January 11 Psalms 118:5-6
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. [6] The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
I first thing I think of, as I read these verses is Romans chapter 8 where is Saint Paul writes, "if God is for me, who can be against me? What can man do to me?" What a great and powerful promise these words give. God is on my side. I have nothing to worry about. I have nothing to be concerned with.
That is not to say there aren't life things that need to be taken care of. I can't just sit in a chair and watch TV or read a book all day, although I confess reading a book all day sounds kind of nice. But in the overall scheme of things, here, I know, God will take care of me. Whether my concern is about my health, or the health of others; or, perhaps it is financial in nature; or maybe something is going on around me. God is in control and he will see me through whatever these issues and concerns are.
Now, the psalmist says here, that in his distress, he called in the Lord, and the Lord answered him. I have had much the same experience. On many occasions, under all manner of situation's, I pray, and God answers me. He does not necessarily answer me immediately, and often times does not give me what I am wanting or looking for, but he's always giving me what I need. and I know that I can trust him.
And I know that I can trust him, because he has already answered me, and set me free before I called upon him, before I even knew I had a need. Again, returning to the book of Romans, chapter 5, Paul writes, "but God shows his love for us in this, that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
God took care of my greatest need, redemption, forgiveness of sins, life and salvation, in Jesus Christ before I ever knew him. In fact, he had determined to do this from eternity, before, ever, saying, "let there be light." God has already determined to hear me, to answer me, and to set me free from sin and death, and the devils power. Since God has given his son for me, I know that he will not withhold any good thing from me.
God is for me, who can be against me? What can a man do to me? And for that matter, what can the devil do? Jesus is triumphed over the devil, over sin, and over in death, all for me. I can be at peace, now and always.
God grant this in Jesus name. Amen.
728 How Firm a Foundation
1 How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He has said Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?
2 “Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid; I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
3 “The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose I will not, I will not, desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never, forsake!
4 “When through fiery trials your pathway will lie, My grace, all-sufficient, will be your supply. The flames will not hurt you; I only design Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.
5 “Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love; And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn, Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne.”
Text: A Selection of Hymns, 1787, London, alt. Text: Public domain
Comments