What do you use your words for?

 Psalm 12:1–8 (ESV): 

1  Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. 

2  Everyone utters lies to his neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 

3  May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, 

4  those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us"

5  “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” 

6  The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. 

7  You, O Lord, will keep them; 

you will guard us from this generation forever. 

8  On every side the wicked prowl, 

as vileness is exalted among the children of man. 

What do you use your words for? 

Here the psalmist tells us, ‘everyone utters lies’, people have, ‘flattering lips’ and ‘a double heart’. Does this in any way describe you? No-one would like to categorise themselves like this, but if you are honest with yourself; do you lie, use flattery or say things you do not mean? Even if you think it is not important and maybe you only do these things in certain situations or with certain people this is still not what is considered, ‘godly’ or ‘faithful’ behaviour. 

Can you sense the author's frustration with people who behave in this way? David, who wrote this psalm, feels surrounded by people who do not display integrity in how they communicate, and he hates it. He states, ‘the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished’. When you are amongst people who lie, boast, flatter and say what they don't mean it is difficult to trust them. It is hard to make friends or get things done when those around you are not genuine. Hence David's frustration. Those who speak the truth and do not try to ingratiate themselves or elevate themselves through their communications are hard to find, but invaluable. You can trust people that are genuine, you can build with them as they will do what they say and say what they do, no more no less. Are you someone like that? and do you endeavour to invite people into your life who are like that? Or would you rather surround yourself with people who say whatever they think you want to hear rather than the truth? Sometimes the truth is hard to hear and so it is easier to have those that will just agree with you, but it won's ultimately do you any good and you could well end up feeling like David does and ask yourself "where have all the good people gone?"!

Do you appreciate and take guidance from people that you know are real, natural, honest and fair?Are you someone like that - speaking the truth without embellishment, flattery or hypocrisy? When you communicate with others do you realise that you demonstrate something of who you are and who God is to you? The Bible tells us the mouth is the overflow of the heart - so what do you display as you speak?

The Bible has lots of warnings and advice about how we communicate, in fact it is quite clear that there is an inherent problem with how we use speech. We are told that the tongue is easily used but difficult to tame. Therefore lies, flattery and contradictory words can spill out causing wickedness and harm. The Bible is full of instruction about how you and I speak, not just in this psalm. Do you take notice of it? 

The way you use words is important. Words have power. This is implied in verse 4 and the writer of Proverbs agrees, ‘The tongue has the power of life and death.’ (18:21). So what are you doing with the powerful instrument you have in your body? In Psalm 12 the words that are spoken are for selfish gain - lies, flattery and hypocrisy used to gain; influence, power, strength and opportunity. What are you using the power that you have within you to achieve? Are your words bringing life or death, and what do you want them to do? 

You have responsibility in what you say, and also the way in which you receive the words spoken to you. Times have not really changed since this psalm was written. People are still lying, unfaithful, hypocritical, boastful and flattering. There are some who are not - look out for them and get to know them. It is hard to know who to follow and who to trust. Yet there is One that you can always depend on, whose words, 'are pure words’. The words of God are the words you can always, absolutely, 100% trust. God will speak truth and life to you and over you - are you listening to Him? Do you allow God's words to influence your life and do you allow God to influence the way you speak? God knows words have power - He made the universe with them! Since creation God has given mankind some of His influence and power - what are you doing with it? 

God wants to help you to be a faithful steward, and this includes being godly and faithful in how you speak. Do you take notice of what God is trying to teach you? Are you aware of the power of your words? Your words can bring life and can destroy, they can build up and tear down - what are you using your words for?

Be careful what advice you heed.

 Psalm 11:1–7 (ESV):  

1 In the Lord I take refuge; 

how can you say to my soul, 

“Flee like a bird to your mountain, 

2  for behold, the wicked bend the bow; 

they have fitted their arrow to the string 

to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 

3  if the foundations are destroyed, 

what can the righteous do?” 

4  The Lord is in his holy temple; 

the Lord’s throne is in heaven; 

his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 

5  The Lord tests the righteous, 

but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 

6  Let him rain coals on the wicked; 

fire and sulphur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 

7  For the Lord is righteous; 

he loves righteous deeds; 

the upright shall behold his face. 

Be careful what advice you heed.

Through this psalm David is assured that God is his protector and safety. Even when the world seems against him he still knows that God is his ‘refuge’. David is confident in the rest and support he can find in God no matter what else is going on, so in this time of persecution he trusts God for strength, hope, justice and protection. Even when trusted advisors and friends are trying to persuade him to run away, he remains firm that God is his safety, his refuge. These well meaning people are concerned for David’s life as there is a very real death threat over him. Their considered solution for the preservation of his life is that David should run and hide ‘like a bird’ to a far off, unreachable place. The people giving this counsel care about him and seek his survival and success, they don't want him to die they want him to live freely without worrying about persecution. So their best solution is for him to leave. David was tempted. He was in danger and it seemed impossible for him to survive so the advice of these trusted friends seemed good. Yet David asks himself, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” If David’s foundation - what his life is built on - is ruined, what can come of it? If David sets the foundation of his decisions into the hands of man rather than the refuge of God, what will happen with the call on his life? What will come of God’s promises over him? If David allows popular opinion to sway his mind, what is his life built on? Does he want to build his life on the security of God, or the will of man? It is a real dilemma. 

It is a challenge we all face particularly in times of adversity. What advice do you heed? Who is leading you and your decisions? The wisest thing that others may see to do could be in contrast to what God is saying. Therefore be careful what advice you listen to. Well meaning, kind, generous people can get it wrong. We all can as we are not God. The advice of others may be well-thought and make sense yet it  may not be God-inspired. Therefore be careful what advice you are following and take time to consider as David did, what the foundation of your life is and what God wants you to do in your next dilemma.

It is true that in some circumstances David did run and hide, but in this situation he knew that although this may be the obvious solution to get away from trouble, this was not what God wanted. He knew, for this time that he had to stay in the refuge God had made for him which was where he was, not anywhere else. Otherwise he would be running FROM the safe place not to it! What could be more secure and stable than God's refuge? Even though it seemed to others the most perilous of options, God had said to remain and David did so. He heeded God even when it seemed ridiculous, terrifying and life altering. David obeyed God, not the advice of others. Do you? Are you mindful of what advice you are following?

In the midst of the trial, when you are suffering and afraid it is hard to keep going and it is difficult to remember the will of God and the promises of God over your life. Yet those things still remain - they are foundational for your life - and they are more true and everlasting than any issues that come your way. So when you encounter trials consider what or who you run to and what advice you are heeding. The word of God needs to become your foundation, then you will know where your refuge is and how to weather this storm. David knew this season for him was a test (v5).  A test of what he was believing and trusting in as the foundation of his life (v3). As a man called to be king, what was he secure in? Was he going to trust completely in God, or was he going to be more concerned about the preservation of his own life and the words of others? You too will go through times of testing and will need to decide what the foundation of your life is - is it the words of others or the Word of God that is your foundation? 

Be careful what advice you heed.

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

 Psalm 10:1–18:

1 Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? 

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 

2  In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; 

let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised. 

3  For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, 

and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. 

4  In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; 

all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” 

5  His ways prosper at all times; 

your judgments are on high, out of his sight; 

as for all his foes, he puffs at them. 

6  He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved; 

throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.” 

7  His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; 

under his tongue are mischief and iniquity. 

8  He sits in ambush in the villages; 

in hiding places he murders the innocent. 

His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless; 

9  he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; 

he lurks that he may seize the poor; 

he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net. 

