 

Well, hoping everyone remembers the story of Joseph and how his brothers sold him into slavery after first considering his murder.  As far as they were concerned, they considered him the same as dead.  In their hearts it still was murder.  Yet, the power of redemption was that God used Joseph to redeem and save his murderous brothers.  Fast forward then to Calvary.   

God sent His only son to live the life we cannot live and die the death that we deserved.  There Jesus was taken, beaten beyond recognition, spit upon, hairs of his beard plucked, mocked, and placed on a cross—nails driven through his hands and feet.  The all-powerful Son of God willingly took our place so we might be redeemed.  The power of redemption by grace is that we are given life abundantly because He gave His life for us.  That degree of grace should make us humble before Him and the world in which we live.   

The Power of Redemption by Grace—Mom and Me 

I do not understand how it is that so often we humans want to compare ourselves with others.  We want to believe that we are better.  Even in humilty, we want to compare ours with others which is not humility at all.  There is that desperate need to be wanted, loved, or even admired.  My mother suffered from a severe bipolar disorder with some psychotic features. 

Yet, it was she who taught me about gospel.  Every week on the radio was Dr. M. R. Dehaan and Theodore H. Epp.  It was one Sunday morning that I came to accept Christ while Dr. Dehaan was preaching.  I remember it so clearly.  Over the years I failed many times.  It was God’s grace that would bring me back.  Yet, as I grew in Christ, there seemed those bursts of pride followed by crashing failures.  Mom on the other hand felt so broken by her illness, that it seemed God would protect her from herself regarding sin.  Her humility kept her closer to Him.  

How foolishly, I wanted to believe I was the stronger Christian.  What was that but pride! Finally, after many years and lots of lessons I wrote this poem for her.  I hope you enjoy it this Mother’s Day. 

I Was A Child, Back Then

I Was a Child, Back Then  

I was a child, back then  

And did not, could not understand 

 The pains she faced, the fears within 

 Her road of life throughout this land 

 But as I grew, I came to see  

The sacrifices that she made  

Because the love she had for me 

 No matter what it did not fade  

Whatever road our feet did trod 

 Her courage, faith deep within 

 Did hold her heart so close to God 

 Protecting her from sin 

 The more I learned of God’s dear Grace 

 Throughout the years, I came to see 

 The trials, sorrows that we face 

 Transform our hearts that we might be 

A shining beacon on a hill 

 To light the path in darkest night 

 That strangers then might find God’s will 

 The blinded might gain sight 

 Yet, each of us, God calls to be 

 A different beam of Glory’s light 

 And this in part the mystery 

 Of how God works, that He just might 

 Give one the gift to speak His word  

Another sings His praise 

 While some it seems their voice unheard 

 Except by God. In prayer their voices raise 

 Each child who knows Christ as their Lord 

 God uses in His own sweet way 

 To each He gives a different sword 

 His Glory Honor to display 

And so, I came to realize 

 The chains of pride that bound my heart 

 Were merely part of Satan’s guise 

 Sow bitter seeds, and then depart 

 I lay my “self” upon the cross 

 The cross where Jesus bled and died 

 That He might live, all else is loss 

 My pride He’s crucified 

 As I look back, I now can see 

 That it was Mom, God used to be 

 A beacon of humility 

His beam of Grace to shine toward me  

I did not, could not understand  

The pains she faced, the fears within 

 Her road of life throughout this land 

 Because I was a child, back then 

Effie Barba

  Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.   And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:8-13 (NKJV) 

Let each of us never forget the Power of Redemption by Grace.  And let us never forget the price Christ paid for our rebellious heart.  Oh, that I ever see my sins, how costly they have been, so I remember not to go there again.  

One Sheep in the Care of the Great Shepherd Experiencing Full Comfort 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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A scripture so familiar; yet do we fully know the depths of treasures within these words? How often we fail to grasp its richness!  Oh, yes, we quote it. We memorize it.  But do you realize how wonderfully it relates our relationship with Jesus?  Furthermore, on display in Psalm 23 are the wondrous names of God displayed as well.   In those 6 verses lies the truths we need for experiencing, rejoicing, and resting in the full comfort of the Great Shepherd.  My desire is to help you and I to find comfort and rest to sustain us through this journey of life.  The 23^rd Psalm is one song in the Scripture I believe can do just that.  

Throughout scripture, God teaches us of Himself through the lens of nature, so we may understand.  Since He is beyond understanding, this is His means to reach out to humanity with patience, love, and grace.  

¹⁹ that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1 (NASB)  

The Great Shepherd (The Lord is my Shepherd) 

Who is the Lord?  What does that word even mean?  The word lord means one in power to whom we give our allegiance. Therefore, “The LORD” designates the only one to whom we MUST give our allegiance.  He is the only one who deserves our allegiance.  As the creator of the whole universe.  David was a shepherd, so he fully understands the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep.  Sheep require more attention and care than any other livestock. They cannot survive without the shepherd’s constant care and vigilance.  

BBC News reported an incident of how foolish sheep can be.  A group of shepherds met to eat breakfast.  While eating they took their eyes off the sheep.  Then it is said that one lamb decided to jump over the cliff.  then all the others followed that one.  

Turkish shepherds watched in horror as hundreds of their sheep followed each other over a cliff, say Turkish newspaper reports. 

