Matthew 6:27 “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
I just had a thought about worry and how pointless it is. It truly is a futile exercise of the mind and expends so much energy needlessly. The Lord reminds us in Matthew 6:27 that worry adds no time to our lives. Nor does worrying bring solutions to problems any sooner. It’s wiser and healthier to just trust God on the matter.
Whatever may rattle our minds today, we need only look up one or more scriptures on that very thing, strengthen our faith, and receive God’s peace. Whenever I consult the Bible, perhaps even with a short prayer to the Lord on an issue, I notice a difference in my thinking almost immediately. Yet it may take a while to actually start the process.
Nevertheless, with all those things that can present worrisome thoughts, the Lord tells us further in Matthew 6:33-34, to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” and all these things will be given to us, not worrying about tomorrow, for “tomorrow will worry about itself as each day has enough trouble of its own.”
You could be a planner like me. I like to have everything mapped out in my head or, most often, on paper. I feel a certain security in having a path to follow to reach the end goal. However, sometimes our paths might not be God’s paths, so we need to ask Him to reveal to us His ways.
In James 1:5, He tells us all we have to do is ask for His wisdom, and He’ll give it to us. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I love how lavish and detailed God is. Not only will He give us wisdom, but He’ll give it to us generously and without fault.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like I’m always asking the Lord about something, or for something, too often. I start to feel like I’m getting on His nerves. “It’s me again, Lord.” Yet I know this is what He wants for us. He tells us to ask. It is part of being in a relationship with Him. He’s our Father, so there’s no better person to consult.
I love His Hebrew name, “Peleh Yo’etz”, meaning Wonderful Counselor or Miraculous Planner! This name describes one whose wisdom and strategies are extraordinary, incomprehensible, and beyond human capability. The term Peleh indicates a miracle or marvel, while Yo’etz denotes an advisor or one who plans.
So, if you’re feeling at a loss about what to do, or pondering something you need God’s perspective on. Let me encourage you to ask away! Though God doesn’t always answer us immediately, He does provide us with His answers in His timing. He delights in helping us.
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.“
Have you ever had someone speak evil of you, even though you knew you had done no wrong? Not to mention, they just flat-out lied to others about you? Have you wanted to just give them a piece of your mind about it and attempt to correct their sin publicly to clear your name? Nevertheless, God has shown us what our Lord and Savior, who was without sin, endured in the face of ridicule and humiliation.
Who was rejected and disrespected more than Jesus during his ministry? The Gospels repeatedly show tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day—Pharisees, scribes (teachers of the law), and chief priests. They questioned Him, doubted Him, spoke of Him angrily, falsely, and plotted against Him.
I don’t know about you, but when I read about the terrible ways that men treated Jesus, who was so holy, righteous, kind, and humble, among many other wonderful things, I feel foolish anytime I feel offended or resentful for any bad behavior toward me.
It helps to remember the following instances in which Jesus encountered wrong treatment:
He was Accused of Blasphemy
Healing the paralytic (Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:21): When Jesus forgave the paralyzed man’s sins, the teachers of the law said He was blaspheming. They believed only God could forgive sins and saw His claim as offensive.
His Association with Sinners was Criticized
Eating with tax collectors (Mark 2:15–17; Luke 5:30): The Pharisees complained that He ate with “tax collectors and sinners.” They questioned His holiness and authority.
His Authority Over the Sabbath was Challenged
Picking grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:23–28): The Pharisees accused His disciples of breaking the Sabbath. Jesus responded that He is “Lord of the Sabbath.”
Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6–11; John 5:16): They became furious when He healed on the Sabbath. John notes they began persecuting Him because He did these things on the Sabbath.
It was Claimed His Power Came From Satan
Casting out demons (Matthew 12:22–24; Mark 3:22): The Pharisees said He drove out demons “by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.” This is one of the strongest accusations they ever made.
His Authority to Teach was Questioned
Temple confrontations (Matthew 21:23–27; Mark 11:27–33): The chief priests and elders demanded to know by what authority He acted. They tried to trap Him with questions.
Plots Were Made to Kill Him
After healing on the Sabbath (Mark 3:6), the Pharisees began plotting with the Herodians to kill Him.
After raising Lazarus (John 11:45–53), the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council. They decided Jesus must die because many were believing in Him.
Traps were Set to Trick Him with Questions
Paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15–22): The Pharisees plotted to trap Him in His words.
The woman caught in adultery (John 8:3–6): The teachers of the law used the woman as bait to accuse Him.