10  The helpless are crushed, sink down, 

and fall by his might. 

11  He says in his heart, “God has forgotten, 

he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” 

12  Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; 

forget not the afflicted. 

13  Why does the wicked renounce God 

and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? 

14  But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, 

that you may take it into your hands; 

to you the helpless commits himself; 

you have been the helper of the fatherless. 

15  Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; 

call his wickedness to account till you find none. 

16  The Lord is king forever and ever; 

the nations perish from his land. 

17  O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; 

you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 

18  to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, 

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. 

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 

Have you ever felt that this is true, that when you most need Him, God is hiding? If so, you will probably relate to David's words in this psalm. He too wondered why God seems so far off when trouble comes. So he rants to God about it, getting his concerns and fears off his chest by telling God about the harm and distress he sees going. He lets God that he sees it is not fair that those unable to help themselves are persecuted. Yet the powerful. greedy people who have no regard for God are successful and the cause of  oppression. As you consider the world today - has much changed?

The reason for a lot of suffering and oppression is often because those who do not follow God are getting their own way (v3). They are interested in what they can get out of life at whatever cost and do not care that others may be negatively affected by their pursuits. The wicked boast of their; lifestyle, riches, power and desires unhindered and seemingly unopposed. They have a disregard for others and for the concept that there may even be a God - they are the master of their own worth and destiny (v11 &13). Yet what they desire never seems satisfied and so they go further from God and descend into greater chaos, ignorance and sin. Their wicked desires can never be fulfilled. There will never be enough; money, time, entertainment, knowledge or physical pleasure to fulfil their lives, but they seek more and more and end up drowning in despair, chaos and sin. Yet they know not what they are doing - they do not realise that this endless unsatisfying cycle can stop when they begin to know God. These people are seen as wicked and determined in their sinful ways, and so they can be, yet, is it not actually sad that these people are missing out on satisfaction, hope and fulfilment? They are growing in sin because they do not know God and so they do not really know themselves nor the way to contentment and they don't know it. This is why David invites God to, ‘Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none’. David requests that God break the strength of the wicked so that the suffering of others may stop but also so that they can be called to account. The best solution David sees is that these 'evildoers' realise their wrongs and receive the full forgiveness of God. That is David's plea for the corruption that he witnesses - is that yours? Often we pray for the demise and destruction of the wicked and their schemes, but do you pray for the salvation and restoration of their souls? David prayed for their transformation, that God would so change them that no wickedness could be found in them. Has not God done that for you? Transformed your life from one of wicked intent to a life seeking to honour and obey Him? So, should you not join David as he yearns for the breaking of the strength of the wicked and for their salvation? Even the person furthest away from God has a need for Him they just haven’t found it yet. God has not yet broken their arm and called them to account, but He will. 

when David sees situations that are unjust and unfair he goes to God about it. He rants and pours out his experience and what he witnesses, then he lets God knows what he thinks and seeks God for a radical solution, knowing that God is king of it all. Instead of asking for the wicked to be beaten and diminished, he asks for their salvation. Instead of praying that the oppressed and poor will be elevated, he asks that God will strengthen, help, hear and do justice for them. How do you pray for those far from God and for those whom are suffering? 

David has come to realise that even when God seems to be doing nothing, God is aware. He is not actually hiding or closing His eyes to what is happening. God has His plan we don't know what it is. So we have to wait and trust Him knowing that God is good and that He cares for HIs people. When you next encounter a situation where you wonder what God is doing try praying like David - let God know what you see, remember who God is and pray for radical solutions like salvation and strength for, 'The Lord is king forever and ever' He has a longer-term vision than we ever could have asHe has reigned and will reign forever so do not worry, God has it all in hand.

Have you learnt from past victories?

 Psalm 9 (ESV): 

A Psalm of David. 

1  I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; 

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 

2  I will be glad and exult in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 

3  When my enemies turn back, 

they stumble and perish before your presence. 

4  For you have maintained my just cause; 

you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment. 

5  You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; 

you have blotted out their name forever and ever. 

6  The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; 

their cities you rooted out; 

the very memory of them has perished. 

7  But the Lord sits enthroned forever; 

he has established his throne for justice, 

8  and he judges the world with righteousness; 

he judges the peoples with uprightness. 

9  The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, 

a stronghold in times of trouble. 

10  And those who know your name put their trust in you, 

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. 

11  Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! 

Tell among the peoples his deeds! 

12  For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; 

he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 

13  Be gracious to me, O Lord! 

See my affliction from those who hate me, 

O you who lift me up from the gates of death, 

14  that I may recount all your praises, 

that in the gates of the daughter of Zion 

I may rejoice in your salvation. 

15  The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; 

in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. 

16  The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; 

the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah 

17  The wicked shall return to Sheol, 

all the nations that forget God. 

18  For the needy shall not always be forgotten, 

and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. 

19  Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; 

let the nations be judged before you! 

20  Put them in fear, O Lord! 

Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah 

Have you learnt from past victories?

At the start of this psalm we read an outpouring of thanksgiving to God for His past work (v1-12). David recalls how God is; just, wonderful, powerful, triumphant, eternal, king, orchestrator of the past and present, righteous, strong, protective, safe, and invested in those who follow Him. David remembers the truth of who God is, the miraculous ways He has worked, His character and His care for those that follow Him. All of this at a time when David is imploring God to, 'lift me up from the gates of death'! Before David asks God to intervene and help him, he ensures that he reminds himself who God really is and what He has already done. Do you do the same? Before you pour out the pain you feel and complain to God, do you take time to remember who God is and what He has already done for you? Past victories that you have seen, heard of or experienced should impact your faith and your life. Your witnessing of the past; triumphs, protection, breakthroughs, power and might of God should influence the way you pray. 

David prays from this acknowledgement of whom God has proved himself to be - he remembers with gratitude, warmth and growing strength that God is a winner and that God has prevailed many times before. David praises God for what He has done already, and reminds himself that this same God is with him right now in this 'affliction'. Is this how you pray into difficult circumstances? What have you learnt about the character of God from past victories that can equip and empower you as you pray now? Your previous experiences should inform your prayers of the present. God is the same now as He was then, and you can learn and grow in strength and faith by changing your mindset from one of despair and angst to one of hope and security. You do this by doing as David did - remembering the victories already won by God, and then recounting what is happening in life right now. How often do you pray the other way round - problems first, praise later (if at all)?

More often than not the current crisis swamps anything else. That is why it is important to remind yourself that there have been troubled times previously that you have survived. That you have come through because of God's; protection, strength, and righteousness. It is important to remember. It builds your faith and hope. As you read this psalm, you can hear David's hope, joy and faith building before he lets God know he is suffering. Do you want to know hope, joy and faith in the midst of turmoil? Then recall the past victories and thank God for what He has done in your life and in the lives of others. Do not let your state of mind be dictated to by your current circumstances, instead let your understanding of God dictate your state of mind and your circumstances by doing something different - praising and glorifying God in the midst of hardship. 

David does. He remembers, he thanks and praises and it helps him put his current situation into context. He knows that this current, 'affliction' will pass with God's help, but it is only a short space of time when considering his whole life. The same is true for whatever you are facing. Considering your whole life, this time of affliction will one day cease, but you need help getting through it. It is but a short time considering the expanse of life and eternity, so who better to assist you than the all-powerful and all-loving, eternal creator of life? Invite Him into your situation, remembering how God has shown his love power, grace and sufficiency for you before. He has not changed, you may have, but He has not and He loves, cares for and desires to protect and strengthen you in this current season. Are you depending on Him as you have before? 