First one sheep went over the cliff edge, only to be followed by the whole flock, according to the reports. More than 400 sheep died in the 15-metre fall – their bodies cushioning the fall of 1,100 others who followed.¹ 

But how like sheep we are with such herd mentality.  We too often follow whatever fad, even if to our detriment.  

All we like sheep have gone astray; 
We have turned, every one, to his own way; Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV) 

My Great Shepherd is the Lord 

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.   John 10 NASB  

Isaiah goes further to tell us that He purchased us to be His sheep, knowing it was not going to be an easy task.   

5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, 
He was bruised for our iniquities; 
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, 
And by His stripes we are healed. 
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray; 
We have turned, every one, to his own way; 
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 

⁷ He was oppressed and He was afflicted, 
Yet He opened not His mouth; 
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, 
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, 
So He opened not His mouth.  Isaiah 53: 

Phillip Keller wrote in His book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. 

T he Lord Is My Shepherd Thus, in a second very real and vital sense I truly belong to Him simply because He has bought me again at the incredible price of His own laid-down life and shed blood. Therefore He was entitled to say, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” So there remains the moving realization that we have been bought with a price, that we are really not our own and He is well within His rights to lay claim upon our lives. I recall quite clearly how in my first venture with sheep, the question of paying a price for my ewes was so terribly important. They belonged to me only by virtue of the fact that I paid hard cash for them. It was money earned by the blood and sweat and tears drawn from my own body during the desperate grinding years of the Depression.  And when I bought that first small flock, I was buying them literally with my own body which had been laid down with this day in mind. Because of this I felt in a special way that they were in very truth a part of me and I a part of them. There was an intimate identity involved which, though not apparent on the surface to the casual observer, nonetheless made those thirty ewes exceedingly precious to me. But the day I bought them I also realized that this was but the first stage in a long, lasting endeavor in which from then on, I would, as their owner, have to continually lay down my life for them if they were to flourish and prosper. Sheep do not “just take care of themselves” as some might suppose. They require, more than any other class of livestock, endless attention, and meticulous care. It is no accident that God has chosen to call us sheep. The behavior of sheep and human beings is similar in many ways as will be seen in further chapters. Our mass mind (or mob instincts), our fears and timidity, our stubbornness and stupidity, our perverse habits are all parallels of profound importance. Yet despite these adverse characteristics Christ chooses us, buys us, calls us by name, makes us His own, and delights in caring for us. ² 

Phillip Keller

Truly Jesus is the Good Shepherd. 

Also of note:  This first verse of Psalm 23 reflects the name of God as Jehovah Rohi. The exact translation from Hebrew is The Lord, my Shepherd.   Do you know Him that way?  Can you say, The Lord, my Shepherd. 

In the Care of the Great Shepherd, I Shall Not Want 

As we look at the second part of this verse, we recognize Jehovah Jireh.  The Lord, my provider.  The Lord provides all that our hearts and souls need, therefore, I am fulfilled in Him.  For that reason, I shall not want—because my heart is satisfied in Him.  I know that He has given everything that I might be His, so why does my heart ever become restless.   

³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?  Romans 8:32 

Because I know He is the Great Shepherd willing to give everything for me, I am fully satisfied in His management of my life. Even when I do not understand, He knows the best way for me to flourish.  Therefore, I will trust Him.  He is most glorified by this, my contentment in Him.   

Those who are not content become fence crawlers.    

In spite of having such a master and owner, the fact remains that some Chris­tians are still not content with His control. They are somewhat dissatisfied, always feeling that somehow the grass beyond the fence must be a little greener. These are carnal Chris­tians — ­one might almost call them “fence crawlers” or “half-Chris­tians” who want the best of both worlds. I once owned a ewe whose conduct exactly typified this sort of person. She was one of the most attractive sheep that ever belonged to me. Her body was beautifully proportioned. She had a strong constitution and an excellent coat of wool. Her head was clean, alert, well-set with bright eyes. She bore sturdy lambs that matured rapidly. But in spite of all these attractive attributes she had one pronounced fault. She was restless — ­discontent — ­a fence crawler. So much so that I came to call her “Mrs. Gad-about.” This one ewe produced more problems for me than almost all the rest of the flock combined. No matter what field or pasture the sheep were in, she would search all along the fences or shoreline (we lived by the sea) looking for a loophole she could crawl through and start to feed on the other side. It was not that she lacked pasturage. My fields were my joy and delight. No sheep in the district had better grazing. With “Mrs. Gad-about” it was an ingrained habit. She was simply never contented with things as they were. Often when she had forced her way through some such spot in a fence or found a way around the end of the wire at low tide on the beaches, she would end up feeding on bare, brown, burned-up pasturage of a most inferior sort. 30³ 

Phillip Keller

He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures 

Fear not, for I am with you; 
Be not dismayed, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen you, 
Yes, I will help you, 
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’  Isaiah 41:0 (NKJV) 

Sheep by nature are very restless, fearful creatures. They have no real mechanisms of defence.  Nor can they run away from predators.  Therefore, they have trouble lying down to rest.  Without the shepherd they are forced to scrummage for food and water, constantly moving about.  They become thin, overrun by their own wool, and covered with pestilence.  But with the Great Shepherd, there is nothing to fear.  He leads them into the best areas and protects them all along the way.   

Jesus is our Jehovah Shalom (The Lord our Peace).   

He Leadeth Me Beside the Still Waters 

Water is an essential element without which one will die.  It is also true of the Spiritual Water which is essential for us to survive in this world.  Our soul thirsts for the living Word of God.  Just as the sheep becomes restless in search of water, so our soul thirsts for the water of life.   