His Claims About His Identity Were Mocked
Calling Him a deceiver (Matthew 27:62–63): After His death, the chief priests and Pharisees called Him “that deceiver.”
Doubting His origins (John 7:41–52): It was argued that He couldn’t be the Messiah because He was from Galilee.
His Exposing of Hypocrisy Triggered Hostility
Woes against the Pharisees (Matthew 23): Jesus publicly rebuked them as “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “whitewashed tombs.” This intensified their hatred.
His Miracles and Growing Influence were Disputed
Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:39): Some of the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples for praising Him. They feared His popularity.
Cleansing the Temple (Matthew 21:12–15): The chief priests were indignant when children shouted “Hosanna.”
His Legitimacy and Background was Questioned
Insulting Him personally (John 8:48): They said He was demon-possessed and questioned His parentage and authority.
His Teachings were Rejected
Bread of Life discourse (John 6): Many disciples turned back and no longer followed him, but the religious leaders outright rejected Him.
In light of these trials, and any other offenses Jesus’ followers will suffer, we’re taught in the Bible not to take revenge, but to “leave room for God’s wrath” as He will repay (Romans 12:19). Furthermore, in our anger, not to sin, nor let the sun go down while we’re still angry (Ephesians 4:26). Also, not to be quickly provoked in our spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9). We’re encouraged to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).
It’s good to know that when experiencing the pain of betrayal, rejection, or persecution, as followers of Jesus, we can find solace in knowing “…we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). That man is Jesus Christ, the one who saved our souls and makes intercession for us. He is no longer dead but has risen and is alive forever!
In any event, I am encouraged by Matthew 28:18-20, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
“They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.”
At some point in life, we have all experienced losing an Internet connection. It can be pretty frustrating. Not to mention losing connection with the Lord in any way. We certainly don’t want that to happen.
I asked the Lord what He would have me share today, and I was given Colossians 2:19, which speaks of those “who have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.”
In Colossians 2, Paul’s goal was that his audience might be encouraged in heart and united in love. He offered a warning about people who were misleading the church with teachings that sounded “spiritual” but were actually pulling believers away from Christ. He wanted believers to have the “full riches of complete understanding,” that they may know Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Clearly, Paul wanted them to remember who they were in Christ; what He’d done for them.
Paul was concerned that people might be deceived by fine-sounding arguments, even though they were people who were disciplined and firm in their faith in Christ. He wanted to make sure that they would continue to live their lives in Him, “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith,” as they were taught. He reminded them that no one should take them “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
How easy it could be today with so much information available to us on “spiritual” things, to embrace ideas that are totally opposed to, or maybe even similar to, but with a twist of opposition to the teachings of Christ.
Nevertheless, Paul went on to encourage their fullness in Christ, having been made alive with Him, by forgiving their sins, “canceling the charge of their legal indebtedness” which stood against and condemned them, nailing it to the cross. He highlighted their circumcision by Christ, when they had been dead in their sins, were buried and raised with Him in baptism through their faith in God, who raised Christ from the dead.
He warned not to allow people to judge them by what they ate, drank, a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. He explained that those things were a “shadow” of the things that were to come; the reality being found in Christ. Paul also warned about allowing people who delighted in “false humility and worship of angels to disqualify them”, and how those people “went into great detail about what they had seen, being puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual minds.”
Clearly, Paul was concerned about those rules that were merely human teachings, which had an “appearance of wisdom”, but self-imposed worship and false modesty, with harsh treatment of the body, yet lacked any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Paul described certain teachers who delighted in visions, strict rules, or mystical practices. The problem wasn’t only that their teachings were off—it’s that they were no longer connected to Christ, who Paul called the head. Christ is the essential source of unity and nourishment. Without Him, the body falls apart.
Anyone who abandons Christ—no matter how impressive their spiritual claims—cuts themselves off from the only true source of life and growth. The church grows spiritually because God works through Christ, not because of human-made systems or mystical experiences. Believers grow when they remain connected to Christ.
It’s true for us today that we keep our focus on Christ and stay rooted and grounded in Him, rightly dividing the Bible, so as not to be misled in our lives. The Greek word for “rightly divide” in 2 Timothy 2:15 is orthotomeō, which means to “cut straight,” “cut straight paths,” or “rightly divide”. It is a compound word formed from orthos (straight) and temnō (to cut), implying the accurate, precise handling or teaching of the word of truth.
