Author: David

Against All Hope We In Hope Believe
(based on Romans 4:18)

God’s Message to Abraham.

“You are the designated father to a multitude of nations before God. In whom thou hast believed; who quickeneth the dead, and calls those things which are not, as if they were. Without hope Abraham believes. In the promise of becoming the father of a multitude of nations.”

This is God’s promise to Abraham:

“So will thy seed be.” (Rom 4:18)

The patriarch was not sickly in his faith. It would have been easy to doubt while contemplating his sluggish body. (for he was a hundred years old.) And the torpid womb of Sarah. Abraham stayed faithful. He did not ignore the realities. Abraham never once hesitated. He embraced God’s Word as God’s promise. The promise of God, is where Abraham shows us he is not one lacking faith. But he was strong in faith, and gave glory to God; (Rom 4:17-20, Murdock, paraphrased)

The promise (or covenant) God gave Abraham stated that Abraham would be the father of many nations. (Gen 17:2-4) And that the entire world would affected , blessed,through him (Gen 12:3). This promise being fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus was from Abraham’s line, and the whole world is experiencing the blessing. God kept His promise to Abraham.

Abraham never once doubted that God would fulfill his promise. Abraham’s life reveals many mistakes, sins, and failures. I see many similarities there with myself. As well as amazing examples of wisdom and goodness. Abraham trusted God. His faith being strengthened by the obstacles he faced, and his life was an example of faith in action.

One look at his own resources and strengths would spell doom. Subduing Canaan and founding a nation demands undying faith. Complete trust. Looking to self, he would have given up in despair. He would have failed. But Abraham looked to God, obeyed him, and waited for God to fulfill his word.

Against all hope, Abraham in hope, believed. And so became the father of many nations. As it is is written

“So will your offspring be.”

Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead. Since Abraham was about a hundred years old. And that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Abraham still did not waver through unbelief about the promise of God,. Abraham strengthened in his faith. And gave glory to God. Being persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it “attributed to him” as righteousness.”

The words “attributed to him” are written not for him alone. , but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness. For us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was obedient unto death for our sins and experienced resurrection. For our justification. (Rom 4:18-25)

Paul explains that Abraham had pleased God through faith. IN CHRIST alone. Before he had ever heard about the rituals that would become so important to the Jewish people. We, too, have salvation by faith IN CHRIST plus nothing. It is not by loving God and doing good that we experience salvation. Neither is it by faith plus love or by faith plus good deeds. We experience salvation by grace, only through faith IN CHRIST. Trusting him to forgive all our sins.

With great clearness and power the apostle presented the doctrine. Justification by faith in Christ. He hoped that other churches also might receive help. By the instruction sent to the Christians at Rome. But how could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! Through all the ages the great truth of justification by faith has stood as a mighty beacon. To guide repentant sinners into the way of life. It was this light that scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther’s mind. And revealed to him the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. (Eph 2:13). The same light has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the true Source of pardon and peace. (John 14:27)

For the epistle to the church at Rome, every Christian has reason to thank God. {AA 373.3}

The prophet Isaiah looked down through the centuries. And saw the rejection of prophet after prophet. And finally of the Son of God. By inspiration, Isaiah accepted the Redeemer. So too did those who had never before counted as among the children of Israel.

Referring to this prophecy, Paul declares: “Esaias is very bold. He saith: “they found me who sought me not.” I was manifest unto them that asked not after Me. But to Israel He saith, All day long I have stretched forth My hands. Unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.”

Even though Israel rejected His Son, God did not reject them. Listen to Paul as he continues the argument: “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Do you not realize what the Scripture saith of Elias? He makes intercession to God. Against Israel. Saying, Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down Thine altars; and I am left alone. And they seek my life.

But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Israel had stumbled and fallen, but this did not make it impossible for them to rise again. In answer to the question, “Have they stumbled that they should fall?” the apostle replies: “God forbid. But rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles. To provoke them to jealousy. The fall of them be the riches of the world. The diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles. I magnify my appointed office. If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what must the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

It was God’s purpose that His grace reveal itself among the Gentiles as well as among the Israelites. This had been outlined in Old Testament prophecies. The apostle uses some of these prophecies in his argument.