It is true that in some of the arid lands, the morning dew provides the water needed for the flock to begin their day.  We too need the living water of life to begin our day before facing the dry and rigid domains of life.  Then, throughout the day, the shepherd leads his flock to wells of water He has prepared for them.  So, should we turn to our living water whenever we begin to feel restless throughout the day.   

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 
For they shall be filled.  Matthew 5:6 (NKJV) 

¹³ Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”  John 4 (NKJV)   

The Holy Spirit indwells every true believer.  Therefore, we have this living water within us.  But even when you have running water in your home, you will thirst unless you open the faucet to let that water run into your glass. If you never pick up the Word of God to fill your glass, your comfort will turn to restlessness again. 

My Great Shepherd Restoreth My Soul (Jehovah Rapha-The Lord my Healer) 

Sheep tend to sometimes look for little soft dips in the landscape to lay down and get comfortable.  The problem is sometimes they tend to turn over too far and tip over.  The harder they try to turn over, the farther their tiny legs move away from the ground.  The term for this is “cast down.”  When a sheep is “cast down” a crisis will occur leading to their death, unless the shepherd finds them and helps them to stand again.  IF the sheep is cast down overweighted with too much wool, the shepherd would shear the sheep.  Not a comfortable procedure, but wonderful relief afterword.  Much like we are when overburdened with the cares of this world.  As the Great Shepherd shears away these burdens we feel distressed, then suddenly freed from their weight we can run once more.   

One might think that in the care of the Great Shepherd a Christians soul should never be cast down.  But life has taught us better.  We may find a spot of comfort and burrow in just like the sheep until we fall over and cannot get up.  Just like Psalm 42, “Why are you cast down oh my soul? Trust in God.”   

The Great Shepherd then comes and lifts us up to stand once more.   

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, 
And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) 

How often in life have I nestled into a cozy spot not so near to the Shepherd.  Or other times have run so far ahead that I feel into a deep muddy pit of sin.  I tend to want to lie there ashamed.  Grappling with my own heart, I believe I can no longer be of service to Him. 

Instead, He reaches out His Mighty hand of love.  “Child, take my hand.” “I cannot, I wail, look at me.  I have ruined it all. My sin covers me.”  “Oh, my child, I do not see any sin” He gently says as He looks upon me covered with the blood of Christ.  Then once more, He stretches out His Hand to say, “Take my hand”.  He picks me up, cleans me off and says, “Now, child we have work to do, the fields are white with harvest. Let us go together.”  That brings us to the second half of verse 3.  Jehovah Tsidkenu– 

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, 
My soul shall be joyful in my God; 
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, 
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,  Isaiah 61:10 

My Great Shepherd, leadeth me in the Paths of righteousness for His Name’s Sake 

Sheep are notorious creatures of habit. If left to themselves, they 
will follow the same trails until they become ruts; graze the same hills until they turn to desert wastes; pollute their own ground until it is corrupt with disease and parasites. Many of the world’s finest sheep ranges have been ruined beyond repair by overgrazing, poor management, and indifferent or ignorant sheep owners.⁴ 

So, it is that God leads us in Paths of Righteousness.  He does this through His Word and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The Shepherd leads the way.  Unfortunately, sometimes the sheep are too stubborn to follow the Great Shepherd.  There are times that He must go after them to bring them back in.    But what if you did not really know the Great Shepherd?  What if you never surrendered to Him to begin with and only followed the others, not Him?  Well, then you are not His.  He has not carved His brand upon you.  You are not His indentured slave nor His sheep. But if you are, He will move Heaven and Earth to lead you to better pasture. For His name’s sake, not one will be lost along this earthly journey.   

Ezekiel 20 (NKJV)

⁴¹ I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; …⁴³ And there you shall remember your ways and all your doings with which you were defiled; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight because of all the evils that you have committed. ⁴⁴ Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways nor according to your corrupt doings, 

Oh, the grace of God who accepted a sinner such as I and clothed me in His Righteousness.  The thought of this is too great for me.  

In the Valley of the Shadow of Death, The Great Shepherd leads 

During the winter months the sheep are moved into the lower pastures; but in the summer, they must move upward through the mountainous paths into the upper table lands.  There the shepherd will stay with the sheep for the summer.  The trip is treacherous because the paths are narrow with caves along the way.  Those caves harbor many predators.  The sheep feel safe along this path only because the shepherd is with them.  

For us we have Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is There.   

In the closing chapters of Ezekiel, the prophet describes what God told him in vision about this coming restoration of the land, the city, and the temple. It included detailed plans and measurements for the restored city. The final words of Ezekiel’s book are these:⁵ 

 “And the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE [Jehovah Shammah]” (Ezekiel 48:35) 

Even though  

your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:7-9 (NKJV)  

We have no fear because our Great Shepherd is there to protect us and He has already won the victory.   

Oh Lord My Great Shepherd “thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” 

The shepherd was very skilled with both his rod and his staff.  They could hurl the rod through the air and hit the ground beside the sheep to turn him away for the danger.  He could use the crook of the staff to pull the sheep out of the raven he had fallen.  Furthermore, he could hurl a stone against the enemy.  His rod was also used to push back the wool and inspect the sheep for pestilences or sores on their skin.  These were used to protect the sheep every step of the way.   