Have you learnt from past victories?

Knowing God defines who you are

 Psalm 8:1–9 (ESV):  

1  O Lord, our Lord, 

how majestic is your name in all the earth! 

You have set your glory above the heavens. 

2  Out of the mouth of babies and infants, 

you have established strength because of your foes, 

to still the enemy and the avenger. 

3  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, 

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 

4  what is man that you are mindful of him, 

and the son of man that you care for him? 

5  Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings 

and crowned him with glory and honour. 

6  You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; 

you have put all things under his feet, 

7  all sheep and oxen, 

and also the beasts of the field, 

8  the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, 

whatever passes along the paths of the seas. 

9  O Lord, our Lord, 

how majestic is your name in all the earth! 

Did you know that because of who God is, you can know who you are?

Through this psalm we see something of the majesty of God and the reality of humanity revealed by David. He firstly begins by extolling God reminding himself that God is; majestic, all-powerful, in charge, magnificent and glorious. So much so that every living thing testifies of God’s goodness, no matter if they can even speak or not! God’s creativity is strong and beautiful, nothing can compare with it. Is this who you know God to be? 

It is good to remind yourself of the nature of God, because no matter what is going on around you or who you think you are, God still remains. He will always have these awesome characteristics, He will never change, He will be the same for all eternity, and He has seen and created all things. Therefore you can trust what He says about humanity. and what He says about you. 

David from beholding God, wonders about man. Considering God’s character, he ponders why does God even care for people? Why does humanity get so much of God’s attention and care? Why does a majestic, powerful, glorious, peaceful creator even bother with mankind?

These are good questions to ask - What is mankind’s significance? Why does God take time to consider and care for you? When you consider who God is, do you ever wonder why he bothers with humanity or even just yourself? David ponders these things and is blown away by the realisation that not only does God think about mankind and look after us, but he has given us authority and power too! Not only is God your creator and sustainer, but He also enables you to have the life you should have. He has given you responsibility, purpose and worth. Do you realise that? Are you living in the truth of that? You have been crowned ‘with glory and honour’ and you have a purpose and responsibility here on Earth (v5-6).

God values you. Yes, you! The almighty, powerful, glorious God likes, loves and looks after you and He has a job for you to do. He has given you glory, honour, power and authority - are you using it?

God has given you a position here on this planet on purpose. Do you think such a consistent, capable and creative God would make a mistake? As undeserving and as incapable as you may feel, you have been ‘crowned’ by the King of Heaven to take responsibility on this Earth. God has given you:

Position ’a little lower than the heavenly beings’, 

Purpose, ‘dominion over the works of your hands’,

Authority, ‘all things under his feet’. 

The question is - what are you doing with what the Lord has given you?

If you are reading this and feel unworthy, then you are absolutely right! You do not deserve the consideration and position that God has given you. Yet He has given it to you all the same. He expects you to use the gifts, talents, skills and position that He has given you to take care of His creation. So, how are you doing that? How are you living up to the reality of who you are in light of who God is? This glorious, majestic, powerful, mighty, creator God has a plan and purpose for your life, are you seeking Him to find it? God has given you a task to do that you are capable of, after all you are only, ‘a little lower than the heavenly beings’! You have a position, purpose and authority and you have a duty to find out what that is and how you can use it to honour God and all He has made. Can you imagine the beauty of the world and mankind if everyone knew and lived their God-given roles and responsibilities? Not everyone may do so or come to know what they are made for, but you can. You can bring positive influence and care into this Earth by stepping up and stepping into what God has got for you. So, like David, take time to appreciate who it is whom has formed you and then go and show His majesty and power through being who He has created you to be!

‘O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!’ God, help us each to remember you and find out what it is you will have us do today. Amen

God is judge

 Psalm 7:1–17 (ESV): 

O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; 

save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, 

2  lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, 

rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. 

3  O Lord my God, if I have done this, 

if there is wrong in my hands, 

4  if I have repaid my friend with evil 

or plundered my enemy without cause, 

5  let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, 

and let him trample my life to the ground 

and lay my glory in the dust. Selah 

6  Arise, O Lord, in your anger; 

lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; 

awake for me; you have appointed a judgment. 

7  Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; 

over it return on high. 

8  The Lord judges the peoples; 

judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness 

and according to the integrity that is in me. 

9  Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, 

and may you establish the righteous— 

you who test the minds and hearts, 

O righteous God! 

10  My shield is with God, 

who saves the upright in heart. 

11  God is a righteous judge, 

and a God who feels indignation every day. 

12  If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; 

he has bent and readied his bow; 

13  he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, 

making his arrows fiery shafts. 

14  Behold, the wicked man conceives evil 

and is pregnant with mischief 

and gives birth to lies. 

15  He makes a pit, digging it out, 

and falls into the hole that he has made. 

16  His mischief returns upon his own head, 

and on his own skull his violence descends. 

17  I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, 

and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High. 

In this psalm, David is reflecting on the consequences for those who follow God, and those who don’t. David knows, accepts, and even welcomes God’s judgement. He knows that God, ‘tests the minds and hearts’ of us all, and he even invites God to, ‘judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me’. Do you have the confidence in how you are living to ask God to judge you?! David does. He has such confidence in the fact that he is living life right before God that he invites God to consider his actions to see if he has gone wrong. David is so convinced of his right standing with God and man that he asks for punishment if he has gone awry (v3-5). Do you have confidence to do the same? Are you sure that you are living right before God? 

I am amazed at and admire the conviction David has of his own righteousness. If I thought about God judging me, I would become acutely aware of my faults and sin. I would certainly feel uncomfortable challenging God to judge me and punish me if I am at fault as I know that there are areas where I am. No-one is perfect, so we all have areas in our lives where we falter and fail at times, and David was no different. So, I do not think that David is claiming to be perfect in this psalm, but instead that he is speaking of a particular situation where he is suffering. We can tell from this psalm that this is a situation where people have come against him and he has evaluated his dealings with them. Then he has come to the conclusion that he has not been at fault. David can see that the accusations and treatment he is receiving is unwarranted. Therefore he asks God to judge him in this situation, he is convinced of his innocence, yet he is open to God showing him if there is something he has done wrong. What a humble heart David has! Even when he is convinced of his innocence on a matter, he is prepared for God to speak and to show him what is going on. David is also prepared to suffer the consequences if God does find error in his ways - are you willing to do the same? When you feel unfairly treated, do you invite God to test you and show you if you're at fault so you can put it right, even if it seems small and trivial in comparison to your suffering? Do you call on God to judge? 

Like David, you can call on God to help, to intervene, to show, ‘if there is wrong in my hands’. David had dealt well with these people who had turned on him and become his enemies. Sometimes this can happen to you. If you are someone that seeks to love and follow God, it can happen that those who were once close become estranged, those whom could be trusted will become enemies. People that are not following God do not have an affinity with those who are, and that can cause tension, jealousy and hatred. The encouragement from this psalm is to treat all people well - that is your responsibility. Fighting back and judgement is not in your hands, it is in God's. 

God is a fair judge, he judges all people - those that follow Him and those that do not. If you know that some of your responses are not suitable for someone who is following God, then as much as it may pain you, change them. You may feel your reactions are justified and that people would understand as these people have mistreated you. People may understand, but God tests your heart and mind. So who are you trying to impress with your behaviour? Are you responding from a place of knowing you are a child of God or from a place of pain? Be assured that if others are; pursuing you, being unkind, persecuting you and generally making life difficult, God sees. He saw what was going on with David. 

