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Who Are You Really Called by God to be in the World Today?

June 29, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

As we completed the book of Revelations back in February, I remember a request to do a study in Romans. Certainly, one of the most important books to delve deeply into its contents. Therein we are told who we are really called by God to be in the world today. Also, we are given in-depth explanation of the three major covenants of God. The Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the Covenant with the Church. Although each are different Covenants. Yet, God will always fulfill His Covenant; regardless of humanities failure to keep ours. Hence, why we must understand each.

Christianity is explained and presented in the Book of Romans in such a manner that as Pastor Ray Stedman wrote,

“If you had nothing but the book of

Romans, you would have every vital Christian

teaching in the New Testament – in capsule form at

least. It touches upon all the basic truths of Chris-

tian doctrine and teachings. So, if you master the

book of Romans, you have the key to all the

Scriptures, Old and New Testaments alike.”¹

_{¹ Stedman, Ray; Simple Christianity; Date: April 29, 1962 Series: Romans (Series I): https://www.raystedman.org/romans1/pdf/0005.pdf Accessed 6/29/2025}

Furthermore, this in-depth expository study in theology was inspired by the Holy Spirit. And given through one of God’s most prepared students of the Old Testament. That highly prepared student was then taught by Jesus via revelation in the wilderness post His salvation. Guided carefully with the Holy Spirit, He became the perfect teacher of doctrine.

Galatians 1: 1, 11-19

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead…. For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1: 1, 11-19 ESV.

Called by God to Be an Slave

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God Romans 1:1a NKJV

Paul who was formerly named Saul was born into a wealthy Roman/Jewish family. He had every right as a Roman Citizen. Furthermore, from a very young age was taught the Old Testament Scripture. Schooled by the Masters of his times. As he spoke,

“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished. “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Acts 22: 3-8 NKJV

Yet, this is who began his letter referring to himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Bondservant is a fancy word for “slave.” Not a paid servant. Paul declared himself a slave by choice. Bound to Jesus Christ due to love and devotion. Dying to everything within himself, to live for Christ.

Called by God to Be Given New Life with a New Name

For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:19-21 NKJV

The name Saul meant asked for, prayed for, requested. A name of distinction and power. Yet, God gave him a new name: Paul. Paul means small, humble, insignificant. As salutation in every letter, he begins as Paul. No longer proud of all his studies, citizenship, and achievements. Instead, now he recognized himself as totally insignificant. Why? He met Jesus along the road to Damascus. After that he saw his righteousness as nothing more than filthy rags. He realized the significance of the statement, “The Just Shall Live by Faith”.

Who are the just? Those whom God has justified. Once saved, our only hope is to live by faith in Jesus Christ. Where does faith come from? Not from these broken hands of mine. Rather, faith comes by the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Faith develops as we grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. In as much, we also grow in our knowledge of God, the Father. And we are enriched by the Holy Spirit’s power within us. That is faith. Knowing the perfectly all-powerful, all knowing, just, righteous God, full of Mercy, love, grace and joy. Then grasping that immutable fact, faith is clinging ever so tightly to this truth. He rewards all who diligently seek Him. Knowing our frailty, He deals with us as little children.

Called by God to be a part of the Gospel Story

Paul jumped right into the truth of the gospel message.

to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, Romans 1:2-5 NKJV

As we break this down. In one long sentence, Paul explained the deity of Jesus, the trinity, the power of His resurrection, and the grace which brings about both justification and sanctification. He even points out that those being saved are for His Name’s sake. This grace bringing the gentiles into the fold as His church, His bride is the gospel message. All this succinctly packaged in these few verses. Let it sink in. He even says all this was told in the Old Testament. The mystery revealed, though it was always there for any whose eyes would see.

Called by God to be Saints

among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. Romans 1: 6-7 NKJV

Called to be saints. I can only be declared a Saint by God. He is the one who calls me to be His Child, draped in the righteousness of Jesus Christ His Son. Later we will go into more depth, but this is the introduction to what Paul goes on to write in Romans 8.

Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:26-30 NASB

When I look deep within, I do not fully understand how; but one day I will look like Jesus. My heart will love like His does. I am daily one glory at a time being transformed. But one day I will be complete. Until then, I can rest assured, He will complete the work He began in me.

Called by God to be a Prisoner

Paul does then salute the church at Rome. It was born out of those who had traveled to Pentecost and returned saved. Yet, no formal teacher had gone there to declare the truths of the gospel. This we will discover further as we dissect the book and see some of the errors Paul will address in their teachings.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. Romans 1:7-15 NKJV

God would grant Paul’s wish. However, little did Paul know his journey to Rome would be as a prisoner. From the elite, powerful, educated position of his youth to now a prisoner for Jesus Christ. A declared slave of the gospel. All for the absolute, overwhelming love and devotion to his Lord and Savior. Yet, he would have it no other way.