Often, we do no want the eyes of God nor His rod to prod and uncover the scars beneath.  Yet, with His gentle rod He does just that and heals the wounds.  Sometimes, it is necessary He open those wounds so they may heal.  We can trust the Great Physician of our soul.   

Also, He casts His rod beside us to turn us from the danger that lies ahead.  

Our Great Shepherd Prepares a Table Before Us   

The shepherd goes ahead of the sheep to prepare the “mesas” high in the mountains where he will be taking his sheep for the summer.  More than once, he will go to make certain that the pastures are prepared.  Minerals and salts are taken.  There are some plants that grow in those regions which are poisonous and will paralyze the sheep.  Unfortunately, these plants are very appealing to the sheep.  The shepherd meticulously clears the pastures of these plants.   

Our Great Shepherd went before us.  He is preparing the way for the great wedding feast.   

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so,  I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14 

He is Jehovah Nissi-The Lord my Banner, My Victory.  He has already won the victory. 

⁵⁴ So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 

⁵⁵ “O^[ Death, where is your sting? 
O Hades, where is your victory?” 

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.    I Corinthians 15 (NKJV) 

Our Great Shepherd Anointest Our Head with Oil 

Flies, gnats, tics, and bugs drive the sheep nuts.  They will scrap their heads until covered with sores and run about “crazy”.  The shepherd comes and anoints their heads with oils that protect them from the pests.   

We humans have many annoyances that “bug” us.  We let these thoughts take over our hearts and minds.  For us, we need to take from last week’s lesson and remember to stop listening to our minds and preach to ourselves.  The word of God can take full control of our thoughts to guide us into a right spirit with God.  One in which we can enjoy the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  We are told not to quench the Holy Spirit. 

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.  2 Corinthians 10 (NKJV)  

Our Great Shepherd can and will anoint our heads with Oil to protect us.  Let us not resist Him.  He is Jehovah Mekaddishkem—The Lord Who Sanctifies. 

My Great Shepherd is all that I need for hope, peace, and joy in this world.   

. My Cup Runneth Over   ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

There is only one door. My great shepherd stands guard over that door and my heart.  Thanks be to God that The Lord is my Shepherd.  Chosen in Him before the world began, I am His and He is Mine.  That is Grace beyond measure.   

The Great Shepherd Regarding His Sheep

10 “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. ² But the one who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶ Jesus told them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what the things which He was saying to them meant. 

⁷ So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All those who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹ I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. NASB  John 10 

¹ BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkish sheep die in ‘mass jump’ 

² Keller, Phillip, The Inspirational Writings,  A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, BBS Publishing, New York, NY, 1970, page 13 

3 Keller, Phillip, A Shepher Looks at Psalm 23 page 25

⁴ Keller, Phillip A Shepherds Looks at Psalm 23, page 58 

⁵ What does Jehovah Shammah mean? (bibleinfo.com) 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

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How To Overcome Depression Now Trust the Power Found in the Word

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

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English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

PICTURE Licensed from Goodsalt.com

We live in a world, surrounded by its brokenness. As Christians our task is to shine the light of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of salvation. Yet, that is an arduous task to have given our own humanity. Sometimes the one we fight most is ourselves. Naturally, we are more prone to feel separated, lonely, angry, and frustrated with all that is going on around us. We are to joy in the Lord. We know that. One of the fruits of the spirit is joy, but why then do we tend to fall into Depression. So how can we overcome depression now in this world? The simple answer is to trust the power found in the Word of God.

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1 NKJV

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.¹⁵ John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’”¹⁶ And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1 NKJV

Knowing and Doing are Two Different Things

How then can we Overcome Depression now. What can we practically do? Some would say just “let go and let God.”  But that is not that simple of a task to perform. Modern psychology talks a lot about Cognitive Behavior Therapy. However, did you know that the Bible gave us practical terms of Cognitive Behavior Therapy long before medical science suggested it. Furthermore, the Bible bases it on the Solid Foundation of the Gospel message, the Power of Jesus Christ indwelling us through the Holy Spirit.

So, let us travel first back in time to the Psalms and then pull it together with some of the teachings of Jesus and the letters of Paul. Therein we will find the keys to Overcome Depression Now through applying trust in the Word of God.

Looking at the Psalms of David and of the Sons of Korah

The sons of Korah are mentioned as being the gatekeepers of the tabernacle and as a group who sings in praise to God.

Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, from his father’s house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, gatekeepers of the tabernacle. Their fathers had been keepers of the entrance to the camp of the Lord.  I Chronicles 9:10

¹⁸ And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. ¹⁹ Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high. I Chronicles 20 (NKJV)

Psalm 42 and 43 both deal with depression and how to overcome depression now, even though in the darkest depth of sorrow. Some commentaries say that the Sons of Korah here meant they were the singers and not the writers. Others say it is their writing. Among the ones who believe it to be written by the Sons of Korah, some say they were written when in exile with David after his son Absalom tried to overthrow David’s reign. He had to run so some believe it was then. Others say they were written as they went into exile in Babylon. Really, it does not matter which is true. What we do know is this is an instruction in what to do with depression.

A Brief History of God’s Grace

If you remember who Korah is, you might wonder about the sons of Korah being the entrusted leaders who faithfully serve God.  Sons of Korah do not refer to immediate sons, rather the lineage of Korah.  Just as Jesus can be called the Son of David because of the lineage directly back to him through both Mary and Joseph, His stepfather.

