Psalms 61-71

Do you lie awake at night restless and lost in thought? Find it hard to release the worries, questions and stress that stir in your mind as loud fire trucks when sleep awaits your quiet stillness to restore you for the next day? “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”(Psalm 63:6) A cure for sleepless nights is to turn our thoughts to God. Sleepless nights can be turned from restless to quiet times of refection and worship when you review how God has guided and helped you. Turn your focus away from yourself and all that you can’t control over to God who is worthy of all your attention; He can show you what you need if you let Him.

In the Old Testament, vows were taken seriously and fulfilled completely. Has it become old fashioned to keep our vows? Timeless truth is spoken in the Bible; because God is infinite; and somehow our vows have fallen short of fulfillment across the spectrum of our lives. From our personal lives to entities throughout the world; vows are constantly being broken. In the Old Testament times, no one was forced to make a vow; but once it was made, it was binding. Is there any promise that is binding in our culture? People seem to run from anything that is “binding” for fear of being trapped in something that no longer suits their interest. Does that make breaking a vow right? Because one gets bored or no longer “feels” like carrying a commitment through; it gets tossed out? God expects us to fulfill our vows to him and to each other. Don’t make a vow if your thought that immediately follows is; how do I get out of it? Broken promises are hurtful to God, the person you failed, and yourself.

God’s care of nature is a sign of his love and provision for us. Nature expresses God’s generosity; giving us more than we need or deserve. “You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothes with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.” (Psalm 65:9-13) Our creator is reflected in the beauty of nature. It is we that destroy it. When you look around you and enjoy the magnificence of creation, take moments of gratitude to thank your creator, and reflect his character of generosity to those around you. Life is a gift to be cherished; not a right to be taken for granted.

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.”(Psalm 68: 19-21) God sets you free and crushes enemies. Those who refuse to turn to God will be crushed by sin and death. They will be trapped by the sin they loved and destroyed by the death they feared. To say you love God, and keep in your back pocket a few sins you have a hard time giving up is not loving God. To love God is to obey God. Any sin that you think you love is worthless anyway compared to the endless joy that comes from really trusting that God knows best. When David says “May your hearts live! He means, “You will feel glad and joyful.” Most people want lasting joy and try everything under the sun to get it. There is only one genuine source of happiness; that is God. Haven’t you noticed the more you try to fill your life with people or things you think will make you happy; to your dismay, this type of happiness is transient in nature? It doesn’t last because it’s not supposed to. How would God direct you to loving Him; trusting Him; obeying Him if you gained true happiness without Him? It’s impossible. Even if you think you are happy without Him; you’re mistaken, for God is there to catch you and continues to invite you to walk with Him.

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long…Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again.”(Psalm 71:14-20) As you travel through life and look back to remember journey; can you see how God has been your constant help in the past. Keep on expecting God’s help no matter how severed our limitations.

Psalms Ch.41-60

Depression and Anxiety is our contemporary plague. If you are burdened by these overwhelming emotions; instead of turning to medications that temporarily address the symptom while leaving the cause untouched completely; a thirst for God quenching the root of all pain. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God….why so disturbed with me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”(Psalm 42: 1,2,11) An antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God’s goodness to you and his people. This will take your mind off the present situation and give hope that it will improve. To focus your thoughts on God’s ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself is your antidepressant; meditate on God’s reliable word. Often times offering yourself to another will relieve your own depression because you are out of your own head when you help another; our minds are dangerous playgrounds for the evil one to take his foothold on you. Have you ever made a movie in your mind of events from your perspective and when you are able to get outside yourself and peek in; that movie was not reality, but a figment of your imagination? For that matter, I would challenge you to really ask yourself; If I had 24 hours to live, would I spend time on analyzing, arguing or brooding this issue? If the answer is no, then perhaps you just haven’t realized the trap the devil leads you in to waste your time. If you didn’t play into the dramas that so many of us partake in; how much more of a threat would you be to the one who fears you? Imagine the leadership you would bring to the kingdom of God if you could bypass the “drama”, turn your back on illusion and falsehood, and be an active force in your real purpose.

We come across decisions daily ranging from insignificant no brainers to major life-changing decisions. God wants to guide us in all things big and small. We need the guidance from God and we need God to be our guide in each step. His guidance is our map with directions we can follow and He is our companion that ensures we interpret the directions and make it fulfill His will. The Bible is this “map” and the Holy Spirit is our guide and friend. The best way to plan for a trip is to use both the map and the guide; the Holy Spirit will speak to you as you study God’s word and teach you things you would have missed without his leadership. “For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”(Psalm 48:14)

There is contrast between true and false faith. Going through the motions and claiming you believe in God but live with your back turned to him is not good enough. Because you think you are a good person does not mean that you have favor with the Lord in His eyes. Going to church every Sunday or on Holidays and living by the golden rule are not enough either. God desires sincere love, trust, thanks and praise. Sincerity is key here. To have passion in your heart for God and to acknowledge God exists are two totally different things. God punishes people for treating him lightly. First, he speaks to the superficially religious people who bring their sacrifices out of obligation. God doesn’t need what the people are giving; that is not the point of sacrifice; the beneficiary is the person who sincerely sacrifices. “Hear, O my people, and I will speak…If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it…Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High…I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”(Psalm 50:7-15) He wants the superficial religious people to give genuine thanksgiving and trust. Second, He despises wicked, hardhearted people for their evil words and immoral lives. He warns the evildoers to consider their deeds and repent; for one day they will be judged. “And the heavens proclaim his righteousness; for God himself is judge…You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue in deceit. You speak continually against your brother…But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue; He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”(Psalm50:19-23) Some people put on a front to show good intention and speak of love for God; but are filled with evil and deceit. They claim his promises but refuse to obey him. This is a sin and people will be judged for it. It is hypocritical to not be as you claim to be. To allow the inconsistency to perpetuate is to show that you do not follow God. If you realize the disconnect between your words and your actions, God is lovingly waiting to forgive you.

There are many people who don’t believe in the One true God. Although they wouldn’t call themselves atheist; they might as well because their acceptance of all gods as their god is the same thing. Have you met those floater types of people; wishy washy in who God is; those that say “all religions lead to God”; or “let’s leave religion and God out of this” whether in political or business discussions? I know it breaks our Father’s heart to see his children as fallen victims to worldly traps. But gracious and merciful as He is; He waits patiently for His children to wake up. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Will evildoers never learn; those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on God?”(Psalm 53:1,4) People may say there is no God in order to cover their sin, to have an excuse to continue to sin, and/or to ignore the Judge in order to avoid judgment. Those who think they can make any kind of decision without God are denying the fact that God invented right and wrong; in business, politics or relationships, how can you possibly weigh any decision without following right versus wrong moral code; it’s impossible. God is at the center of everything even if you don’t want Him to be; it’s inevitable.

A note on friends and family; we are to love, support and encourage one another at all times. If correction is necessary for the betterment of the other person; it should be done with love and respect. Betrayal by friends or family is far more painful than from those we have not opened our hearts to. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God…My companion attacks his friends, he violates his covalent. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.”(Psalm 55:12-21) Real friends stick by you in times of trouble and bring healing, love, acceptance and understanding. What kind of friend are you? Be the friend you wish to have and don’t betray those you love; there is nothing good that comes of that.

Psalms Ch.21-40

King David was a leader to his core. Although victory came fruitfully for David, he was not blinded by position, wealth or talent; he recognized that he had favor with God and that was the sole reason for his success. A good leader trusts the Lord and depends upon his unfailing love. When leaders trust their own cleverness, popular support and power; they fall short eventually. If the gift of leadership has been bestowed to you, keep the Lord at the center of your life and depend on him; all good leaders were led and there is no greater leader than God. Part of accepting God as your leader is humbling yourself and confessing your sin; this is not using God’s forgiving nature to your benefit when you feel like it; it’s admitting to him and to others that you are wrong; we are all wrong every day of our lives because no one but God perfect.

God WANTS to forgive us; forgiveness is one of the many ways he expresses his loving nature. To confess from the heart; not just out of duty or to get what you want; it means you agree with God. You acknowledge that He is right to declare what we have done is sinful and to abandon that sin to follow God more faithfully. Who you are today is not good enough for tomorrow; God encourages us to grow constantly. The minute we stop our spiritual growth marks our death. God is Holy and loves you but cannot accept you into his kingdom if you have not done your part. Take a look at how the psalm writers respond to God: 1) they recognized their sinfulness and tendency to do wrong, 2) they realized that sin was rebellion against God himself, 3) they admitted their sins to God, 4) they trusted in God’s willingness to forgive, 5) they accepted his forgiveness. It is easy to fall short of fellowship with God; just look around you at all of life’s distractions and lures. What is needed to reestablish your relationship with God is within these steps and He is waiting for YOU.

