Category: trusting God

Trusting in Yourself?

Old Testament: Jeremiah 51-52
Poetry: Proverbs 28
New Testament: Revelation 1


So, I spent most of today on a ladder. Not to sound too pompous, but I recently purchased “The Little Giant.” I was very excited. I tried to make it into a shape that would fit on our stairs, but I wasn’t having much luck. Finally, I let the ladder be and watched a few videos about how to use it. I then swallowed my pride and asked my husband for assistance. With some wrangling and a
few terse comments (I’m sorry Daniel!) we got the ladder into a position in which I could reach the areas I intend to paint. Later, we had a good laugh when Dan sent me the meme of a guy falling off a ladder saying, “When I lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). I do feel so bad for that guy and I am very glad I didn’t follow in his direction. We see a very similar verse in Proverbs 28:26. “He who follows his own heart is a fool.” In both verses, when we do not
seek out wise counsel and mentorship as I have mentioned before, we will lead ourselves astray.


While standing on the ladder, I mulled over the verses in Jeremiah, I wondered why kings did not listen to Jeremiah. They didn’t even have to seek him out. He was right there at their beck and call. They knew he was wise and sent from the Lord. I just don’t understand. Jeremiah 51 recaps what was going to happen to Babylon; Jeremiah even notes that there was opportunity for repentance but the Babylonian king was not interested. Jeremiah 52 recaps all that had happened to Zedekiah, Jehoiachin, and the people of Judah. Zedekiah never does turn things
around. I am unclear as to when or if Jehoiachin turned to the Lord but his story does end nicely. It is believed by many scholars that he did repent and that is why he did have a descendant return to the throne despite the Lord’s initial punishment denying descendants the throne. But it just seems to me that every story would have had a better outcome if they had just listened to the Lord.


Luckily for us, John did exactly what he was told and recorded what he saw in the vision he had seen and sent it to the seven churches in Asia, which is modern day Turkey. As frightening as Revelation can be, I love that in chapter 1, Christ starts with assuring John and us that HE is in control. We don’t have to lean on our understanding, make decisions without Godly counsel, or live lives without a future hope. Not to give away the ending, but Christ wins it all and if we believe in him, we will win too.


Had I not followed the directions in the videos for my new fancy ladder, I might not be writing this tonight as I might be in a cast. I know I sound like a broken record at this point (have someone over 50 explain what that means if you don’t know) but scripture repeats this too. Trust the Lord, follow His commands, give Him control of your life. It will not lead to a perfect life, but it will be a life tested and approved.

-Maria Knowlton

Questions for Reflection

  1. When have you tried to do things (regarding ladders or life) your own way and what was the result?
  2. When have you walked in wisdom instead – and what was the result?
  3. Who has shared wise counsel with you when you needed it? How did they do so?
  4. How does it help reading Revelation – and going through life – knowing how the story ends? Who do you know who might not have heard yet how the story ends? How can you share the story and wise counsel with them?
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A Proverb a Day Keeps the Folly at Bay #3

Old Testament: Jeremiah 29 & 30

Poetry: Proverbs 18

New Testament: 1 John 1

Today is the final day we’re digging deep into a single Proverb. One of the wonderful things about Proverbs is that each verse can get us thinking about things that are nowhere to be found in the text–it pushes our attention beyond what is written. This one (Proverbs 18:11, ESV) says that “[a] rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.” On the surface, Solomon seems to suggest that a person who has gained wealth has put themselves in a good position–setting themselves up for a life free from worry. But is this what Solomon was getting at and is this how we should view wealth?  

What is often overlooked about money is why it is valuable. The currency we hold on paper, plastic, or even digitally gives us power–the ability to buy things we need to survive and things we want to have for a more pleasing life. If money didn’t give us this power, we wouldn’t want it. There are still societies today that do not use money as we know it, where people use other means to exchange things for survival. But if you are reading this, you are likely in the wealthy half of the world and money is an important part of how your life runs–so, you need to know how to use this thing that gives you the power to live in the 21st century.  

We seem to take it for granted that having money allows us to live without worrying about where our food and water will come from. This speaks to the vast difference between our day and Solomon’s. Back then, when there was a famine, almost everyone had to deal with it. Now, if you are lucky enough to live in a country like the US, you may not even notice or care how crops do from one year to the next–it doesn’t really affect you. Our money offers a sort of protection against the worry that has absorbed most of human history and still does in many parts of the world today. Perhaps this is what Solomon meant about wealth being a strong city: its protection. 

