what do you do when you are rejected and alone?

 Can you relate to feeling as David did in this psalm?

Psalm 69:1–36 (ESV):   

Save me, O God! 

For the waters have come up to my neck. 

2  I sink in deep mire, 

where there is no foothold; 

I have come into deep waters, 

and the flood sweeps over me. 

3  I am weary with my crying out; 

my throat is parched. 

My eyes grow dim 

with waiting for my God. 

4  More in number than the hairs of my head 

are those who hate me without cause; 

mighty are those who would destroy me, 

those who attack me with lies. 

What I did not steal 

must I now restore? 

5  O God, you know my folly; 

the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. 

6  Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, 

O Lord God of hosts; 

let not those who seek you be brought to dishonour through me, 

O God of Israel. 

7  For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, 

that dishonour has covered my face. 

8  I have become a stranger to my brothers, 

an alien to my mother’s sons. 

9  For zeal for your house has consumed me, 

and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. 

10  When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, 

it became my reproach. 

11  When I made sackcloth my clothing, 

I became a byword to them. 

12  I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, 

and the drunkards make songs about me. 

13  But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. 

At an acceptable time, O God, 

in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. 

14  Deliver me 

from sinking in the mire; 

let me be delivered from my enemies 

and from the deep waters. 

15  Let not the flood sweep over me, 

or the deep swallow me up, 

or the pit close its mouth over me. 

16  Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; 

according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. 

17  Hide not your face from your servant, 

for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. 

18  Draw near to my soul, redeem me; 

ransom me because of my enemies! 

19  You know my reproach, 

and my shame and my dishonour; 

my foes are all known to you. 

20  Reproaches have broken my heart, 

so that I am in despair. 

I looked for pity, but there was none, 

and for comforters, but I found none. 

21  They gave me poison for food, 

and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. 

22  Let their own table before them become a snare; 

and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. 

23  Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, 

and make their loins tremble continually. 

24  Pour out your indignation upon them, 

and let your burning anger overtake them. 

25  May their camp be a desolation; 

let no one dwell in their tents. 

26  For they persecute him whom you have struck down, 

and they recount the pain of those you have wounded. 

27  Add to them punishment upon punishment; 

may they have no acquittal from you. 

28  Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; 

let them not be enrolled among the righteous. 

29  But I am afflicted and in pain; 

let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 

30  I will praise the name of God with a song; 

I will magnify him with thanksgiving. 

31  This will please the Lord more than an ox 

or a bull with horns and hoofs. 

32  When the humble see it they will be glad; 

you who seek God, let your hearts revive. 

33  For the Lord hears the needy 

and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. 

34  Let heaven and earth praise him, 

the seas and everything that moves in them. 

35  For God will save Zion 

and build up the cities of Judah, 

and people shall dwell there and possess it; 

36  the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, 

and those who love his name shall dwell in it. 

David feels like he is sinking, that God isn’t doing anything. He is worn out with emotional distress and hoarse with crying out to God about it. Yet none of this is because he has done anything wrong. He admits that he has messed up before (v19), yet this situation with his friends and family rejecting him is nothing to do with any error or sin on his side, but because of his wholehearted commitment to God (v9). Can you imagine that? 

Many people in the world can, we hear accounts about those who are persecuted for their faith. There are traumatic stories of imprisonment, restriction and death threats. People in other nations undergo these things because of their love for God and for living life God’s way. Even in our country I have heard of stories of christians making a right stand against an issue resulting in being rejected, disciplined, businesses in trouble, taken to court. All for doing things God’s way. I bet they felt something of what David felt. Feeling like they are in too deep, drowning, rejected, attacked. I have not experienced this level of persecution, yet I found it hard enough when I felt an outcast at work due to the faith I have. It was horrible, yet that was mild compared to level of persecution that David, and others have been through. The reality is, as people of God, we should expect some kind of push back, rejection and trouble. There is an enemy in the world that does not want to see God’s kingdom come, or His people succeed, and so Satan will do everything he can to cause suffering and difficulty. Are you prepared to suffer for your faith, and will you endure it?

David, even though he was taunted and rejected by many even his own family, was prepared to go through it because of his love for God. He was sold out for God and he suffered ridicule and rejection because of it, he acknowledged that these things, ‘have broken my heart, so that I am in despair’. David felt broken by the words and actions of others. David grieved for the lost relationships and felt like he was being engulfed in misery, drowning in a sea of grief because of the extent of his heartache. He was rejected and abandoned as those he loved and relied upon turned away from him, rejected and ridiculed him. He suffered. There was a great emotional response because he cared for these people, yet he knew his words and behaviour would not change because he loved God more. No wonder David felt so distraught, he knew the cause of the tension between himself and others was his love for God, and he couldn't change that, so he had to endure heartache and the hardship. When the faith you have effects the relationships you have developed, this will really test your commitment to God. You will have to choose between God and those you care about and it will lead to despair, heartbreak and loneliness, what will you do when you encounter such difficulties?

David cried out to God, and didn't stop crying out to Him! We can hear how David suffered, and we can look at our Saviour Jesus to see how he too suffered rejection, heartbreak, loneliness and pain because of loving and obeying God. Yet both David and Jesus continued to pursue God. They did not turn back, they asked for relief, for change, for help, but they chose to continue to suffer because they knew God is greater. They understood that His love, protection, guidance, comfort and strength are worth suffering for. They also knew that these things are available even in the midst of the turmoil. They spoke to God and trusted Him to help them through. After all, if everyone else has rejected you, who is left to help, encourage and strengthen you? 

David pours out his heart to God, ‘my prayer is to you, O Lord’. He depended on no-one else for salvation, rescue or relief. David knew who could save him from, ‘sinking in the mire’. So he held onto this hope, this faith that God’s ‘steadfast love is good’. That was enough for him to endure and have hope for a new day. Is that enough for you? 

Only God can sustain and protect you from drowning in despair and save you from the trial of rejection and hopelessness. His love is good and steadfast, and He supports and saves those He loves, so keep going and copy David. Allow yourself to feel the pain of radical obedience, ask God for help, and continue to worship. His love will carry you through every circumstance no matter how bitter or joyful. Rely on Him to, ‘draw near to my soul, redeem me’ and continue, no matter what to, ‘praise the name of God’. ‘For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.’ Trust in God, for man may reject you, but God will not and He will revive your heart (v32).

Bless our God, O peoples

 Psalm 66:1–20 (ESV):  

1  Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 

2  sing the glory of his name; 

give to him glorious praise! 

3  Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! 

So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. 

4  All the earth worships you 

and sings praises to you; 

they sing praises to your name.” Selah 

5  Come and see what God has done: 

he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. 

6  He turned the sea into dry land; 

they passed through the river on foot. 

There did we rejoice in him, 

7  who rules by his might forever, 

whose eyes keep watch on the nations— 

let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah 

8  Bless our God, O peoples; 

let the sound of his praise be heard, 

9  who has kept our soul among the living 

and has not let our feet slip. 

10  For you, O God, have tested us; 

you have tried us as silver is tried. 

11  You brought us into the net; 

you laid a crushing burden on our backs; 

12  you let men ride over our heads; 

we went through fire and through water; 

yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. 

13  I will come into your house with burnt offerings; 

I will perform my vows to you, 

14  that which my lips uttered 

and my mouth promised when I was in trouble. 

15  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, 

with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; 

I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah 

16  Come and hear, all you who fear God, 

and I will tell what he has done for my soul. 