Well as a reminder in Numbers 16, Korah threatened Moses’ authority.   Then God opened the earth swallowed up Korah and his followers.  But God did not destroy his lineage.  Instead, Numbers 26 tells us:

¹¹ Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die.

Indeed, God’s grace covered them and lead them to a special place of service for Him in worship.  So, anyone worried about “generational sin” blocking you for Jesus, it just ain’t so. 

Deep In the Depths of Depression, but.

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
³ My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me,
“Where is your God?”  Psalm 42

Oh, the depth of depression he is speaking of here.  My tears have been my food day and night.  Life has become unbearable and all around him mock him for believing God cares.  they mock him and they mock God. Or they even believe God abandoned him for evil he has done.  How quick even Christians condemn others for their hardships!  Whatever, he feels alone.  but this one thing—he is seeking God with all his might; therefore, God’s answer will be forthcoming.  Even if God tarries as He did with Daniel’s agonizing prayer, His answer is coming. 

So, Key one to Overcome Depression Now is to look up.

²⁵ “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; ²⁶ men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”  Luke 21

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12

Remembering How It Was

⁴ When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude;
I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

                                 Psalm 42

I used to be happy.  Remembering a former time of joy is sometimes restorative.  Only if you remember the steps that drew you closer to God that helped.  Yet usually, this yonder year reflection only drives you deeper down.  In this case he is remembering a time when his joy was found in the house of God with others around him.  His sense of solitude only digs him deeper into despair. Or maybe it was the same multitude that now rejected him.  Was his joy from the crowd or truly from worshipping God. 

When trials surround us, it is natural to remember a former time and think it was better then.  How easily we forget the things that weighed us down then.  Looking back, I wish I had the stamina, the endurance, and what I remember as greater patience.  Although, those around me then, might have thought differently. 

Key #2:  Do Not Focus on Yesterday, Look forward to the Hope tomorrow

²² Blessed are you when the people hate you, and when they exclude you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. ²³ Rejoice on that day and jump for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their fathers used to treat the prophets the same way.    Luke 6 (NASB)

⁷ But as for me, I will be on the watch for the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
⁸ Do not rejoice over me, enemy of mine.
Though I fall I will rise;
Though I live in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.

⁹ I will endure the rage of the Lord
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.
He will bring me out to the light,
And I will look at His righteousness.  Micah 7 NASB

I may go through trials here on this earth.  So, what! I deserve no less if I were to stand on my own righteousness. But I do not. I stand by His righteousness and his alone.

¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3 (NKJV)

“Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Blood and righteousness” Edward Mote[1]

Preaching to Yourself

⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.   Psalm 42 NKJV

And so, he began to preach to himself.  Soul, why are you cast down?  You know the truth of God.  What makes you think any different than He is good and has always been good?

Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones was a medical doctor who left a very lucrative practice to become a pastor.  He authored a book on Spiritual Depression that is outstanding and beneficial to all.  He did make this observation. 

Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them but they are talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you. Now this man’s treatment [in Psalm 42] was this: instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. So, he stands up and says, “Self, listen for moment, I will speak to you.”

― Martyn Lloyd-Jones[2]

Key #3 to Overcome Depression Now-Stop Listening to Yourself and preach the Gospel to yourself.

⁵ Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. ⁶ Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”⁷ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.”⁸ But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? ⁹ Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? ¹⁰ Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? ¹¹ How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? —but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16

So quickly they became disturbed, looking to figure out their own error and laying guilt upon themselves.  The truth their guilt was not remembering all that Jesus had done.  They were so worried they could not understand the truth Jesus was speaking.  He rebuked them, but also told them what they should have done was preach to themselves from all he had done.  Then they would have trusted the power of the word.  Also, they would understand His teaching.

Every time I forget, I find I must preach to myself Romans 8 and Ephesians 1-3.  Those are my go-to sermons to myself. They guide my heart to overcome depression. Sometimes I have to repeat these to myself multiple times a day, but then my sorrow fades away. His joy enters my soul and strength returns.

Romans 8–Words to Overcome Depression of the Soul

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, ⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God…. ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified….

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8 NKJV

Ephesians- Know Who You Are in Christ to Overcome Depression

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ⁴ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, ⁵ having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He ^[a]made us accepted in the Beloved…. ¹¹ In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.  Ephesians 1 

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.    Ephesians 2

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  Ephesians 3 (NKJV)

Take Your Eyes Off You and Place on Him to Overcome Depression

I will say to God my Rock,
“Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
¹⁰ As with a breaking of my bones,
My enemies reproach me,
While they say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”

¹¹ Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.  Psalm 42 NKJV

As the psalmist moves through this deep depression, he realizes that the only one who can fix it is God.  He then turns to talk to God once more.  Now he repeats his words to God, openly and honestly telling him his feelings of abandonment.  Only God can mend his broken heart and take charge over his mind. Only God can provide all that is needed to overcome depression.

Key #4 to Overcome Depression Now Plead Your Cause to Jesus

Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. ²⁴ Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16 (NKJV)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4 NKJV

Then the Psalmist Became Bolder as his depression turned to joy

43 Vindicate me, O God,
And plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!
² For You are the God of my strength;
Why do You cast me off?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

³ Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle.
⁴ Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.

⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God. PSALM 43 (NKJV)

He has moved his focus from himself and onto God.  It is as if the last quote was almost with a mocking tone to his soul. “Why are you cast down? Really what are you thinking? Hope in God.