Death has the final word. It reflects human ultimate powerlessness. Only one person can walk with us through death’s darkness and bring us safely to the other side; the God of life or Shepherd. Our Shepherd knows the “green pastures” and “quiet waters” that will restore us.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”(Psalm 23) Although a well known Psalm; being familiar on have these words live inside of you are two different things. Rebelling against the shepherd’s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests.
Psalm 24:4 reads, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” God greatly values honesty. If you feel complete truthfulness with cost you something or perhaps even someone, make you uncomfortable or put you in unfavorable light then dishonesty will govern in your heart and overspill in your words and actions. Do not be afraid of the truth or allow lies as your foothold. It’s easy to become trapped in the bondage of lies. Dishonest communication hinders ALL relationships. Without honesty, a relationship with God is impossible. When we lie to others, we deceive ourselves and God. God cannot accept us and transform your life and those you love when you build a wall of self-deception. God cannot hear or speak to you under these conditions; free yourself in living TRUTHFULLY.

Psalm 26:4,5 reads, “I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.” We’ve all heard the clichés “birds of a feather flock together” or “show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Jesus, however, did not limit his presence to people because they did not follow him. There is a difference between being WITH those not walking the ways of the Lord; and d being ONE of them. It is important to surround ourselves with all different types of limit and not exclude those we are prejudiced of in any way. You yourself have no right to judge them as you also sin and make mistakes; not all sin is equal in the eyes of God; but we all sin and therefore must leave judgment to only one who carries that right: God. That being said, we choose who we allow into our hearts and share intimate relationships with. God is gracious to give us freedom of choice. Do you think it wise to enter into an intimate relationship with someone who does not wish to change their sinful hearts and turn to God for ultimate restoration? Even though we are called to help those with wickedness in their hearts to accept the Lord and live in obedience, that does not mean leave your heart wide open to those who insist on doing things “their way” and unknowingly perhaps; lead you astray from your relationship with God. And please don’t think obedience are rules imposed by man-made doctrine; God’s greatest command to us it to LOVE Him and to love him means to OBEY Him. He does this to have a relationship with us so that He can bless us and to equip us to bless others in the abundant overflow of our hearts that come from full submission to Christ.

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”(Psalm 30:5) Earthly security is uncertain, but God is always faithful. The discomfort of realizing your own sin or sin of others is transient; let God’s anger be a sharp pain that warns you to turn from sin and lie in his embrace that endures forever. Wealth, power, fame, possessions, and addictions have an intoxicating effect on people and give them a false sense of security and self-reliance apart from God. Even the casual smoker or drinker who uses an outside stimulus as a social crutch or to curb a yearning from within; they claim they don’t need it; if so; then let it go. Feeling numb to God, yourself and others is a trap many fall easily to.

“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth…let all the earth fear the Lord….For he spoke, and it came to be.”(Psalm 33:5-9) God’s words are true and right that is why we can trust Him. Unlike, people who can lie, forget, change words, give unfulfilled promises; the Bible is reliable because God encompasses what being faithful truly means. The Bible contains words of a holy, trustworthy and UNCHANGABLE God. Are you frustrated by the inconsistencies you see in yourself and others? Do you often think to yourself, I can’t trust anyone; I’m alone and must fend for myself. First, it is not wise to rely on others to fill you in ways only God can and second, you are an untrustworthy source of your own care as well. One may point the finger at others in blame; but if you held a mirror in front of yourself; you might find some of the same qualities you dislike within yourself. Unlike yourself or others, God is completely trustworthy and consistent; his intentions never change.

God listens to those who call Him. He always hears you and acts on your behalf. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry…The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:15) Psalm 34 further describes the ways God rescues those in pain; He promises great blessings to his people, but let us not forget that these blessings require active participation. When we seek him, cry out to him, trust him, fear him, refrain from lying, turn from evil, do good and seek peace, are humble and serve him we can ask for his blessings. He will deliver us from fear, save us out of our troubles, guard and deliver us, show us goodness, supply our needs, listen when we talk to him and redeem us; but we have to do our part. God warmly invites us to come to him; He never forces us. When you come to Him and start to trust him daily, you experience how good he is.

Those in need who call upon God will be answered; sometimes in very unexpected ways. God knows what we need and our deepest need is spiritual; He made us that way. Again though, it is a partnership, because the essence of how we were created was to live in relationship with Him first and then with others. Somehow people have gotten in their minds that peace comes with no effort. All these new age cults and “philosophers” that think they’ve found the “secret” to life; it’s silly really when you think about it. And science is always steps behind God. Regarding peace; we are to seek and pursue peace. Peace is reflective of how we do this. A person who wants peace cannot be argumentative and contentious. We have to work hard at living in peace with others each day because peaceful relationships come from our efforts at peaceMAKING.
If you are feeling that you don’t have what you need ask yourself these questions: 1) Is this really a need or do I just want it? 2) Is this really good for me? And when you test this against God’s word, you’ll find the true answer. 3) Is this the best time for me to have what I desire? God’s timing is always the best. We fight his timing because we live in fear, we’re stubborn, we think we are in control and want things when want them, where and how. God may allow you to go without to help you grow more dependent on him and to move you away from the myth of destructive self-reliance. He may want you to learn that you need him more than you need to gain your immediate desires.

Anger and worry are two very destructive and eroding emotions. Psalm 37:8 reads, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” Anger and worry reveal a lack of faith in God that he loves us and is in control. Much of anxiety and depression comes as the result of dwelling on your problems. If you concentrate on God, instead of yourself, others or your problems, you will find peace; where do you focus your attention? It will most likely be directly correlated to the state of your heart and how committed you are to God.

A great litmus test for someone’s character is to see how they handle money. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord bless will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off…If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble; he will not fall.”(Psalm37:23) The issue of money is spoken about more in the Bible than anything else because the Lord knows how many people worship money and everything it represents. The wicked person steals under the disguise of borrowing. The righteous person gives generously to people in need. The wicked person, therefore, is selfish and focuses on his needs, while the righteous looks to the welfare of others. Really consider your view and handlings of money? Are you responsible to ensure wise decisions with your money; but at the same token does it become your excuse to be stingy and selfish to those around you? Do you give with a cheerful spirit, or when you give money are you expecting a greater return on your investment? What is the “right” way according to wealthy parties, large corporations and business guru’s is not the standard that God will hold you to. Keep in mind, this all shall pass and you cannot take anything with you including your flesh. This should be a reminder to realize that God is concerned with the good of the spirit; there is no interest earned on the spirit that compares to holiness and living according to God’s will and not your own. If it’s in a business book, but not the Bible, drop it; it just isn’t worth the risk.

Doing God’s will sometimes means waiting patiently. This can be frustrating at times and discouraging; but as you wait, you can still love God, serve others, and talk about God to others. It’s not all about you. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth. “(Psalm 40:1-3) Here are the benefits that David received from waiting on God and not giving up hope; God 1)lifted him out of his despair, 2)set his feet on a rock, 3)gave him a firm place to stand, 4)put a new song of praise in his mouth. Have you considered that maybe you couldn’t receive the blessing without the trial of waiting for it? If good things came that easily, would they really be good? Does that mean that if you have a relationship that seems “too good to be true”; either it is and you’ve been deceived or you’ve waited patiently and trusted God and He brought you the person He has chosen for your life here. Even if your mate was sent to you from God, do you think it’s ever easy consistently? Of course not. That is how it’s designed so that we continue to trust God for guidance and grow with Him and those we are in relationship with.

What does being faithful really mean? Does that word make you think of your significant other and how you show faithfulness to one another? Faithful people accept and love those they proclaim to be faithful to unconditionally; so even when those people are “unlovable” at the moment. Faithful people keep their promises; promises of support or marriage vows; they keep their commitments. God’s faithfulness can be understood in relation to human faithfulness; except God’s faithfulness is PERFECT. God’s love is unconditional and absolute; and his promises are irrevocable. He loves us in spite our consistent bend toward sin and he keeps all his promises to us even though we may break ours to Him. How can you show your faithfulness to God and others in new ways LIVING out these words and not just saying them?