“Hath not the potter power over the clay?” he inquires, “of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, was willing to show His wrath? And to make His power known. And endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction? That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy. Which He had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

As He said: I will call them My people, which were not My people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it will come to pass. In the place where God said unto them, Ye are not My people; there will they known as the children of the living God.” (See Hosea 1:10).

Who against hope believed in hope

The faith of Abraham. It bore an exact correspondence to the power and never-failing faithfulness of God. In the ordinary course of things, he had not the best foundation of hope. Yet he believed that he should be the father of many nations. All according to that which God promised. That his posterity should be like the stars of heaven for multitude, and like the dust of the earth.

When Abraham was too old. Beyond any hope of having a child, he based his hope on God’s promises instead. He believed that his offspring would be as many as the stars of the heavens. Because the all-powerful God had promised it.

Notice the remarkable alteration made by the R.V. in Rom 4:19. The A.V. suggests that Abraham refused to consider the physical disabilities. Which seemed to make the fulfillment of God’s promise impossible;.

the R.V. says that he looked them all in the face. As though taking into account all their significance and force. Then he looked to the promise. After balancing one against the other. He decided that the Word of God must stand. Great and forbidding were the difficulties in the way. He realized that what God had promised, God was able to perform.

Let us remember. From the time we trust Christ. Whatever may have been our present frailties and temptations. We being reckoned as righteous in the sight of God still have the promise. We may count on absolute deliverance from the power of sin. Do not look down, brooding over your weakness! Do not look back upon your past, strewn with failure! Look up to the living Christ! All the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, 2 Cor 1:20.

Christ says “Yes” to all God’s promises. That’s why we have Christ to say “Amen” for us to the glory of God. And so God makes it possible for you and us to stand together with Christ. God is also the one who chose us and put his Spirit in our hearts to show that we belong only to him. (2 Cor 1:20-22, CEV)

God alone can give us a settled and established position. He anoints us for service. Seals us with His Spirit for safety, likeness, and authentication. And in this way gives us the earnest and foretaste of heaven. you what to believe. We are working with you to make you glad, because your faith is strong.” (2 Cor 1:24, CEV)

Paul did not ever desire to have dominion over other people’s faith. Christians everywhere are learning that the Holy Bible, alone, contains what is necessary. to faith and practice. No person, society, church, council, presbytery, consistory, or conclave is in control. No human source , has dominion over any other person’s faith. The word of God alone is the Christian’s rule, and to God alone we are to give account of the use we have made of it.

In matters of “faith” Paul was only a “fellow helper of their joy” in believing, (Rom 15:13; Phil 1:25)

The transformation made by God in the spirit of the believer will be evident in the daily life. Christian doctrine must lead to Christian ethics. Doctrines lead to moral purposes, even with, especially with, Bible prophecy. In Rom 12:1 and Rom 12:2 is the basic commitment required of the Christian in light of all that God has done.

Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. (Rom 12:1-2, CEV)

Spiritual transformation starts in the mind and heart. A mind dedicated to the world and its concerns. Will produce a life tossed back and forth by the currents of culture. But a mind dedicated to God’s truth will produce a life that can stand the test of time. We can resist the temptations of our culture by meditating on God’s truth. And letting the Holy Spirit guide and shape our thoughts and behaviors.

We see by experience that in our own human strength, resolutions and purposes are of no avail. Must we, then, give up our determined efforts? No. Our experience testifies that we cannot do this work ourselves. Help from One who is mighty to do it for us. But the only way we can secure the help of God is to put ourselves wholly in His hands, and trust Him to work for us. As we lay hold of Him by faith, He does the work. The believer can only trust. As God works, we can work, trusting in Him and doing His will {6BC 1080.6}

How should we respond when we struggle to obey? God has not left us alone in our struggles to do his will. He wants to come alongside us and be within us to help. God gives us the desire and the power to do what pleases him. The secret to a changed life is to submit to God’s control and let him work. Next time ask God to help you desire to do his will.

God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. (Phil 2:13)

To be like Christ, we must train ourselves to think like Christ. To change our desires to be more like Christ’s. We need the power of the indwelling Spirit (Phil 1:19). The influence of faithful Christians. Obedience to God’s Word (not exposure to it). And sacrificial service. Often it is in doing God’s will that we gain the desire to do it (see Phil 4:8-9). Doing what he wants we trust him to change our desires.