But as one can see throughout history, strong cities often fall (however surprising their downfalls seem in the heights of their power). This brings us to consider Solomon’s words from another angle. No matter how much comfort and security our money may give us, it could be gone in a moment–our grasp on our wealth is weak. But this doesn’t have to be a scary thing for us. It could be liberating. It could be the catalyst to pursue that which isn’t fragile–something strong, enduring, made to last. Where do we find such a thing?  

There are several of Jesus’ teachings on money recorded in the Gospels that reflect the disadvantages of trusting in wealth. The most important teachings, I think, are about what we should value instead of money. In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples not to store up treasures here on earth, that they can only serve one master (or become double-minded), and that they shouldn’t be worried about all the things they need money to buy. Instead, he tells them that they should have treasure in Heaven, and that they should seek after the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. If they do, they won’t have to worry about other things (the things people usually worry about).   

When we take the words of Jesus and Solomon together, a clearer picture of wealth begins to develop. Sure, money can do a lot of things for us–it can generally grant security and peace of mind for a moment–but it is still fragile. It can be compared to a magnificent city. In our imagination, we can envision it as a high wall. But walls crumble and cities fall–often rapidly and without much warning. We may think our money can keep us safe, but without warning that could change. We must find something else to put our trust in, we must find something else that isn’t prone to the same weaknesses as cash. Inflation may affect the purchasing power of a dollar, but it cannot affect the power of the kingdom of God. Nothing can and nothing will shake the kingdom of God—if we trust in it and not our money, fear won’t shake us either.   

-Joel Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. What gives you security? What do you put your trust in?
  2. What are the dangers of putting your trust in your money?
  3. What other Proverbs and Biblical teachings come to mind regarding what view we should take towards money and how we should use it?
  4. What do you know about God and His Kingdom that you can trust in?
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How Long, Lord?

Old Testament: Jeremiah 19 & 20

Poetry: Proverbs 13 & today’s devotion on Psalm 13

New Testament: 1 Peter 5

I am not a very patient person, and I don’t believe we are very patient people sometimes, especially in America. We want instant gratification for our efforts and results for all of our hard work. If you don’t believe me, let me ask you a simple question: “How long are you willing to wait in the McDonald’s drive-thru?” If we are being honest, if we have to wait any longer than 5 minutes for fast food, we are getting a little frustrated. If we are approaching 10 minutes, we consider new options that will be faster. We want what we want now, and we don’t want to wait to receive it.

However, there are many times in life when patience is required. That is the case for the Psalmist in Psalm 13, who is crying out to God, “How long?” The Psalmist is struggling with something or someone and feels like God is blatantly ignoring him. He demands that God come and answer him for his sorrows, or he might as well die (similar to Job’s story in the previous book). The Psalmist doesn’t want to wait for God to answer; he wants an answer now. But he ultimately trusts that God will be good to him, despite what is happening (verse 5-6). Even though he doesn’t get an answer, the Psalmist rejoices that God is still good above all else.

I had a friend from Kenya named Grace that would always tell me not to worry, because God is still good. She was with me in central Atlanta when a head-gasket blew on my car and I said some not-so-good words in frustration. I was fuming mad, unsure of how I was going to get back to my apartment a half-hour away. Yet, she turned to me in my anger and said, “God is still good”, creating a sense of peace in this moment of discouragement. (A tow truck showed up shortly afterwards to help us move my car back to McDonough). Although I felt like God was either punishing me for something, or simply ignoring my predicament, I had peace thanks to a good friend who reminded me of what the Psalmist knew: God is still good. Brothers and sisters, although you may be struggling right now and facing some difficult circumstances, we can still rejoice in knowing that our God is still good. We need to make it a priority to “cast all of our anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7), and simply trust that He will deal bountifully with us. Will you put your trust in God’s goodness today, despite your circumstances?

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you remember waiting for, for a long time? Was the waiting worth it in the end? How patient were you while you were waiting?
  2. Have you ever felt forgotten by God? Why might the Lord make us wait?
  3. In what ways can we share the message that God is still good – even when we are waiting?
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When Life is Unfair

Old Testament: Jeremiah 13 & 14

Poetry: Proverbs 10 and/or Psalm 10

New Testament: 1 Peter 2

Does life ever seem unfair? Why does it seem like the people who are trying their hardest to do the “right thing” often face the greatest difficulties? Is it worth it to continue on the path you’re following, when it seems like you can never get ahead?