What About You and I?

Who Are You or I Really Called by God to be in the World Today? There is no more important task for our life than to spread the gospel. That is if you know Him as Lord and Savior. We see a world that is ever more plunging into darkness. Yet, we who are the called are called for more than just “get out of hell free card”. Nor are we called to do this on our own efforts. I will work harder to get into heaven. Perhaps if I try harder, I can have more faith. No, this is a step-by-step process that only God can do in us and through us. But are you and I willing to humbly recognize it is His work?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 NKJV

How often do we fail to say anything? Are we ashamed of the gospel? It is the power of salvation for everyone who believes. Who have you told this past week. You hold in your hearts and minds the cure this world so desperately needs. Will you share that with someone today?

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

Trust the One True Unvariable Almighty God Amid Today’s Chaos

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

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.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

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

English Standard Version (ESV)

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Trust the One True Unvariable Almighty God Amid Today’s Chaos

June 22, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

All week I have been drawn to the book of Ezekiel. Wondering as to the closeness of the return of Christ to establish His kingdom. Of course, I know that comes at the end of the tribulation which is necessary to cleanse His People-Israel. My trust and faith is in the One True Unvariable Almighty God even amid today’s chaos. God has never changed. That is so obvious throughout scripture. The book of Daniel very specifically pointed to 70 weeks of Israel. There is a pause between the 69^th week and the 70^th week. These weeks of years are very specific to the nation of Israel.

Some would ask if the current wars surrounding Israel is the Ezekiel 38 war outlined very specifically in the scripture. First, Israel was to be drawn back and established as a nation. This happened in 1948.

“Then say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again. Ezekiel 37:21-22

On Display that there is only One True Unvariable Almighty God

Then the dry, destroyed land became fertile. They became a mighty powerhouse, although very small. With great success, they built the “Dome”. All this prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Isaiah 43:1: “For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it.”

Isaiah 60:10: “Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors!”

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the Lord.” Jeremiah 30:1-3 NIV

They had returned to the land after 70 years of captivity by Babylon. However, they did not possess the land until 1948. Ezekiel and Daniel had foretold of this. Down to the exact day.

Prediction of Israel’s Return as a Sovereign nation in 1948

Remember the dream of Nebuchadnezzar regarding the tree in Daniel 4? It spoke not only of the Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar but also prophesied about the Kingdom of David. As is the case with many prophecies. As such, Israel was cut down as a nation. However, the stump was to remain to secure the nation would return.

Michael Yang from India wrote this:

“The word ‘times’ means years. So the seven times is seven years, and seven years is 2555 days (7 x 365). Num 14:34 and Eze 4:6 tells us that one day represents one year. In this way, the ‘seven times’ becomes 2555 years. This means that 2555 years will pass from the fall of Judah to the re-birth of Israel, according to the prophecy.

Starting in 608 BC and working forwards 2555 years, we arrive at the year 1948 CE. And what do we see? Most remarkably, on 14th May, 1948, the new state of Israel was created after precisely 2555 years of control and occupation by a succession of foreign empires”¹

_{¹ https://www.quora.com/Are-there-prophecies-in-the-Bible-that-numerically-fortold-the-restoration-of-Israel-on-May-of-1948 accessed 6/22/2025}

Then we have Ezekiel foretelling of the dry bones coming back to life. For so many years Israel had been scattered throughout the world. Yet, as God told Malachi. There would be a time of the Gentiles, yet, God would never abandon Israel.

Ezekiel’s Prediction of Israel, Proof of One True Unvariable Almighty God

from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts… For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 1:11,3:6-7. KJV

Ezekiel was told by God to lie on his left side 390 days and then on his right side for 40 days. This totaled 430 days. This indicated the time of Israel’s just punishment for their iniquities. Days were to be counted as years. Then 70 years was the time in Babylonian exile. Therefore 430 minus 70 equals 360 years remaining at the time Cyrus allowed them to return to Jerusalem. However, in Leviticus we read that if they failed to repent after being placed in judgment, the judgment would be increased by 7 times.

Leviticus 26:23-24 KJV, “And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.”

Combined with Leviticus 26, the 360 years of remaining punishment, if multiplied by seven, make a total of 2,520 years. Using the 360-day Hebrew calendar, that totals 907,200 days. When converted to the 365-day calendar, the 2,520 years or 907,200 days becomes 2,485 years and five months.

So starting at 538 years B.C. and adding the remaining punishment, 2 ,485 years and five months to come, you get 1,947 years and five months. There was no year zero, so the year 1,947.5 we call the year 1948.5. So exactly 1,947.5 years after 538 B.C., we come to the date of May 1948!

May is the fifth month of the modern calendar, and on May 14, 1948, Israel arose from the ashes of extinction to become a nation!²

_{² Joel, https://www.christianevidence.net/2017/10/israel-significant-dates-prophesied-in.html written Oct. 21, 2017, accessed 6/22/2025}

Why is this important considering today’s chaos?