God Himself is at work in our lives and all that He does in our lives is for His good pleasure (Rom 8:28). It pleases God to do good for us. But He can only bless obedience to His will (John 15:10). Our ultimate goal should be to please Him in all we do. God supplies both the desire and the enablement to do His will. We only need to ask and receive what Jesus supplies.

The yes to all God’s promises is in Christ. And that is why we say “Amen” through Christ to the glory of God. (2 Cor 1:20)

His divine power has given us everything we need for the Christian life. Through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises. Through them you may take part in the divine nature. Having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Pet 1:3-4, NIV)

Great and precious promises. Refers to the many offers of divine provision found in Scripture. These promises offer us the glory and virtue of Christ. As the basis for our growing participation in the divine nature. We have Christ within us, as He promised (John 14:23), to enable us to become Christlike (2 Cor 3:18). Because we have become new creatures in Christ. We have escaped the corruption (the moral ruin) that is in the world through lust (perverted desire). We should make our escape from this world evident to all by our behavior and the renewing of our mind (Rom 12:2).

And now I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Rom 15:13)

“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day” (Gen 32:24).

To be left alone. No one else in the world in sight. No one to talk to. Nothing but pain. This was the miserable lot of the man who spent almost a year in the maternity ward as a patient. His injuries were so severe, that he had to be in strict isolation, for fear of massive infection that could result if he was not strictly isolated from all others. When a person who has massive areas of their skin burned, they will lose a lot of Plasma which contains the protein needed for healing and recovery.  Many burn victims die because of this acute loss of blood plasma. And this would leave them extremely open to infection.

All those months I was in that maternity ward, I learned what it was to feel truly alone. They had to put me in there because it was a small town hospital, and it was the only “room” they had where the strict isolation protocols could be diligently adhered to. Being so alone there, all those months, saved my life.

Even today, those words “Left alone” conjure up the temptation to cringe and panic a little within myself. What different sensations those words will produce to each of us. To some they spell loneliness and desolation, yet I have met others to whom it means rest and quiet. To be left alone without God, would be too awful for words, but to be left alone WITH GOD is a foretaste of Heaven! If we, His followers spent more time alone with Him, we would see much more of spiritual giants in this our day and age.

Jesus has set us an example. Note how often He went to be alone with God; and how He had a mighty purpose behind the command,

“When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray.” (Mat 6:6)

The greatest miracles of Elijah and Elisha took place when they were alone with God. It was alone with God that Jacob became a prince; and just there that we, too, may become “sons and daughters of God, (John 1:12) to be “wondered at” (Zech 3:8).

“thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at” (Zech 3:8)

Joshua was alone when the Lord came to him. (Joshua 1:1) Gideon and Jephthah were by themselves when commissioned to save Israel. (Judges 6:11; Judges 11:29) Moses was by himself at the wilderness bush. (Exodus 3:1-5) Cornelius was praying by himself when the angel came to him. (Acts 10:2) No one was with Peter on the house top, when he was instructed to go to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:9) John the Baptist was alone in the wilderness (Luke 1:80), and John the Beloved alone in Patmos, when nearest God. (Rev 1:9)

The developing situation had become serious. Servants had returned with the tidings that Esau was approaching with four hundred men. No response was sent to the friendly message. It appeared certain that Esau was coming to seek revenge. Terror pervaded the camp.

“Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” (Gen 32:7)

Jacob could not go back, and he feared to advance. His company, unarmed and defenseless, were wholly unprepared for a hostile encounter. He accordingly divided them into two bands, so that if one should be attacked, the other might have an opportunity to escape. Jacob sent from his vast flocks generous presents to Esau, with a friendly message. He did all in his power to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger, and then in humiliation and repentance he pleaded for divine protection:

Thou “saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray Thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.” {PP 196.1}

They had now reached the river Jabbok, and as night came on, Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer, and he desired to be alone with God. God could soften the heart of Esau. In Him was the patriarch’s only hope.{PP 196.2}

It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and the lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a distance, exposed to danger and death. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin which had brought this peril upon the innocent. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness the two struggled for the mastery. Not a word was spoken, but Jacob put forth all his strength, and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he was thus battling for his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up before him, to shut him out from God.