My wife and I had to ask ourselves these questions a couple years ago, as we were faced with the possibility of never having children of our own. We watched multiple individuals who were having child after child and living in very sinful conditions, and yet, we had been going to church faithfully, giving financially to God’s ministries, and trying our hardest to be holy. “Why should they be parents and not us?” Everything seemed unfair and out of order, and we had a very difficult time answering these questions honestly. Our faith and trust in God wavered sometimes, questioning why things are the way that they are.

Some of you may have felt this way too in your own way. “Everyone else seems to be successful except for me: why is God not blessing my efforts?” Thankfully, these questions are not new, but are ancient; we see them asked by the author of Psalm 10. He is calling for God to answer the questions we are asking today, about why the wicked seem to prosper when God’s people are suffering. What is amazing about this Psalm is that God doesn’t answer the author: he comes to his senses on his own, resting in the truth that God is King forever and will eventually take care of His people forever (verse 16-18). Knowing this truth about who our God is leads us out of the darkness of doubt, and into the glory of rest in His promises.

Brothers and sisters, this life was never meant to be “fair”; you will suffer, struggle, and feel like God isn’t listening to you. However, Jesus went through much worse than we can imagine, and God vindicated him by raising him from the dead (1 Peter 2:21-25). We were called to follow his example in suffering for good, but will eventually receive the reward of eternal life when he returns, just like he did. Although there are difficulties now, they cannot compare with the glory that’s to come in God’s Kingdom (Romans 8:18). If you are having a rough time right now, find some peace in knowing that Jesus understands your struggle and God will reward you in the end for your steadfast patience. Don’t give up; things are going to get better.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you struggled with an unfair life and perhaps doubted God’s goodness and power?
  2. When that happens how can we be reminded of God’s promises?
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Maturity

Old Testament: Jeremiah 7 & 8

Poetry: Proverbs 7

New Testament: James 5

James has focused his entire letter on Christian maturity — both in our faithfulness to God and in our conduct toward others. It’s not enough to just call ourselves Christ followers; we must be continually striving to grow closer to Him in our behavior, our morality, and our internal attitudes. Now James concludes his letter, and he does so by talking about where we place our trust in this life. This is very much a continuation of the thoughts James shares in chapter 4:7–12: Trusting God instead of the world.

“Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!

Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Now above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. Your “yes” must be “yes,” and your “no” must be “no,” so that you won’t fall under judgment.”

James 5:7–12

The impatience and callousness that can come from trusting in our wealth compared with the patience and strength that comes with trusting in God is the theme of chapter 5 of James. He puts this patience in the context of a farmer who has to keep a long-term view of their work, knowing that a lack of patience could result in a ruined crop. Our trust in God encourages us to be patient with Him as well as with one another.

Take people like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Job as examples of this kind of patience and trust. Their examples testify to us that our patient faith can endure anything through the Father. These people should be role models to us, not simply icons of faith. We should look at the way they endured their trials, at the ways they overcame discouragement and outright persecution, and strive to do the same.

Then we get to the “above all” statement. This is the sum of everything James has written so far regarding our mature faith. Putting God’s word into action, showing generosity, overcoming prejudice, taming our tongues, growing in humility, and putting our trust where it belongs — all of this boils down to a very simple principle: be honest.

·       If we are honest with our perspective about suffering, we will understand that pains of this life are temporary and look to God’s greater purpose for us.

·       If we are honest with God’s word, then we will put it into practice when it tells us to change things in our lives.

·       If we are honest with the example Jesus has left us, then we will put others before self, discard prejudice, and seek mercy before judgments.

·       If we are honest with ourselves, we will be mindful of the ways we use our words and control our language even when angered or frustrated.

·       If we are honest about our place in Creation, we will be humble before God and put His will before our own.

·       If we are honest in humility, then we will place our trust in the Creator rather than the perishable things He has created.

Applying the wisdom in James takes time. God has not left you alone in this but will work this out for you if you are humble and honest. May you be blessed this week and always seek the Kingdom.