Well, we need to remember that God does what He says He will do. And Is who He says He is. I could go further into describing all the proofs He is the one true unvariable Almighty God. Yet that could not be contained in one writing or even thousands of books. How many prophecies are fulfilled concerning Christ Alone? Each with exact detail. Why would we question any of those prophecies yet to be fulfilled? Therefore, what are we to do with Ezekiel 38. We know it is what triggers the Anti-Christ. Also, we then may consider it at the time of, just before, or just following the rapture. Hence the excitement as to whether this war in Israel could be part of that? However, it cannot be. Why?

In Ezekiel 38 God speaks to Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Turkey. They attack Israel not because they want to annihilate them. However, they come to plunder. Their attack is due to Israel being a powerful, wealthy nation. God speaking to these countries says:

“Thus saith the Lord God; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land… Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord God; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.” Ezekiel 38:10-12, 14-16.

Furthermore, other surrounding nations, including Saudi Arabia will sit back and say;

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? Ezekiel 38:13

Are we looking at One True Unvariable Almighty God at work?

So, if not this war; what is going on? The set up for peace, so that the Ezekiel 38 war can be realized. Let’s look at another scripture as to what this one is.

Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people and consulted against thy hidden Ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against Thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah. Psalm 83:1-8

Referring to the descendants of Esau. They declare, “let us cut them off as a nation.” This is the current fighting. From Hezbollah, Hamas, and all those outreaching Islamic rebels who want Israel destroyed. All of which are extensions of Iranian military and money. They shout, “death to Israel.”

To achieve peace, these must be put back into place. Will Iran be totally destroyed? No, as they return to the latter war. But there will have to be peace before Ezekiel 38. Interestingly, I read an article from General Flynn this week stating:

“What follows is a potential new reality IF Israel achieves total victory, the Iranian regime collapses, and a new pro-western Iranian leader emerges (all very achievable under the current conditions). The geopolitical strategic environment in the Middle East and globally would shift.” ³

_{³ General Flynn, https://locals.com/generalflynn/feed posted June 19,1015 Accessed June 19,2025}

Yes, all part of God’s Beautiful Plan of Action. Never forget He has a plan for we the church and He has a plan for Israel. Do not get confused with these two separate plans.

What Do We Do? Trust the One True Unvariable Almighty God.

He has never been wrong. All that He has planned, He has accomplished. Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, the only begotten Son of God came to earth to pay the price of our sin. He stands with open arms to all who accept Him as Lord and Savior. Do not get bogged down in the weeds of chaos that surround us. He is in control. And He will always do what is best for those of us who know Him as Lord and Savior. The rapture is not based specifically on the same timeline as what He is doing in Israel. Yet, we should be aware of the times.

We should look around us and work to redeem the times. Never forget that we are His workmanship, created unto good works. Pray for the salvation of the Jewish people, that they may know Christ. Continue to spread the gospel wherever you may be. God is our refuge. There is no variableness in Him. His constant steady hand is at work always.

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins.” Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has [h]committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
“Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Romans 11: 25-36 NKJV

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

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

God Uses Our Suffering to Deliver the World Joy. How?

How to Trust God as Our Guide in Life and in Death

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

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

English Standard Version (ESV)

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God Uses Our Suffering to Deliver the World Joy. How?

June 17, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Suffering. Not what I want to deal with in this life. Our minds, bodies, and emotions cry out to say “No, way! Don’t sign me up for that.” But what if you knew your suffering would be the catalyst to your child finding joy above measure? Or life itself? How much are you willing to suffer for them? If you knew your suffering was the catalyst to changing the world, what then? How many people’s lives are enough to make you willing to suffer yourself? Are you willing to endure suffering for a time if you could save another’s life? How can we consider that God uses our suffering to deliver the world to joy. Does my suffering have a purpose within God’s Sovereign grace toward me? Is not suffering the story throughout the Bible? Including. Is that not the story of Jesus Christ, God’s Own Son?

From the moment of the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden, suffering has been a part of this world. That is the promise. Yet, without that having been allowed, how was it that Adam and Eve did not even realize their blessings. Until they were gone. Can you know joy if there is never any sorrow? How would you recognize it? C.S. Lewis says he was surprised by joy. A fleeting glimpse of something he did not have here in his life on earth as a child. Those fleeting glimpses of a sensation of true joy led him to Christ. There was a time when he was haunted by the fact true joy could exist but eluded him. He searched everywhere until there it was. He found it when he realized it was a relationship with Jesus Christ that gave full joy.