Psalms Ch.11-20

Psalm 12 is a call for protection against those who try to manipulate us. Have you felt the negative energy and manipulation of others who try to belittle your spirit or indirectly hope for the worst for you? Or even in relationships; do you live upright in your moral code and have the opposite sex try and manipulate you so they can take something from you? “Help, Lord, for the godly are no more’ the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. ‘Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’ And the words of the Lord are flawless.”(Psalm 12:1-6) God does not overlook lies, flattery, boasting or deception. Each of these sins originates from a bad attitude that is expressed through words. God warns us to guard our tongues; though a small in comparison to our bodies; it can cause the most damage. Being truthful and sincere are so valuable because it is so rare in our society.

Psalm 13 encourages us to continue to trust in God even when we don’t hear an answer right away. “How long, O Lord? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts? How long will my enemy triumph over me? My foes will rejoice when I fall…But I trust in your unfailing love; I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.”(Psalm 13:1-6) We often feel similar impatience as David did here. Suffering and evil doing seems to go unchecked and we may wonder when God will address the issue. David continued to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for his justice.

Psalm 14 speaks of fools who deny God. The atheist, who may not be aware of their practice against God, is either foolish or wicked. Foolish, in that they ignore the clear evidence that God exists, or wicked, because they refuse to live by God’s truth. Atheist in practice is when we rely more on ourselves than God; that is why it is easy to behave as an atheist and not even realize it. To speak in direct defiance to God is utterly foolish according to the Bible. No one stands before God completely blameless; for no one but God is perfect; therefore, God not only expects us to obey his guidelines, but he wants us to love him with all our heart.

Psalm 18 speaks of victory over enemies by calling on God for strength. “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold…To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.”(Psalm18:1,2,3,25,26) In their arrogance and disbelief, many people think that belief in God and following his path is a crutch for the weak who can’t make it on their own. God is our protector; but he does not want us to remain weak. He strengthens, protects and guides us in order to send us back into a fallen world to fight for him. The author David was no coward; he was a mighty warrior because he knew that only God could ultimately protect and save him. Through pain and suffering, God promises to give us strength to meet the challenges; he doesn’t promise to eliminate them; for there would be no growth if we didn’t have battles to fight. God encourages us, teaches us and strengthens us to face our troubles and by his grace, be victorious.

Psalm 19 reveals God’s greatness existing through creation and his word. Many people may say they believe in God because of the splendors of nature; it is absolutely certain that the beauty by design that surrounds us proves the existence of God. People fall short, however, when they feel this is the only way God reveals himself to us. I find it self-serving to think that God’s creation was merely for us to enjoy without any responsibility on our part. Some people refuse to really seek to know beyond acknowledging that God exists; to Who God is and What He wants and how we should show our deep love and respect for Him. Through nature, God reveals his power and handiwork in his design of creation and we learn of his infinite nature and our finite nature; To think that the universe happened by chance is ignorance; there is beauty and truth revealed in nature that teaches us of our Creator. In his word, we learn about his holiness and our sinfulness. God also reveals himself though daily experiences and circumstances and we learn about his grace, forgiveness and our salvation. People in awe of nature and in agreement to the existence of God still miss steps in having a relationship with God; which is what He wants from all of us; by not recognizing that the Bible tells us about salvation. His word is there for us to explain his love, mercy and grace to others so that they understand that God did not just intent for us to believe in him; but to walk with him according to how he wants; not how we want.

Some people distance themselves from God because they feel his Laws are outside their reach. They don’t even want to go there because of fear of failing the Almighty God. That in and of itself is proof that seeking to truly know him is in order because to feel this way is a direct reflection of not having God in your life. Would you ever really want to live without God? Is that life or just existence until your time is up? God’s laws are not in place to intimidate us or steer us away from him; on the contrary; as our Creator, don’t you think he knows all that is the best for us and wants our lives to be filled with joy? He is our Father after all. A father’s love is unconditional for his child. Every relationship has rules. God’s rules revive us, make us wise, give joy (not temporary happiness) to the heart, gives light to the eye, warns us of things that he knows will harm us, and rewards us in supernatural ways. God’s guidelines are lights to our path, not balls and chains. His laws point at harm and danger to warn us to steer clear; then he points us at success, and guides us through victory. Do not be intimidated by God’s rules and remember that they are in place for protection and freedom.

Psalms Ch.1-10

The book of Psalms is songs and prayers that express the unveiled hearts and souls of humanity. Human experience is expressed across a vast range. David, Solomon and other authors of these writings pour their hearts and their truth to God reflecting their dynamic friendship, love and faith in God. Whether in rejoice or despair, these writers openly express their honest feelings with God. In these writings we see God’s everlasting love and forgiveness and are encouraged to have a deep and intimate relationship with God. In creating time and space to allow for such meditation with God, we begin to truly know Him, ourselves and others. Notice the freedom children express in their joy and trust; without doubt or reservation that comes with age and living in the world. Ask God to give you childlike faith, removing any barriers to having a closer walk with him; getting in touch with your childlike qualities can make you more expressive and open in your relationship with God and others.

Psalm 1 is one to memorize; it speaks of life’s two roads. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”(Psalm1:1-6) Even in subtle ways, our friends, family and associates can have profound influence on us. If any of these relationships mock what God considers important, we may sin in our indifference to what God wants. Do your friends encourage your faith in God or do they ridicule, judge and tear it down? True friends help, not hinder, your spiritual growth and draw you closer to God. The two life roads are God’s way of obedience or the way of rebellion and destruction; there is no grey area for the people that like to float through life. No one gets around commitment no matter how hard they may try; if you don’t commit to one; you commit to the other. We all inevitably serve something or someone; whether a human king, an organization, or even our own selfish desires.

With the stress, depression, anxiety and confusion that plague so many people; many sleepless nights result. Tossing and turning with constant analysis of problems and worry. Sleep does not come easily during a crisis. The assurance of answered prayer brings peace. We can fall into a restful sleep when we have full assurance that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying awake at night, worrying about circumstances you can’t change, pour your heart to God, thank him that He is in control, and then sleep will follow.

Some people have a misconception of what true happiness means. Psalm 4 clears up questions regarding the transient nature of happiness. Two kinds of joy are discussed here: inward joy that results from knowing and trusting God and happiness that results from pleasant circumstance. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness in unpredictable. This makes perfect sense when we think about it; our circumstances always change, for the only constant of the world is change. However, God is beyond this world and not subject to its laws; He is the only non-changing stable rock for whom to truly trust in. Inward joy then defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary. I think the important here is to seek the Lord to govern your heart and life to gain steady joy instead of chasing happiness. To surrender your control to God’s will and have an intimate relationship with him lies in your earnest prayer each morning. Commit your whole day to God and watch what He does. Regular communication helps any friendship and the same goes for having a strong relationship with God; we need constant and honest communication with Him.

Psalm 6 is near to my own heart. One night as I cried in emotional pain of a broken relationship, I was on the couch pouring my heart to God and opened to this very verse. “Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer, All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.”(Psalms 6:1-10) David was the author of this song. He poured his heart openly and honestly as I was doing as well; admitting to my wrongdoing and asking God how much longer to endure the pain. God knows us thoroughly, better than we could ever know ourselves, and in anger or despair, being honest about our feelings gives God the open invitation to rescue and teach us. We are not victims and it is because we trust in our all-powerful and all-knowing God that we don’t have to be weighed down by the guilt of sin; whether it be our own or another’s. In my own honesty with God, he helped me turn my own attention from myself to him and his mercy; getting out of yourself and your circumstances and focusing on God is a sure way to help relieve pain and suffering. The moment I surrendered my circumstance to God and got out of my own way; victory followed internally and within the relationship.

Psalm 7 gives us insight into justice against those who make slanderous comments. Have you ever been wrongly accused or so badly hurt that you sought revenge? Instead of taking matters into your own hands and striking back at your offenders, crying out for God’s justice is encouraged here. The proper response to slander is prayer, not revenge, because God says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Romans 12:19) God will stand by the righteous and rebuke those who do evil in his sight; you need not worry about what you cannot control. We may face many injustices; 1) we may be falsely accused and misunderstood by friends and enemies, 2) we may not be truly appreciated by others for the love we show, 3) the true value of our work and service may not be duly rewarded, 4) our ideas may be ignored. God sees and remembers all the good we do and it is up to him to decide the timing and appropriate rewards. We are free from the worry of how others perceive us and treat us when we trust in God and experience his peace.

Psalm 10 has many truths. “He says to himself, ‘Nothing will shake me; I’ll always be happy and never have trouble’. His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats.”(Psalm10:6) Some people succeed in all they do and brag that no one can keep them down. Why would we get upset at the success of these kinds of people and why wicked prosper? Are we angry about the damage they cause or are we secretly jealous of their success? Wickedness and wealth should be placed in their proper perspectives to answer this question. God hates evil deeds and wickedness; they will surely be punished according to God. Wealth is temporary. Wealth is not a sign of God’s approval on a person’s life. It is important that we not allow wealth or lack thereof to become our obsession.