God can and will intervene when it is right. David sought God’s intervention and was confident in the way he had handled those who had turned against him. Ensure that you handle difficulties with integrity. Ensure that your words and behaviour do not do you discredit, because then God can come and judge and fight for you. People that turn away from God and come against God’s people are in trouble. They go their own way and end up becoming, ‘pregnant with mischief’, they end up falling into a pit of their own making (v15), and ‘his mischief returns upon his own head’. They do not realise it, but the evil and harm they plan for others harms themselves. God knows and sees their deeds, just as He sees yours. So today, do not worry if you are treated unfairly, that there are people out to get you. Instead, make sure you're living right and be assured that the judgement of God comes to all. You do not need to deal out punishment and aggravation, you need to focus on your right-standing both before God and man. Ensure that you can rightfully come to God as David did and concentrate your efforts on honouring God and others. God will be your judge, and He will also be theirs.

Lord, rebuke me not in your anger

 Psalm 6

1  O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, 

nor discipline me in your wrath. 

2  Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; 

heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. 

3  My soul also is greatly troubled. 

But you, O Lord—how long? 

4  Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; 

save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 

5  For in death there is no remembrance of you; 

in Sheol who will give you praise? 

6  I am weary with my moaning; 

every night I flood my bed with tears; 

I drench my couch with my weeping. 

7  My eye wastes away because of grief; 

it grows weak because of all my foes. 

8  Depart from me, all you workers of evil, 

for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. 

9  The Lord has heard my plea; 

the Lord accepts my prayer. 

10  All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; 

they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment

At the opening of this Psalm, David accepts that he has done things wrong as he says, ‘O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.’ This is an admission that he deserves correction and punishment. He acknowledges that the season of suffering he is going through is warranted, it is his own fault as he has gone his own way, done his own thing. How brave and honest David is to admit that!

Do you do the same? Do you accept that sometimes you suffer, experience pain and hardship due to your own wrongdoing? Do you admit that actually, sometimes, you deserve the difficult times that have come upon you because you have messed up and not done things the way God wants you to?

David acknowledges his faults and pleads with God not to, ‘discipline me in your wrath’. Instead of asking God to wipe away all the difficulty and release him from suffering and punishment, David recognises that he has earned this correction, but he asks for leniency. David knows the awesome capability of God, so he humbly asks God to not pour out punishment in His anger. 

There’s a difference between discipline and angry discipline isn’t there? You see it when a parent corrects a child. If the parent is in a calm frame of mind the discipline will focus on repentance, making amends and some considered consequences, yet if the wrongdoing is dealt with from a position of anger - that child is going to really suffer and the punishment is going to be harsh. This is what David is afraid of and seeking to avoid. He knows what he has done wrong, he is sorry for it and accepts that there are consequences for his actions, but he does not want an angry outpouring from God, who does?! David has seen and read about how God deals with those He is angry with both through the scriptures and his own personal experience, so he was rightly afraid of having so displeased God that he would have to suffer like that. 

David knew he could approach God and ask for mercy because he was a man of faith who desired to honour God with his life. Although sometimes he made mistakes and sinned, he was quick to recognise, repent and mourn when he had gone awry. Are you quick to do the same? Do you quickly acknowledge, apologise and try to rectify what you have done wrong? Or do you ignore your faults and try to explain away your actions attempting to make them sound less bad or inconsequential? 

When you have done something wrong in your life, and you know it, are you aware that God may well correct you and that can look like suffering, confusion, illness and pain? Being corrected and punished by God is not something that we often like to consider. Those in David’s time would have been quick to acknowledge and consider suffering as a result of sin, in fact, that would probably be their first thought in times of difficulty. Nowadays, we are so aware of the grace, forgiveness and mercy of God that I do not think we really consider that we still deserve discipline. We are privileged to live in a time where we can believe and trust in the powerful work of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. His defeat of death and sin that were pinned to the cross as he died means that you and I no longer have to live with the guilt, shame or power of sin as Jesus has taken it all on. The reality is though that we do not always walk in that freedom. We still sin and displease God by our actions or inactions. No matter how hard you try, you will get it wrong sometimes, you will sin. When you do, are you quick to go to God about it and seek restoration? Do you realise that when you sin God may well rebuke you and discipline you?

You can know the forgiveness of God when you turn away from wrong and seek it, but be aware that sometimes a period of suffering is required. You can, as David did, ask for God to be merciful, to be lenient in His correction. If you know that you have disobeyed God, like David did, you may well have a season of feeling, ‘greatly troubled’. David tells us that both his body felt like it was breaking and dying, and his soul was distraught and David came to realise that it was due to his wrongdoing. Do you ever pause to consider that sometimes what you are suffering is due to sin? God still gets angry at sin and He may allow you to you get ill or have troubled times because you are not living your life in obedience to Him. 

You may not think this sounds like a very positive message, but a good, loving parent is one who disciplines their child. If you see that you are living in the consequences of sin and disobedience, then know that what you are going through shows that God loves and cares for you. You are His child, and so He will discipline you. You won’t like it, but you can speak to Him about it, you can repent, be forgiven, and you can ask, as David did, for God to show you mercy. 

Please note:

Not all suffering is a result of disobedience and sin (consider Job). Sometimes suffering occurs because of the reality of living in a broken and decaying world, or because of others’ sinfulness. So please do not think that all suffering is a punishment from God, but i think in general our society is too quick to absolve themselves from any responsibility, so it is good to ask ourselves, 'Lord, is there any wicked way in me'?

Praying like David

 Psalm 5 (ESV): A Psalm of David. 

1  Give ear to my words, O Lord; 

consider my groaning. 

2  Give attention to the sound of my cry, 

my King and my God, 

for to you do I pray. 

3  O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; 

in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. 

4  For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; 

evil may not dwell with you. 

5  The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; 

you hate all evildoers. 

6  You destroy those who speak lies; 

the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 

7  But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, 

will enter your house. 

I will bow down toward your holy temple 

in the fear of you. 

8  Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness 

because of my enemies; 

make your way straight before me. 

9  For there is no truth in their mouth; 

their inmost self is destruction; 

their throat is an open grave; 

they flatter with their tongue. 

10  Make them bear their guilt, O God; 

let them fall by their own counsels; 

because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, 

for they have rebelled against you. 

11  But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; 

let them ever sing for joy, 

and spread your protection over them, 

that those who love your name may exult in you. 

12  For you bless the righteous, O Lord; 

you cover him with favour as with a shield. 

We can tell from this psalm, and others that he has written, that there is a pattern to David’s daily life. He has an established routine that consists of praying and giving sacrifices to God. Even as a ruler of a nation David finds time to talk to and honour God. This is how he begins each day. This time with God allows him to get all of the annoying things off of his chest, rant about the problems, remember who God is, and seek guidance. It helps David refocus and ready himself for the day. Do you do the same - is God included in your preparations for the day? No matter how busy you are, your responsibilities or expectations, do you allow yourself the privilege of spending time with God so that your burdens, concerns and desires can be put in His hands rather than your own? 

As part of this daily exchange David has with God, he shows us that he; speaks (v2), sacrifices and waits (v3), rants (4-6), extols God (v7, 8, 12), asks God to help (v8) and reminds himself of God’s promises (v12). Part of prayer and growing a relationship with God should involve all of these things. It is being real about life and knowing and accepting who really is in charge. 