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. Honestly evaluate what you most often put your trust in. Your wealth, the world, your job, your family, your Creator? How can you display more trust in God Almighty? What would that look like?
  2. How mature is your Christian faith? What would help you grow even more mature?
  3. How would you rate yourself on each of the “If we are honest…” statements above? Which one do you think God would most like you to work on right now? What would be a great first step? Pray and tell God about the change and action steps you would like to make.
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Part 2

Old Testament: Isaiah 65 & 66

Poetry: Proverbs 1 & 2

(Sorry, yesterday I missed that the month Of October we will be re-reading the book of Proverbs with one chapter every day- the 1st chapter on the 1st of Oct, the 2nd chapter on the 2nd, and so on…we will return to Psalms on Nov. 1)

New Testament: James 5

Today, we will continue with the devotion Andy started on James 4. Yesterday he wrote about considering the proper view of life. Here is today’s …

The right view of God. What is the right view of God that he teaches us to have in verse 15 of James 4? He tells us two very important things about God. One is contained in the words: “If the Lord wills, we will live.” And the other is contained in the words, “If the Lord wills, we will . . . do this or that.” How would you state the truth about God contained in each of those two sentences?

First, when he says, “If the Lord wills, we will live,” he teaches us that the duration of our lives is in the hands of God. Or: God governs how long we will live. Or: God is ultimately in control of life and death. We may not know how long our vapor-like life will linger in the air, but God knows because God decides how long we will live: “If the Lord wills we will live.” And James is saying: If this is a true view of life and God, then it should shape our mindset and shape our way of talking.

In Acts 18:21, Paul left Ephesus and said, “I will return to you again if God wills.” In 1 Corinthians 4:19 he writes, “I will come to you soon if the Lord wills.” For most of his life, he did not know if the next town might be his burial place. That was in the hands of God. And so are our lives. God will decide how long we live and when we die. James’ point is: that God means for that truth – that reality – to shape our mindset and our attitude and our words. He means for that truth to be known and spoken about. He means for it to be a part of the substance of our conversation. God means for a true view of himself to be known and believed and embraced and cherished and kept in mind and spoken of. “Instead you ought to say . . .”

Now, there is another truth about God in verse 15: When he says, “If God wills we will . . . do this or that,” he teaches us that the activities and accomplishments of our lives are in God’s hands. God governs what we accomplish. Not only are our lives in his hands, our success is in his hands. “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” “If the Lord wills . . . we will do this or that.” And if the Lord does not will, we will not do this or that. Whether we do this or that in all of our business is in the hands of God.

So what was wrong with what these people said in verse 13: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit'”? What’s wrong with that? What’s wrong is that it does not give expression to a true view of life or God. Specifically, it does not give expression to the truth that life is a vapor, and it does not give expression to the truth that God governs the length of our lives and the achievements of our lives.

Is there a deeper problem here than just the absence of true words and the presence of bad theology? Yes, there is, and James describes it in verse 16: “But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.” The root problem is arrogance or pride, and the expression of that arrogance, he says, is “boasting.” And all they said was, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” That’s all they said. And James calls it boasting and says it’s rooted in arrogance. I look very carefully to the bible as well as to my own life to see what real arrogance is. It is arrogant not to believe in the heart and confess with the lips that how long you live and what you accomplish are ultimately in the hands of God. How are you planning? With God on your mind or in your own thoughts and strength? My prayer for you is that you take a look at the plans you are making and consider God in all of them.

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. Is it important to you to do your planning (and speaking of them) as James, and God, teach here in James 4? If so, how can you work at keeping God foremost in all of your planning? How can you share that with others when you speak of your plans?
  2. How often do you remember that your life is a vapor and your life and death and activities are in God’s hands? How does keeping that in mind affect your thoughts, words and plans?
  3. How are you sometimes guilty of pride and arrogant boasting? What is the remedy?
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In Its Time

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 59-60

Poetry Reading: Psalm 88

New Testament: James 2

These two chapters read together continue a familiar pattern that we have run across several times this week already in Isaiah. We see rebuking of sin and rejection of the LORD followed by compassion and a plan of reconciliation to the LORD.

Chapter 59 starts with a good reminder too that sin separates us from God not because God doesn’t hear, cannot save, or we are beyond his reach. The separation comes from us through our wrongdoings. Verse seven uses the words destruction and devastation and I can’t think of any more accurate words to describe how a life without the LORD would be. Yet, so many people in this world live this way every day.