But in his terrible extremity he remembered God’s promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy. The struggle continued until near the break of day, when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacob’s thigh, and he was crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory. It was Christ, “the Angel of the covenant,” who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; “he wept, and made supplication” (Hosea 12:4), pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. Physical pain was not sufficient to divert his mind from this object.

His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh;” but Jacob answered, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.{PP 196.3}

Long to be alone with God. If we neglect it, we not only rob ourselves, but others too, of the special blessing of prayer, since when we are blessed we are able to pass on blessing to others. It may of course mean less outside work. Yet the time alone with God will be sure to render more depth and power. The consequence, will be that “they saw no man save Jesus alone.” (Mat 17:8, Mark 9:8) The need to be alone with God in prayer cannot be over-emphasized. “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:” (Mark 6:31)

Jacob “had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” Hos_12:4. Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. {PP 197.1}

The error that had led to Jacob’s sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trusted God’s promises, but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way. As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be called no more Jacob [the supplanter], but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” {PP 197.2}

Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and repentance. {PP 198.1}

That guy in the maternity ward as a patient for all those months.  He is like a brand scorched and charred with the burning. But he has been literally plucked out of the consuming flame. Surely then you too are being kept, in your aloneness and pain and disappointment for some high and useful purpose?

Something like Jacob after that entire night of wrestling, all the past is simply our argument for faith. That God has done so much is His pledge that He will perfect that which concerneth us, (Psalms 138:8) because His mercy endureth forever. (Psalms 100:5). Whoever He justifies, He also glorifies. Let us, regardless of circumstance be content with nothing short of God’s best. The key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment is always going to be that we should honor God and center our desires on him, and His express will. (Mat 6:33), and that we should be content with what God is doing in our lives (Phil 4:11-13).

“godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim 6:6)

PS That guy who spent all those months as a patient on the maternity ward wrote a poem about how Jesus gave him the example of being alone, in stark midnight of wrestling and anguish: The Garden Alone

Like Jacob, like Jesus, like the man who was a patient on the maternity ward, and like so many others, it is now recognized in the form of testimony (1 John 1:1-3) how that

“on the darkest, longest night, it is enough to find love…”

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ (Rom 8:35)

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Eph 3:19)

When depression settles upon the soul, it is no evidence that God has changed. He is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” You are sure of the favor of God when you are sensible of the beams of the Sun of righteousness; but if the clouds sweep over your soul, you must not feel that you are forsaken. Your faith must pierce the gloom. Your eye must be single, and your whole body shall be full of light. The riches of the grace of Christ must be kept before the mind. Treasure up the lessons that His love provides. Let your faith be like Job’s, that you may declare, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Lay hold on the promises of your heavenly Father, and remember His former dealing with you and with His servants; for “all things work together for good to them that love God.” –RH, Jan 24, 1888. {2MCP 496.1}

God’s love is total, says Paul. It reaches every corner of our experience. It is wide—it covers the breadth of our own experience, and it reaches out to the whole world. God’s love is long—it continues the length of our lives. It is high—it rises to the heights of our celebration and elation. His love is deep—it reaches to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death. When you feel shut out or isolated, remember that you can never be lost to God’s love. For another prayer about God’s immeasurable and inexhaustible love, see Paul’s words in Rom 8:38-39.

Find THIS LOVE in your night.

Amen, come soon Lord Jesus.

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“I showed before him my trouble.” (Psalms 142:1-2)
“I cry out to the LORD. I beg the LORD to help me.  I tell him my problems;I tell him about my troubles. .” (Psalms 142:1-2, ERV)

Exactly what the trouble of the psalmist was it is impossible for us to say. His trouble was clear, very bitter, hard to swallow. An overwhelmed spirit was the result. A determined resolve to tell the Lord his problems was borne of this anguish. Talking to Jesus as a Friend the solution. The automatic response.

We may also infer from what the Bible says about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor 12:7 ) that there is a lot we don’t know about it. There is much we cannot know about our own trials. Our pain. Our grief. Let alone anyone elses. Paul’s thorn in the flesh predicament suggests that some things are always confusing. Jesus says

“You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand.” (John 13:7)

Under The Cloud.