Did you know that being sacrificial should be involved in your time with God? It could be obeying Him in some way that is really difficult for you or giving things away. Being willing to give God your best may look like giving something up or taking something on that you don't want to. It will hurt and cause discomfort otherwise it is not a sacrifice! A sacrifice looks like surrendering and giving up and it is required in order to truly worship God. If you want to invest in a relationship with God you will find that it is not easy and it demands something from you. Not because you have to pay or persuade God that you'll be a good friend, but in any relationship there is a sense of surrender and sacrifice because it comes from a position of love. Maybe consider it this way; without the sacrificial element to a faith-filled life - what is it that you are putting into the relationship with God? Some talking, requests and offloading? Is that a relationship? Relationships are two-way, so ensure that you are worshipping, sacrificing and waiting when you spend time with God. Let Him reveal His ideas, plans, purposes and commands to you and carefully consider how you are going to follow and honour God each day. Ask God what He wants from you, then trust Him. Even if it is really hard and hurts (sacrifices do) it will do you good, it demonstrates that you are an invested follower of God, and reminds you that your life is not your own.  

David prepares a sacrifice for God and then watches (v3). In his time with God, David through prayer; worships, gives of himself and waits. Does your prayer routine look like that? David doesn’t do all the talking. He does some, he puts himself aside and puts God first through his words and actions (extolling God and making sacrifices) and then he prepares himself for God to respond. David whilst he is waiting for God’s reply reminds himself who God is and who He isn’t (v4-6), and then gains confidence in the fact that God is on his side as a man who follows Him. So, no matter what, David knows that he will be blessed and protected (v12). When you pray, do you remember exactly who it is you are talking to?! Do you spend time remembering what you know to be true of Him. Sometimes our requests are answered in what we already know if we take time to recall the truth. David shows this as when he wrote this psalm he clearly needed assurance of God’s love, protection, mercy and righteousness, and the more he prayed and considered who God is, the more he realised that he already what he needs, he remembered that God blesses, protects and pours out favour on His children and so he realises that he needs to keep going the way God wants him to (v8). Sometimes we need the same, a reminder, a reassurance that God is really who He is. As you pray, remember who God is and what He wills from you as well as what He expects of you. I can guarantee that what He wants from you is far less than what He will give and already has given you. 

As you pray today, try to include the same things David did. God considered David, ‘a man after his own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14) after all, so he is clearly a good example to follow if you want to be considered the same. Can you learnt o pray like David;

Speak honestly and from the heart

Make sacrifices

Wait

Tell God what is wrong 

Remember who God is

Ask God for His help and guidance

Remind yourself of His promises

Do your enemies know God?

 Psalm 4:1–7 (ESV): 

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! 

You have given me relief when I was in distress. 

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 

2  O men, how long shall my honour be turned into shame? 

How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 

3  But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 

4  Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 

5  Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 

6  There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? 

Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 

7  You have put more joy in my heart 

than they have when their grain and wine abound. 

8  In peace I will both lie down and sleep; 

for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

Clearly this is another Psalm written at a time of distress and pain for David. He implores God to listen (v1), and knows that God does hear him (v3), reminding himself that God cares, is present, available and interested in his life. Once he has considered God first David then he goes onto speak to his enemies (v2-5);

2  O men, how long shall my honour be turned into shame? 

How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 

3  But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 

4  Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 

5  Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 

David has spoken to God about his frustrations and difficulties and recognises that the hands of men are to blame. In particular their incessant need to shame him resorting to lies and exaggeration. So, he ‘speaks’ to these enemies through this psalm, maybe he even spoke to them via letter or in person to exhort them to a different path in life. Even though David was hurt and persecuted by these vain, angry liars, he wants to show them a better way. He confidently informs them that they are not going to succeed because they are railing not just against him but against God. David wants his foes to know that God has selected himself as king of Israel, and that fighting against God is not going to end well for them. He attempts to show these men that even if they club together, they are no match for God. So he attempts to motivate them to a different course of action. 

David calls out to his enemies to try to persuade them to consider their purpose and actions, to really think about their motivating factors when making decisions. He knows they are angry and have set their anger towards himself (v4), but he invites them to soberly consider what they are doing. He knows they too have a conscience and a soul, and that they, even as kings, have a responsibility for their own personal actions and decisions as well as those for the nation. That is why he invites them to, 'ponder in your own hearts on your beds', sometimes the only alone time, the time away from the busy-ness of life is the time when they lie down. So David asks them to take time, when things are running around their heads after another busy day, to really think about what they are doing and why. The time of quiet and rest is a good time to reflect if they are doing the right things by God. 

At the end of the day, are you confident that your behaviour, words and actions have honoured God and His people? Or have you been busy working against them as these kings were? God cares about your soul and your eternal future, just like David cared for these men. Are you taking time out of the busy-ness of life to ponder what it is all about and whether you're going in the right direction? Are you taking time to think about your life and the impact it has on others? If you do take time to think soberly about your life, what different decisions would you be making? How would your relationships pan out and what would you do with what God says in the silence? 

The last command in this section is, 'offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord'. After reflecting on the purposes of your actions, it is probable that you may need to give some things up. Maybe things you are passionate about, things that it hurts to put to one side, but David's encouragement is that rather than trusting these things, 'trust in the Lord'. If God is asking you to live a different life, it may well feel like a huge sacrifice, but if, like David's enemies, you know that your life is against God rather than for Him, where do you think it is going to end up? Even if you enjoy what you are doing, and you feel confident that your life is going in the same direction as many others, do you really think that fighting against God is a smart and successful idea?

David was a strong, kind, powerful king, a man after God's heart, and he cared about his life and the life of those around him whether or not they were nice to him. He knew that anyone leading a life without considering God was in trouble. He saw that even those who were fighting against him needed to know God. Do you think the same about those who are against you? Do you pray for them to know who God is, do you even attempt to speak to them about God like David did? Are you concerned about those who are against you because they do not know God? David challenges us to reconsider our own perspective on those who do not like us and even those who seek our downfall. Are you upset/annoyed with them because they are hurting you, or are you more concerned for their soul and the result of them living a life without God?

Praying through the pain

Ever felt like the world is against you? That everything is going wrong, and no matter what you do there’s injustice, persecution, hardship and pain? Be assured, you are not alone. You are not the only one that has felt this way, and you won’t be the last. Many people from all walks of life, from ordinary men and women to great kings like David have felt peril, confusion, heartache and terror. Take a read of Psalm 3;

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. 

1  O Lord, how many are my foes! 

Many are rising against me; 

2  many are saying of my soul, 

“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 

3  But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 

4  I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 

5  I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. 

6  I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 

7  Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! 

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 

8  Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah 

In this Psalm, David is suffering due to the actions of his own child. Anyone who has experienced the rebellion of a child, their wilful disobedience and purposeful destruction of relationship may understand something of what David is feeling as he writes this. Not only has his son rebelled, but he has gathered others to his side so that now there’s a sizeable, threatening army from which David needs to run and hide. Not because he has been a bad father or done anything wrong, but because of the sin, impatience and recklessness of his son. At times you too may suffer due to the sin of others and it can feel unfair, unjust and as if the whole world is against you. You can be threatened and chased down, not because of any error on your side, but because the world does not want men and women of faith to succeed and Satan is after you. It's a harsh truth, but it is the reality. 