17  I cried to him with my mouth, 

and high praise was on my tongue. 

18  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, 

the Lord would not have listened. 

19  But truly God has listened; 

he has attended to the voice of my prayer. 

20  Blessed be God, 

because he has not rejected my prayer 

or removed his steadfast love from me! 

This psalm is an outpouring of praise, gratitude and love for God, remembering the things of the past and acknowledging God’s power, steadfast love and commitment. It is a recollection of the mightiness of God, and His commitment to His people. I like this psalm because it encourages all of us to recall the victories of the past, to share those testimonies and remind one another of what God has done. This is so important as it helps us to remember the character and nature of God and develops hope, faith and joy in us. No matter the season of life you're in, this psalm and these reflections in your own life will do you good.

Maybe, at the time this psalm was written, the nation of Israel was a bit down, struggling, bored or a bit fed up, or maybe they were corporately celebrating (v1-12) and personally grateful for what had happened. Whatever the mood of the nation, or of your town or household, this psalm inspires, and encourages us to think about how lives have been impacted by the work of God. It is a clear celebration and reminder that, ’he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.’ God has not only been good to you, He has performed 'awesome deeds' in your life, it is good to remember and share about those.

Compared to the works of humans, no matter how amazing and inspiring they can be, God’s deeds are greater. He has invented the universe, given power to the wind, rain, sun and waves, He has caused people to walk on and through water, created animals and given them the power to speak, defeated untold enemies and broken down walls. These are just a handful of His mighty works from the Bible. You could list many more, plus those from your own experience. In my life, to list a few, I have seen; legs grow, backs healed, I have been healed of asthma, difficult situations have been broken, lives transformed, timely and unexpected financial provision, multiplication of food - that’s just from the top of my head, if I really thought about it I wonder how many more I could add to the list! What have you witnessed God do?

This psalm encourages us to think about the awesome deeds of God, because there are a lot, and sometimes we do not pause to consider them. If we did, we would be inspired and full of gratitude at being reminded of His greatness. Surely, life would seem happier and more hopeful if we paused to consider the greatness of God and continually reminded ourselves of God’s awesome deeds.  For, 'truly God has listened' and, 'he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!'. Have you ever had a prayer answered? Known His provision and love? 

Once you see and recall the great works of God, David tells says that your response for appreciating the wonderful works of our mighty God should be to, ‘Bless our God..... let the sound of his praise be heard’. So, go ahead, bless God, tell Him how grateful you are for the things He has brought about and how wonderful He is. No matter the situation of life you are in, what is going on right now or how you are feeling - You should praise God today. His praise should be heard from your lips for the things of old, as well as the mercies and joys of today and promises of tomorrow. God has done great things, and you know it, so today let your joy increase by remembering the love, mercy, and awesome deeds of our God!

What do you have hope and security in?

 What do you have hope and security in? 

Whatever it is that you trust or hope in, whether it be money, job, intellect, family, nature or health, at some point these things are going to let you down. One day there may be; a financial crisis, business may go bust, people will fail you, a natural disaster or illness will occur that destabilises your hope and security because they were never intended to give you the hope and security you need. The things of life that can be gained and enjoyed cannot be depended upon to stand the test of time and cannot be guaranteed and they do not last forever. They can be enjoyed and appreciated, but if they are aspects of life that you have security and hope in they are going to fail you as they cannot the tests and trials that life brings. It does not matter how much money you have if you get an incurable disease, and it does not matter how healthy you are if an earthquake destroys your town. Yet we can all rely on these things to help us and provide stability to life as they are tangible and seem attainable. It is a relief to have enough, an encouragement to have a prospering business and a happy family, and it is good to appreciate and value such things. Yet they do not make good sources of hope or security and they are certainly not very good gods. These aspects of our lifestyle were never meant to be all that your life is about. They should not be your only endeavour or end goal, and you need to be mindful how much of your time, talent and treasure is absorbed by such things so that they do not dominate your life. As when these aspirations fail you, or you fail to gain them, then what? Does your whole world crumble? Do you question your sense of self, your worth and purpose? If so, then these enjoyable elements of life have become far too important to you. One day beauty, money, health, family and friends will wane, and what will your hope and security be in then? Life does not need to depend on such fragile and temporal things. There is something else you can trust in that will never let you down. There is someone that will never fail you, and will always be there, that will give you eternal purpose and security that is not based on any of these fallible things - Almighty God. The creator and sustainer of the universe is willing and able to become your hope and security. The One who created all of the things you desire in life and outlives them all can provide you with; security, hope, refuge, assurance, confidence and belonging - forever.  Are you putting all of your hope and security in Him?

Psalm 46:1–11 (ESV):  

1  God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble. 

2  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, 

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 

3  though its waters roar and foam, 

though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 

4  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 

the holy habitation of the Most High. 

5  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; 

God will help her when morning dawns. 

6  The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; 

he utters his voice, the earth melts. 

7  The Lord of hosts is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 

8  Come, behold the works of the Lord, 

how he has brought desolations on the earth. 

9  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; 

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; 

he burns the chariots with fire. 

10  “Be still, and know that I am God. 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth!” 

11  The Lord of hosts is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 

God can fulfil any need or desire that you have. He can conquer any battle you face. He has power over; nature, nations and cities! He is strong and capable to completely shatter and to build. God can bring you peace when ‘the mountains tremble’, He can be your refuge when ‘the nations rage’. Are you depending on Him? Is He your hope and security?

For ‘he utters his voice, the earth melts.’! What a powerful and beautiful truth - God just speaks and the earth can melt! Just as His voice brought light and life to creation, He can also speak to melt things away. This is true on a universal scale as well as an individual one. Whatever needs to cease or start in your life, God can bring it into being. He has the capability and the power to do it. Nothing is too small or too big for God - remember He reigns over nature, cities and the universe! So, what are you asking Him to challenge and change? 

Whatever you have had hope and security in before, can it even compare with this?!

Reading through this psalm reveals something of the power and nature of God. This is the God who also wants to be your Father and friend. You can have this Almighty and powerful God impacting your life, giving you permanence and purpose. You can know His strength and great love for you when you choose to follow Him and put your hope and security in Him. You can have; refuge, strength, confidence, assurance, peace, security, promises, a home, victory and His presence for all eternity if you choose to live a life knowing and honouring God. You can know and grow relationship with the One whose words cease and start things, with the One who is stable through every natural occurrence, who brings wars into insignificance and can melt the earth away. 

Can you really afford to live without Him? 

Other things in life that seek your time and attention cannot promise you all of this! They are nice to have and should be appreciated if you have them, but they will eventually let you down, disappoint and disillusion you. So why live your life relentlessly pursuing temporal matters that will falter and fail you, why live life for less when you can have the God of the universe as your hope and security?

Why not do as the psalmist tells us in verse 10; ‘Be still, and know that I am God’. That is a command to stop! Stop doing what you are doing, settle yourself down and remind yourself exactly who God is. God is enough, ‘behold the works of the Lord’ and see. He can sort out nature, He can conquer cities, and He can even cause the Earth to melt, so surely He is worth considering and pursuing in your life. Surely, it would be dangerous not to consider Him? So, today, take time to think about what you are chasing after in this life and if it is really worth it. Where is your hope and security? Then ‘Be still’, and consider God. 

What can you rely on and hope in Him for?

Are you faithful through the trials?