God Uses Our Suffering to lead us to Christ

Just like C.S. Lewis, look back at your life. If you always had everything perfect, would you have considered Christ? Unless you recognize you need Him, why would you seek Him? Oh, there are some so awe-inspired by the magnificence of the beauty and intricacy of this world, they recognize there must be a creator. No possible way, everything was so magnificently fit together otherwise. The wonder of it all! Yet, we would not ever seek a Savior unless we are confronted with our own need. Could I know the wonder of a cool drink of water, unless I have experienced a parched, dry mouth? Can I know light having never experienced darkness? Darkness is the absence of light.

God is perfect righteousness, goodness, love, and joy. The absence of God’s divine presence within the spirit of humanity is a disconnect from the energy source of light, joy, hope, and goodness. Unless we are born again of the spirit, we cannot know life in its fullness.

In His kindness, God provides a common grace. This common grace allows lost souls to experience flickers of love, joy, hope, and goodness. These flickers are to draw them to Him. We see those acts of kindness contrasting that with the evil, suffering, and sorrow surrounding us. This is to open our eyes that we might desire Him.

But what about once we know Him? Why are Christians called to suffer? Because as we walk through suffering, we become more like Christ. Then, as we display more of Him to the world around us they come to accept Him as Savior. Particularly, when people see us endure suffering with a deep steadfast, abiding joy within us as our faith grows. But let us look at some prime examples of how this from scripture.

Paul – Expounds on how God uses our suffering

But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3: 7-11 NASB

What led to Paul letting go of all else to see that Jesus was worth more than anything else? It had been through the pain and suffering he faced that helped him to realize this. The pain and suffering brought him to recognize that serving Jesus was the only true joy and purpose of this life. In this he saw how by being joined with the suffering of Christ, his heart and soul were being transformed by the Holy Spirit.

How God Uses Suffering: a glimpse into my heart.

I have not suffered like Paul. Yet my suffering helped me to see God. A glimpse of His Glory. I did not understand His unconditional love until He transformed this human heart into one which could love one person so much. God gave me an unconditional love for Pete. Forgiveness was deeply built in. Although humanly impossible. But GOD! That was the first inkling of understanding God’s love for me. But that love cannot leave one to wallow in their sin; but lifts them out. Whatever it takes.

Therefore, God knowing I so desperately wanted to find a human to fill the holes in my broken heart and soul. Well, He gently guided me at first. Reminding me to avoid situations where I would fail. Then, He allowed Satan to buffet me. Or perhaps it was my own Achilles heel that I continuously confronted throughout the years. A weakness that reminded me continually of my own inability to do this on my own. Ultimately, surgery after surgery and illness upon illness led me to this broken body that does not even desire to look again for romance or love. Now my focus is on Him Now I really and truly feel overwhelmingly loved in Him alone. My heart leaps with a joy I could have never known before. No longer am I searching. Therefore, my broken body is a blessing overflowing from God’s hand of grace.

Furthermore, He constantly reminds me of my failures. My hurtful ill spoken words. My pride. And those moments of fear or anxiety, revealing faith failures. Yet, those do work to keep me humble. Much like Peter, when he denied Christ. Only then was he humbled enough to really listen and to be willing to die for Christ. So, now let us look at Peter.

Peter’s Sorrow and how God Uses Our Suffering

Peter suffered many trials in his life; but I daresay his greatest sorrow was the night he betrayed Christ 3 times. Even the resurrection, as wondrous as it was, did not remove the sensation of failure, depression, and defeat with himself. He returned to fishing believing it was the only thing he could do. How could Jesus use Him now? Yet, Jesus came to him and recommissioned him three times in a single conversation on the shore where they had first met. The question, “Peter, do you love me?” A question he had to confront in his own heart. He thought he loved Christ, but his own pride stood in the way before his failure. However, now confronted with the question of love, he realized that to truly love Jesus meant he would lay aside everything for Him.

³Blessed 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, ⁴to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

⁶In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷that 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, ⁸whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1: 3-9 NKJV

How God Uses Our Suffering to Save Others—Jonah

Well, Jonah is a prime example of self determination leading to deep suffering himself. But all he experienced God uses to save the sailors on the ship and the people of Nineveh for a season. This despite Jonah’s attempt to run from God and his anger against God for saving “such an evil people”

In their day the Ninevites were the evilest people of all. Pagan worship, cruel tortures such as burying people up to their head in the sand waiting for the sun to slowly kill them, and cruel slavery. They hated the nation of Israel. So God sends Jonah alone with a message that God will bring judgement on them. Jonah decided then it was a good idea to go the opposite direction to run from God. He jumped on a boat.

Well, that boat was filled with idol worshipping sailors. A storm came and they prayed very hard to each of their gods to no avail. They told Jonah to pray; but, he said the storm is because of my God and my rebellion toward His command. They were even less willing to throw Jonah overboard as he suggested. Ultimately, they did. And the storm stopped. They suddenly went from worshipping their idols to worshipping the One True God.