If you are chasing after God, then do not be surprised if others are chasing after you - for your downfall and destruction. Yet do not despair, you are not alone and never will be. Psalms and Biblical teaching such as this can help you. Like David, you can pour out your emotions to God. Look at how David does it- he tells God how it really is; frustration, fear, pain, hurt, confusion - It is ok for you to do the same. To admit how hard your situation is and how terrified, worried and heartbroken you are. David does, so do many others in the Bible. I too have had many a rant to God about how hurt, upset, concerned, angry and disappointed I have been when I have felt threatened, persecuted, heartbroken and afraid. I have learnt to pray honestly to Father God by reading about how others in the Bible, like David, have prayed. I have implored God to intervene and turn things around, to help me, to sustain and guide me. You can too. It is ok to do that. Sometimes we need to be reminded that God is big enough and cares enough to see and hear our pain. He can take it - in fact He is the only one who can.

You can speak to God honestly about any situation and about the condition of your heart because God cares, protects and saves. David knows, even through this heart-rending experience that God is, 'a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head'. David knows the extent of the circumstances and the intent of his son yet he also knows and clings onto the intent and power of Almighty God. Even in the midst of life-threatening disaster David remembers the truth about God. He recalls that God gets to choose every outcome of every situation. He reminds himself that God is a shield - He protects and fights for His people, He is magnificent and beautiful, and transforms sorrow to joy. Do you, in times of trouble also call to your mind the truth of God? Do you, along with David, understand that when you rely and depend on God He can keep you going and give you what you need? 

As you cry out to God, know that He hears you and is working even when you do not see it. He is your shield, glory and lifter-upper too. God does and will sustain and protect you like He did David. When you consider these truths about God, it can easily lead into thanksgiving, like it did for David. From feeling despairing and desolate, David has poured out his emotions then made himself remember the truth about God which then led to praise and gratitude. When you also pray when you are in despair, don't stop there, don't stop once you have had your rant and let out your emotions, but also but call to mind your understanding and experience of God and see how your prayer also transforms into gratitude. Even in the darkest moments of life you have a Heavenly Father who cares and hears you, you are never alone or forsaken. When you consider what David was experiencing in these moments it is inspiring to see how in times of torment he continues to find reasons to praise. 

In the midst of turmoil what do you see God doing for you? Are you looking out for how God supports, loves, protects, sustains and is generous to you even when life is chaotic and disastrous? Do you look for the small, everyday blessings that you can be thankful for, like the rest David was grateful for? 

You may be in a season of suffering or turmoil, and it may not be your fault - do not despair, but do cry out to God - let your pain be known to Him and remind yourself who God is. When you do, you will be able to see that God is with you and is looking out for you, and remember that, 'Salvation belongs to the Lord'

Growing in the field

 Psalm 2:1–12 (ESV):

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 

2  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 

3  “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 

4  He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 

5  Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 

6  “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 

7  I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 

8  Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 

9  You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 

10  Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 

11  Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 

12  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. 

Even though David himself is a king, he recognises that the fellow rulers ‘of the earth’ are not like him. He knows he has been set apart as ‘Anointed’ not simply by human hands, but by God’s, whereas other kings have, ‘set themselves’ in their position and are against God rather than for Him. So although he shares a common responsibility and power with these men, he knows that he is different as he has been selected and set apart by God to have this role. How David governs is impacted by that. Other kings may have inherited or fought for rulership, David however was set apart many years ago and sealed with the promise of God that he would have such authority. Therefore his vision and values for this kingdom are different than other nations because he knows the place he rules is not solely his, it has been entrusted to him to steward on behalf of God.

The same is true for you. 

If you are a follower of God, then you have been selected and appointed for a role and position in life where you have responsibility. Whatever your situation may be right now, however impressive or unimpressive it is - God has put you there. You may not be living in the position that you have been anointed for yet and you are probably not be set apart to become a king, but you still have a God-given role and responsibility to steward. Remember though that David did not become king overnight. He was not from a royal family and he was the youngest son given the most demeaning job of looking after the sheep. Yet God still set him apart. First he had to live through becoming a skilled shepherd before he became a king. Being a shepherd is not an easy job sitting in the sunshine stroking the fluffy heads of sheep. It was the job of those on the outside of the community; smelly, hard, dangerous work. Shepherds had to be alert, encounter danger and tackle it in sun and rain, day and night. David probably felt alone and overlooked, but he still did his job well. He knew that all sheep had to be accounted for so he took care of the animals; tending wounds, swatting away insects, protecting them from predators and searching out any that were missing. David took his responsibility in the sheep field seriously even though it was dangerous and lonely. He also took the opportunity, as he had lots of time on his own, to develop a close relationship with God. David learnt to communicate with and depend on God whilst he was a left-out lonely shepherd.

Are you using where you are to do the same?

David transferred the relationship and dependency on God he had built from the field of sheep to the field of battle and onto the throne room. David realised he had learnt a lot and his character had been developed in the lonely dirty work of his everyday life. Whatever your everyday life looks like right now, it is a training ground for where you are meant to be. It is an opportunity to develop your skills and invest in your relationship with God because these will be needed for the future God has planned for you. The field you’re in right now is a training ground for what is to come - what are you learning and how are you developing your understanding of God? 

Are you using your time now to prepare for your future? Are you honing your skills, making the best of it and growing in relationship with God?

The reality is, that training isn’t easy and when you attain to the place and position that God has set apart for you, it is not going to be easy then either! David, in this psalm recognises that other leaders are against him, that his enemies are no longer bears or wolves but power-hungry, violent men in charge of armies. Yet he has established a confidence in whom God is. He knows God is the King of all kings. Even though David is clearly encountering opposition at this time, he still is assured that God has appointed him and set him apart, so David is assured that nothing can change God’s plans, no matter how many come against him, David knows those men do not have the authority of heaven on their side, but he does. 

Do you have a confidence and faith like that? One that is not shaken or despondent by others; threats, words or authority? Instead confident in the fact that you have heaven’s backing as a child of God? 

If you’d like to grow more in relationship with God, or even in confidence and capability, then do what David did and spend time learning about God, talking to Him and learning who He says you are. It will prepare you well for the rest of your life.

Which way are you walking?

 Psalm 1:1–6 (ESV): 

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 

2  but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

3  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 

4  The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 

5  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 

6  for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

In this Psalm God promises that however you choose to live your life there will be consequences; He will bless, provide for, sustain and strengthen the way of the righteous. He will not support, promote, or be present with those that take no interest in following Him, take part in evil or mock others. 

Which way are you walking?

Are you living life, ‘in the counsel of the wicked’ or delighting In God’s words? These are the two ways you can walk through life. You either choose to live as a righteous person who actively follows God, or you follow your own desires and are influenced by others - this what David refers to as, 'the way of the wicked'. If you are not someone who loves God’s word, considers it and applies it to life, then we see from this psalm that you are considered as going 'the way of the wicked'. Not because you are not a nice person, but because you have not made knowing God and living His way important in your life. Therefore your decisions and actions are not God-centred, but self-centred and this can end up in all sorts of chaos and disruption. If you’re reading this today and you know that you are not dedicating your life to God but others things, then know that God sees it and He does not want you to continue living this way. That's why psalms like this were written - to show that there is another way of life available. A life where you can live alongside God knowing His blessing and becoming righteous. Would you like to walk into that way of life?

The life lived with God is described as, ‘a tree planted by streams of water’. Well nourished, strong, secure, patiently growing over time, and will ‘in its season’ bear fruit. A righteous life following God will one day be shown for what it is. The patient endurance and dedicated application of God’s word to life will be seen one day as good and profitable, of use and beautiful. A tree slowly growing by a stream may seem like a long boring existence as it takes years to grow and develop, but it will grow. It always has nourishment, it will not grow fast and weak, but slow and strong. Take comfort today if you are walking this way, the way of faith. You may not see the benefit straight away, or even recognise that you are growing or changing much, but one day your dedication and love for God will be seen as good and fruitful. If you keep going, settling by the stream, absorbing God's words, nourished by His Holy Spirit, then you will grow into a strong, beautiful, fruitful tree.