 Psalm 44:1–26 (ESV):  

1  O God, we have heard with our ears, 

our fathers have told us, 

what deeds you performed in their days, 

in the days of old: 

2  you with your own hand drove out the nations, 

but them you planted; 

you afflicted the peoples, 

but them you set free; 

3  for not by their own sword did they win the land, 

nor did their own arm save them, 

but your right hand and your arm, 

and the light of your face, 

for you delighted in them. 

4  You are my King, O God; 

ordain salvation for Jacob! 

5  Through you we push down our foes; 

through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. 

6  For not in my bow do I trust, 

nor can my sword save me. 

7  But you have saved us from our foes 

and have put to shame those who hate us. 

8  In God we have boasted continually, 

and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah 

9  But you have rejected us and disgraced us 

and have not gone out with our armies. 

10  You have made us turn back from the foe, 

and those who hate us have gotten spoil. 

11  You have made us like sheep for slaughter 

and have scattered us among the nations. 

12  You have sold your people for a trifle, 

demanding no high price for them. 

13  You have made us the taunt of our neighbours, 

the derision and scorn of those around us. 

14  You have made us a byword among the nations, 

a laughingstock among the peoples. 

15  All day long my disgrace is before me, 

and shame has covered my face 

16  at the sound of the taunter and reviler, 

at the sight of the enemy and the avenger. 

17  All this has come upon us, 

though we have not forgotten you, 

and we have not been false to your covenant. 

18  Our heart has not turned back, 

nor have our steps departed from your way; 

19  yet you have broken us in the place of jackals 

and covered us with the shadow of death. 

20  If we had forgotten the name of our God 

or spread out our hands to a foreign god, 

21  would not God discover this? 

For he knows the secrets of the heart. 

22  Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; 

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. 

23  Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? 

Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! 

24  Why do you hide your face? 

Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? 

25  For our soul is bowed down to the dust; 

our belly clings to the ground. 

26  Rise up; come to our help! 

Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!

This psalm seems to have four sections to it:

- Firstly, verses 1-3 recall the works of God in Israel’s history. The testimony of what He has achieved for His people.

- Verses 4-8 are a response to the greatness of God, a recognition of God as king and worthy of extolling

- Then verses 9 -16 are the outpouring of disappointment and pain over the present turmoil and perceived rejection of the people by God.

- Verses 17 - 26 are then pleading for compassion, God’s justice and power to once again save and restore His people. A call for God to act due to the persecution of His innocent people.

It is important therefore to consider the whole perspective when faced with challenges. The people of God who inspired and wrote this psalm do, and having this format helped them through the trials and torments they were facing. As they recalled the might, power and love of God even in troublesome times they could pour out their experiences and emotions to Him, knowing, trusting and believing that God is good, just and loving and that He WILL bring hope and salvation even in the most dire situations.

I love that this psalm is a congregational response, not an individual one, but concerned with the community of God’s people as a whole. The church is the collection of God's people, and sometimes they go through difficulties, so it is good to remember that sometimes it is not just individual families or people that suffer, but at times the church is persecuted, and can feel alone and abandoned. Although this psalm is about the collective of God's followers being harangued, this is not the main focus. Instead this psalm is a beautiful summary of God’s power and majesty, and the reliance of God’s followers on Him as they encounter trouble. The people that wrote this have not been sinful or disobedient, yet they, ‘are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered’. Innocent, peaceful, obediently following their God, but afflicted and oppressed by those around them. Therefore it is a bit of a warning too, that even when you're doing the right things, disaster can strike, and then what do you do? When you follow God, you can expect suffering to be part of the journey both personally and corporately. It may not seem fair, especially when you live life doing the best to honour God and keep away from the ways of life that would lead you astray. Yet this is the reality. This world is not fair, and you have to live in it! There is an enemy to those that follow God, and people, powers and principalities will to try to destroy the gospel. This should be no surprise to any of us, as God’s people have been persecuted since the beginning, but I think that generally we focus on the fact that if you live following God, everything will be fine and you will be blessed. Of course, it is true that you are blessed to always know the joy of salvation, a relationship with God and His faithful, steadfast love like these psalmists express, yet it is also true that life will involve suffering, persecution and death. 

No-one likes to think of this; that God’s people suffer, especially for no just cause. When you have troubled times you like to know that there is a reason, a purpose, but you may not know what it is. So you have to learn to suffer well, as the writers of this psalm did, without any answers. They did not understand what was happening or why, yet they were assured that because God, ‘knows the secrets of the heart’, He could see their innocence and the way they were living even through the trauma. They demonstrated dedication and faith, community and love throughout this time even when they felt abandoned and forgotten. These people still reminded one another of how to live pleasing God, and of the victories of the past. They recalled that God, ‘afflicted the peoples and them you set free’. God does both - He restricts and He gives freedom. The people were reminding themselves that God is indeed in charge of all situations, including the one they are in right now. Do you accept that God is in control with whatever is going on in your life, in the life of the church, your community and even the country you live in? Even when circumstances seem dire and difficult, do you honour God and remain dedicated to following Him alongside other believers?

The frustration of the writers of psalm 44 is not really that times are difficult, but that they feel overlooked by God and like He has abandoned them. So they recall the scriptures and the stories of God and are assured because history proves that God has a plan and does not abandon His people when they follow Him. It is just His plan doesn’t make sense to them right now. Therefore this people cry out, ‘why are you sleeping, O Lord?….Do not reject us forever! …why do you forget our affliction and oppression?’. These cries can still be repeated and resounded across the globe. People of God are suffering for their faith today. Individuals and churches, communities of believers around the world are feeling afflicted and oppressed. If you recognise this in your faith-filled groups and feel like bursting out with such cries then that is ok, you are in good company, people have been crying out for thousands of years about injustice, pain and persecution. It is good in fact to cry out to God as He is the only one that can do anything about it! Just make sure that you do not solely cry out, but also remember. Call to your memory the times of breakthrough, the miracles, the wonders, the joy, prophetic words, and remember God is still the same. God hears your pleading cries for mercy. He hears and knows, yet He does not always act as you deem best because He has a different plan, a bigger one and a better one. So dig in, keep going, look at Him and encourage one another to remember all He has done before, because He can do it again.

If you’re still struggling with the reality and purpose of suffering then look at Jesus. Of all the people in all the Earth that have ever lived, he could rightly claim innocence, purity and lack of sin. Yet consider his suffering. Ponder upon the heartache, physical torture and the degrading death that he endured. He, surely, deserved rescue? He implored Father God to rescue him, to end his torment, to allow him to escape the fate he knew was coming. Yet he had to go through it. He asked God for relief and rescue yet it did not come. He probably felt abandoned, disappointed, alone, unheard and confused too. Yet he continued to obey and honour God, patiently enduring and suffering. Jesus did not know the purpose of all he went through but he trusted God. We now know that God's best plan was for His only Son to suffer and die even though Jesus did not want to. It was not the best or the easiest for Jesus, but it was the best for all people. Jesus life, death and resurrection has meant salvation, restoration and hope are available to ALL people. His suffering was for our good, for the good of those who would never hear his voice or see him in person on Earth. God's plan was too big for even Jesus to understand and to desire at the time, so do not be concerned if you do not understand or desire the circumstances you find yourselves in. Sometimes terrible, heart-wrenching, painful and degrading things happen to those who follow God. It is natural to desire relief and help like Jesus did, and to feel abandoned, disappointed and confused, like Jesus did. Yet Jesus still trusted, honoured and followed God. Remembering who God is and being assured that God somehow had purpose through it all, you too can take comfort and confidence in the fact that even in the midst of pain and despair, God has a plan. Even when torture and death come, God is not oblivious nor does He lack care, power or control. That is why it is important for you to speak to other believers, remembering God's goodness, sharing cries of pain and prayers of deliverance together.

