March 17, 2019 Second Sunday in Lent

“1 ¶ « A Psalm of David. » The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. 7 ¶ Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:1-14 AV)

When I first became a Christian some people told me life would be easier for me. There have been times I wanted to go back and punch them but I know this would be wrong! (Doesn't mean I have not wanted to at times.)

David reminds us if we are to live out our lives in and with God sin and trouble will be part of our lives. Throughout the Psalms we hear the suffering and pain of those who believed and their struggles with sin, doubt and fear. For many the trouble will increase as they now struggle with sin rather than giving into it and as the evil one tries to destroy their faith and life! (I usually do not capitalize satan because he has become an unperson by his hatred of God.)

But David trusts in God and lists how God has been faithful to deliver him from his enemies. Remembering God's faithfulness strengthened his faith that God will continue to protect him even to the point of being able to offer a sacrifice to celebrate.

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” David is quick to not only understand but to also proclaim his dependence upon God for protection throughout his life. A Godly life would be impossible without both the promise and experience of God's help and deliverance. 

Then David comes to the hardest part declaring we must wait upon God. There is an old saying, “Lord give me patience, and give it to me NOW!” Often for us patience is not something we learn as much as we earn. Patience is earned as we trust God in the smaller things and earn the ability to have patience in the bigger things.

When trouble comes into your life do you look up in blame to God or expecting God's grace? Do you look every day to discover God's grace and love? Are you seeking to grow in patience and love?