So often, I hear Christians in difficult times say, “I can’t imagine life without God”, and that is so true of how I feel as well. Even in the worst of circumstances and turmoil, if we are reconciled to God through Jesus, aware of the hope of His eternal kingdom and plan, and trusting Him, we feel a connection and peace that sustains us.  Currently I have a dear friend I have worked with for years who is in her fourth year of a faithful battle with a rare cancer, her son-in-law was tragically murdered eight years ago in a random act of violence while he was on a prayer vigil walk, leaving behind her daughter and their newborn grandchild, and now that daughter is remarried with a 3 week old baby who is currently hospitalized having constant seizures, recently diagnosed with an incredibly rare genetic mutation which will lead to increasing seizures and tremendous danger if not stopped. This diagnosis has led to one of the few specialists in the country experienced in this diagnosis doing a pediatric neurosurgery in Washington DC which will leave her newborn daughter with half of a brain, obviously creating tremendous risk and unknowns for everyone involved. And yet, my friend and her daughter, in the darkest times or the lighthearted ones, sound so much more at peace, sustained, and reasonable than those I know with the smallest of stressors who lack a relationship with God.  Isaiah 59 talks about the separation, growling, gloom, moaning, of those who are separated from the LORD due to sin, even “like the dead” verse 10 tells us. A life without the LORD and without His redemption and hope is not a life worth living. My heart goes out to those living that way at this moment, and my heart is sustained by Isaiah 59:21 and Isaiah 60 because it is not the way God has left us to live.

Thankfully, where Isaiah 59:16 mentions there was no one to intercede, we have an intercessor on our behalf now.  Thankfully, where Jerusalem has seen its ups and downs and enemies from all around over the centuries, Isaiah 60 concludes with what appears to be reference to the New Jerusalem. One so bright with the glory of God we won’t need the sun or moon. One without devastation or destruction (remember Chapter 59?). One without violence. A land possessed forever. Isaiah 60:21 gives us one of my favorite promises about it too….”your people shall all be righteous“! A wonderful, sin-less, perfect, peaceful, joyful place.

When?

       “I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it”

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Isaiah 60:22.

-Jennifer Hall

Reflection Questions:

1. Knowing you are never beyond God’s reach, when you are feeling separated from God, what from His word today might help you in your path of reconciliation?

2. What might help sustain you or others in your life through the difficult times as you wait for the New Jerusalem to descend in the LORD’s time?

3. What attribute of the New Jerusalem mentioned in Isaiah 60 comforts you most?

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Exercising Faith

Old Testament: Isaiah 33 & 34

Poetry: Psalm 75

New Testament: Mark 6

In Mark chapter 6, Jesus summons his disciples to go on a boat to Bethsaida, while he stays behind on land to pray. Their boat got to the middle of the lake, and Jesus, seeing them, started walking towards them. Little did they know, he was walking on water towards the boat. After seeing him, they immediately thought he was a ghost and were terrified. Seeing them frightened, he immediately said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 


   Jesus, with the power of His Father God, walked on water, which is not normal in any way, but Jesus told them to not be afraid. Do you sometimes find it hard to trust in God? It might be during a hard test, you might be in a difficult situation with your family or friends, or maybe you’re a new brother or sister of Christ who is struggling to find their purpose in the world. Trusting in God can lift a heavy weight off your shoulders. Faith is a lot like a muscle. The more we exercise our faith, the stronger our trust in God becomes. When we practice and train ourselves to have more faith, it becomes easier to have trust, and to rely on God. So ask yourself, are you willing to practice trusting in him?

-Hannah Bormes

Reflection Questions

  1. When was the last time you exercised your faith muscle? How did it work out for you?
  2. In what current situation would Jesus tell you to not be afraid? Why? How can exercising your faith muscles help you lessen your fear?
  3. What might God be asking you to do with His power?
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“Why Are You So Afraid?”

Old Testament: Isaiah 29 & 30

Poetry: Psalm 73

*New Testament: Mark 4

This will be a shorter one and something to reflect on throughout the day.  Something that can be applied to everyone’s life in a different way.  In this chapter there is a great windstorm.  Personally, I hate storms, ask anyone who’s been near me when one happens, I tense up and want to just get away from it, they terrify me.  And it terrified the disciples too.  They proceed to wake Jesus up who calmed the storm.  He asks them after “Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith?”.

