- araratchurch
- May 26, 2022
- 3 min read
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”
Psalms 56:3-4 NKJV
It seems that every day we hear another horrible account of some terrible act that has been perpetrated by our fellow human beings. Everywhere you look it seems that you can find a reason to fear what other people are going to do. Tragically, basic respect for human life is woefully missing in some people in our society.
Additionally, whereas the threat of bodily harm is real and understandable, there are also other ways in which we may fear other people, causing us to live less than victorious lives.
For example, have you ever allowed self-consciousness to keep you from doing something you really wanted to do? Well, if you haven’t, then put a hand in my direction; because I have. I am ashamed to say that there was even a time that I fell short of my calling because of fear of what people would say or think about me.
And then there’s the issue of being afraid to engage with other people for fear of being hurt—not bodily—but emotionally. Some people, whether consciously or unconsciously, can’t be open with other people for fear of rejection or hurt.
Sadly, some people actually become so overwhelmed with the fear of what other people are going to do, that they become extremely isolated and alienated, choosing to live the life of a hermit. Whatever it is you are fearing, whatever harm you are striving to avoid, fear of man can definitely cause you to live a miserable life; and worse, can make you fail the Lord and miss your calling.
Fearing what other people will do, think, etc., has often caused the people of God to displease the Lord and turn from Him. We see this dynamic writ large in God’s word; so many times, the children of Israel’s fear in this regard, caused them to turn to other nations, other men, to help, rather than turning to the Lord. On one such occasion, the Lord said something we would do well to remember:
“Now the Egyptians are men and not God, And their horses are flesh and not spirit; And the Lord will stretch out His hand, And he (Egypt) who helps will stumble, And he (Judah) who is helped will fall, And all of them will perish together.”
Isaiah 31:3 AMP
Here we see the reminder that there is an immeasurable difference between what men and flesh can do and what God and spirit can do. And yet, again, it’s often other flesh that we fear.
In our portion from Psalms today we see David making the proclamation that he overcomes his fear by remembering the difference between mere mortal man and God. This was not an uncommon thing for David and is found in many other places throughout his writings. As a matter of fact, we can find him expressing that even armies coming against him, are nothing compared to the power of the Lord (for example, Psalms 27:3).
In whatever way fear of man may be negatively impacting your life, wait no longer, place your eyes on the Lord, allowing Him to fill your vision to the point that the threat of man is completely obscured by your Father (Who He is and what He has promised)!
For today let us know and understand what David knew:
Threats from mere mortals are nothing compared to the Lord.
- araratchurch
- May 25, 2022
- 4 min read
“He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me. God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.”
Psalms 55:18-19 NKJV
When I was a youth, I remember four specific times—over a period of a few years—where the same thing happened in four families. In each case, the father, through a relationship with the Lord, had overcome alcoholism; and sadly, in each case, they relapsed to the ruin of their families. I remember how happy the families were during the time of their fathers’ sobriety. Beautiful children in all families, all within my age group, were happy and thriving. But after the relapses, in each case, the result was devastation of the family. In one of the cases there was a divorce. In the other three, marital misery and early deaths of the fathers resulted. In all of the cases, the children were greatly, negatively impacted . (Now, this is not a commentary on alcoholism or social drinking. But I will say that alcoholism will never happen if you never take that first drink.)
I also remember interesting cases where we would, as a form of entertainment, do makeovers on young ladies within the church. I particularly remember one time involving a young lady who looked completely unkempt. She looked and acted like she gave no thought to her appearance, not even in terms of cleanliness. After she received the makeover, everyone marveled at how beautiful she looked. She was nearly unrecognizable as the same person. It’s not a matter of saying that wearing make up or having fancy hairdos is better than going natural; it’s a matter of the fact that it was the difference between looking like she just came off the streets to looking like a respectable young lady. We just knew that after she had seen herself like this, she would make some effort to keep it up. But lo and behold, the next time we saw her, it was exactly the same as before the makeover.
And then there’s the cases of poor people who have won great sums of money. The rate at which these individuals fall back into poverty is staggering.