Job 22-42

The third round of discussion between Job and his 3 friends continue. There are some valuable lessons we learn from their dialogue.

Eliphaz, job’s “friend” tried to condemn him by identifying some secret sin which he may have committed and the reason for his suffering. The Bible teaches us that even if our hearts are suffering in shame, God is greater than our hearts. Though we may feel tremendous amounts of guilt, the Holy Spirit is proof that we are forgiven in God’s eyes.

There are so many people who walk around as if they “know it all”, thinking that their vast experience, book knowledge, formal education and training; living behind their degrees to justify their existence is wisdom and insight. Wisdom and true insight comes from God. There is nothing wrong with degrees and formal education; but when they are used to put oneself above others and as an identity; that is not what God is about. Wisdom is thus not from the human mind; it comes from God. “Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air…The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” (Job 28:20) Fear of the Lord is a key them in wisdom; it means to have respect and reverence for God and to be in awe of his unfailing love and power. When dealing with people, it is more important to love and understand them than to analyze them or give advice. Compassion always produces greater results than blame or criticism. Have you experienced this in your life? People, even those closest to you, judge you and critique your life as if they know better than God? The prideful doctrine they preach which happens to be the very reason they despise religion; I find it ironic the attacks from people that come when you decide to have a living relationship with God; the hypocrisy of doing the very thing they are so opposed to: judgment. It’s ok for others to condemn you because of your beliefs and call themselves righteous; it’s a twisted contradiction.
In the midst of accusations and attack, Job was able to declare his conscience clear, for he knew in his heart of his strong faith and love for God. Only God’s forgiveness and the determination to live right by God can really bring a clear conscience. We can’t claim sinless lives; not a single one of us; that is why God’s forgiveness is merciful and gracious; we don’t deserve it and yet he gives it freely; that is Love. When people attack this idea, calling those that believe this in their hearts, selfish and egotistical; I would ask them this; how can you give all you’ve got to another if you yourself is running on empty with a hardened heart? What is wrong with experiencing the kind of restoration and renewal that only God’s love can give so that you can then send it off to others? I know people personally that feel that those who read the Bible and accept their sins have been forgiven, preach how self-centered that is, when their very own lives revolve around themselves and their routines. Witnessing these contradictions truly astounds me.

In Job’s pain and confusion of “why” this pain and suffering has come upon him, he came dangerously close to pride. Pride is deceptive when we are doing right. Pride separates us from God by making us think we’re better than we really are. There comes a tendency to trust our own opinion. It’s not wrong to recount past deeds, but it is far better to recount God’s blessings to us and not act as if you’ve done it on your own. I was recently reminded of someone close to me who said they’ve “paid their dues” in formal education, thereby acting as if they had the “right” to look down at others you choose to learn another way. They claimed that it was prideful to read and write about what they’ve learned by reading the Bible; and yet at the same time justified their point of view by the degrees they’ve received in Medical formal education. I find the scenario ironic. Who then is prideful? This is shown with Job and his friends. They were so busy pointing fingers at Job they didn’t realize their own arrogance and pride that God rebuked them for.

Do you try to keep people from seeing the real you? Job declared to his judgmental friends that he did not try to hide his sin as men and women often do. It is the fear of the discovery of our sin that leads us to patterns of deception. We can try to cover up with lies all we want to appear good to others; but we cannot hide from God. When you acknowledge your sin; and admit you’re wrong, which prideful people have a hard time doing, you free yourself to receive forgiveness and move on with your life. Job had a friend who spoke the most wisdom out of all the others; the youngest of the friends; this demonstrates that wisdom does not always come from age; it comes from knowing God. “I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, which gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.”(Job 32:6) When I was around 7 years old, I remember my Aunt who would discuss her relationships with men to me and ask my advice; I gave her wisdom that did not come from me. How would I know anything of relationships at the young age of 7; that was the Holy Spirit using me to give my Aunt warnings and words of encouragement; the glory should always go to God and he is not limited to the laws of nature we know of. Elihu, Job’s young friend, pointed out that it was not Job’s past sin that caused his suffering; that it was his present sin of attitude of arrogance as he tried to defend his innocence. Elihu also said that suffering is not meant to punish us as much as it is meant to correct and restore us. Job’s greatest test was not the pain, but that he desperately wanted to know “why” he was suffering. Our greatest test may be that we must trust God’s goodness even though we don’t understand why our lives are going a certain way. Becoming wise is a lifelong pursuit; just to know about true wisdom is not enough; living it and making wisdom active in your life makes all the difference.

Suffering is helpful when we turn to God for understanding, endurance and deliverance; it is harmful when we become hardened and reject God. Suffering is helpful when we are open to being helped by others who are obeying God; and harmful when we withdraw from the help others can give. Suffering is helpful when we are sensitized to the amount of suffering in the world; and harmful when we refuse to be open to any changes in our lives. I see people every day, caught in their routines and rat race; desensitized to the evil ways of the world because it’s considered “norm”. The refusal to change is refusal to allow God into your heart because in doing so; He transforms your heart and you grow and change, whether you expected it or not; it’s inevitable and a good thing. Again, it’s because it’s not about you; it’s about what he wants for you period. What is it about staying the same and getting comfortable that appeals to so many? In my opinion, that is the first sign of our mortality and our willingness to be controlled by the outside world and not realize there is something so much bigger than we are that is waiting to give us eternal life. If you are a logical person, I challenge you with this; we all know we are mortal beings. Whether we believe in Heaven or Hell is beside the point; why risk going to hell? Why not take the risk that is a pathway to heaven? Faith=Risk; be on guard you are taking the right risk. “If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to dust.”(Job34:14) God executes justice. We have his promise on that. Don’t lose hope. He notices your right living and your faith.

God is incomprehensible; we cannot know him completely. “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” (Job37:5) We can never know enough to answer all of life’s questions or to predict our own future. Life creates far more questions than we have answers. God is in full control. Be ready to hear him speak; he speaks through the Bible, in your life through the Holy Spirit and though circumstances and relationships.

At the end of this book, the Lord speaks to Job. “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!”(Job38:2) God spoke to Job and did not answer any of his questions; God used Job’s ignorance of the earth’s natural order to reveal his ignorance of God’s moral order. Our only option is to submit to God’s authority and rest in his care; for there is no standard higher than God himself by which to judge. God has all the forces of nature at his command and he can restrain or unleash them at his will. God’s point to Job was that if Job could not explain such common events in nature, how could he possibly explain or question God? God was inviting Job to submit to God’s power sovereignty; only then could he hear what God was really saying to him. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we think we know and it blocks us from the opportunity of hearing God speak the exact truth we are looking for. We are our own worst enemy in this way; if we would get out of our own way by relinquishing the control we think we have; we allow God to work in our lives. He doesn’t want us to fight him by thinking and behaving like we have all the answers and can do everything our own way.

I have ridden horses and had a special passion for how God created the noble horse; this passage speaks to the beauty of his creation in the horse: “Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword. In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds. At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, ‘Aha!’ He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout of commanders and the battle cry.”(Job 39:19)

God’s actions do not depend on ours. He will do what he knows is best, regardless of what we think is fair. God came to Job in the first place to demonstrate his love and care for him. Give God a chance to reveal his greater purposes for you, but remember that they may unfold over the course of your life and not at your request. At the end of this book, Job did repent for his sin. But it was not repentance for secret sin his friends had accused him of; it was for ever questioning God. We sin when we ask in anger; “if God is in control, how he could let this happen,” we are locked into space and time; God is not and we cannot begin to understand the reasons for everything that happens according to God’s ultimate plans. Can you still trust God with your questions unanswered? Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world. When you face dilemmas and trials, see them as opportunities to turn to God for strength; you will be amazed how ready he is there to catch you. Doubt and confusion are Satan’s greatest footholds in our lives; trusting God through pain and suffering breaks the habit of allowing a wedge into your relationship with God.

God made it clear that Job’s friends were wrong in their assumptions. They judged Job without knowing what God was doing; demonstrating the arrogance and pride in their own hearts. Be careful to avoid making judgments about a person because God may be working in ways we know nothing about.