How different to the image of the, ‘chaff that the wind drives away.’ This is the result and expectation of the way of the wicked that do not follow God. They are like worthless husks, the leftovers of threshing that have no use and are not even thrown away, but left to the will of the wind that takes them wherever it wants. Those that live life without acknowledging God are like that. One day their prosperity and apparent success will be shown for what it is; temporal, ungrounded, rubbish. A life not founded on God is not founded on anything substantial as its values can change like the direction of the wind. A life like that can be whisked away in a moment. A tree by a stream has deep roots that keep it grounded and secure when the wind or even storms come, chaff has no such security. Dependency on God is a strength that nothing else in the world can match. 

Which way are you walking?

connected community

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. 

James 5:19–20 (ESV)

These final verses from James’s letter may seem an odd way to end, but James is clearly reinforcing the need for considerate, accountable relationships amongst believers. The exhortation here is that you should look out for other believers, noticing if something is awry in another's life and then go after them. This can only happen if you have a genuine love and concern for other believers that is intentional, deep and life-changing. Otherwise in an effort to correct and guide someone to the correct path, you could  misunderstand them, cause pain and push them farther away from God and His community. 

It is quite refreshing to read the eternal truth that we are built for connection in a community that loves, cares for and challenges each other. It is quite pertinent in today’s society that we are able to understand that James is commending close, connected and accountable community. The world we live in is quite different, it commends an overwhelming view of tolerance and an 'anything goes' attitude, where everything and everyone has to be accepted and tolerated no matter what. So James encouragement to challenge someone we see someone moving away from God and living a life that is not Biblical is quite cross-cultural. 

To challenge believers when they are following society instead of the word of God will be seen by non-believers as controlling and restrictive. In our current culture, people are allowed to do whatever they like whenever they like, be whoever they want to be, and no-one is permitted to question it. Most of us grown up believing the same, and support equity and equality, tolerance and acceptance. These are good things, but in an effort to support and commend these attributes society has lost the ability to really; understand, challenge, care for, love and support one another, as questioning or challenging someone's ideas, lifestyle and beliefs and behaviour has become taboo. James is confronting this worldly view by saying that we should go after those that wander off ‘from the truth’. How refreshing! 

If you see a fellow believer get caught up in wrong thinking, sinful behaviour, an altered attitude, swamped by society's influence, then the charge is to bring them back! Show that your love for that person and the church is genuine. Do not let your fellow brothers and sisters go down the path that leads to destruction without a fight. Instead, show that you notice, that you care and that you can help them by reminding them of the truth. The reality is, in a society that does not challenge, question, or seek to understand, people do not feel loved, noticed or cared for. They feel lonely, unnoticed and outsiders. Do not let that happen in your community of believers. The reality is that accepting and tolerating all things is not progressive, it is negligent. Having the awkward conversations, being upfront and honest and leading people to the truth that is The Word of God can be difficult, but it can radically transform someone's life for the better. As you may well have the opportunity to lead someone to repentance and forgiveness because you have demonstrated love and kindness through discipline, guidance and understanding, through being brave, noticing and caring enough to do something about it and challenge them. 

If you are part of a church, you should notice and care enough about the individuals to notice when they are not ok and in danger of wandering off. You are part of the kingdom of God and in God’s kingdom there is a Father that cares about each individual - He will leave the 99 to look for and rescue the 1, and He invites you to do the same. You have a duty to chase after others when you see them going off track and heading away from God. It may feel awkward, cross-cultural and you may offend, but you may also,  ‘save his soul from death’, regret, disgrace and sin, Isn’t it worth the awkwardness and being uncomfortable if you can save your brother or sister from that great peril? 

Pray together, pray big!

James concludes his letter with an exhortation to pray:

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

James 5: 13-18 (ESV)

James ends his letter with this endorsement - no matter the circumstances of life you are facing, pray. The best thing you can do for yourself and your situation is pray and get others to pray with you. James encourages you to not pray alone; If you’re ill, he says to ask the elders in the church to pray over you, he adds that you should ‘confess your sins’ to each other and pray, and he commends getting the 'righteous' to pray. Therefore, prayer is not a lonely battle, but one that should involve others. James is ending his letter showing that the christian life should be wrapped in prayer and should not be tackled alone. 

These times he mentions when prayer or praise are required, he assumes that you will be journeying with others. Life is not solitary, you are to include others in it. Even in the personal things such as sickness and sin. If you keep the troubles of your life to yourself, it is not only lonely but you might be missing out on the blessing of being anointed, forgiven and the effect of powerful prayer. You should not keep your pain, suffering, illness or sin secret. In fact, you are meant to share those things with others of faith so that they can uphold you, keep you accountable and they can celebrate with you. In the times of illness or distress, surely you want a ‘righteous person’ to pray for you? As James tells us that a righteous person’s prayers have great power and they work yet if you do not allow people to know your suffering, how can they pray, and who will you celebrate the breakthrough with? The life of a God-follower should be surrounded by other people of faith, that includes in the toughest of times. If you are suffering in some way today, do not do it alone, pick up the phone and ask someone you know is following God to pray for you - then see what God does with the prayers of the righteous in your life.

Elijah in this passage is mentioned as someone who powerfully prayed, but also as, ‘a man with a nature like ours’. That is pretty incredible when we consider the story of his life. James is showing here that even the great, powerful, spirit-filled men and women we read of in the Bible, like Elijah, were just men and women like you and I. Elijah was a man, a man that invested in his relationship with God. He was nothing special apart from the connection he had with God. Elijah dared to pray great, big prayers. He prayed for extremes of weather, and God heard and did it, he prayed for fire from heaven to consume his offering, and God did it, he prayed for a widow’s son who had died, and the son was restored to life. What are you praying for? Do you dare to pray such big prayers? Do you dare to pray for the impossible knowing that who you’re talking to has achieved some pretty impossible things already?! Elijah, remember is just like us. He was a man following and honouring God in his life, and he wasn’t afraid to ask for the incredible, impossible things because he knew just who he was speaking to. Are you a righteous person who prays big? Or are you someone that keeps things small? God can do more than you can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), so why not pray BIG today and see what God can do?

Yes and No

If you are a determined disciple of Jesus, then the letter of James is helpful as it is very clear about how you should be living and speaking. In the verse we are considering today James continues his guidance on how you should speak;

my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. 

James 5:12 (ESV)

When James writes, ‘do not swear, either by heaven or earth', he is not referring to what we, today, usually consider ‘swearing’ - saying offensive words - I think James would take for granted that we should not be saying those types of things. Instead James here is teaching us about the integrity of our speech. 

James is instructing you to simply mean what you say. No more, no less. Do not confound people with language or give mixed messages, just be honest when you communicate. Make an effort to clearly get your message across and consider what you are agreeing to and what you are not. Do not give emotive in the moment responses, but be realistic about you can and will do. In so doing people will recognise that you are being honest in your communication and will learn to trust you. 

If you boast, show off, exaggerate or underplay things people will realise and will not be able to put much weight onto what you say because they are not sure how true it is. The same is true if you make promises or agreements to do something, and then fail to do it. Maybe you forget, get too busy, have no intention of doing something even though it seemed a good idea at the time, or what you said seemed to be what the person wanted to hear. Regardless of the reason, when you agree to do something you let people down when you don't do it. Then they will be less likely to rely and depend upon you in the future because they will feel that they cannot trust your words. If you know you are someone who lets people down by not measuring up to your words, James is instructing you to consider what you are saying yes and no to. 