It is said Martin Luther was going about at one time with a long and sad face.  His wife came out wearing all black.  He asked her whose funeral she was going to.  She replied, well God must have died if you have such a sad countenance.  So, he wrote in huge letters a sign.  God is Alive and placed it in his study, so it was a reminder everyday of that truth.

Key #5:  To Overcome Depression Now—take charge of your mind

John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Jesus promised us a helper who can change the thoughts in our head.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.⁹ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4 NKJV

---

[1] My Hope is Built on Nothing Less | Hymnary.org

[2] https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/199587-have-you-realized-that-most-of-your-unhappiness-in-life

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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How to Triumph in a Crazy World through Jesus Found in David’s Sorrow 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

PICTURE Licensed from Goodsalt.com

David had been a very faithful shepherd boy, content in the hills with his sheep and God.  The forgotten uninvited one, as when Samuel came to his father to anoint a new King of Israel. Though he was sent to King Saul’s court to sing soothing songs and to become his armor bearer, he was uninvited to the battle with Goliath.  None of this seemed to disturb him.  He held the key to triumph in a crazy world.  His world was about to turn even further upside down.  However, even in the darkest hours, he sought God for his counsel. 

Anointed King, he was exiled for many years before his time to sit on the throne would finally come.  King Saul out of jealousy wanted David dead. But David knew his times were in God’s hands.  Just as Jesus knew, the fullness of time remains in the Father’s hands.  Only the Father knows the hour when Jesus will receive once more the deed to this earth on which we reside.   

²⁹ “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ³⁰ And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. …³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Matthew 24 

Through Many Sorrows

David would face years of great sorrows before he would assume his role as King. Jesus came to earth and faced many sorrows. He paid the price that sin demands to purchase back this broken world. Yet, He waits until the fullness of time when the Father proclaims “Now go get your bride”. That proclamation will begin the final stages until Jesus takes His throne in Jerusalem for 1000 years. David waited patiently to take his throne as so does Jesus wait to take His Earthly throne.  

How Do We Triumph in A Crazy World? 

1.  Understand the truth “My times are in Your Hands Lord” 

2.  Seek His Face 

3.  Obey His Word and Command 

4.  Focus on Things Above 

5.  Accept Grief and Sorrow Are Part of a Broken World 

6. Never Forget—Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life 

7. Hold Fast to His Promises  

There you have it. But how do we do this? What about David’s journey points us to Jesus? And how do we incorporate these truths into our lives? That is the beauty of God providing for us all the truths of the Old Testament so we might understand in practical terms how. It is also how centuries ago, God told us the means of therapy we needed to face all kinds of trials from grief to burn out. So, let us delve in a little deeper into each of these seven facets on how to triumph. 

Triumph by Understanding “My times are in Your Hands Lord” 

Not only my life and death, but my times. When I am to rise and when in this world I will fall are in your hands. It has been His guiding hand each step of the way. David knew this. That is why he did not move forward to take his throne before God deemed it so. Although he had already been anointed, he would wait until God’s timing to take his throne. 

 ⁸ Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not ^[d]strike him the second time.” ⁹ But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be without guilt?” ¹⁰ David also said, “As the Lord lives, surely the Lord will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish. ¹¹ The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed; but now please take the spear that is at his head and the jug of water and let us go.”   I Samuel 25 

Jesus Also Placed in times into the Father’s Hand 

Jesus while in human flesh, also awaited the timing of the Father. He referred to His time not yet being and other times that the hour was coming when He would give His life a ransom. He had prayed in the Garden of  
Gethsemane, “Not my will, but thine be done.”  and then from the cross. 

“It is finished!” John 19:30 ⁴⁶ And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Luke 23:46 

This being the same as did David cry out in Psalm 31:5, only for David his only means of saying that was because he had been ransomed from his sin by God. Looking forward to that day on the cross when Jesus would proclaim it.  

 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth. Psalm 31:5  

Whether in life or death I too must cry out, “My times are in Your hands Lord.”   

Sad to say, that is also true of each person who fall into the hands of an angry God for their disbelief. But while there is breath in each body, God is granting grace for today. They still have the chance to believe in Jesus, repent and be made whole. Oh, sinner let us heed the warning and saint be comforted in these words, “My time is in His Sovereign Hands of Grace. His plans are what is best for me, even when I cannot see. 

Seek His Face to Triumph 

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, 
And be gracious to me and answer me. 
⁸ When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, 
“Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” 
⁹ Do not hide Your face from me, 
Do not turn Your servant away in anger; 
You have been my help; 
Do not abandon me nor forsake me, 
O God of my salvation!… 
¹³ I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord 
In the land of the living. 
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord; 
Be strong and let your heart take courage; 
Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27 

And these were the words of Jesus. 

³⁰ “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me….³⁹ You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; ⁴⁰ and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. ⁴¹ I do not receive glory from men; ⁴² but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. ⁴³ I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? 

Oh, that we would seek God with all our hearts, minds, and strength. Then we would triumph in life and death. 

To Triumph Obey His Word and Command 

O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.  

¹⁶¹ Princes persecute me without cause, 

But my heart stands in awe of Your words. 

¹⁶² I rejoice at Your word, 

As one who finds great spoil. 

¹⁶³ I hate and despise falsehood, 

But I love Your law. 

¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise You, 

Because of Your righteous ordinances. 

¹⁶⁵ Those who love Your law have great peace, 

And nothing causes them to stumble. 

¹⁶⁶ I hope for Your salvation, O Lord, 

And do Your commandments. 