If we look at our own lives, we also have storms.  Most of them won’t be actual storms that can shake a house or uproot a tree, but things in our own lives that cause worry and doubt.  They will differ from person to person and even day to day.  I’m also sure some of my storms would look like little spouts of rain compared to the hurricanes others face.  But look at what Jesus said, “Why are you so afraid?”.  I can’t pretend to know what everyone who reads this is going through.  But ask yourself – why are you so afraid?  Is what you’re afraid of that important in the grand scheme?  Take a step back and look at it. 

And the second thing Jesus asks them, “Have you still no faith?”.  Have you no faith that you can prevail?  Have you no faith that there is one greater than us who cares for each one of us personally, one who loves each of us?  Have you no faith there is a Kingdom coming that will put an end to every storm you face?  You can prevail.  Have faith in that, and have faith there is and always will be one stronger than you that you can always trust to be there. 

As you go through your day reflect on your own storms and ask yourself “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

-Philip Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you find yourself afraid of? Why? What causes you to worry or doubt? Why? Is there a better way to look at what causes you fear, worry and doubt?
  2. Do you know “someone” larger than your fears that you can always trust? How has he proven he is trustworthy?
  3. How can we each work at growing our faith so it is stronger in the storms?
  4. Who do you know who has a strong faith you can learn from?
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Prayer of an Aged Saint

Old Testament: Isaiah 25 & 26

Poetry: Psalm 71

New Testament: Mark 2

When I was a young pastor’s wife in my 20’s and 30’s, I had many older role models in our congregations.  These special saints had been faithful through the years despite the challenges and sorrows of our present world.  They trusted God’s direction and His goodness, and they were still devotedly serving Him at church and in their everyday lives. 

I, (and my pastor-husband), valued and yes, cherished the encouragement and support they lovingly gave us.  How I long to see them again!

Various dear ones come to mind—the balding Wisconsin farmer, cracking jokes, yet tender-hearted; the precious old Indiana couple who held hands in church, except when they held my year-old son while I played the piano for the worship service; dear Missouri ladies who “loved” on my children and us; the welcoming Minnesota saint who hugged me at our first meeting, and could outwork women thirty years younger! 

Psalm 71, one of our readings for today, has brought to mind these beloved individuals, as well as many others, who we were blessed to know and love in the pastorates we served.  An apt title for this Psalm could be “Prayer of an Aged Saint.”

The writer of this Psalm begins by saying he has taken refuge in God, and he asks for deliverance.  He turns to God to rescue him, basing his trust on the help he has received from Him down through the years.

“For You are my hope;
Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.
 I have leaned on you since my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb;
My praise is continually of You.”  Verses 5 and 6 

Then, the Psalmist confirms he is no longer a youth.

“Do not cast me away at the time of my old age;
Do not abandon me when my strength fails.”  Verse 9

Even at his advanced age, our writer once again faces an enemy.  “Wrong doer, ruthless man”, (verse 4); “adversaries” (verse 13) are some of the words used to describe this enemy. 

And yet his ultimate trust in God’s intervention in his life is evident. 

“But as for me, I will wait continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the art of writing.
I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.” Verses 14-16

The Psalmist’s worship turns into a declaration, a witness of the greatness of God.  And it doesn’t end there. 

“God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.

 And even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.”  Verses 17 and 18

Throughout the writer’s entire life, from his youth to his old age, God has been present and working in his life.  And now, as he nears the end of that life, his firm desire is to declare God’s strength and faithfulness to succeeding generations.  He wants the younger individuals that are part of his life, or simply have observed his life, to understand the ultimate “goodness of God.” 

Once, I too, was young.  Now, I can identify with the writer of this Psalm.  How good and faithful our mighty God has been to me.  He has rescued me from troubles. He has daily strengthened me.  He has been my Rock (verse 3) when all else failed. 

The dear saints in our pastorates that I grew to love, left a legacy of faith for me and others.  I pray my life is also “declaring God’s strength to this generation.” 

 Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  Do you have an older Christian who is a role model to you?
  2. Have you told those role models what they mean to you?
  3. The Psalmist says he doesn’t know the art of writing, so he needs to make mention, to declare, God’s righteousness and strength.  Think about ways you can talk about and show your friends and loved ones what God has done in your life. 
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