We are all under a cloud. We now live “under the shadow of The Almighty.” (Psalms 91:1, ERV) Left to us as a mystery, we are then free to apply this “thorn in the flesh” idea to ourselves. Meaning, the vagueness of the Bible is often of a deliberate intention by the author. In order that we may be able fit ourselves within its words for every variety of human needs that we experience. We expect the vagueness. We act on the opportunity. We respond with gratitude.

God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid. The Psalmist felt that his faith in God as protector would carry him through all the dangers and fears of life. This should be a picture of our trust too. Trading all our fears for faith in Jesus. No matter how intense our fears. To do this we must “live” and “rest” with him (Psalms 91:1).

Don’t think there is a plan against you because the people say there is. Don’t be afraid of what they fear. Don’t let them frighten you!” (Isa 8:12, ERV)

Recall how Moses saw a thick dark cloud and he went right into the heart of it! Thats where the Bible said “God was.” (Exodus 19:9)

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.(Exodus 20:21)

We entrust ourselves to the protection of Jesus. Pledging our daily devotion to Him, we always find that we receive what we need for each situation we are in.

Jesus said, “Let not your heart stay troubled.” Jesus was not contemplating some kind of exemption for His own followers. Jesus knew there would be troubles in their lives; what He enjoined was an untroubled heart. To an untroubled heart amid the thronging troubles of our lives is to be of the same practice of the psalmist.

Showing It Before Him

A courageous person does not show their troubles before all the world. They try to hide them and keep a smiling face for the purpose to not be a discouragement to others. To show before the Lord our troubles in the quiet moment, behind the closed door. That is one of the secrets for “the peace beyond understanding.” ( Phil 4:7)

The Comfort of Having a Friend to Listen

“I have not had a friend for over three years.”

An acquaintance I chatted with last night told me

“I am so lonely. I have not had a friend in over three years.

It was heart breaking to listen to this man say “I have no friends.” I found it very sad. I wondered what it would be like to not have a friend, let alone for three years.

In a special sense, one of the duties of friendship is to lend a listening ear.

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. (Prov 20:12)

It is an incomparable comfort. When troubles are depressing us to the point where we must have someone in whom we can confide, to sit with us. We could call this comfort a beginning for that “peace that passes our understanding?” (Phil 4:7)

We are born for adversity, There is opportunity and blessing in every trial. While a helping hand may be a blessed thing, (Prov 3:27) a helping heart is often better. We say far more by listening than talking.

If we have someone to open our hearts to we experience the comfort of Jesus. The certainty of perfect understanding, total trust. One of the choicest gifts of human life. Rich or poor. Comfort is welcome. How often we bring comfort by only listening!

The Almighty LORD will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people. Morning after morning he will wake me to listen like a student. (Isa 50:4, GW)

There is one major way to listen when talking. And that is by asking questions. This is how one “listens like a student.” (Isa 50:4)

Anyone can live with “good courage.” (Deut 31:6). Discover relief of their trouble. We pour it all out, if only for an minute, into God’s listening and sympathetic ear. Into God’s loving heart.

“Be strong and of a good courage. Fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that goes with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (Deut 31:6)

Now it was that very easing which David found in God. David showed before God his trouble. He was honest. David did not brood on it in solitary bitterness. Here we see a King. Laying it very quiet before God. No. David’s trouble did not disappear. The trouble didn’t disappear any more than the thorn of the Apostle. David gained a sweet serenity of spirit which made him capable of bearing anything. David talked to God like he would a friend.

And, indeed, that is the real victory of faith and of all who have quieted to wait on God. It may not banish all the trouble, but it always brings the power to bear it in calmness and serenity. There is a deep-rooted feeling in the heart that if we are God’s, we ought to have exemption. From being “under the shadow.” Yet this is where God is. This is where God puts us many times for our own best good.

Troubles That Afflict The Faithless Soul.

People who do not know Jesus are not averted by Christians who are faithful. (Mat 5:45) The sufferings of God’s beloved Son proclaimed that this is so. Everyone, the justified and the unjust suffers similar calamities and blessings. David was not protected from life’s troubles, nor was Paul, or our Blessed Savior. David knew, in all its bitterness, what a thing of trouble our human life may contain.