He got swallowed by a big fish God prepared and sent. After repenting, he was spit up on shore. Went on to Nineveh. But the story went ahead of him. So, when he walked into Nineveh, the people had heard of and were frightened of God. So, they repented from the King down to the lowest person. They fasted and prayed. Even fasted their animals in hopes God would save them. He did.

So, God Uses our Suffering even of a Disobedient Servant?

Therefore, God saved a huge city of people who turned to worship Him. This despite the anger of Jonah to see it. For at least one generation, the people worshipped God. Then, centuries later the Assyrians with Nineveh their capital attacked Israel. The next generation forgot God; but, a group were saved due to God using the suffering of a reluctant prophet.

Imagine being the one who must write your story. “I ran from God. Then had to go anyway, reluctantly determined to watch the enemy destroyed. Only God saved them. I was boiling mad at His grace; but, He told me of His love for these people who were ignorant. Oh, shoot! I am the ignorant fool He saved and sent to save them.

Wait, that is my story as well. He uses even my bumbling stupidity at times to lead someone else to a saving knowledge of Himself. Even my worst can be transformed into good for the kingdom when I turn back to Him and repent. How often have I prayed, “God please forgive me and fix this mess I have created. And can you shut my mouth next time before I mess up?” But sometimes I think He lets me, so I am reminded only He has the power to save. It is His power, His mercy, and His absolute grace that saved me as well.

Now every year the book of Jonah is read on the day of atonement. It presents the divine mercy of God and the possibility of atonement when one repents and turns to Him.

How God uses our suffering to bless others as well.

Paul tells us in II Corinthians that he was undergoing severe suffering at the time and just prior to writing this letter to the Corinthian Church. He wrote this.

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction which occurred in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, who rescued us from so great a danger of death, and will rescue us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us,if you also join in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons in our behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many. II Corinthians 1:8-11 NASB

Because of All That

Did you get that? Paul is saying the extreme suffering he was facing led the church to pray. Then as God worked in their praying hearts, their faith increased. Their hope, blessings, and joy were multiplied due to the suffering Paul went through. That is why he wrote just before this to the same crowd.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort. II Corinthians 13-7 NASB

My mother loved God with all her heart. Yet she suffered severely with bipolar disorder. Despite this she lived to be 89. Often she wondered why God didn’t take her home. I wondered why He did not heal her. Then years later I realized. Her disease led me to understand bipolar. It allowed me to remain married to Pedro Barba, II for all those years. Miraculously, one day he found Christ as his savior before he died. Therefore, is there any suffering to great to endure for the salvation of one soul? Christ did not think so.

An entire lifetime here is a blink of an eye compared to eternity. We do not know all the miraculous workings of God behind the scenes. But we do know He is working. And one day it will be revealed to us. Then we will understand. Until then let us rejoice in Him. Knowing God uses our suffering for His Divine, always good purpose.

Concluding thought and poem

So quickly we cast aside someone who fails to live up to our expectations. Yet, we need to step back. Remember God loves His called, redeemed children. He may chasten them. But He never lets go. I wrote this poem once upon a time for someone struggling with their own failure. Society rejected them as well. I, too, was rejected by the church at 18. No mercy to ask what had happened. They believed the worst; instead of finding the truth. Even more so because I had prior to this been what was considered the shining example. Yet, they did not see the pride within that needed to be sifted. Therefore they failed to reach out a hand of grace; because they felt more righteous condemning me.

God’s grace continued on to transform me in His grace and mercy. That church soon did not exist, having split apart from within.

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

Accused, Condemned in eyes of men

Rejected, hated for my sin

No one stopped to see my heart

Cast aside some broken part

That no one cared to see inside

The scars and sorrows that abide

A heart so filled with hopes and dreams

Of meadows green and crystal streams

Lay shattered, broken cast away

With nothing good or kind to say

Chorus

Then God’s Dear Grace that loved me so

Looked deep within and bid to know

Each crevice of my heart and soul

Each broken piece to then make whole

In Christ I am set free from sin

My guilt and shame all taken in

And bore upon that rugged cross

My strength to stand though all else loss

My sins all covered by His blood

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

How quickly men’s own selfish pride

Does cast away and cast aside

A fallen one—a broken heart

Who needs your hand to help them start?

Christ had come to heal the lame

To lift their guilt and take their shame

He called the sinners to His side

To know His love-in Him abide

So why do we not give our hand

To help a fallen one to stand

So, prideful man with heart so small

Be careful lest you too shall fall

Chorus

For it was God’s dear Grace that loved me so

Looked deep within and bid to know

Each crevice of my heart and soul

Each broken piece to then make whole

In Christ I am set free from sin

My guilt and shame all taken in

And bore upon that rugged cross

My strength to stand though all else loss

My sins all covered by His blood

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

Effie Darlene Barba

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

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

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

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

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

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How to Trust God as Our Guide in Life and in Death

June 9, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

One of the greatest modern hymns is “In Christ Alone” written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty in 2001. Verse 4 begins, “No guilt in life, no fear in death—this is the pow’r of Christ in me.” Those words bring tears to my eyes each time I hear them. How could it be: when I remember who I am? Each step of the way, I must lay aside my own self to focus on Him. For only through the power of Christ in me can I say, “no guilt in life.” I cannot imagine my life without the power God through the Holy Spirit provides me. And this only because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Sustaining me as my guide in Life and in Death. Oh, yes and no fear in death for He is the one to guide me there as well. What an amazing thought!

