Post by Betty on Jan 9, 2007 7:41:21 GMT -5
Rest In The Midst of Trials
Author: Warren Wiersbe
Devotion: Psalms
Scripture References:
James 1:20
Psalm 18:36
2 Samuel 12:10
Psalm 18:19
Matthew 4:3-4
Numbers 6:25
Psalm 4:1-8
Title: Rest In The Midst of Trials
Read Psalm 4:1-8
David was experiencing great difficulty. He was
in a "tight corner." God permits tight corners
(II Sam. 12:10). He forgives but disciplines, and
we reap what we sow (Ps. 25:17).
Psalm 4 is encouraging because it tells us that
God cares for us and gives us several blessings
in the midst of our trials. First, He gives us
the blessing of enlargement (v. 1). Relieved
means
"enlarged." When God permits enlarged troubles,
He enlarges His people; that is, we grow. Joseph
is a good example of this (Ps. 18:19,36). His
difficulties revealed his character, and he grew.
Enlarged troubles lead to an enlarged life, which
leads to an enlarged place and enlarged paths.
God had an enlarged ministry for David, but He
first had to make him grow.
Second, God gives us the blessing of
encouragement (vv. 2,3). Eventually, all earthly
causes will fail. Only the plan of God will
succeed. The Lord is our shield, our glory and
the One who lifts our head. In this life we will
have problems, but God encourages us.
Third, God gives us the blessing of enablement
(vv. 4,5). Tight corners bring us face to face
with trusting versus temptation (Matt. 4:3,4).
David had a right to be angry. Anger can be used
of God to bring about righteousness, or it can be
used by Satan to bring about sin (James 1:20).
Meditate means "to discuss with yourself." It's
so easy to brood when we're lying in bed, but God
gives quietness when we meditate (Ps. 46:10).
Fourth, God gives us the blessings of
enlightenment and enjoyment (vv. 6-8). David's
people were discouraged. Are you a discourager or
an encourager? As Christians, we should have the
smile of God upon us (Num. 6:25). We should
exhibit gladness and joy in the Lord. God adds to
this the blessing of peace and sleep. This is
possible when Christ is Savior. So get your eyes
off the enemy and on the Lord. The temptation to
sin is great during difficulties, but trust in
the Lord, and He will give you peace and joy in
the midst of difficulty.
God's blessings are designed to do more than
simply comfort us in our difficulties; they are
to help us grow. Take strength from knowing that
God is weaving His purposes into your life and
that He will reward your trust in Him. "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" (Rom. 8:28).
Author: Warren Wiersbe
Devotion: Psalms
Scripture References:
James 1:20
Psalm 18:36
2 Samuel 12:10
Psalm 18:19
Matthew 4:3-4
Numbers 6:25
Psalm 4:1-8
Title: Rest In The Midst of Trials
Read Psalm 4:1-8
David was experiencing great difficulty. He was
in a "tight corner." God permits tight corners
(II Sam. 12:10). He forgives but disciplines, and
we reap what we sow (Ps. 25:17).
Psalm 4 is encouraging because it tells us that
God cares for us and gives us several blessings
in the midst of our trials. First, He gives us
the blessing of enlargement (v. 1). Relieved
means
"enlarged." When God permits enlarged troubles,
He enlarges His people; that is, we grow. Joseph
is a good example of this (Ps. 18:19,36). His
difficulties revealed his character, and he grew.
Enlarged troubles lead to an enlarged life, which
leads to an enlarged place and enlarged paths.
God had an enlarged ministry for David, but He
first had to make him grow.
Second, God gives us the blessing of
encouragement (vv. 2,3). Eventually, all earthly
causes will fail. Only the plan of God will
succeed. The Lord is our shield, our glory and
the One who lifts our head. In this life we will
have problems, but God encourages us.
Third, God gives us the blessing of enablement
(vv. 4,5). Tight corners bring us face to face
with trusting versus temptation (Matt. 4:3,4).
David had a right to be angry. Anger can be used
of God to bring about righteousness, or it can be
used by Satan to bring about sin (James 1:20).
Meditate means "to discuss with yourself." It's
so easy to brood when we're lying in bed, but God
gives quietness when we meditate (Ps. 46:10).
Fourth, God gives us the blessings of
enlightenment and enjoyment (vv. 6-8). David's
people were discouraged. Are you a discourager or
an encourager? As Christians, we should have the
smile of God upon us (Num. 6:25). We should
exhibit gladness and joy in the Lord. God adds to
this the blessing of peace and sleep. This is
possible when Christ is Savior. So get your eyes
off the enemy and on the Lord. The temptation to
sin is great during difficulties, but trust in
the Lord, and He will give you peace and joy in
the midst of difficulty.
God's blessings are designed to do more than
simply comfort us in our difficulties; they are
to help us grow. Take strength from knowing that
God is weaving His purposes into your life and
that He will reward your trust in Him. "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" (Rom. 8:28).