¹⁶⁷ My soul keeps Your testimonies, 

And I love them exceedingly. 

Psalm 119: 97, 161-167 

And Jesus

³⁵ Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

³⁹ This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing but raise it up on the last day. ⁴⁰ For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”  John 6 

⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2 

 Focus on Things Above and There in Triumph 

David knew that if he looked around him all he would see was sorrow. Therefore, he knew to keep his focus on God above. That was the only hope to settle his weary heart and to gain strength to march on.  

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; 

From where shall my help come? 

² My help comes from the Lord, 

Who made heaven and earth. 

³ He will not allow your foot to slip; 

He who keeps you will not slumber. 

⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel 

Will neither slumber nor sleep.  Psalm 121 

When Peter turned his eyes to this world, losing the focus of heaven, Jesus said. 

²¹ From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. ²² Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” ²³ But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”  Matthew 16  

Or as Paul reminds us. 

Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ³ For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3 

Triumph means I Accept Grief and Sorrow Are Part of a Broken World 

David understood grief.  He was running for his life in exile and this after being anointed to be the successor, King.  Sorrow was deep in his heart.  Yet he trusted in God to be with him.  

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; 
My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul, and my body also. 
¹⁰ For my life is spent with sorrow 
And my years with sighing; 
My strength has failed because of my iniquity, 
And my body has wasted away. 
¹¹ Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, 
Especially to my neighbors, 
And an object of dread to my acquaintances; 
Those who see me in the street flee from me. 
¹² I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind; 
I am like a broken vessel. 
¹³ For I have heard the slander of many, 
Terror is on every side; 
While they took counsel together against me, 
They schemed to take away my life. 

¹⁴ But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, 
I say, “You are my God.”… 
¹⁹ How great is Your goodness, 
Which You have stored up for those who fear You,… 
²¹ Blessed be the Lord, 
For He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city. 
²² As for me, I said in my alarm, 
“I am cut off from before Your eyes”; 
Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications 
When I cried to You. 

²³ O love the Lord, all you His godly ones! 
The Lord preserves the faithful 
And fully recompenses the proud doer. 
²⁴ Be strong and let your heart take courage, 
All you who hope in the Lord. 

And concerning Jesus we know 

³ He was despised and forsaken of men, 
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; 
And like one from whom men hide their face 
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 

⁴ Surely our griefs He Himself bore, 
And our sorrows He carried; 
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, 
Smitten of God, and afflicted.  Isaiah 53 

Never Forget—Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life 

God established a covenant with David that his kingdom would become an everlasting kingdom.  David understood that through him would come the Savior, the eternal King. For this he was humbled. 

⁸ “Now therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel. ⁹ I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the names of the great men who are on the earth. ¹⁰ I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again, nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly, ¹¹ even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you.  

¹² When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. ¹³ He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. ¹⁴ I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, ¹⁵ but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”’” ¹⁷ In accordance with all these words and all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. 

¹⁸ Then David the king went in and sat before the Lord, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? ¹⁹ And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future. And this is the ^[g]custom of man, O Lord God. ²⁰ Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord God! ²¹ For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know. ²² For this reason You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 

2 Samuel (NKJV)

We too must remember that we are saved by grace alone.  Every gift is a gift of grace, undeserved by my feeble hands.  How quickly does my heart turn to selfishness, anger, pride?  Oh, that I always realize that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.  Only in Him can I find a hope of righteousness, yet he gave it to me anyway.  

Hold Fast to His Promises to Triumph 

All His promises are true, for that reason I have hope.  David held fast to the promises of God throughout all the years of his running.  Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises from Genesis through revelation.   

The entirety of Your word is truth, 

And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. Psalm 119:160 (KJV) 

Therefore 

²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; ²⁴ and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10  

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

PREVIOUS

Forever King Jesus, Delighted in by God Almighty. Do You Really Know This? 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

PICTURE Licensed from Goodsalt.com

 Last week we saw God moving forward His plan of redemption.  This despite the people’s disobedience and lack of faith.  Evil reigned in the hearts of men.  Particularly, the evil of self-absorption and pride—everyone doing what was right in his own eyes.  While at the same time believing themselves invincible because they belonged to God. Yet, there were always the remnant of faithful followers of God.  We saw this in Boaz, who represented Christ as the kinsman redeemer.  Now as we turn to the book of I Samuel, again we see the faithfulness of God who will one day present His Forever King Jesus.  God Almighty Delights in His Son.  One day He will anoint Jesus as Forever King over all the earth.  Until that day, we are assured God will appoint His chosen, redeemed to be the lights into a dark world, proclaiming the salvation of the Lord. 

We must take heart from Ruth, Boaz, Samuel, Jonathan, and King David.  They foreshadow our Forever King Jesus.  Furthermore, they stand as proof historical of the faithfulness of God.  We can rely on His word and His truth.  Amazingly God weaves the proof of Himself throughout history with exactness.  The children of Israel lived in Egypt for 400 years—God although working His plan forward, remained silent until He sent Moses to take them out of captivity.  For 400 years the people were ruled by judges.  God protected them despite their lackadaisical faith.  He spoke but only to a few through these times.  Then comes Samuel on the scene who would prove to be faithful judge, prophet, priest, and a picture of Jesus. 