David wrote:

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23; 3-4 KJV

He guides me in paths of righteousness for HIS Name’s Sake, His Glory. I need to never forget that. I am the benefactor of His Grace, His Love, His Provision, His Joy, and His Ultimate Sacrifice to save me. Yet, the paths of righteousness through which He guides me are to shine His Glory through me to a dying world in need of Him. It is HIS Righteousness He desires to shine through me as He does and allows whatever it takes to transform my heart into one like His.

Our Guide in Life and in Death—God Desires True Worship

The children of Israel protested to God, saying: “Have you not seen how we are fasting and serving you?”

Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Isaiah 58: 3 KJV

So much like each of us. We want to think that we are seeking Him when in truth even that we can only do when we surround ourselves completely to His will and guidance. As this song written by Aaron Keys says:

“Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul

Not what my toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole

Not what I feel or do can give me peace with God

Not all my prayers and sighs and tears can bear my awful load

These guilty hands are raised, filthy rags are all I bring

And I have come to hide beneath your wings

These holy hands are raised, Washed in the fountain of your grace

And now I wear your righteousness

Thy work alone oh Christ can ease this weight of sin

Thy blood alone, oh Lamb of God, can give me peace within

Thy Love to me, oh God, not mine oh Lord to Thee

Can rid me of this dark unrest and set my Spirit free” ¹

_{¹ Keyes, Aaron: “Not What My Hands Have Done”. https://www.letras.com/aaron-keyes/1264536/ Accessed 6/8/2025}

I Need His Guide in Life and Death Transforming me

Only He can transform my heart to worship Him fully. I need Him to Guide me in life and death. Without that I am lost. But the truth is He is there within me. He has been there ever since the day I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Oh, so many times I, like the Israelites wanted to say, “I do all this for you.” But the truth is, that is when I get caught in my pride. Was it not pride that was the downfall of Satan? And did not Eve sin due to her pride and desire to be like God? Adam blatantly disobeyed God after Eve was deceived, wanting to fix things his own way. Yet, when I fall into self-pride. His rod of correction is the comfort to bring me back into the tenderness of His love. Restoring my joy in Him.

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Isaiah 58:6-7 KJV

When reaching out to help others, never forget thine own flesh which is weak. How easy it is to look at others and think we are better than they? Or to think, God could never forgive them. That is when I must remember, He forgave me—wretch that I am without Him. The darkest recesses of my heart, He saw and loved me. while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us Romans 5:8.

What Does He Promise When We Allow Him to Guide in Life and Death?

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily and thy righteousness shall go before thee. The glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.

Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:8-11 KJV

Oh, that He be ever before me and behind me, surrounding my every thought, word, and deed! That is my prayer every day. Let His Word so penetrate my mind, taking captive ever thought.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 KJV

Let God Be My Guide in Life and Death

And when I come to die, Give me Jesus²

_{²Afro-American Hymn, public domain https://hymnary.org/text/in_the_morning_when_i_rise_in_the_morn}

That is my cry as well. Let me be able to say, as Paul—”I have finished the race” God has promised to guide me in death as well as life. On that I am assured. We do not know when He will call us home. Nor if I will remain until the rapture; but, I do know He will be my guide in life and death. Not because of anything I have done; but, because of the miraculous saving Grace purchased on the cross by Jesus Christ.

We look around us and cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus”. Yet, He is not slow in His response. He will come at His perfect time. Until then, let us be faithful. My prayer in life or death to shine forth His love, His grace, and His glory. For that I must die to self and let Him shine through me. And when He calls me home, I pray my death be such as to proclaim His name to all around me. That I be faithful to the end. That I trust into His hands.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude1:24-25

No matter what tomorrow brings, this I know as did Habakkuk

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19

So, How Do We Trust God to Guide in Life and Death?

Trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Repent of your sin, believing He is the Son of God who died and rose again to pay the price for your sin.

Read His Word—devour it as one starved sits down to a meal.

Pray to Him—daily, alone and throughout the day. Let Him be the constant companion your mind reaches out to. The brain thinks continually—usually talking nonsense to one’s self. Why not spend that time talking with Him. He is there waiting to hear your voice. If nothing else to say, sing songs of praise to Him in your heart and mind.