King David’s victory.

The testimony of all the saints who have learned to show their trouble before God. We see the inward peace that the world can never give and the darkest mile can never take away. (John 14;27) God does not save His children from that dark mile. He saves His children in that dark mile. (Micah 7:8)

Micah showed great faith in God both for himself (Mic 7:7) and on Israel’s behalf. (Mic 7:8-10) As he proclaimed that he would wait upon God. Knowing that God hears and saves when the help requested glorifies God.

There is light in every cloud.

Do you know when God dispatches them, And causes the light of His cloud to shine? (Job 37:15)

Whenever we show our trouble before Jesus, He shows His loving kindness to us. This is our Light. In many remarkable ways. Jesus will keep His people from an embittered heart. Jesus puts beneath them the everlasting arms. (Deut 33:27). Jesus makes people more than conquerors through Christ. (Rom 8:37)

God Cares

King David, like Abraham, had seen the day of Christ. His personal trouble was of concern to God. The Psalmist was comfortable in laying it all out before God. To “show it all before Him.” Hezekiah also found favor before God by doing the same:

Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers. And read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. (2 Kings 19:14)

The people of God are all one mind on this subject. Of one mind. (Zech 7:9, 1 Pet 3:8)

“This is what the LORD All-Powerful said: ‘You must do what is right and fair. You must be kind and show mercy to each other. (Zech 7:9, ERV)
So all you should live together in peace. Try to understand each other. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Be kind and humble. (1 Pet 3:8, ERV)

Throughout the Old Testament, The New Testament. The insistence was always on the majesty of God for true believers. The way believers treat one another shows God’s majesty the best. Nations would be of one mind about the majesty of God. Individuals would reflect this one mind. Like Abraham, Hezekiah, the Psalmist. The nations who sought Gods glory, formed God’s kingdom. In one example Psalms 63:2 David proclaims:

I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.

There is often a troubled and persecuted soul near us. In many nations. In many individuals. It would seem that most believe how the God of all the earth has a heart responsive to their own, personal trouble. They never dream it is a thing too petty for the concern of the infinite Jehovah. With a quiet confidence, like the psalmist, they showed it all before God. To Him who was the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. (Isa 17:7)

The wonderful thing is how this faith of David in the individual loving care of God is evident. It shows confirmation by David’s greater Son. It reveals God’s people, through God’s Word, defeating the forces of darkness.

“…By the blood of the Lamb and by The Word of their testimony.” (Rev 12;11)

Not a sparrow can fall without our Father’s notice and care. The very hairs of our head show how God knows. God cares. God has even counted them! If we, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto our children, how much more our Father?

Though you are evil, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Mat 7:11)
Though you are evil, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13)

Would it not be well to cultivate gratitude, and to offer grateful songs of thanksgiving to God? In response to our troubles? As Christians we ought to praise God much more than we do. We ought to bring more of the brightness of His love into our lives.

We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty. The greatest self-denial, with His approval. Is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to thrive on worldly interests. The Lord may give us time by removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands. {GC 622.2}

By faith we look to Jesus. His joy and peace reflect from our own countenances. We should seek so to relate ourselves to God that our faces may reflect the sunshine of His love!

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. (Num 6:26)

Each soul has an actual lived experience. led by the Holy Spirit. We may exert an uplifting influence upon others who don’t know the joy of Christ’s presence. Said David,

“Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul” (Psalms 66:16, 1 John 1:1-3)

In 1 John 1:1-3 John was an eye witness to Jesus’ life. John had lived with Jesus, having personal, physical contact with Jesus. He knew beyond any doubt that Jesus brings light and life. “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of humanity.”

Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of his will. But many who profess the faith know not what true conversion is. They have no experience in communion with the Father through Jesus Christ. They have never felt the power of divine grace to sanctify the heart. Praying. Sinning. Sinning. Praying. Lives full of malice, deceit, envy, jealousy, and self-love. Anything but God’s majesty.

The prayers of this class are an abomination to God. True prayer engages the energies of the soul, and affects the life. (2 Cor 5:17)

WE MUST TAKE TIME TO PRAY.

We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty. The greatest self-denial. With His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray.—(GC 622.)