Now, in the first example I gave, you could say that addiction played a part in the recidivism, and that is true. In the second case, you could say perhaps self-esteem issues and possible abuse issues, kept the young woman from caring about the way she looked and carried herself. In the third case, you could say that these people returned to poverty because they had no knowledge of how to manage money.
What we can say about all these cases is that a change in circumstances did not change the inside of the individuals, at least it wasn’t a change that lasted.
I clearly remember one individual saying something when I was younger that shocked me. This person was a pastor who apparently did not believe what they preached. This person did not believe in miracles, saying that they would believe if they could just see one real miracle. And yet that person, themselves, had once been miraculously saved from certain death. This person died a doubter.
On the other hand I know a person who was severely addicted to heroin who—after receiving salvation—never craved heroin again! I know of people who once walked around, hanging their heads, looking like a junkyard dog, who now walk like they are king of the world. And, I’ve seen people, once poor, who now have enough to share with others.
We know by experience that God can and does change people. We also know that a person’s will can definitely be a stumbling block to the process of change. One of my favorite scriptures gives this exhortation:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
My daddy used to sing a song called, “It’s Different Now.” Part of it went: “It’s different now, since Jesus saved my soul; it’s different now, since by His blood I’m whole. Old Satan had to flee, when Jesus rescued me. Now it’s different, oh, so different now.” The Lord can make the difference in our lives, bringing lasting change; but we must cooperate. We must be convinced of the finished work of the cross and the sanctifying power in the blood of Jesus Christ. Additionally, we must submit our will to the Lord, allowing the Holy Spirit to direct us into newness of life.
In our portion from Psalms today we see David’s commentary on his enemies. He makes the determination that they have set themselves against God and will not change. Also, he declares that their reticence to change, will lead to their destruction.
On this side of eternity, we may never fully understand why some people are so dramatically changed, to the glory of God, while others, either refuse to change, or fail to stay changed. But, if we are willing and obedient, the Lord will help us to not be counted in the number of those who refuse change.
For today let us know and understand what David knew:
Sadly, some people will never change; but, you don’t have to be one of them.
- araratchurch
- May 24, 2022
- 3 min read
“My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.””
Psalms 55:4-8 NKJV
My father enjoyed observing clouds, storms, the ocean, etc. He saw God’s glory in the power of nature. He often commented on birds—such as hawks—riding thermals high up in the sky. (Thermals are columns of rising air caused by the fact that the air in the column is warmer than the air around it.) Additionally, larger birds often use the thermals to take them up away from storms. Case in point, rather than running from storms (eagles know when a storm is coming), eagles actually use the energy of the storm to be lifted above the severe turbulence. Eagles will find a high place on which to wait until the thermals begin to form. Then, spreading their wings out very far, they allow the warm column of rising air to take them up above the storm, using the storm to their advantage. So, while the storm may be raging below them, they are using the energy of the storm to keep them safely gliding above it.
Think about it, if the eagle tried—in its own power, desperately flapping its wings—to keep the winds of the storm from slamming it into something, it would probably end up very injured, if not dead.
I’m guessing you already know we’re not just talking about eagles; we’re talking about us. Storms—even great storms—come into our lives. At this point in time, great storms are coming from all over the world as we are living in the Last Days before the coming of Jesus Christ. It would be very easy for your heart to be overwhelmed if you try—in your own power—to make it through difficult times. As a matter of fact, the Lord never intended that we go it on our own, but rather, that we turn to Him for help.
In our portion from Psalms today we see David expressing the pain of a very broken heart amid the stress being brought from many sides by his oppressors. In this particular case, the situation seems to be exacerbated by the fact that the ones coming against him were one-time friends. He expresses what I know we have all felt at times: that we would like to take wings and just fly away from it all. In saying that he would like to be able to go into the wilderness, he’s referencing the solitude and peace found there, away from the attacks of these former friends. But as with all things, David takes this to the Lord and finds solace for his soul.
So, whatever the storms may be in your life, remember, God never intended for you to make it on your own. Also know, trying to run from the storms may prove to be your undoing. Rather, allow the Lord to use the storm for your benefit. Let us wait in the high place of His presence; and, at just the right time, He will enable us to spread our wings to be brought higher without so much as a struggle.
For today let us know and understand what David knew:
The Lord can lift you up above the storm.