Job Ch.11-21

The Book of Job continues with discussions between Job and his three friends. These conversations represent a lack of true friendship. Zophar, in his arrogance, was the kind of person who has an answer for everything; he was completely insensitive to Job’s unique situation. It is important to note that although the three friends spoke of as God’s limitless and Almighty, they believed that Job’s suffering was directly related to sins he had not repented; even though they were correct in the importance of confessing sin, they were wrong about the cause of Job’s suffering. They insisted and preached their positions without considering the devastating pain Job was in. Job affirmed that no leader has any real wisdom apart from God. Scientific discovery, research and reports cannot outweigh God’s opinion. God’s wisdom is superior to any worldly discovery. Job’s profound speech illustrates truth; to have a right set of doctrines is not enough to please God; truth untested by life’s experiences become stagnant. Pain and suffering brings a dynamic to life that makes life worth living. Have you experienced tremendous pain in your life? When you look back years later at your suffering, are you drawn closer to God in gratitude or have you allowed your pain to drive a wedge in your relationship with God?

Job’s friends should have comforted him. Instead they condemned him for causing his own suffering. Job replied, “I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all! Will you long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing? I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.”(Job 16:2) Job reveals several ways to comfort those in pain: 1) Don’t talk just for the sake of talking; 2) Don’t sermonize by giving pat answers; 3) don’t accuse or criticize; 4) put yourself in the other person’s place; 5)offer help and encouragement. The best comforters are those who know something about personal suffering. If you have undergone extreme pain yourself; think how many people you could help who are going through the same thing or those that need someone who understands pain to comfort them? Remember, it’s not all about you. Whether it is a blessing or a curse; God wants us to use our growth and development through these experiences to help others.

Job said, “All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me. I am nothing but skin and bones…will you never get enough of my flesh?”(Job19:19) It is easy to point out someone’s mistakes and sins. Job’s friends continue to accuse him trying to inflict guilt instead of encouragement. If you are a friend to someone where you are in a position to counsel and possibly correct behavior; be sure that you confront in love; not because you are inconvenienced, annoyed or seeking blame.

Even in Job’s state, his heart remained for God, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; how my heart yearns within me.”(Job 19:25) This is tremendous faith in the face of darkness and despair. Job still expected to see God in his own body; he firmly believed that in the end God would be on his side. His beliefs were so strong, that Job was the first to talk about the resurrection of the body. Job was certain that God’s justice would triumph; even if it would take a miracle like resurrection to accomplish this. Isn’t that interesting what beliefs can enter into one’s heart even through a devastating trial? This proves the Holy Spirit at work through Job’s trials.

In the end, God’s justice will prevail. We should not be impressed with the success and power of evil people. God’s judgment on them is certain. So when you question why good things happen to bad people and bad things to good people, remember this truth. In the real world, evil people do prosper and people cannot use their circumstances to measure their own goodness of God’s. Success to Job’s friends was based on outward performance; but God measures success by your heart; and only God knows the depths and truth of your heart. There is no hiding from our creator. If you are concerned with the current state of your heart and feeling guilty of wickedness you know lies deep in your heart; even if your countenance would never show it; begin by changing your actions, practicing selfless behavior and offering your help to others and your heart will transform and be pleasing in the eyes of God.

Job Ch.1-10

Our lives are as whole as the foundations they are built upon. With a deep and wide foundation built on God; we can weather the storms and not crumble. The Book of Job demonstrates God’s sovereignty and the meaning of having faith despite all tests and trials. This Book answers the question many of us have: Why do the righteous suffer? Suffering purifies our faith as we will see in the example of Job. Ask yourself, if all was gone, is God enough? Job learned that when nothing was left, he had God, and that was enough. Testing is difficult to endure, but the result is often a deeper relationship with God. Those who stay close to God during life’s tests will experience God’s great rewards in the end. This is also first poetic book of the Old Testament and gives insights into the works of Satan.

Job is portrayed as a man of God, upright character, wealthy and blameless. Satan accuses Job’s faith because it’s easy to follow God when life is good. God allows Satan to test Job. “Does Job fear God for nothing? Satan replied ‘Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands…But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the many himself do not lay a finger.”(Job 1:9-12) Satan wanted to proved that Hob worshiped God, not out of love, but because God had given him so much. How deep is your love for God? Are you a fair-weathered follower of God? Satan took everything Job loved; his children, his possessions, his health and his flocks. Job proved that people can love God for who He is, not for what He gives. Although in pain for his loss; Job fell to the ground and worshipped. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”(1:20)

Job’s second test was an attack on himself. His skin was filled with painful sores from his feet to the top of his head. Can Satan persuade God to change his plans? God is completely and eternally good. God knew the eventual outcome and allowed Satan’s plan; God cannot be fooled by Satan. Job’s suffering was a test for Job and Satan; not God. Satan’s attacks are real. In this story, Satan attempted to drive a wedge between Job and God and he does the same thing in our lives. Satan, however, had to ask God for permission to inflict suffering on Job; Satan is limited to what God allows. We must learn to recognize and not fear Satan’s attacks. Satan cannot exceed the limits that God makes. We cannot control how or why Satan attacks, but we can choose how we respond when it happens. Some people think that believing in God prevents trouble from entering their lives. Faith in God doesn’t not guarantee personal prosperity and lack of faith does not guarantee troubles. This draws attention to the question many of us ponder: why do good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people? Satan’s strategy is to get us to doubt God at the exact moment we suffer for reasons we can’t understand. Satan, a fallen angel, became corrupt through his own pride. Satan considers God his enemy; he actively looks for people to attack with temptation and because he wants to make people hate God; he does this through lies and deception. We can learn a lot about Satan from his conversation with God: 1) Satan is accountable to God. All angelic beings, good and evil, are compelled to present themselves before God. 2) Satan can be at only one place at a time. His demons aid him in his work; but as a created being, he is limited. 3) Satan cannot see into our minds or foretell the future. If he could, he would have known that Hob would not break under pressure. 4) Because Satan can do nothing without God’s permission, God’s people can overcome his attacks through God’s power. 5) God puts limitations on what Satan can do. Knowing this about Satan should cause us to remain close to the One who is greater than Satan.

Here are the sources of suffering as described in this Book, who is responsible, who is affected and the needed response. If the sources of your suffering are your own sin: You are responsible, yourself and others are affected, and your response should be repentance and confession to God. If the source is others’ sin: the person who sinned and those who allowed it are responsible, most of those exposed to the cause are affected, and the needed response is active resistance to the sinful behavior while accepting the sinner. If an avoidable physical or natural disaster is the source: those responsible are the persons who ignore the facts or refuse to take precautions, those affected are those exposed to the cause, and your response should be to prevent them if possible and to be prepared if they can’t be prevented. If the source is unavoidable physical or natural disaster: God or Satan is responsible. Those affected are most people present; the needed response is ongoing trust in God’s faithfulness.

Through Job’s suffering, his friends came to comfort him and although with good intentions; failed to give Job good advice. They made the effort to come to someone in need; unfortunately, they did a poor job of comforting Job because they were proud of their own advice and insensitive to Job’s needs. When someone is in need, go to that person, but be sensitive in how you comfort him or her. In the Jewish tradition, when a person is in mourning or suffering, the comforting friends remain silent until the mourner speaks first. Often, we feel we must say something spiritual and insightful to a hurting friend and perhaps whey they need the most is just our presence, showing that we care. Empathetic silence and loving companionship say more than trite quotations and prideful advice. During times of suffering, we are reminded just how vulnerable we truly are. We must hold on to our faith even if there is no relief. Job was driven back to the basics in his faith in God and had two choices: 1) curse God and give up or 2) trust God and draw strength from him to continue. He chose to trust God.

Job speaks: “May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is born!’ That day-may it turn to darkness…Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure…What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me, I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”(3:3,20,25,26) Job began to lose sight of trials and grief; for whether temporary or permanent, they do not destroy the real purpose of life. Life is not given merely for happiness and personal satisfaction; but for us to serve and honor God. The worth and meaning of life lies in God unfailing love for us; not on what we feel. It is easy of blame people for their own troubles, but Job’s story makes it clear that blame cannot always be attached to those whom trouble strikes. It is arrogant think you fully understand the cause of someone’s pain and suffering; blame them for their misfortunes; and provide no empathy for a person in pain. Let us not forget the Lord’s command to love others. We may not have the answer to someone’s questions; but we must offer our comfort and direct that person to seek the Lord with our loyal friendship walking with them.

Job’s friend, Eliphaz was giving Job counsel and he speaks of a view of discipline that has been almost forgotten: Pain can help us grow. “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.”(5:17) Rewards for good and punishment for evil are in God’s hands and according to his time. Satan’s ploy is to get us to doubt God’s love toward us.
“What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Do I have the power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me? A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, but my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams.”(Job 6:11,14) When people are going through severe trials, ill advised counsel is distasteful. Be slow to give advice to those who are hurting; they often need compassion more than they need advice. God had a greater plan for Job than granting his request for death. Our tendency can be to want to give up when the going gets tough. Trusting God in the difficult times tests our limits and exercises our faith. You never know how God wants to use your suffering perhaps to help others who suffer as you do.