Anyone can thus pour out their wants before God. And feel the emptiness of everything else under heaven. “All my desire is before thee,” said David, “and my groaning is not hid from thee.”

“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when must I come and appear before God?” “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me.” (Psalm 38:9; 42:2, 4)

A Christian can see in that precious teaching, how someone could write in childlike trust:

“I showed before him my trouble.” (Psalms 142:1-2)

“…you shall not go out with haste…” (Isa 52:12)

It is unlikely that we have begun to understand the amazing power there is in stillness. I know I am always in such a hurry. I must always be doing something in high gear. So much so to the point where I am often in danger of not giving God a chance to work.

As Christians, we can depend upon it. God would never say to us: “Be still” or “sit still” or “stand still” unless He is going to do something! Something Big! And this is one of my biggest troubles in the Christian life. I keep wanting to do something to be a Christian, to “do God’s work,” when I really need to just slow down, wait, and let Jesus work in me, or in someone or somewhere else. I wonder, how long is it going to take me to learn to sit still, and let God have free course to do something in me. To trust Him to be able to do what I cannot? Do we as Christians really know how still we must be when our likeness is being taken? God has one over riding purpose; that we might be like Jesus. After all, isnt this what a Christian is? Someone who is like Jesus?

One of the most interesting things about this verse today from Isaiah 52:12 is really quite a remarkable revelation. We have all heard the candied mantras of relationship Gurus who say things like “don’t walk behind me and be my follower, don’t walk in front of me and make me follow you, but just walk beside me and be my friend.” But this can sometimes seem a bit like not standing still.It sounds really busy and hectic at times. In our opening text the people were told:

“You will leave Babylon, but they will not force you to leave in a hurry. You will not be forced to run away. The LORD will be in front of you. The God of Israel will be behind you.” (ERV)

What struck me so dramatically here is that the text says God will be BOTH behind and in front of them! And that can mean only one thing, that we, as Christians are surrounded by His love. We are completely surrounded when we follow God’s will. When we “stand still. And “see the salvation of the Lord.” (Exodus 14:13, 2 Chron 20:14) Not just in other people. But us. “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord in YOU.”

Moses was greatly troubled that his people should manifest so little faith in God, notwithstanding they had repeatedly witnessed the manifestation of His power in their behalf. How could they charge upon him the dangers and difficulties of their situation, when he had followed the express command of God?  True, there was no possibility of deliverance unless God Himself should interpose for their release; but having been brought into this position in obedience to the divine direction, Moses felt no fear of the consequences. His calm and assuring reply to the people was, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” {PP 284.1}

Completely Surrounded By God’s Love And Caring

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people From this time forth and forever. (Psalm 125:2)

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;You surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalms 32:7)

“since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:1-2)

“For I,’ declares the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” (Zech 2:5)

You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.(Psalms 139:5)

Sometimes when we become impatient of standing still, of waiting on God’s time, God’s ways, we can become hostile, despairing, unhappy, or even worse. But God, in His Word is encouraging us to quiet down, to quietly realize that we are surrounded by His love,and we are merely waiting and watching for the wonderful way that God is going to help and rescue us from whatever mess we are in. When it looks like we are trapped by circumstances, the best advice we can know is to simply stand still and watch God rescue us. To watch God do a new thing.

“The Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, says, “If you come back to me you will be saved. Only by remaining calm and trusting in me can you be strong.” But you don’t want to do that.” (Isa 30:15, ERV)

Here, God warned Judah that turning to Egypt and other nations for military might could not save them. Only God could do that. They must wait for him “in quietness and confidence.” No amount of fast talking or hasty activity could speed up God’s grand design. We can have nothing to say to God but thank you. Salvation comes from God alone. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13) Because he has saved us, we can trust him and be peacefully confident that he will give us strength to face our difficulties. We should lay aside our well-laid plans and allow Jesus to act.

Perhaps this is why when Johnny Apple Seed was asked what he would do if he learned that Jesus was coming tomorrow, he replied: “I would just keep planting my apple trees.” He knew the secret of Stand Still, Slow Down, Be Quiet.