I find comfort in knowing that God has provided the Bible with Jesus’ teachings as our guide for living. In addition, He has graciously given the outpouring of His Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. In this glorious generosity, He has provided ways for us to avoid being misled and to stay connected to Him. We just need to pray, study, believe, and remember specifically what He said. He loves us and will certainly work with us to keep us on track.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Jesus speaking to some Pharisees one day, told them that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but that He came to bring life and life more abundantly. This statement showed the beauty of His grace and mercy toward undeserving men where he offers an alternative to the evil one’s offerings whose motives are wicked.
Unfortunately, the Bible tells us the Jews who heard those words, responded with statements that He was demon possessed and mad. Yet others said those weren’t the words of a possessed man, questioning if a demon could open the eyes of the blind.
To this day, our Savior offers a unique kind of life for those who choose to accept it. It is abundant in its quantity and quality. Abundant can mean different things to different people. Yet from the Bible we know the life Jesus gives is eternal. You can’t get any greater than that–everlasting.
The Greek word for abundant in John 10:10 is perissos, which means overflowing, rich, full, extraordinary, beyond measure. This speaks to a life that is beyond what is expected or needed; not just satisfying. This life is more than sufficient but exceeding normal limits. Who wouldn’t want a life like that? Do we really understand what kind of life this is?
I’m hoping to be successful in encouraging you as a believer today to remember the type of life Jesus has provided us to possess. Of course, life on earth with all of its current challenges can be frustrating sometimes. We may become distracted focusing only on those issues that rob us of the life that entails the peace and rest Jesus made available to us. However, we can redirect our thinking with faith in the Lord’s promises.
NAHB – Hartness – Greenville, SC
In our daily prayer time, it would be helpful to ask the Lord to periodically remind us, in His own creative ways, of the abundant life we have in Him as we face each new day. We should remember that though we have trouble in this world, Jesus says He’s overcome the world (John 16:33).
Further, the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:35-39, reminds us that no trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, death, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, nor any powers, height, depth, or anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! In fact, in all these things we are more than conquerors. Now how amazingly wonderful is that to know and believe?
This abundant life that Jesus has given us also provides some wonderful work by the Holy Spirit within us like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Not to mention justification, sanctification, and healing among other things. This new life we get to experience is beyond wonderful!
My thinking on this good news is not only to know what this abundant life entails, but to recognize the tools the thief uses to hinder us from living this life as Jesus would define it. We already know that anything of this world that involves theft, murder and destruction are the work of our enemy.
We also know from Matthew 28:18-20, that since the death and resurrection of Jesus, something remarkable has happened and has given us purpose: … “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These are Jesus’ words to live by! While the method may differ from person to person, the responsibility is foundational for all of His followers.
“He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.”
December is a wonderful month to lean into God’s presence, perspectives, priorities, and purposes for us. Just what does He desire for and from us in the coming new year? The past is gone and by God’s will and grace, a blessed tomorrow awaits us. So how will we determine to proceed on earth with God’s abundant life?
With the possible entrance of December’s white cleansing snow, what things might we purge from our lives that would present a hindrance to our growth and success? What a great time it is to assess our habits, relationships, goals and overall desires for the future. Do they align with God’s plans for us? Are we seeking Him to gain His perspectives on our decisions? Or do we just want and strive for those things that interest only us? Hence, now’s the time to lean into our Creator more than ever.
Leaning in requires positioning ourselves with laser focus to hear from God clearly. More prayer, fasting, Bible study and meditating on God’s promises and instructions are likely in order. Do we have a consistent quiet time of meeting with the Lord? Are we activating the discipline of fasting? (I’ll admit I could use a lot more of that one.) Are we meditating on what God has sovereignly declared as well as taught us to do that brings glory to Him?
Now’s the time to see Bible study as paramount as it provides us more familiarity with God’s character. Just what does He specifically love or hate? What brings Him joy? By this we grow in the faith we need to navigate this life in an environment that most often functions much differently from God’s best. Leaning in strengthens us to make the right decisions being led by God’s Holy Spirit. More time with Him provides more clarity.
December is often a time that sparks awareness of the closing of one chapter, and the opening of a new one. We anticipate a better future that follows the path the Lord has ordained for each one of us. Therefore, let’s lean into God this month and recall what He has for and expects of us individually, as well as the Church, globally. Examining the Bible’s timeline and prophecies, we’re in for some incredible events ahead!
“Trust” is a very important word in the Christian life. Merriam-Webster defines trust as firm belief in the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; a person or thing in which confidence is placed.