You see, the problem is not with God, it is with us humans. We like to know what is going on and to be rewarded for our loyalty and dedication for living faithful lives. We believe we deserve good things if we do good things. So, when unexpected, unwanted and troublesome times come, we do not like it. However, living life following God does not guarantee a hassle-free life - You do not have to read the Bible for long or to know many christians to see that! At no point does God promise that all our troubles will be over when we trust and believe in Him, instead the Bible has many examples of just the opposite! Life following God will not be easy, but you will always have hope and salvation. Plus you can grow in strength and peace when you continually honour God with your life. Bad stuff happens at times, but do not let that dictate your trust and reliance in God. God is not determined or swayed by circumstances whether good or bad, so your faith in Him and your dedication to Him should not be either. The people who wrote this psalm are great examples of those following God who remained committed to do so despite the hardship. They felt that they were suffering undeservedly, and felt abandoned and forgotten, but they also understood that their motives and plans were not God’s. They show commitment, steadfastness and deep-founded faith. Do you? Or is it easy for you to wander off and chase other things when you feel like God is not answering your prayers or coming through for you in the way you want Him to? 

God is not your butler. He is not there to make life easy for you or to anticipate your needs and wants, sheltering you from issues. He is your Master, your Lord and King. Your duty is to serve Him, not the other way round. When you believe and follow God as these people did, you follow His directions, complete His commands and keep doing so no matter the difficulty or reward. A king must be obeyed otherwise it is treason. The Israelites understood this. They were confused by their treatment and lack of blessing, however they remained faithful servants of the Most High God as He is still King. They faithfully served Him, even though it was difficult and confusing. The result of this faithful, committed mindset was that they knew they could approach their King with their troubles and they grew in faith and steadfastness. They understood that even when they were fleeing, endangered and deserted that God could still come through for them. They did not give up believing, trusting and hoping in their King. instead they patiently, painfully waited, recalling the stories of previous victories of God as they cried out to Him, ‘Rise up; come to our help!’. The Israelites realised that they serve the King of creation, and they have the privilege of being His people no matter the circumstances. We have the privilege of knowing some of the stories, seeing the results of others' faithful service and steadfast service through battles, exile and persecution. What do you want the story of your life as a believer and as a part of a community of believers to demonstrate to the world around you?

Hope in God

 Psalm 42:1–11 (ESV):  

1  As a deer pants for flowing streams, 

so pants my soul for you, O God. 

2  My soul thirsts for God, 

for the living God. 

When shall I come and appear before God? 

3  My tears have been my food 

day and night, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

4  These things I remember, 

as I pour out my soul: 

how I would go with the throng 

and lead them in procession to the house of God 

with glad shouts and songs of praise, 

a multitude keeping festival. 

5  Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation 6 and my God. 

My soul is cast down within me; 

therefore I remember you 

from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, 

from Mount Mizar. 

7  Deep calls to deep 

at the roar of your waterfalls; 

all your breakers and your waves 

have gone over me. 

8  By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, 

and at night his song is with me, 

a prayer to the God of my life. 

9  I say to God, my rock: 

“Why have you forgotten me? 

Why do I go mourning 

because of the oppression of the enemy?” 

10  As with a deadly wound in my bones, 

my adversaries taunt me, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

11  Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation and my God. 

Can you imagine a time when you are prevented from being in the presence of God and amongst His people? The author of this psalm, likely to be David, has experienced such a time as do many persecuted christians across the world. This writer, whether they are David or not, has been physically prevented from attending the temple. Today, some people may be able to relate as they have restrictions imposed on them which mean that they cannot fully participate in a life of faith as they wish. So they can appreciate this psalmists cries due to the danger of meeting together, the pain of being apart, and being unable to get close to God’s house. Have you ever had such an experience or can you even begin to imagine what it must be like?

The reality is that for us, we find it hard to completely relate even if we live in a country that restricts the celebration of faith, as we know that we can enjoy God’s presence and His people anywhere. No matter if you’re imprisoned, on the run, at work, in hiding or in bed, you can still meet with God and experience the Holy Spirit. However, for those living in Old Testament times, God had promised that He would be present in the holy of holies within the tent of meeting (later the temple). That was the only place the presence of God was known to be. At the time of David, there was a Tabernacle that was set up which contained the Ark of the Covenant signifying the presence of God. A place that caused people to praise and worship God as the Ark signified God's presence, not just in the here and now, but throughout the generations of Israelites since. No wonder this writer wanted to be there - to be inspired and reminded of God's holiness, faithfulness and awesome presence!

I think it is difficult for us to fully understand this longing - the pain of separation from God expressed in this psalm - as we never need be apart from Him. We are privileged to have access to God whenever and wherever because of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Therefore we cannot truly appreciate the depth of thirst and hunger that is experienced by this person. Grief over the fact that they cannot go before God, that they cannot be in His presence or amongst those that worship Him, that they have not got access to His word and cannot partake in the celebrations of faith as they once did. Can you even imagine what that must be like? Total separation and disconnection from God. The extent of heartache is well expressed in verses 3-5; tears being food, somehow sustaining this separation. Even the distress is feeding the remembrance of the relationship once enjoyed and so keeps it alive. People taunt at the apparent absence of God’s presence, yet their mocking does not prove the lack of God’s existence, just tugs at the heart even more allowing the writer to recall the joy of being with God. Reminding him to keep trusting in the fact that he always has, ‘Hope in God’. No matter what occurs, no matter what others do or say, no matter how near or far God seems, you can always hope in God! Even when you feel alone, separated and in danger, you can always remind yourself of the former times of joy as they are not just days of old, but the day is approaching when you again will celebrate and join in praise and worship with other God followers. Even if your soul seems 'cast down', consider why your soul is in turmoil. Then consider what the truth really is. For this psalmist the truth was that he was so upset and disturbed because he could not be in God's presence or with His people. It was less to do with the actual situation and danger he was in, it was about the reality of the grief of separation from God. Yet the writer also knew this time of separation was not forever, it would come to an end, and he could look forward in hope to again celebrating in God's presence.

Now consider the privilege you have. Of the opportunities you have to meet with God, to hear and read His Word, to meet with those who love and honour Jesus, plus you can be filled with the Holy Spirit! This writer could not, but you can! Yet sometimes in this privilege do you neglect these things? There are people of the past that have yearned and cried in despair when they have been unable to do so. There are still people in this world that do not have the freedom to meet in God’s name, for whom it would be too dangerous or difficult. Would you still read the Word and meet with believers if you had the threat of imprisonment or death? Would you still hold onto faith, hope and salvation? Many people do in the midst of persecution and restriction. They understand the value of relationship with God and the hope and salvation He gives even when they live through the toughest experiences of life. They understand that having connection with God is of far greater value than any other treasure, any other promise and even greater than freedom and life itself! If you are not in a position where it is difficult or dangerous to worship God, rejoice and keep your hope in Him consider; Are you showing the worth that God has in your life? Are you making the most of the opportunities you have to meet with Him and with others who worship Him? 

You can thank God that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the tearing of the veil, and the pouring out Holy Spirit, that God’s presence is now available to you wherever you are. There is no restriction to the presence of God as to where or how you commune with Him. You can know, appreciate and enjoy His presence right now. So thank God for the freedom He has given you to know Him and His people, and pray for those who have restrictions upon them, asking God to reward their faith.