Samuel, foreshadowing of Our Forever King Jesus 

Samuel’s is the story of how sorrow blended with faith worked perfectly into the plan of salvation for the world.  Hannah was barren.   For this she mourned greatly.  Yet, her only hope was to continue to pray and petition the Lord for a child.  It was out of her depth of sorrow that Hannah prayed fervently.  

 she was in bitterness of soul and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. ¹¹ Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head. 1 Samuel 1: (NKJV) 

Then miraculously God opened her womb.   Samuel’s birth was a miracle.  Yet had it not been for her sorrow, would Hannah have offered her firstborn to the Lord?  Mary also gave birth miraculously—albeit she was a virgin and conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit.  Still as a young, betrothed female pregnant before the wedding, she was ostracized and criticized as well.  Hers would be a road of blessings and sorrows mixed.  Hannah suffered as well. Both women vowed to God their faithfulness in this matter.  Both later had more children as well.  Hannah and Mary both have beautiful songs of praise to God recorded in scripture.  

A Call To Service 

Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. ² And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, ³ and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, ⁴ that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” ⁵ So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”  I Samuel 3 (NKJV). 

These scriptures are so packed with information.  Notice: the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.  This due to the corruption of the people’s hearts.  Also, note that the word says, Eli was going blind.  This in reference to both his physical sight and his spiritual sight.  He had not heeded God’s warnings concerning His sons.     

⁶ Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” ⁷ (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.)⁸ And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. ⁹ Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’”  So, Samuel went and lay down in his place.¹⁰ Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” I Samuel 3 (NKJV).   

Samuel Called to Proclaim Judgement 

The Sons of ELI were very corrupt.  They were priests by name only, like many heretical church leaders.  They “required sexual relations be provided by the women who came to sacrifice” and, also stole money and provision from the people.  Eli had failed to judge them and only said, “Do Not Do that “. He let them continue in their posts as priests. They did not know or honor God. 

Eli even ignored the warnings given him concerning them. God then chose a new priest, Samuel and pronounced judgement on Eli and his sons. These were God’s first words to Samuel. 

¹¹ Then the Lord said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. ¹² In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. ¹³ For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. ¹⁴ And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”¹⁵ So Samuel lay down until morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision.  I Samuel 3 (NKJV) 

Samuel loved Eli, so it must have been hard to pronounce this judgment.  Jesus loves the world but will have to pronounce judgement on all who reject His gift of salvation.  

¹⁸ Then Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he (ELI) said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” I Samuel 3 (NKJV).   

God Defends His Glory as Forever King 

 A big battle then began between the Philistines and the Israelites.  As a ploy to try to win, the Ark of the Covenant was brought out to the battleground accompanied by the sons of Eli.  Again, despite failing to worship God they wanted to use His power to save themselves by just placing the Ark there.  The philistines won the battle, killed the sons of Eli, and took the Ark of the Covenant back to their land.  Eli heard and fell over dead.  His daughter in law cried out in childbirth, ““The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”. She named her son Ichabod meaning inglorious.  

The Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant and placed it in front of the Statue of Dagon (their fish god).  When they left, the statue fell face down before the Ark.  They stood it up again. 

⁴ And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broken off on the threshold; only Dagon’s torso was left of it. ⁵ Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor any who come into Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day. ⁶ But the hand of the Lord was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and He ravaged them and struck them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. I Samuel 5 (NKJV) 

God was quite capable to defend His Own Glory against every false witness against His name.  The Philistines move the Ark several times; however, finally sent it back to Israel laden with Golden treasures as gifts.  God does not need us, but by Grace shares His glory with us.   

A King is Named for Israel As They Reject God’s Rule 

¹³ So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. ¹⁴ Then the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered its territory from the hands of the Philistines. Also there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. 

¹⁵ And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. ¹⁶ He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places. ¹⁷ But he always returned to Ramah, for his home was there. There he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the Lord.  I Samuel 7 (NKJV) 

But when Samuel was old and his sons did not follow God as they should, the people began to demand a King like all the other nations.  God told Samuel to heed their desires and first God gave them Saul.  But Saul would not follow God with all his heart.  He let pride and power overtake him.  So, God told Samuel to choose David and anoint him to be the next King.  It would be years of struggles before he was to take over the throne.  In those years God molded and trained David to be the King after His Own heart and to be the line from which His Son would be born one day.  The Forever King Jesus would be born to suffer and to die that all who accept Him as Lord and Savior might be saved eternally to be with Him.   

Another Portrait of Christ’s love Displayed in Jonathan 

As God prepared David to be the next king, He placed David inside the King’s Court as musician to King Saul.  While there he also learned to be the armor bearer.  It was through this training that David also knew Jonathan.  Jonathan loved David with a perfect love of friendship that surpassed that of most loves.  Jonathan was willing to lay down his life to defend David.  He knew that it was David God had chosen to be the next King.  However, Jonathan did not become envious or wish it not to be.  That meant he was willing to lay aside his throne because he loved David that much.   

Jesus also laid aside His throne for a time to come to earth and to bear the weight of the wrath of God against all of sin.  He willingly came to die for us.  For that reason, He, alone is worthy to open the scrolls and take possession of the deed to earth.  To do so our Forever King, Jesus must open the seals and pour out judgement upon the earth, cleansing it from the evil.  Thankfully, we will be raptured before this judgement begins according to the scripture.   

The Forever King Jesus in the New Heaven and New Earth 

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. ² In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³ And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. ⁴ They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. ⁵ There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.  Revelation 22 

Let Him Come Quickly 

¹² “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” 

¹⁴ Blessed are those who ^[g]do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 

¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. 

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” 

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 

²¹ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.  Revelation 22

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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