“The night drags on, and I toss till dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering…remember, O God, that my life is but a breath…Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul…I despise my life, I would not live forever. Let me alone; my days have no meaning. Have I become a burden to you?”(Job 7:4,5,11,20) Job’s deep anguish and bitterness led him to speak honestly with God about his feelings to let out his frustrations. If we express our feelings to God, we can deal with them without exploding in harsh words and actions; hurting ourselves and others. The next time strong emotions threaten to overwhelm you, pray to God openly and honestly. This process will help you gain an eternal perspective and give you a greater ability to handle the situation constructively.

Only God can give lasting security. What have you trusted for your security? How lasting is it? Feelings of insecurity will not undermine you when your secure foundations lie with God. Money, possessions, knowledge, and relationships will fail or be gone. Job’s learned through painful lessons the insecurity of the world. While Job showed impatience toward God, he did not reject or curse God. In comforting someone going through severe pain, our patience with their impatience can help them. Job began wallowing in self-pity. Our pain can lure us into feeling sorry for ourselves and can lead to self-righteousness; which is where Satan wants us. It causes one to say “Look what happened to me; how unfair it is! Who did this to me and how can I get out of it?” (10:1) It is important to remember that life’s trials, whether allowed by God or sent by God can be the means for development and refinement. God wants only the very best for your life. Many people endure great pain, but at the end, they find some greater good that came from it. When you are suffering and in pain, don’t assume the worst and hold tighter to the Lord, for he is compassionate and merciful.

Esther Ch. 1-10

The Book of Esther is covered in drama, romance, power and intrigue. Esther saw her God-given opportunity and seized it. A whole nation was saved because of Esther’s courageous act. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And you who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (4:14). Perhaps the Lord is preparing you to act in “such a time as this”. Although we may question certain circumstances, we must have faith that God is in control of both success and failure so that we can serve him more effectively. With God in charge, we can take courage. We should be careful however, to not simply rest in the knowledge of God’s control; we should ACT in with self-sacrifice and courage to follow God’s guidance.

Persian King Xerxes made a rash decision in his drunken state to divorce his Queen because she did not follow his order. Mutual respect between men and women comes from appreciation of one another as those created in God’s image; forced obedience is a poor substitute for the love and respect wives and husbands should have for each other. Poor decisions are made when people don’t think clearly. How many people do you observe making rash choices in their drunken states? How many people use alcohol or other mood-altering drugs to numb their senses and excuse their behavior? Base your decisions on careful thinking; not on the emotions of the moment. Impulsive decisions lead to severe consequences. This made room, however, for Esther to become Queen when the King took a liking to her. Even as queen, Esther had few rights, especially because she had been chooses to replace a woman who had become too assertive for the King.

Mordecai was Esther’s cousin who looked after her as a father. He was a servant to God wherever he was. He refused to bow down to Haman, the king’s representative, which angered Haman to the point of issues a decree to have Mordecai and all the Jews to their death. Mordecai , during the same time, e heard of a conspiracy plot of the king’s men to assassinate King Xerxes, and he told Esther that one reason God had allowed her to be queen might well be to save her people from this threat by Haman. King Xerxes honored and greatly rewarded Mordecai when he knew of his courageous act to prevent his assassination and rewarded him at the anger and resentment of Haman. We can learn many lessons from the life of Mordecai; his example shows us that we can trust God to weave together the events of life for our best, even though we may not be able to see the overall pattern; and the rewards for doing right are sometimes delayed, but they are guaranteed by God Himself. Also, the opportunities we have are more important than the opportunities we want. Do you ever wish you had the opportunities others have? If God wanted us to all have the same opportunities and experiences, why would he create no two persons the exact same? We are created in His image to experience our own opportunities for the glory of God; this is why it’s important to remember that it’s not about us; it’s about Him.

Haman, a plotter of evil who planned to kill Mordecai and all the Jews in the kingdom, was punished an ultimately received the sentence he once plotted; death. Although Haman’s actions may be difficult to relate to for us; there are deep rooted character flaws in him that we must generate awareness to because even though we may not behave as radically as Haman; the state of his heart is where we need to draw our attention. Arrogance derives from those who must measure their self-worth by the power or influence they think they have over others; Haman couldn’t accept anyone as an equal. The desire to control others and receive honor was Haman’s highest goal. He was blinded by arrogance, self-importance and pride. How much of Haman is in you? Do you desire to control others at times? Are you threatened when others don’t appreciate you as you think they should? Do you seek revenge when your pride is attacked? Confess these attitudes to God and ask him to replace them with forgiveness and humility; otherwise, God’s justice will settle the matter. The contrast in Esther and Haman lie in their character; Esther risked everything for God and won; Haman risked everything for himself and evil purpose and lost.

Esther was a woman who broke through cultural norms; she stepped outside her expected role to risk her life to help God’s people. Whatever your place in life, God can use you; be open, available and ready because God may use you to do what others are afraid even to consider.
Esther’s beauty and character won the heart of Persia’s king; and this is of no coincidence, for God created Esther for his grand purpose and it is important to remember that her gift of beauty and character was not for her selfish use. She combined courage with careful planning. Common themes of great people who served the Lord are to pray, to plan, to trust and obey. Esther was open to advice and willing to act; she was more concerned for others than for her own security. “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”(Esther 4:16) Serving God often demands that we risk our own security. Esther’s risk confirmed that God was the source of her security. It is important to understand that God did not place us in our present positions for our own benefit. He put us there to serve him. What is security in this world anyway? Possessions can be lost or stolen, beauty fades, relationships can be broken, and death is inevitable. By logic then, real security must exist beyond this world and this life. God encompassed the only form of unchanging nature; Are you willing to let God be your ultimate security?

God placed both Esther and Mordecai in their positions for a purpose; so they bravely seized the moment and took action. Esther risked her life by coming before the king and pleading for her people in a strategic way. Her courageous act serves as a model to follow when approaching a difficult task: 1) Calculate the cost. Esther realized her life was at stake and trusted in God’s security. 2) Set Priorities: She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life. 3) Prepare. She gathered support and fasted. 4) Determine a course of action and move ahead boldly. She didn’t think too long about it, allowing anything to remove her commitment from her God-given task. Esther and Mordecai believed in God’s great care. They acted at the right time, and God used them to save his people. God chooses to work through those willing to act for him. We should pray as if all depended on God and act as if all depended on us. We should avoid the two extremes: doing nothing and feeling like we must do everything.

There is an interesting description of how God works in the world described in this Book. The contrast between God’s will and Man’s will. What God wants done, He works through. God’s action is natural order, miracles and providence. He set into action through creation a normal working of his universe. He also revealed his expectations of man though his Word and man’s conscience. God can break into the natural order to respond to the expressed needs of his people. God overrules the natural order to accomplish an act that people may or may not have requested. That is why when we pray in Jesus name, this allows the Holy Spirit to pray on our behalf for things we may not know we need; but that are all in accordance with God’s plan. Examples of how God works in the world through Esther’s story: God gave Esther natural beauty; Esther planned a way to save her people. God allowed Esther to speak to the king; the people prayed and fasted for Esther’s success. God allowed Mordecai to overhear a plot; Mordecai trusted God to accomplish what was impossible in human terms. Man’s will by contrast involve actions we can take or mistakes we can make. We can choose the action to plan, pray, trust and obey. In doing so, we can make plans based on the order and dependability of God’s creation and obey his words. We can ask God to intervene in certain occasions, realizing we are limited in the full scope of knowledge. We can trust that God is in control. Or, we can choose to disobey, demand, and despair. We can violate the natural order and disobey God’s word. We can assume that we understand what is needed and expect God to agree and answer our prayers our way. We can assume God doesn’t answer when things don’t go our way and live as though there is nothing but the natural order of life. Which way will you choose? God’s way or your own?

Nehemiah Ch.1-13

This book records the history of the third return to Jerusalem after captivity, telling how the walls were rebuilt and the people restored in their faith. “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.” (6:15)

Nehemiah did not just complain and talk about the problems at hand; he was a man of action. He knew God could use his talents to get the job done. He organized, managed, supervised, encouraged, met opposition, confronted injustice and kept going until the walls were rebuilt. We may not have tangible walls to rebuild, but we often have relationships that require rebuilding; a spouse, parents, children, coworkers, etc. Many people say that relationships require work, but are they really taking the action to see that work through? Theories are as meaningless as potential unless these great raw materials are set into motion. God isn’t going to lift you off your couch and present miracles that will change your state of mind and your reality; He invites us into a relationship which means being accountable, using the beautiful minds he gave us, working in a partnership with him and living his principles.