It is important for you to realise that how you communicate can form people’s ideas of your character. People can discover if you are a person of integrity or not by how you communicate and what you are saying yes and no to. I wonder how you come across. What are you communicating about who you are in how you speak? 

When you carefully consider your ‘yes’ and ‘no’ you demonstrate trustworthiness and integrity. Don’t flit about, changing your mind all the time, or let people down because you have good intentions but poor organisation. If you know that’s you today, then do something about it. Learn to carefully consider your responses and be realistic about your capacity, availability, and your understanding. Get a diary if you need to, set a reminder, remember the busy-ness of your everyday life. Then you will be able to encourage and support others simply by honestly responding ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to what you can and will do. As a result you will grow in trustworthiness and integrity. 

It is a simple concept, just saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’, it is simple. Imagine if you were able to be open and honest in your communication, no bragging, exaggeration, emotive agreements, considering what you can commit to. Wouldn't that make life a bit easier? You wouldn't have to clarify or check up on things, you won't need to apologise for forgetting again, or not doing something again. How would that be for you and for the others you are in relationship with? Many people struggle with saying 'no' to things, but isn't it better to do that at first rather than letting people down?

It is important to consider your words because others’ will judge your character based on their experience of communication with you. If you profess to be someone who loves Jesus and follows God, what are you showing them about Him in how you communicate? 

What is sin?

  So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. 

James 4:16–17 (ESV)

James here is telling us that sin is not just the things that you do that you know are wrong, but also not doing the things that you know are right. Have you ever considered that? 

Being apathetic, noncommittal or neglecting to do the right thing is just as sinful as doing something you know is wrong. Think about the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. I am sure most would say that the men who walked passed and did nothing were wrong. They did not show good character, kindness, faith or love by ignoring the plight of the injured man. The priest and levite walked passed, they were men of faith so they knew better. They would have read the scriptures and understood that God instructs them to love their neighbour, yet they still went their own way, ‘so whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.’ Those two men were ignorant and they sinned by doing nothing. I doubt that the priest and levite considered that their lack of action was deliberately sinful. Maybe they were too busy, distracted or scared to help. However, did they know the right thing to do and fail to do it? 

It is easy to sin this way for all of us, no matter how much you love God and know His word. Have you ever not done what you know is right because you have been afraid, too busy, or not thought it was a big deal? If you have known the right thing to do and not done it, that is sin.  Just like we acknowledge that the levite and priest were wrong, it is wrong for you to overlook doing what you know is right too. I think we have all sinned in this way because it can be scary to do the right thing, or will take too much time, so we neglect to do it instead of being obedient to God. That is the reality. 

All sin is doing the opposite to what God wants. That is whether you knowingly do something you know is wrong or not doing what you know you should. It is so easy to sin isn’t it?!

The Bible tells us, ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). So it should be no surprise if you realise that you have neglected to do right at times. James has not written this to condemn you, but quite possibly to wake you up to the reality that sin is easy to get into and so thank God for Jesus! Jesus has put to death all sin. The things you have done wrong and the things you should have done but haven’t - his death and resurrection cover all of it! This means that you can be restored to God and to the sin-free state God always intended you to be in. How incredible is that?! All you need do is recognise what Jesus has done, ask God for His forgiveness for when you have got it wrong, accept it, and then ask God for His Holy Spirit to empower you to do what you know is right in future. Sin may be easy to get into, but if you know Jesus has paid the cost for all of it, sin is also easy to be free from. Jam

Establish your heart

 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

James 5:7–11 (ESV)

Patience. 

Not something that we are very good at as the human race. We want what we want asap; fast food, quick fixes, buy now, pay later. People always seem to be in a rush for one thing or another. Yet patience is something that is appreciated and admired when we see it. Plus the Bible shows us that patience is essential to growing in good character, wisdom, faith and steadfastness.

James here opens with inviting us to be patient, 'until the coming of the Lord'. For most of us, this may seem like some far off date. Yet the disciples and apostles in scripture held it as an imminent reality. I think with the thousands of years that have passed since then we have become complacent. Yet, the day that Jesus returns is coming, and it is closer than ever before. Therefore there is no time like right now to start practicing patience in order to grow in faith, wisdom and steadfastness because one day you will be facing, 'the coming of the Lord.' That day is coming and is closer than ever before, so how are you preparing yourself for that moment?

‘be patient. Establish your hearts’ (v8). Are you patient with yourself? This may seem like an odd thing to consider in the light of Jesus' return, but in order to become ready for facing the Lord, you need to know what you are about and have set a foundation in your life that is rooted in Jesus. This requires you to be patiently developing yourself and establishing your heart on God. This takes time. It requires patience to build, learn and develop your life and your character. Are you patient with yourself? Are you allowing yourself time to develop good practices, to overcome, are you gracious and patient with yourself when  you know you have got things wrong or have doubts? Consider what you are establishing in your life. 

James invites you to establish your heart on the reality that Jesus will return. How are you preparing yourself for that day? James wants you to be ready. The day is definitely coming when you will meet God. There's no question of if that day is coming, it is when, so how are you preparing for that? What values, qualities and routines are you developing that will get you ready for being face-to-face with Jesus? Are you even doing anything about it, or have you got a bit lazy or apathetic in your faith and allowed other distractions to fill your mind, heart and time? If you had an interview with a prospective employer you would be preparing and practicing, so how are you getting yourself ready for the most important interview of your life with the Living God?

Establishing your heart takes time. Developing good character, overcoming sin, becoming wise and steadfast - they all take time. Therefore you need to be patient just like the farmer James talks about, waiting and tending the field even before he sees any sprouting of the seeds. Like a farmer, patiently continue taking care of yourself, put in the hard ground work with God and His people, and growth will come. Not overnight, but with sustained practice the virtues you seek will develop and establish. Keep patiently persevering. A farmer continues even when the ground is hard, the weather is disruptive and the field looks fruitless - the farmer keeps on the hard work because he knows a new season is coming and he wants to be ready for it. Are you getting ready for the new season that is opening up in your life?

James shows us that patience and steadfastness grow through suffering - it is a common theme through his letter. He doesn't shy away from the fact that life is hard and suffering comes. It takes time to get through it and to overcome the emotions and difficulties that suffering brings. If you haven’t learnt to be patient before suffering comes, then it becomes really hard to endure it! That is why it is so important to practice patience and establish your heart before God. Otherwise, when the next trial comes your faith can be rocked or lost because you have not built your faith on anything solid, as your heart is not established on the right thing, Jesus. 

Verses 10-11 are a wonderful reminder that faithful, obedient, patient God-honouring men and women suffer and they get through it. James reminds us of this by calling us to recall the prophets and Job who all had to undergo persecution, judgement, being ostracised as well as physical and emotional suffering. Yet they continued faithfully to live their lives, and now are admired for their faith and steadfastness - grown through patient endurance. The stories of the prophets and Job do not end with their suffering, but they demonstrate something of God's goodness, mercy and compassion as they see restoration and God's purposes and promises fulfilled. 

If today you are in a season of suffering, keep going. Be patient, with yourself and with whatever is going on. Keep persevering and developing the faith you have in order to gain the wisdom and steadfastness that James speaks about, then you too will come to see and experience the compassion and mercy of God.