Monday, April 5, 2010

"Know That He Is God"

I have found considerable comfort in Psalm 46:10 in recent days. The Psalmist begins with a reminder that God is a "very present help in trouble". Trouble is not hard to come by!! Job knew something of trouble and declared in Job 14:1; "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." Since every man is born of woman, every man experiences trouble. Knowing we shall not escape trouble in this life, it becomes very important how we deal with it.

In the multitude of reactions one may have to the troubles of this life, may I suggest the exhortation of Psalm 46:10. The first part of the verse is the compass whereby we may navigate the troubled waters of life. Simply stated, the Psalmist encourages us as readers to BE STILL, BE SURE, and BE SETTLED.

BE STILL! The word endure in the New Testament means to abide under pressure. Often we find it hard to be still in the midst of trials because naturally we want to be relieved of the pressures that trials bring. Paul instructed Timothy to "endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ". (II Timothy 2:3) We also know from scripture that "tribulation worketh patience". (Romans 5:3) Someone has said that patience is idling your motor when you really want to strip the gears. If we are to hear the same "still small voice" that helped Elijah in his troubles, stillness is required.

BE SURE!! Next, the Psalmist said to "know". Desiring to know in the midst of trials and trouble is the natural course. The problem however is what we desire to know. What would you say is the most asked question when faced with troubles? (Three little letters) WHY? If I may be so bold, knowing why circumstances are the way they are is not the most important issue. Knowing that in spite of the circumstances He is God is the most important issue.

BE SETTLED!! The Psalmist exhortation to us is "know that He is God". I understand that the majorityof the time God gets the blame when winds are contrary. I am guilty of that myself. But rather than always being blamed, as God He is worthy to be worshipped and trusted. I guess Job said it as well as any could. "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:21-22) Listen to I Peter 4:19 as it summarizes our thoughts; "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." BE STILL, BE SURE, and BE SETTLED! That Men May Know
"That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth." (Psalm 83:18)

"A Time To Speak"

"God's end in giving us any knowledge of Himself here is that we may glorify him as God; that is, love Him, serve Him, believe and obey Him, give Him all the honour and glory that is due from poor sinful creatures to a pardoning God and Creator." (John Owen)


"True salvation is not to be found through the mere reception of any creed, however true or scriptural. Mere 'head notion' is not the road to heaven. 'You must be born again', means a great deal more than that you must believe certain dogmas. The study of the Bible cannot save you! You must press beyond this; you must come to the living, personal Christ, or else your acceptance of the soundest creed cannot avail for the salvation of your soul. Salvation lies in Jesus only!" (C. H. Spurgeon)







"Sin has many manifestations but its essence is one. A moral being, created to worship before the throne of God, sits on the throne of his own selfhood and from that elevated position declares, I AM." (A.W. Tozer)































































"If sin be subtle, watchful, strong, and always at work in the business of killing our souls, and we be slothful, negligent, foolish, in proceeding to the ruin thereof, can we expect a comfortable event?" (John Owen)































































"Let not that man think he makes any progress in holiness, who walks not over the neck of his lusts." (John Owen)































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