Nehemiah’s life is an example of leadership and organization. He gave up riches and comfort to rally the people to rebuild Jerusalem with God as his leader. Leaders are typically the most attacked, ridiculed and scrutinized. In the face of opposition, Nehemiah practiced wise defense measures to keep the project moving and provide inspiration for his people. To be a leader for God, we must pray, persevere, and sacrifice. God uses each person in a unique way to accomplish his purposes.

There are mega themes in this book that every leader should consider. The vision, the prayer, the honor and responsibility or leadership, problems and revival. God put the vision to rebuild the walls in Nehemiah’s heart. Does God have a vision for you? Are there “walls” that need to be built or rebuilt in your life or in this world? God wants his people to be trained and united. God can give you the desire to “build” and the vision and supernatural power to carry it through. Prayer is critical when leading people and projects. When Nehemiah began his work, he recognized the problem, immediately prayed, and then acted on the problem. Through prayer, God guides our preparation, teamwork, and diligent efforts to carry out his will. Think about it; why do you think our society is dominated by routine and steroid-paced lifestyle? Don’t you think that is the perfect position the evil forces want us in so that we don’t notice our lives moving ahead, truly experiencing joy and peace, or taking the time to slow down to hear God’s voice? That is part of his master-minded plan for destroying our lives and separating us from God because if we are so self-consumed with “what WE have to do” and immersed in our routines; we are like dead men walking. We are of no threat because we are too stuck on ourselves to be open to hearing the miraculous ways God can create profound meaning out of our existence. Nehemiah demonstrated what it takes to earn a leadership role; he was spiritually ready to heed God’s call. He used careful planning, teamwork, problem solving, courage and perseverance. Every leader followers a greater leader; there is no greater leader than God. The problems Nehemiah faced and what many leaders face include scorn, slander, threats from our enemies, fear, conflict and discouragement. There are no triumphs without great troubles and when problems do arise; it is wise to confront them squarely and press on to complete God’s work. The revival aspect of leaders completing work for God involves not only completing the task, but also rebuilding lives spiritually. Most people don’t welcome change and this is seem by repetitive action no matter what the lip service dictates; revival requires reform or it’s not revival, but a mere expression of enthusiasm. Again, I saw to all of us; quit talking and start acting.

Although deeply grieved by the fall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah did not just brood over it. After his initial grief, he prayed and poured his heart out to God and then looked for ways to improve the situation. Moving beyond brooding to a specific action that helps those who need it is a great platform to allow God to come in and bring victory. Heartfelt prayers can help clarify many things: any problem you may be facing, God’s great power to help you, and the job you have to do. Many times when we take the time to have true intimacy with your creator; where we can decipher what are our twisted thoughts and what are messages from Him, by the end of the time, we know what action to take with clarity. It’s helpful to take a pen and paper when you pray because many thoughts come to mind and God will give you visions and pearls you don’t want to forget. We show God we are serious when we combine prayer with thought, preparation, and effort.

Persevering for any major task is tiring and can foster discouragement. The only cure for fatigue and discouragement is focusing on God’s purposes. Many people in Natural Health and Wellness strongly believe in the correlation between positive/negative thought directly impacting our physical health. Taking positive thought further to where it belongs; I believe that when we focus our thoughts on God, that process alone is healing for our spirits and our physical being. In the height of fatigue and exhaustion, Nehemiah reminded his people of their calling, their goal, and God’s protection. Many of our goals can be self-centered, superficial and meaningless which is reason for the lack of follow-through to completion; but when we remember God’s purpose for our lives and we know we are working for God and his special purpose for the project; that should give us a blazing energy to see it through.

Nehemiah is a man I admire and as I adopt the principles he lived by, there are key qualities he had that stir in my own heart. Biblical figures and stories are deeper and wider than we could ever fully grasp; but one thing I know for sure, as you study these, the Holy Spirit will speak to you. That grumbling in my heart that relates to Nehemiah indicates some common spiritual gifts we share. I believe the Holy Spirit is speaking to me though his story in a very specific way and that in itself is miraculous. Nehemiah was a man of character, persistence and prayer. A brilliant planner, organizer and motivator. He was capable of blunt honesty with his people no matter their response; he spoke truth. Nehemiah carried no shame or hesitation and went directly to the person who could help him the most; this gets important jobs done; being fearless, trusting God and not being concerned what anyone else thinks so long as you are following God. He got firsthand information and carefully considered the situation, and then presented a realistic strategy. Planning ahead will bring success and often time jumping into a project leads to trouble. Nehemiah kept his mission a secret while he planned carefully and this is an idea I admire. He avoided unhealthy gossip about his arrival and plans to prevent enemies from being alerted to his plans. He demonstrates what it takes to do real service for God; to talk to God and to walk with God. Spiritual renewal often begins with one person’s vision. When God plants an idea in your mind, share it with others and trust the Holy Spirit to inspire them with thoughts. Many times God will use one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. Encouraging and inspiring others puts teamwork in action and accomplishes goals for God.

Nehemiah used the example of Solomon’s mistakes to teach his people. King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live fell because of the influence of unbelievers. While God wants all to come to him, he warns believers to stay away from those bent on evil (Proverbs 24:1), as many times this was the cause of their spiritual bondage. Nehemiah reminds us that our gifts and strengths won’t be of much benefit if we fail to deal with our weaknesses. A tendency to sin must be acknowledged and dealt with swiftly; otherwise, it may overpower you and bring you down. We can learn the mistakes of God’s people and not repeat them.

Nehemiah’s lift story offers many principles of leadership: 1) Have a clear purpose and keep evaluating it in light of God’s will. Nothing prevented Nehemiah from staying on track, 2) Be straight forward and honest. He spoke the truth even if it made his goal harder to achieve, 3) Live above reproach. The accusations against him were empty and false, 4) Be a person of constant prayer, deriving power and wisdom from God. Nehemiah always gave God the glory for his accomplishments. Nehemiah accomplished a huge task against massive odds because he learned that there is no success with without the risk of failure, no reward without hard work, no opportunity without criticism, and no true leadership without faith in God. When we take our eyes off God, our lives begin to crumble; this book is about rebuilding the wall of a great city with God’s leadership, but also about spiritual renewal because accomplishing any great task involves a physical and spiritual dependence on God.

Book of Ezra

Achievements are simply examples what God can do through someone’s life. The most effective leaders spoken of in the Bible had little awareness of the impact their lives had on others. They were too busy obeying God to keep track of their success. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”(7:10) Ezra accomplished a lot for God; he was a priest, scribe and great leader that lead the second emigration to Jerusalem to teach the people God’s Word and to administer national life. Ezra not only knew God’s word; he studied, believed and obeyed it. Ezra inspired the people to wholeheartedly confess, respect and take action against their sin; something we could all experience God’s healing from. The lessons from Ezra’s life are key to trusting that a person’s willingness to know and practice God’s word will have a direct effect on how God uses his/her life.

There was great opposition in leading the people back to Jerusalem. Enemies of the Jews used deceit to hinder the rebuilding of the temple that severely tested their faith. When we face opposition; and we do all the time, we must not falter or withdraw but keep active and patient. When you face difficult situations and feel surrounded, outnumbered, overpowered, remember that God’s power is not limited to your resources. He is able to use anyone to carry out his plans. God began to move in on the hearts of the leaders, family heads, priests and Levites and gave them the desire to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. When God has a task for you; He gives you supernatural gifts to get it done. Have you ever felt like you accomplished something great and didn’t know how? Major changes begin on the inside as God works on our attitudes, beliefs and desires. The inner changes led to action. Paul said, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13) Doing God’s will begins with your desires in your heart. Are you willing to humble yourself and be open to his opportunities?