In Psalms 25:1, the Hebrew word for “trust” is a form of the verb “batach,” meaning to secure, be confident, or rely upon. It suggests refuge in God, implying a feeling of safety and security obtained from God’s steadfastness and protection.
Today, I’m pondering David’s talk with, or prayer to, the Lord in Psalm 25, highlighting his confidence in the Lord and his statements of supplication, faith, encouragement and remembrance.
When reading this chapter, I’m reminded of the blessing of receiving and believing One who can be relied upon for the utmost trustworthiness. Isn’t it wonderful that this actually exists?
This chapter begins with David reiterating his trust in the Lord while requesting that the Lord would not allow his enemies to win or triumph over him, humiliating him. He reminds the Lord (and us) that no one who trusts in the Lord will ever be put to shame, but those who are “treacherous without a cause” will incur it. This reminds me of Proverbs 17:13 that says, “Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.”
David then declaring God as his Savior, requests God’s guidance into His truth, teaching him His ways and paths, as his hope is all day in God. We see David reiterating God’s mercy and love, asking him not to remember his rebellious ways or the sins of his youth. Citing the Lord’s goodness and uprightness, he recalls the Lord’s instruction toward sinners and his guidance and teaching of what is right, and His way, to the humble. In addition, stating that all the Lord’s ways are loving and faithful toward those who keep the requirements his covenant.
When we think of David’s story which is transparently provided for us all to read, we see some of the terrible mistakes he made in addition to his great successes. Now we see David praying, for the sake of the Lord’s name, that his iniquity (described as great) is forgiven.
David then highlights the blessings of those who fear the Lord:
God will instruct them in the way that they should choose.
They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land.
The Lord confides in them making His covenant known to them.
Regarding David’s enemies, he acknowledges that only God can release his feet from captivity and that his eyes were ever on the Lord, asking Him to turn to him and be gracious to him. He also confesses being lonely, afflicted, troubled and in need of freedom from the anguish in his heart. David again requests God’s removal of his sins, noting the number of his enemies and the fierceness of their hate, asking God to rescue him and guard his life, declaring the Lord as His refuge.
Because of David’s hope being in the Lord, he asks that integrity and uprightness protect him. Then, in conclusion, we see David asking for the deliverance of Israel from all their troubles.
This passage shows me the sincere transparency of a man with His God. He speaks freely of all his troubles, but also godly beliefs, putting his hope and trust in the only one with the power to save him. I’m sure God loves this about David and it’s graciously recorded for us to consider.
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Remarkably, we humans were created in the image of the Almighty God, our Heavenly Father. As we know, an image is a likeness of a person or thing.
And what might we gather from God’s image as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? That we share a tripartite existence, a commonality that unites us. We, His children, are spirit, soul, and body.
As we study the Bible, we begin to see that God has emotions and feelings just like we do. He feels joy, anger, gladness, and sadness, among other things. He has many ways about Him, and we are blessed to even know Him, not to mention be called His children and heirs. Do we realize the magnitude of such a wonder?
We were actually given the ability to be reborn of the Spirit and to receive forgiveness of all of our sins. We have been redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we are now His.
He graciously shares His eternal life as well as the fruit of His Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Our God is love, and His image reflects it as should ours. In His Bible, we are told in 1 Corinthians 13 that: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This essence, or some would say commitment, called love, is unmatched.
When God created mankind, He didn’t intend for them to sin and be separated from God. Likewise, he never desired the act of rebellion from any of His angels. However, it occurred because He’s given us the will to choose.
Would we have our children love us as puppets manipulated with strings? No. We’d prefer a free will of love toward us from those we hold dear, not adoration or intimacy we’ve programmed or forced.
As we desire companionship, fellowship, love, respect, and attention, so does our Dad. Moreover, He desires to be involved in our decision-making, as we sometimes want our involvement in others’. Thankfully, He generously shares His wisdom, along with His fruit of patience and self-control, as we proceed by faith toward a blessed outcome.
Should we desire to be like anyone, it is surely our heavenly Father–living consistently, with the fruit of His Holy Spirit, being whoever we are, and doing whatever we do, with love.
“Even after Jesus had performed many signs in their presence, they still would not believe him.”
This must have been a frustrating time for Jesus. People had heard about Him raising Lazarus from the dead, and a huge crowd came not only to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus. Many Jews were going to Jesus and believing in Him, which caused the chief priests to want to kill Lazarus as well.
Later, Jesus came to Jerusalem, and people welcomed Him with palm branches and shouts of blessings. However, because of all the attention from Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the Pharisees talked about how things were getting out of hand, as it appeared to them that the whole world had gone after Jesus.