This psalmist recalls the joyous times when he has been able to worship, lead praise and been amongst others glorifying God. Yet he is disappointed with himself for being disheartened, asking himself, ‘why are you cast down, O my soul’? I think from what has been described we can see why he is ‘cast down’! We can all feel the same at times. Yet this author still sees no reason to be so distressed and disturbed. He knows that God still remains. That God still sustains and cares for Him. So he makes himself remember other times when he has experienced God’s love, His presence and the joy and power of fellowship with other believers. He does not allow his present situation or condition alter the reality that God exists and is good. Some people crumble away in fear and disappointment when bad things happen or when life doesn’t go the way they want or expect it to. This writer does not. They are a great example of the steadfastness of faith and seem to have written this psalm as an encouragement to themselves, to remind them that they have reasons to not be ‘cast down’ as they always have hope and salvation. The author is keen to reinforce this to himself that he repeats this twice (v5 and 11). Even if all of life is turned upside down, you can still hold onto the fact that there is still hope in God, your salvation is secure, God is still good and you can still praise Him as He never changes. Just as this psalmist reminded himself of these things, you can do the same. So take time to remember the goodness of God in your life; the joy of His presence, the joy of worship, the value of the community of believers, the certainty of hope and salvation. Even if you cannot enjoy worshipping with other believers in person right now, let your previous experiences help fuel your faith and instil hope in you for the future.

Pray, wait and share

 Psalm 40:1–17 (ESV):  

1  I waited patiently for the Lord; 

he inclined to me and heard my cry. 

2  He drew me up from the pit of destruction, 

out of the miry bog, 

and set my feet upon a rock, 

making my steps secure. 

3  He put a new song in my mouth, 

a song of praise to our God. 

Many will see and fear, 

and put their trust in the Lord. 

4  Blessed is the man who makes 

the Lord his trust, 

who does not turn to the proud, 

to those who go astray after a lie! 

5  You have multiplied, O Lord my God, 

your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; 

none can compare with you! 

I will proclaim and tell of them, 

yet they are more than can be told. 

6  In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, 

but you have given me an open ear. 

Burnt offering and sin offering 

you have not required. 

7  Then I said, “Behold, I have come; 

in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 

8  I delight to do your will, O my God; 

your law is within my heart.” 

9  I have told the glad news of deliverance 

in the great congregation; 

behold, I have not restrained my lips, 

as you know, O Lord. 

10  I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; 

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; 

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness 

from the great congregation. 

11  As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain 

your mercy from me; 

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will 

ever preserve me! 

12  For evils have encompassed me 

beyond number; 

my iniquities have overtaken me, 

and I cannot see; 

they are more than the hairs of my head; 

my heart fails me. 

13  Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! 

O Lord, make haste to help me! 

14  Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether 

who seek to snatch away my life; 

let those be turned back and brought to dishonour 

who delight in my hurt! 

15  Let those be appalled because of their shame 

who say to me, “Aha, Aha!” 

16  But may all who seek you 

rejoice and be glad in you; 

may those who love your salvation 

say continually, “Great is the Lord!” 

17  As for me, I am poor and needy, 

but the Lord takes thought for me. 

You are my help and my deliverer; 

do not delay, O my God! 

When you wait for God to act, He will, and He will give you everything you need. 

David tells us that in his plight he prayed to God, telling Him about the suffering and pain he was experiencing, and God came through. Not just once, but every time. However, each time David had to wait ‘patiently’. When you're in need of God's assistance, do you wait patiently for God to act? Or do you pray, and then try to resolve things yourself? This is fine if God has given you inspiration in how to resolve the issue, otherwise you are preventing God from resolving things and taking the responsibility into your own hands. David tells us that his responsibility was to talk to God, then wait patiently. This is your responsibility too. Yet we can too often do the first bit of praying, but not do the essential second part which is wait! You are not God, therefore you cannot and should not be trying to fix every issue or solve every problem, what you should be doing is what David had learnt - pray and wait. For he declares that, 'I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.' If you want a testimony like that then you need to do the same.

Look at what David experienced. When he had learnt to pray and wait; painfully, enduringly, waiting. He saw that God; turned to him, listened, rescued him and brought him into a safe place, sent him in a new direction and gave David a reason to worship. When you wait on God, really wait, even when it hurts, you can experience this too. Do you want to be listened to, rescued and restored, given new hope and a heart full of gratitude? Then talk to God about what is going on, then wait. Keep praying and waiting, for however long it takes for the situation to dramatically reform then you will have reasons to worship. God will give you have testimonies to share of His goodness so that, 'Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.' Once God has helped you through a trying time in your life, what do you do? Do you thank Him? Give Him gratitude and tell others of God's goodness? 

David declares that, 'I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.' When you have been praying for something to happen and it does, do you tell others about it? Overcoming life's obstacles; being preserved, restored, forgiven, saved, heard by God, given direction security and reassurance are all great testimonies that should be shared. These circumstances demonstrate God's steadfast love, His faithfulness, salvation, kindness and power and so your stories should be shared. You should not hide the stories of deliverance and breakthrough, 'within my heart', but rather they need to be shared in, 'the great congregation. Give God the public glory. It will encourage and inspire others, give hope and show the power, might and love of God. Your story could allow others to, 'put their trust in God'. What a marvellous opportunity you have when God has brought you through temptation and trial - it is a chance for you to share your experience and by doing so others can develop trust in God, grow in faith and be inspired to hope in their situation. So, do not keep quiet, do not restrain your lips because you're afraid or feel that your experience is insignificant or silly. Who does that honour? Instead share about the amazing things God has done in you and in your life. Declare with gladness, 'Great is the Lord', show others that God is your, 'help and deliverer'. For by speaking of your, 'glad news of deliverance', you will be increasing joy, hope and faith in God in your hearers and will increase your own joy in your experience of God's love and power. You help to encourage others and build the church when you share the stories of what God has done. 

You can only collect these stories by praying and waiting. If you try to resolve all the problems yourself, who will get the commendation and praise once the trial has ended? 

Pray to God for the impossible, ask Him to preserve your life, to bring direction, breakthrough, deliverance, salvation, restoration, hope, security, and wait for Him to do so. Then you will have reason to worship, and great stories of, 'deliverance' to share with others so that God's love and faithfulness can be seen afresh and people can be inspired to put their trust and hope in God. You can help build the kingdom of God by praying, waiting and sharing - what a wonderful privilege!

Is God's presence enough?

23 A Psalm of David. 

1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. 

He leads me beside still waters. 

3  He restores my soul. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness 

for his name’s sake. 

4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, 

for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, 

they comfort me. 

5  You prepare a table before me 

in the presence of my enemies; 

you anoint my head with oil; 

my cup overflows. 

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

all the days of my life, 

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord 

forever. 

This psalm has been very relevant for me personally over the past year. As a family we have been journeying through a great tragedy and when it first happened God gave me a picture. The picture was of me in a dark place. It was dark grey, a place where you couldn’t really see what was going on around you or where you were going, but I saw someone there, a distant figure and I knew it was Jesus. The picture reminded me of this psalm as the place in my mind looked to me like a dark valley. Many times over the past 12 months I have had this image and been reassured of God’s presence during the darkest times. 