Surrender to His Will—Knowing that He IS Omnipotent, Omniscient. The All Wise God who has promised only to reward those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 defines faith. without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Never forget ALL THINGS work together for good for those who know Him and are called according to His purpose. Why? Because even what we think are bad, He is using to transform us one glory at a time into the likeness of Jesus Christ. WHATEVER IT TAKES, I want a heart like His. we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

All of this begins with #1. Once you realize the truth of what He has done for you, His Love so overwhelming results in you loving Him so much you want to be with Him and to do His will. Knowing He will guide in life and death, so that you might know and experience His love, His joy, and His eternal life.

I Am in Christ, All I Am Not Alone

Oh, Father dear, help me to know

The truth of who I am

In Christ, You did on me bestow

All that I need down here below

That by my life I then might show

Your Spirits flame set bright Aglow

By Jesus Christ, the precious lamb

That You would take my wretched heart

So, broken by my sin

And through your Grace you did impart

Your righteousness to ne’er depart

Because in Christ, a brand-new start

That as your child, your dear sweetheart

Your spirit dwells within

Endowing me with all Your power

The same that rose Christ from the dead

By Grace through faith, on me did shower

The strength to stand firm like a tower

And from life’s fears to never cower

Because in Christ You did empower

Me to walk wherever led

So as in Christ I lean into

Abiding in His arms

I come to know that which You knew

My heart transformed by You

You alone will see me through

Each day by grace my heart renew

While learning of Your charms

I am Your Blessed, Beloved Child

Redeemed by Grace Alone

You looked upon my heart so wild

Who by this world had been beguiled!

Upon this broken one you smiled

With Patience, Mercy Oh so mild

You chose me as Your own

So, Help me Lord to comprehend

The depth and breadth of love divine

This broken heart, you chose to mend

Before the world to then defend

That I might find in You a friend

Although, my Lord on knee I bend

To give you all I thought was mine

So, take my heart and use it Lord

However, you desire

That I might then with one accord

Submit my will while marching toward

Your presence as my one reward

With truth my only sword

Your Love my impassioned fire

I am in Christ, all I was not

Before He called my name

For in my sin, I dare not rot

As would have been the Devil’s plot

For Christ did die, my freedom bought

And then by grace my heart He sought

How could I ever be the same?

With God my guide in life and death, then as Paul let me say,

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Philippians 1: 20-26 KJV

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21

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

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

How to Sincerely Trust God when Sorrow Fills Your Heart

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

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

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

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How to Sincerely Trust God when Sorrow Fills Your Heart

June 1, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Jesus had just told His apostles that He was going away. He knew their hearts were filled with great sorrow. They did not fully understand. Besides, their minds could not comprehend nor hear the full truth of the matter. So, He told them. “When I leave the Comforter will come. He will teach you all you need to know.” So, what about you when sorrow fills your heart? What are you to do? Or I? There is sorrow all around us and within. We look at the world, the wars, the bitterness, and the pain. Deep inside our hearts are filled with great, grievous sorrow. Yet, the Bible tells us to rejoice in Jesus Christ. How? When all around and within we see pain. When sorrow fills Your Heart, what are you supposed to do? How do you sincerely trust God when all you see, and feel is sorrow?

In Psalm 39, David determined to keep silent. After all, if he spoke all of what he felt it could be seen as a lack of faith. Indeed, it could bring dishonor to God. He certainly did not want that. God might see it as sin. Furthermore, those who heard his wails of sorrow and grief would be convinced God had failed David. Therefore, God could not be trusted. Or so they would think. For that reason, he kept silent.

I said, “I will guard my ways,

Lest I sin with my tongue;

I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle,

While the wicked are before me.”

I was mute with silence,

I held my peace even from good; Psalm 39:1-2 (NKJV)

So, when sorrow fills your heart, are you to just keep it bottled up within to avoid sin? Let us see what happened next for David.

When Sorrow Fills Your Heart and You Are Silent

my sorrow was stirred up.

My heart was hot within me;

While I was musing, the fire burned.

Then I spoke with my tongue:

“Lord, make me to know my end,

And what is the measure of my days,

That I may know how frail I am.

Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,

And my age is as nothing before You;

Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah Psalm 39:2-5 NKJV

Holding it all in when sorrow fills your heart is not good either. It grew within David until he fully despaired of life. Just please tell me when I am going to die. Have you ever been there? I have. “Lord, I am tired. It has been a long journey. Are you taking me home?” That was my cry when facing grave illness and sorrow. Where was I to find the faith to sincerely trust God amid all the pain and sorrow of life? How do you step forward?

Well, first as David did, you take it to God. You cannot hide your sorrow from He who created you and loves you. When sorrow fills your heart pour out your heart to Him.

Second, When Sorrow fills Your heart confess all your sins.

