The Spiritual Journey 2024 - Day 34: Only believe.

“I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.””

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭116‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Ahaz, king of Judah, had heard some terrible news: Two kings were conspiring to come up against him and take his kingdom. Because of this, the Lord sent Isaiah the prophet to give Ahaz a message of encouragement.

“But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “This invasion will never happen; it will never take place; for Syria is no stronger than its capital, Damascus, and Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin. As for Israel, within sixty-five years it will be crushed and completely destroyed. Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria, and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah. Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.””

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, the Lord told Ahaz that the enemy’s plans would not work, and that Judah would be safe from them. As well, the Lord warned him that if he would not believe, he would not be able to stand against his enemies.

James echoes this truth when instructing as to how to receive wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.“

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Indeed, not only does doubt keep us from receiving from the Lord, it makes us unstable across the board.

The writer of Hebrews explains that Enoch did not have to experience death because his great faith pleased God. The writer then offers this commentary:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.“

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In today’s portion of Psalm 116 we see the psalmist giving commentary on his process of being delivered by the Lord. He is basically saying that it was because he believed that God could and would help him that he had cried out to God concerning his affliction.

Paul quotes this verse in his discourse to the church at Corinth. He was assuring them that God, having raised the Lord Jesus, will raise us also to be presented along with Jesus to Himself. Paul is saying that he can only tell them this because he believes what the Lord promised.

“But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you.“

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Friend, there may be things concerning which you can “fake it ‘til you make it.” But faith is not one of those things. The Lord knows our hearts; He knows whether we are walking/asking in faith. Asking the Lord to help, without believing what He has spoken, is probably an exercise in futility.

If you are lacking in faith, do what the man did who was asking Jesus to deliver his son.

“And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"“

‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭20‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The boy’s father wanted to believe, but knew that he still had some doubt. Therefore, he asked Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief.

Yes, do what the disciples did when they found Jesus’ instruction to be difficult.

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"“

‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ESV

Don’t hesitate to ask the Lord to increase the faith you have. As well, do your part to starve your doubt and feed your faith by meditating on God’s word and keeping your thoughts centered on what He has said. It’s the only way we can please our Lord. And, it is the only way to receive from Him the help we need!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#thespiritualjourney2024