I had suddenly found myself walking ‘through the valley of the shadow of death’, unsure of how I had got there and no idea how to get out. Yet in the midst of it God kindly showed me that He was present. He had not left me alone, and as long as I kept looking to Him, He would guide me through. I often recalled this picture and would say to God, “Thank you for being with me, I don’t yet feel your comfort, but I know it will come because you are with me”. This is a promise of this psalm and was the assurance God gave me as I had to endure this season. God did not say it was all going be ok, that it would soon be over, or that there was an escape from this turmoil, but His promise was of His presence and that was enough. Is God’s presence sufficient for you? No matter what storms, trials, adventures, triumphs or celebrations you are going through, are you assured of God's presence? This psalm shows how God is alongside you no matter what season of life you are in; a time of rest, one of provision, healing, suffering, death, direction, temptation, abundance or celebration. No matter your situation, God's 'goodness and mercy' are present. They will always be present because He is with you if you choose to live your life with Him.

Being someone that follows God doesn’t mean that your life life is easy. Read this psalm again if you need proof of that! God doesn't promise that He will sort out all of your problems and the issues of life, but He does assure you of His constant presence and His grace and mercy. Sometimes you will have to walk through valleys that you never expected, and at times you are bathing in the sunshine in fields that you never knew could hold such blessing. You experience both because life has twists and turns. You will make mistakes, you live around people that don’t always get it right and there is an enemy. So be prepared for valleys and darkness to come as well as fields, feasts and green pastures. You are not immune to experiencing trouble if you dedicate your life to following God. Yet you do have a mighty, powerful, loving Father that has always got your back. He will always be there with you in whatever you are experiencing. Sometimes you’ll get hurt, sometimes you’ll know relief, sometimes you’ll know comfort, rest and joy, but always you can know His presence.

If you contemplate the truth of God's never-ending presence and support in your life, then your hope, peace, comfort and confidence in every circumstance will grow. No matter what highs or lows you experience, whether you are in the depths of fear and pain or enjoying abundance and provision, God is there with you. He is always looking out over you, leading you, and helping you. His everlasting love is with you and as you learn to apply that truth, hope, peace and comfort will grow in your life.

Psalm 127 - part 2

In part 1 of this psalm, we looked at the first two verses, today will will be focussing on v3-5. With the recollection that labouring, watching and toiling without God is all in vain;

 A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. 

*1* Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 

*2* It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 

*3* Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 

*4* Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 

*5* Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

After the initial 2 verses showing us that working hard, worrying and looking out for others is pointless if God is not in it, Solomon then speaks about children. I think it is appropriate that Solomon tells us about the everyday things of life that we can worry about before he gets onto talking us about kids. Most of the time they are the aspect of life that parents worry about most! Therefore we need good practice at trusting God with the other things before we can even consider handing over our children to God. I think that is why this psalm is ordered that way - by first telling us that worrying about work, finances and safety is all in vain if God is there, before speaking into raising children. We have got to get our security in God in  those things first before we can even entertain the thought that our children can be entrusted to God because that is much harder to do. We need the very real practice of trusting God. When we can trust God for our future, work, rest and protection rather than our own abilities and hard work, and we have seen Him be faithful in those, then we can begin to entertain the idea that He can be trusted with our children too. It is easy to say that we trust God with all of these things, but it is very difficult to actually do. 

Verse 3 clearly tells us that children are a blessing. Sometimes we know that, other times we forget it! Children are in fact a, ‘heritage from the Lord’ - what an amazing statement! The word heritage is about having an ‘individual possession’ or an ‘allotted portion’. Children are ‘allotted’ to us ‘from the Lord’. They are not really ours, but we get to share life with them and guide them. Children are entrusted to us by God as a part of our life. We have part-ownership in our kids, not full ownership as we sometimes mistakenly believe. God has shown me this recently when things have been incredibly difficult, and i have told Him that i cannot do it. I cannot parent this child and i do not know what to do. God clearly told me 'give them to me then'. It was then i remembered this very thing; our children are not really ours. They were always God's first. I was battling, stressing and worrying (in vain!) when it is not fully my responsibility to do so, as these children are ‘allotted’ to us. We have part-ownership and we can go wrong and get stressed out when we forget and try to fix it all ourselves. That is what i was trying to do. I was praying and asking for guidance and at my wits end, so i was trusting God, but I wasn't handing over to Him. Does that make sense? Sometimes we can hold on too tight. We feel the full responsibility, but we were never meant to carry it by ourselves. It can be easy to pray and know that God is present even when things are falling apart, but then comes the reality that we need to give up trying to fix things and let God do it. That is where i was and it is scary and painful realising that you are not enough, but it gives God a chance to work and show what he can do. It is also a massive relief when you are able to emotionally do that. Remember that children are an, 'heritage from the Lord'. We can easily forget that and mistakenly believe that they are ours. Yet we share part-ownership. God is also invested and involved in the lives of our kids, and sometimes we need to let go and let Him influence, guide and guard. 

‘Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.’ A warrior knows how to use his arrows. He takes care of them, protects them and refines them before he sets them loose. As a parent or influential adult in a young person's life, you can invest in guiding and refining them. The purpose of an arrow is to fly. A warrior does all he can to ensure it flies straight and hits the mark. That is our responsibility too - Children will one day fly - what are you directing them to when they do? 

One thing I often say as a parent is, “if my kids have got hold of who God is in their lives then I know they will be alright.” It doesn’t mean their lives will be easy or straight forward, but it does mean that their souls will be well. If our children know they have access to and can have a relationship with God, then they can handle life well. No matter what happens. So, it is my duty as a parent to do my best to model a good relationship with God and invite them into it and let them know they can have the same. To me, this is ensuring that the arrows fly well. Our children have purpose, meaning and a direction in life to follow. Our responsibility is to help, encourage and 'train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it' (proverbs 22:6). What great comfort that is.

Are you heading for your allotted place?

 The last verse in the book of Daniel reads thus;

*13*But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13.

After all of the experiences Daniel has had throughout his life, both miraculous and mortifying, he is encouraged to, ‘go your way til the end’. What a beautifully simple instruction. God is telling Daniel that he just needs to keep doing what he has been doing. God has confidence in the way Daniel lives his life, there is nothing more that he needs to do so God exhorts him to keep it up. Daniel had many challenges and triumphs throughout his life, and he remained steadfast in his trust in God. Daniel sought God and listened to Him, and learned to care about what God cares about. So the greatest instruction that God could give Daniel at this stage of his life is to keep going in that way, with the confidence that he has a place reserved for him in eternity. Daniel is on the right path and almost there, he has an, ‘allotted place’, a secure position assigned to him because of the faithful and faith-filled life he led, he just needs to keep going.

Wouldn’t you like a word from God like that? 

I would. The simple assurance that the way you are going is right and the confidence of your eternal place. What relief, satisfaction and hope that must have brought Daniel. Towards the end of his Earthly days, he is reminded of eternal security and encouraged in the long road of life that he has been on. Daniel is assured that he will be able to ‘rest and shall stand’. Meaning that he will have relief from struggle, peace of heart, and the right to be there. When we accept Jesus as our saviour and live our lives with a God-first mentality, we too earn the right to rest and stand in our allotted places when our time on Earth is done. 

Are you living to earn that eternal reward? 

This instruction for Daniel shows us the generosity of God. God not only provides us the salvation we need - forgiveness from all our wrongs through Jesus - but He also gives us a place of honour in eternity when we live focussed on Him. God delivers us from the sin which causes separation from Him, so that we can walk life and the life after with God  Yet, like the generous father that He is. God is not satisfied with just that. God did not stop at offering us all salvation and restoration, but He also secures an eternal place for those that believe in Him and live for Him. Not only can we be free from condemnation, but we can also have relationship with God, and be given an, ' allotted place' like Daniel was. 