Those sins that are known and those that are unknown. Ask forgiveness. Often, in ignorance we have marched on in life not recognizing the acts of pride and arrogance driving our own lives. We tend to overlook our own failures. While clearly seeing the failures of others. How often has it been a lack of faith that drove us to despair? David next recognized that whatever came into his life came from God. Therefore, it may have been God’s hand of correction reaching forth.

And now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in You.

Deliver me from all my transgressions;

Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.

I was mute, I did not open my mouth,

Because it was You who did it.

Psalm 39: 7-9 (NKJV)

Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. Psalm 39:10 KJV

With rebukes You punish a person for wrongdoing;

You consume like a moth what is precious to him;

Certainly all mankind is mere breath! Selah

“Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry for help;

Do not be silent to my tears;

For I am a stranger with You,

One who lives abroad, like all my fathers. Psalm 39:11-12 NASB

O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. Psalm 39:13 KVJ

What began as a bitter complaint against God for the depths of His sorrow, now became a plea for greater understanding. The plea of David transformed into his recognizing his own transgression leading to a separation from the full depth of God’s spirit. When we are in full communion with Him, sorrow cannot fully consume us. Instead, we recognize that underneath it all is God’s Sovereign Hand guiding us every step of the way.

When Sorrow Fills Your Heart, Wait

Psalm 40 follows up when Psalm 39 ended.

I waited patiently for the Lord;

And He reached down to me and heard my cry.

He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud;

And He set my feet on a rock, making my footsteps firm.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;

Many will see and fear

And will trust in the Lord.

How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,

And has not turned to the [c]proud, nor to those who become involved in falsehood.

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done,

And Your thoughts toward us;

There is no one to compare with You.

If I would declare and speak of them,

They would be too numerous to count. Psalm 40:1-5

Study His Word, When Sorrow Fills Your Heart

David also knew that relief came in studying His word. And then, instead of silence preach His word to all of whom you meet. Sing of His wonder. To do that you must hide His word in your heart.

Then I said, “Behold, I have come;

It is written of me in the scroll of the book.

I delight to do Your will, my God;

Your Law is within my heart.”

I have proclaimed good news of righteousness in the great congregation;

Behold, I will not restrain my lips,

Lord, You know.

I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;

I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;

I have not concealed Your mercy and Your truth from the great congregation.

You, Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me;

Your mercy and Your truth will continually watch over me. Psalm 40:7-11 NASB

Does that mean all the original circumstances go away?

No! But how you see them changes.

For evils beyond number have surrounded me;

My guilty deeds have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;

They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,

And my heart has failed me.

Be pleased, Lord, to rescue me;

Hurry, Lord, to help me.

May those be ashamed and humiliated together

Who seek my life to destroy it;

May those be turned back and dishonored

Who delight in my hurt.

May those be appalled because of their shame

Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;

May those who love Your salvation continually say,

“The Lord be exalted!” But I am afflicted and needy;

May the Lord be mindful of me.

You are my help and my savior;

Do not delay, my God. Psalm 40:12-17 NASB

Now, in humility David sees that God is His answer and hope. He is his Savior and his help when overwhelmed with sorrow. He is your hope also when Sorrow fills Your Heart.

When Sorrow Fills Your Heart Seek God as the Fountain of Living Water

Just as you seek for a cool refreshing drink of water in a dry and thirsty land, seek the fountain of living water. Jesus is that fountain.

As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for You, God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;

When shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

I remember these things and pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go over with the multitude and walk them to the house of God,

With a voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude celebrating a festival.

Why are in despair, my soul?

And why are you restless within me?

Wait for God, for I will again praise Him

For the help of His presence, my God. Psalm 42:1-5 NASB

Yes, the sorrows of this world, leave us parched. But He is the fresh brook of living water we need. Preach it to yourself every day. Remember the depth of grace you have been given. I must remember that in truth, I do not deserve the joy He gives me. Instead, I deserve the wrath He took for me on the cross. All I have has been an act of His grace toward me. So, what have I to worry and fret about? His light will guide me.

Send out Your light and Your truth, they shall lead me;

They shall bring me to Your holy hill

And to Your dwelling places.

Then I will go to the altar of God,

To God my exceeding joy;

And I will praise You on the lyre, God, my God. Psalm 43: 3-4 NASB

He is my joy.

So, to recap, when sorrow fills your heart:

Do not moan and groan to the world. Nor go about with a sour face. And do not go about with a fake smile either.

Call upon God who is your joy. Set aside time alone with Him.

Tell Him all you feel and ask He open your eyes to know His way

Read the word of God, seek His will

Ask for forgiveness of your known sin and knowledge of your unknown sin before Him. He will reveal to you all you need to restore your joy in Him.

Preach the truth to yourself and others. Use your past sorrows to tell others of His faithfulness through it all.

Seek Him as a deer searching for fresh water in a dry and parched land. He will provide all you need. Only He can give you true joy.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:7-11 KJV