The whole Bible tells us that true Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, new purposes, and they are not the same anymore. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated—we are re-created (new creations), living in vital union with Christ (Col 2:6-7). At conversion we do not merely turn over a new leaf; we begin a new life under a new Master.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isa 43:19)

“If anyone is in Christ Jesus, ALL things become new.” (2 Cor 5:17)

Are you feeling stuck in a rut? Not sure of God’s will. Then Stand Still, Slow Down, And Be Quiet. A new exodus will take place in your life through the new wilderness that The Holy Spirit Himself will lead you to and through. The past miracles that we read about in scripture, all of the previous victories in our lives are nothing compared to what God intends to do for us and in us and through us in the future!

Let us take care that we do not thwart God’s purpose in our lives. We were made to show forth His praise, (Isa 43:21); but we must beware of causing a revoking of His gracious purpose (See Num 14:34, R.V. margin): by prayerlessness, Isa 43:22; by the neglect of little things, Isa 43:23; by the lack of sweetness and tenderness in our disposition, (Isa 43:24).

Christ will be with you as you strive to strengthen your perceptive faculties, that you may more clearly behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. Our stunted faculties that steal away our hope and our direction in life must be aroused. A new thing must happen. The Old Testament scriptures, blending with the New, will be to us in this our day and age as the dawning of a new creation, or as the resurrection of the soul.

Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures–and how much more it is true of the New–“They are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Yes, the whole Bible tells us of Christ. From the first record of creation, for “without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3), to the closing promise, “Behold, I come quickly” (Revelation 22:12), we are reading of His works and listening to His voice, and realizing His will. If you would become acquainted with the Savior, study the Holy Scriptures.

Don’t be afraid or doubt God when it seems your life is nothing but dark clouds of confusion and hardship. A true wilderness experience. It just may be that you are in fact completely surrounded by God’s love as was Moses when he directly, deliberately went right into the dark cloud in his life. Because Moses knew the secret that he was completely surrounded by those clouds, and more importantly, Moses knew that thats exactly, right where God was:

“Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:21).

God still has His hidden secrets, hidden from even the wise and prudent. Do not fear them; be content to accept things that you cannot understand; wait patiently. Stand Still, Slow Down, And Be Quiet. Presently He will reveal to you “the treasures of darkness,” the riches of the glory of the mystery. Mystery is only the veil of God’s face. Mystery is the means of God’s “new thing” that He wants to do!

Treasures Of Darkness

Never be afraid to enter the cloud that is settling down on your life. God is in it. (Heb 13:5).  Remember, there IS light in every cloud! The other side of your cloud is radiant with God’s glory.

“Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.”

When you seem loneliest and most forsaken, God is near. God is in the dark cloud. Plunge into the blackness of its darkness without flinching; under the shrouding curtain of His pavilion, when you are completely surrounded, you will find Jesus awaiting you, for He has promised:

I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am [also your God](Isa 45:3, NKJV)

“Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden,to subdue nations before him;to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places,that thou mayest know that I,the Lord, which call thee by thy name,am the God of Israel.” (Isa 45:1-3).

Are we just so busy, or so troubled, that we are getting in Gods way? It looks like our Lord wants to do a lot for us, and that we are completely surrounded by the tokens of His divine favor and His “everlasting love.” (Jer 31:3). God always reaches toward his people with kindness motivated by His deep and everlasting love. He is eager to do the best for us if we would only let him. If we would just give it all up. If we would realize that there is nothing we can do. That we are completely surrounded. If we would Stand Still, Slow Down, And Be Quiet.

In Scripture we are assured that divine favor would be shown to us, just like the remnant of Judah, in answer to fervent prayer. “I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”(Jer 29:14,PK 552.3)

Often had Daniel and his companions gone over the prophecies outlining God’s purpose for His people. And just as the rapid course of events signalled the mighty hand of God at work among the nations, Daniel gave special thought to the promises God had made to Israel. His faith in the prophetic word led him to enter into many experiences of the very thick, dark clouds foretold by the sacred writers. Yet all Daniel had to do was to Stand Still,Slow Down, And Be Quiet.

“After seventy years be accomplished at Babylon,” the Lord had declared,”I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace,and not of evil,to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:10-13).

God says that we already have an expected end/purpose. We dont need to find what is already in place. Surely, it must be time for some of us to Stand Still, Slow Down, And Be Quiet!