I think this verse is an apt way to end the book of Daniel. The genuine faith of Daniel has lasted through many trials, roles, responsibilities, persecution and revelations, and he is pretty old now. The faithfulness and boldness of Daniel has a promised reward. Daniel did not get the reward or the promise of it at the start as a young teenage exile, but at the end of an eventful, faith-filled life. Daniel had to keep going through his life doing his best to honour God in the midst of many trials, and now he receives a wonderful assurance from God. Daniel has not much further to go - the end is in sight - he is heading in the right direction, so he just needs to continue so that he gains his 'allotted place at the end of the days'. 

One day, we too will face the end of our Earthly lives. What will be the assurance God gives you then? Will you will be given rest and an eternal, appointed position because of the life you have chosen to live?

*13*But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” 

Forgiveness and Restoration

As we have been reading through Daniel, we have seen how Nebuchadnezzar (the king of Babylon) has; conquered nations, acted in anger, been disturbed by dreams and had a period of mental illness. A lot has happened. A lot that he has been in control of, even the orchestrator of, and for the latter part, a significant period where he was not in control, not even of himself. 

That period of time has been reviewed in Chapter 4, and the consequences of that time are recorded at the end of the passage:

34*At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honoured him who lives forever, 

    for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, 

            and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 

    35*all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, 

            and he does according to his will among the host of heaven 

            and among the inhabitants of the earth; 

    and none can stay his hand 

            or say to him, “What have you done?” 

*36*At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendour returned to me. My counsellors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. *37*Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. 

Daniel 4:34–37.

These verses talk about the restoration of both Nebuchadnezzar, and the kingdom. Both have returned to their previous state with him as king, but clearly he is fundamentally changed. He now knows there's a king greater than himself, he now sees that he was walking in pride and self-sufficiency, and now realises that life isn't all about him.

Yet, as we read, we see that the scripture seems to have skipped over the, ‘seven periods of time’ that Nebuchadnezzar was without ‘reason’. It is mentioned, but there is no detail about what occurred for the nation during that period - it must have been quite a scary and unsettling time for a secure, conquering nation such as Babylon. Prior to this they were triumphant, capable and strong with a leader whom they held in high esteem. Then one day, this king became incapable of leading the nation, even leading himself, he started to act in strange ways, living with the beasts and without reason. That must have really rocked the stability of the leaders, the nation - the shock of seeing their king incapacitated for an undeterminable period of time. 

Then, it seems as suddenly as he lost his reason, Nebuchadnezzar is found to be in his right mind. His ‘reason returned’, so his leaders invite him back into his kingly role. This surprises me. It would have been known what had happened with Nebuchadnezzar, surely. The leaders and counsellors would certainly have been aware of the insanity of the king - fallen from glory, humbled to the level of the ‘beasts'. Yet, once they see he is returned to his right mind, they seek him to become leader again, they want him elevated again to his kingly role. What a demonstration of forgiveness and restoration! 

Not something the Babylonians are famous for, but the people give Nebuchadnezzar another chance. The lords and counsellors clearly still trusted in him and wanted him to lead even though they had experienced his downfall. 

What a lovely picture of hope that can give us - When we mess up, when we make mistakes, even when ignore what we know we should do, and turn our backs to God - there is hope of restoration. There is hope of forgiveness and purpose, even of regaining what we have lost through our own fault, our own ignorance, our own disobedience. If we, like Nebuchadnezzar, lift our eyes to heaven, bless, praise and honour the Most High, then we too can experience that hope, that forgiveness and restoration. 

God loves to give us a second chance, even a third or fourth …etc... maybe you need to hear that today, and give yourself another chance to get it right. Or, maybe there’s someone else or some others you need to give another chance. Like the people did for Nebuchadnezzar - they even sought to give him another opportunity. It must have been difficult when they had been hurt and let down, but they demonstrated forgiveness and restored him to his original status. 

It is an example of how God forgives and restores us too. When we lift our eyes to see Jesus on that cross, dying for all that we have ever done to turn our backs on God, we can know complete forgiveness, restoration and hope. 

Does death scare you?

 Many people are scared of death. It is the ending of this life. I have heard it said, 'there's one sure thing about life, death'! We all will experience it, more of us will die than have children, or get married or gain a career - yet we spend far more time planning and preparing for these things than for the one certain thing that will happen to us all. 

The reality is - you will die. What are you doing to prepare for it? Are you ready for your life to end? Does death scare you? 

What happens when you die; is it a void? non-existence? is there anything afterwards?  So many unknown can lead to people feeling frightened about dying. But, you don't need to be afraid - You can actually have hope beyond the grave, not just in leaving a legacy behind you, but a real hope and joy in what lies ahead when your days in this world finish.  

The Bible says us;

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” 

*55*“O death, where is your victory? 

O death, where is your sting?” 

*56*The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. *57*But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Death doesn't have to feel like a frightening future, it has lost it's power, it has been transformed from a terrifying unknown into a victory. instead of bearing a 'sting', it brings hope. 

We kind of have to read these verses in reverse to help us understand them - the victory comes because of the Son of God, Jesus. He has given us victory over death because he lived a pure life, and died a tortuous death to get rid of our sin. All that stuff you and I have done wrong deserves a punishment, it needs to be made up for, and God knew we couldn't do enough to make up for it, so His Son did it for us. 

Jesus, strangely, overcame the power od death through dying! Well, that was part of it - the death sorted out the repayment for our wrongs. the fact that Jesus came back to life - that defeated death! Jesus is the Son of God, and God is immortal therefore he couldn't stay dead. Therefore, the scary, unknown mystery of death was destroyed. 

For all of those who believe and trust in Jesus, death should not be a scary thing. Death doesn't even sting anymore! Death is not an inconvenience, a source of worry or fear, but a victory! 

Jesus has promised that those who live for God will have a greater future after this life ends. He tells us that his followers will one day join him in heaven. Not only that, but there are eternal rewards awaiting them and a home prepared! Jesus tries to encourage us that there is something far greater than any treasure, any fame or fortune of this Earth to look forward to - the doorway to it is death. 

This doesn't mean that we should all be trying to die - Jesus tells us that God knows the number of our days as well as the amount of hairs on our heads, but Jesus speaks about this to assure you and I that death is ok. He came back to show us that it doesn't all end with Earthly death - he lived after the grave, and you will too - are you preparing to live with him? Are you going to be victorious in you death knowing that you'll be with Jesus? or do you really have something to be scared of - an eternity without God? 

Is your hope growing?

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, *4*to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

1 Peter 1:3-4

As christians, we have been; ‘born again to a living hope’. We get to have a new life, not confined to this world, but one that continues to exist beyond what we currently experience. This hope that we are now a part of lives - it breathes, it is constant and it grows. 

Is  your hope in God growing? 

That thought has challenged me - do I have more hope now than I ever used to? Am I living in greater and growing assurance of my inheritance? Are you?

The next promise in these couple of verses is that we have an inheritance, that is, ‘imperishable, undefiled, and unfading’. 

We have much to look forward to, that is certain. There is no doubt about it - the death of Christ has led to us having an eternal joy to look forward to that will never diminish, never get tarnished and will never become devalued. 