Returning to Jerusalem would have meant to give up everything they worked for and start over. Have you ever built something and then had to start over? A relationship? A career? It’s not easy and many times out of fear; paralysis strikes and we miss out on God’s plan because we are overcome with fear. Most people won’t risk losing and starting over; they prefer wealth and security to sacrifice that God’s word demands. We cannot let comfort, security, or material possessions prevent us from doing what God wants. Keep a watchful eye for those who oppose you; others may try to delay, confuse or frustrate us. Proceed with confidence when you stand on solid ground with God. Don’t be sidetracked by intrigues or slander. We may be discouraged by events in life but we must never give up our hope in God’s promises to us. The turning point may be just ahead…

When you follow God, you will experience increased spiritual warfare and opposition; I have experienced this first hand. Evil spiritual forces are always working against God and his people. The opposition may offer compromising alliances, attempt to discourage and intimidate us, or accuse us unjustly. If you expect these tactics, you won’t be halted by them. Move ahead with the work God has planned for you, and trust him to show you how to overcome the obstacles. Discouragement and fear are the two greatest obstacles to completing God’s work and they come on when you least expect them. Discouragement eats away at our motivation and fear paralyzes us so that we won’t act. Have you felt like you were doing a righteous act and had a setback or standstill? They are painful to endure. Leaders should do everything to keep work grinding to a halt; remember than even if circumstance called for a standstill, you still must stand strong in God.

I was in a situation recently where God answered my prayer and it didn’t occur to me until I read this book. When you pray for God’s help; have you considered that God is limitless and infinite in power and can change the attitude of people? His insight and wisdom transcend the laws of human nature. It is important to know that when you do your part; He will do his. Remember what you pray for because if it’s his will be done; he can change the attitude of others.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”(1Peter 4:10) It is important to recognize that although we may thing our talents are for ourselves; it’s never about us, but how God uses us to serve others. Look for opportunities to volunteer; don’t hinder God’s work by holding back.

In the book of Ezra, many of the Israelites had intermarried with pagan spouses. The reason for the opposition to intermarriage was because it is impossible to serve 2 gods, especially in marriage. There is only one God. Such marriages cannot have unity in the most important issue in life: commitment and obedience to God. Marriage involves 2 people becoming one; if there are differences of faith, one person will be led to compromise beliefs for the sake of unity; but the marriage and family will suffer. Don’t allow passion or emotions blind you to the ultimate importance of marrying someone with whom you can be united spiritually.

2Chronicles 22-36

God speaks to us in many ways. He speaks through His word; through other people; in dreams and visions; through creation. While not everyone who claims to have a message from God really does, God’s messages may come in unexpected ways. God had spoken to pagan kings in the past; don’t let your prejudice or false assumptions blind you to God’s message. It is important to see wise advice and weigh the advice we receive. Listen carefully to the advice you receive and use God’s word to: “test everything and hold on to the good.”(Thessalonians 5:21) Remember that God will never contradict himself; the voice we know as our conscience is God speaking to us when it agrees with his word and if it doesn’t; the advice is not from God.
There are times in our lives when we must correct a wrong or speak out for what is right. When such a situation arises, gather up your courage and act. Following God and exercising obedience does not always go well with other people. There will be times when someone you know, maybe someone you are in relationship with, commits sin as we all do. When you love someone, you have the courage to speak truth and encourage that person to ask God’s forgiveness; just as you should be willing to accept truth about your wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness yourself. Sometimes God brings you conflicting relationships to make each person more holy. Looking deeper into the conflict may reveal areas within yourself that you have yet to repent. Staying humble can help open your eyes to why you feel separated from God; God hates pride. When I have my heart set on accomplishing something, I’ve stopped at nothing and listened to no one to attain my goal and often times, when my motive was for personal gain and glory; I felt emptiness inside after the victory. In studying the Bible, I am awakened to my shortcomings and for the first time; I don’t want things my way. You don’t want what God does not want for you. Lives can be wasted in the pursuit of success, joy, relationship, financial “security”, power and control. The key is to stop the pursuit of worldly, passing pleasures and accept Christ in your heart now; experience heaven now; live in joy now; be generous with all you are now. We are eternal spirits but our time on earth is limited and how we obey and love God now is His test for us. What are we waiting for? The time is now.

Do you sometimes see someone who appears “lost” to you? You may walk away thinking, “I’m not touching that or going there”. God made all creation. Satan cannot create; he can only pervert creation, which he’s done a marvelous job of doing here on earth. Don’t underestimate people’s desire to be faithful to God. When challenged to do God’s work, they will often respond willingly and generously. It is important to avoid walking away when you may be called to help that person. God did not put us on this earth to live for ourselves, but to be in relationship with others and with Him. When you have been given the opportunity and responsibility to minister, don’t neglect your duty. Look for opportunities to serve others; in doing so, you are serving God. God will send you on your way to resume your responsibilities; be ready for action! The mission statement of the Rock Church in San Diego is to save, equip and send. I believe that God’s intent is within this mission. To save is only the first step; it is the acceptance to allow Jesus Christ in your heart as your savior and to believe that He is God in the flesh and that by his death and resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to live within you to carry out His will. Accepting Jesus as Lord isn’t a pass to be lazy and wait for God to change your life; God invites us to be in relationship with Him, as a partnership, you do your part and He does His. Use the beautiful mind, heart and body that God gave you, work hard and do all that you can to deal with your circumstances, but trust God for the outcome. After you surrender your will to His, getting equipped means doing your due diligence. Read and study God’s word to know Him; so that you are ready for Him to reveal your gifts and talents to you, and how He will use you to do His work. Being a student and following His lead consistently so that God can trust you as a reliable servant to carry out his plan. So many of us need to come down from our self-created and false thrones and say to ourselves; it’s not about me! Because it really isn’t. God created you in His image; it’s about Him. To send means that once you are ready, God encourages you: Let’s Go. If you trust Him and walk with Him, He will use you to fulfill His plan and in the process, you will have more pleasure than you’ve ever known because you are doing it your Creator’s Way; if God didn’t give you a talent to sing, do you think His purpose for you will involve signing? No. God uses what He gave you because He created you, so the key to true happiness is fulfilling God’s plan for you, not yours. Go your own way and watch your life go against the grain; I pray your eyes be opened to how God can use you.

To submit means to obey God first; yielding our bodies, minds, wills and emotions to him. His Holy Spirit must guide and renew every part of us and only then will we be able to temper our stubborn selfishness. This speaks directly to me because there is a fine line between persistence and stubbornness. Persistence is a virtue when you persist for Good and are following God’s lead; but stubbornness is dangerous because it carries selfish and prideful motives. Yielding my mind, will and emotions to God are the biggest challenges for me. To yield my body has been a conviction for quite some time; health, fitness and nutrition are passions. Being convicted of sexual purity, although a struggle, I surrender and commit to Him because I understand the body as a temple and desire complete purity. My mind has a tendency to over-analyze in my quests for control and this is a temptation that Satan often uses threaten my faith because he knows the power of my mind. Satan also knows the strength of my emotion, will and passion. God created all these things in me to be used for Him, as He did in you. Satan perverts these. He plants seeds of doubt and encourages pain and fear so that you will continue on a path of destruction; but he will trick you into thinking you are on a path to your happiness. With God there is no fear, doubt or confusion. When we experience such feelings, it is important to check yourself and ask the state of your relationship with God.

Hezekiah said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”(32:7) Hezekiah could see with eyes of faith. No matter the circumstance, when the Lord is on your side, you will have victory. “Victory is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6) When you have no doubt where you stand with God, there is no fear and doubt. Satan can through his best weapons against you and he will be beaten by God’s strength.

A test can bring out someone’s true character. Hezekiah was faithful sometimes and when He asked God’s forgiveness and help, God was there for him. “In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him…God left him to test him and to everything that was in his heart.”(32:24-31) God tested Hezekiah to see what he was really like and to show him his own shortcomings and the attitude of his heart. God did not abandon him, tempt or trick him. The test was meant to strengthen his character and prepare him for the tasks ahead. When things are going well for us, it is easy to live for goodness. But when the going gets tuff and pressure, trouble or pain comes; do you give in or turn to God? Those who are consistently in touch with God don’t have to worry about what pressure may reveal about them. After the Lord healed Hezekiah, he developed excessive pride. He pointed to his own accomplishment rather than to God when asked about his healing. Pride is any attitude that elevates our abilities above God’s. Pride can cause you to congratulate yourself and look down on other people. God encourages healthy self-esteem and self-confidence, but objects to foolish attitudes of taking full credit for what he has done for you.

God does not take sin lightly and he wants us to respond to sin with true remorse as Josiah did. Josiah was so appalled at the people’s neglect of the law that he tore his clothing to express his grief; he was filled with “Godly Sorrow” and immediately went into action. It is human nature to treat sin lightly, to make excuses, blame someone else, or minimize the harm done. Do you pretend it’s not so bad, rationalize and excuse yourself from your mistakes? Responding with true remorse will give you favor with the Lord.

When everything in life seems stripped away from us, we have God- His word, His presence, and His promises. Hold fast to this foundation; it is the only constant that exists and it is no coincidence why that is the truth. God longs for us to come willingly and wholeheartedly to Him and to enjoy relationship with Him.