Whatever life throws at you, no matter how bleak, or even how tremendous your life is - there is a greater gift to come. A promise, a treasure stored up for us where no-one and nothing can get at it - it cannot be stolen, it cannot become less and it cannot be ruined. It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, if you sin or sink into bad habits - your eternal salvation and eternal reward is still waiting for you, not because of your actions or faith, but because you trust that Jesus has given you all that was his. He doesn’t even invite, or ask you - he gives you this inheritance with no clauses or restrictions, it’s been signed off and set aside just for you. 

So, are you living with anticipation of the reward of heaven? 

Is your hope alive and growing? 

If not - what can you do about it? 

Contemplate the truth of these verses and learn to accept them - they have certainly put a smile not just on my face, but in me heart today, I hope you are inspired and encouraged too. 

Law v Jesus

In the 7th chapter of Hebrews, we are told that The Law is, ‘set aside because of it’s weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.’ (Verses 18-19) What do you make of that?

This is key for christianity; that the Law - the set of instructions from God that the Jews worked hard to live by - is here referred to as weak, useless and set aside.

To understand the relevance and impact of this, we first need to realise the purpose of The Law.
The Law is an extensive set of instructions given to the Israelites as a standard of perfection that they were to aim to live by in order to make themselves right and acceptable before God. It gives clear guidance about everyday life and sets a clear standard. By doing so it shows the many ways in which we all can offend God and separate ourselves from Him. Even in ways that we have no control over.
The Law also makes clear that we need to make amends for these offences and how we can do that.  Every human being that’s ever lived has done something offensive to God - that's why we needed The Law - to show us what was wrong, and how, eventhough we are separating ourselves from God in a  myriad of ways, God still yearns for a positive relationship with us. God doesn't want us to be separate from Him, yet we are.
This is the problem.
So, God made a way for mankind to be able to seek and enter His presence -  He put together The Law and gave it to us. The Law reminds us not only of the awesomeness of God, how holy and pure He is, but also the standard required by Him. We, then sadly see ourselves in stark contrast to that.
When we read The Law, it doesn't take long to realise that it seems unattainable. Due to our imperfections and sin, it is so easy to see how we do not measure up. We can never be fully righteous according to The Law - there is always the necessity for some restitution requiring an offering to be made, and not a one time offering either, the sacrifices and offerings required are continuous. Every time something comes along to remove us from God's perfect standard, another sacrifice is needed.

Yet, The Law did provide a way to get closer to God.
It gave us a standard to live up to, a manner in which to repent of our wrongs, a way in which to show worship and gratitude to God,  but it never completely made up for our iniquities. There was always the need for more sacrifice. Every time we sin, another sacrifice is required, every time we become impure, another offering needed.
The Law, as incredibly prescriptive and clear as it is, still does not allow us to obtain full perfection or full restoration with God. It does supply a temporary fix, but the offerings need to be repeatedly given and the rules constantly obeyed. Even then, humanity could still not attain complete perfection or holiness.

Therefore the Law is weak and useless.

It cannot repair what we have broken, it cannot put together God and mankind as they were intentioned to be at the beginning of creation. Therefore, even in it’s complexity and thoroughness, the Law is weak. The Law is useless at providing an eternal solution to the problem of sin separating us from the holiness of God.

Thank God for Jesus!

Now, because of the perfect son, the perfect, holy, and pure sacrifice of Jesus, we can realise that, ‘a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.’

Wow!

We now can, ‘draw near to God’.

All because of Jesus!!

The Law no longer has the power to separate us from God. When we put our hope and trust in Jesus; perfect, pure, Jesus, who offered his own life as the unblemished, holy sacrifice to atone for all of our weakness and sin; He makes a way for us to be made perfect in the eyes of God. He has restored the relationship between us and God forever. Nothing can diminish or destroy what Jesus has done. Jesus sacrifice is the once and for all sacrifice that was needed. Jesus has achieved what we, and The Law could never attain - He has brought about the hope that we can draw near to God!

consider Jesus

‘Consider Jesus’….

This is what Hebrews 3:1 says we should do, so, do you?

Do you consider Jesus?
This means to direct your mind towards him. Ponder  him. Think and evaluate the person of Jesus.

What comes into your mind when you do consider him?

Take a few moments today to think about him.

Now, consider Jesus in terms of your life.
What decisions or actions would he be making if he had your life today?

Considering Jesus isn’t just about thinking about the incredible God-man that he is, but about the influence and impact that should have on us daily.

At the moment the world is a pretty scary and uncertain place. But Jesus isn’t. Jesus brings life and hope, he is not scary or uncertain. Are you living with that assurance? Are you demonstrating that hope to those around you? Are you showing through your life that you consider Jesus?

I encourage you today, to consider who Jesus is. Then consider how would he be working out your life? Are there some changes that need to be made? Is there some way you can reach out and be Jesus to someone today?

what is real?

From the previous verses we have established the superiority of Christ. He is the creator of all things, powerful and majestic, the ‘exact imprint’ of God, worshipped by angels. After we have established these facts, we now encounter the everlasting nature of Jesus;

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
*11* they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
*12* like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”

 Hebrews 1:10–12.

What do you notice as you read the verses above?

Does reading this give you comfort or make you a little scared?

Both reactions are understandable as there are two guarantees in these verses - that the world will end and Jesus will outlast it.
Be honest with yourself - which do you notice first?

Considering your response to these promises shows something about your natural mindset. If you see the world ending as a predominant theme then you are probably someone who is quite aware of life’s risks, concerns and disappointments. This awareness can correspond to feeling fearful and worried about the future.

Take comfort in the verses that follow. If you have faith in God, if you know Jesus is the one who; made, sustains and finishes it all, then surely strength and hope will follow.

Jesus is in charge.  He always has been, he currently is, and he always will be. Concentrating on this and the truth of who Jesus is builds trust in him for our lives now as well as for the future. Jesus is clearly shown as being everlasting in these verses. So, for us, if we are tempted to despair at the thought of the world ending, considering Jesus and his part in it all must surely bring hope. Focussing on the eternal God rather than the temporal Earth will inspire and breed confidence in not whet we can; see, hear and touch, but in the one who made all of these physical things.

We have been indoctrinated from birth to believe in the validity and security of this world. To trust in all that is around us that we can acknowledge with our senses. But all of these things we can experience are created entities. They are all part of the world, and as lovely and string as they are, they all have a beginning and an end. The things we have trust in are temporal things that are going to perish. The world that we walk upon, that we trust to be there as we wake up each day will cease to exist, all that we know, see and understand will one day be gone. What will we have to believe in then? What will be left?

These verses cause me to question the strength of my own faith. They challenge me to consider the strength of my trust in God. Is my faith in God greater than my trust in the world around me? It is hard to judge, we are so used to worldly things, we are accustomed and expectant that everything we see and know will still be present tomorrow, but what if it’s not?

What if the reality of the world isn’t as real and assured as we have been indoctrinated, from a young age, to believe?

This ‘real’ world is destined for destruction, why should we trust it?  If the ‘real’ world is so fragile and temporal, why do we waste time and effort trusting in it’s solidity? If it’s strength and solidity are transient, why should we trust in all that it offers?
This world is going die, it is clear, we can see it in the news, look out our windows and see the decline, yet we still hold onto it. Yet, isn’t it like clinging onto a sinking ship? If we hold onto something that is perishing - what hope is there for us?

What worldly practices or assurances are you holding onto? Do you have the confidence and faith to hand them over? Do you have a faith and trust in Jesus that is greater than all you know and experience?

Are you trusting more in this world than in the promises of the eternal one?