Jesus spoke, “Father, glorify your name.” “Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him.” (John 12:28-29)
At this time, “even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe Him” (John 12:37). Yet the scriptures stated that this was to fulfill the prophet Isaiah’s word that said they could not believe because the Lord had blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they couldn’t see or understand, or He would heal them.
However, at the same time, many even among the leaders believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees, they would not boldly confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue. The Bible says, “for they loved human praise more than praise from God” (John 12:43).
Jesus had asked, back in John 5:44, “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from only God?” It is revealed to us in these events how we can sometimes allow others’ perceptions or truths to influence our beliefs over God’s.
In John 9, after Jesus had healed a man who had been blind from birth, the Pharisees were questioning the blind man’s parents. His parents told them to ask the man, and he’d speak for himself. The Bible tells us the blind man’s parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue.
I love how the blind man responded: “Whether He is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25)! It’s quite simple. It was what it was, whether or not anyone else could explain or understand what had happened.
In these events, the unbelief was more about what a person wants, versus what a person knows. John 12:37 is a powerful statement about the human tendency to reject spiritual truth despite overwhelming evidence of God’s power.
As was the case with Jesus, there will be times when people will not believe what you have to say about the Bible and may even start to disrespect you personally in some way. Every person we encounter is different and has come from a different experience in life. We should pray that we would not be offended.
1 Corinthians 10:3-5 describes how the ancient Israelites experienced spiritual provisions in the wilderness, like “spiritual food” from the manna and “spiritual drink” from a rock, identifying this rock as Christ. Despite these shared spiritual experiences and privileges, God was not pleased with most of the Israelites, who were overcome by sin and perished in the desert.
Hebrews 3:12 tells us to “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” The sin of unbelief is a stubborn, willful rejection of God’s truth and His saving work through Jesus Christ, rather than just intellectual doubt. Jesus, in John 12:44, stated that “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.” Not to mention, “The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.”
Sometimes, we as humans can be skeptical or just plain afraid. After Jesus was seized and arrested just before the time of his crucifixion, we see in Matthew 50:56, “But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” Remarkably, even the Son of God, after all he had done, was abandoned by His closest friends.
Again, we should be aware that there may be times when people will be offended by the things we say or do, regarding Jesus’ teachings. Though we should be wise to be as respectful as possible when communicating with others, we should expect that not everyone will receive what God has given us to share. Some may even become angry and hateful. Yet we should never resort to foolish arguments, though a healthy exchange is not wrong. We should also be mindful that some who may even profess to be Christians may not agree with us, but whatever we speak, we should do with an attitude of love.
When others don’t appreciate the Bible, it does not take away from its validity. We should not take it personally, but bless them should they refuse our sharing. Nor should we let it stop us from communicating further with those who are open to listening.
It is a good practice to pray before sharing anything about the Lord. Then, we want to spend quality time in Bible study to know we are sharing the truth of what is actually in the Bible and not simply what someone told us. Next, we want to be in the will of God as to what to share with a particular person or people at that specific time. Further, we must depend upon the Holy Spirit and have confidence in Him to lead us in our conversations, not depending upon our own intellect alone.
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.“
Psalm 41:1-3 reminds us of the blessing that comes to those who consider the weak. Weak in the first verse of this passage refers to those who are poor, needy, or helpless, rather than someone who is physically frail or lacking in intellect.
God promises to deliver those who consider the poor in their time of trouble. What comfort to realize that Almighty God will provide help when we are facing trials and tribulations. We are not left alone. In delivering us, he releases us from the pain and pressure of our troubles in his way and timing.
The Lord also protects and preserves those who regard the needy. There are many events we may never realize that God protects us from, and in preserving us, this passage indicates he guards and keeps us.
When one considers the weak, they are “counted among the blessed in the land”. Being counted is taken into account or considered, which means their blessing is evident; it can be seen. Also, thankfully, God doesn’t give them over to their foes. The Hebrew word translated as foes means enemies concerning those who wish them ill and do not want deliverance from trouble for the blessed.
Finally, in this passage, we see that God sustains them on their sickbeds. This denotes to support, uphold, or provide strength to them when they are sick. He also restores them. How wonderful is that? This is the promise given regarding considering the helpless in Psalms 41:1-3.
The Bible offers a good picture of how God feels about those who are impoverished. It tells us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). In addition, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). Moreover, “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses” (Proverbs 28:27).
Graciously, the Bible provides us with ample instructions on how to help the weak. We want to always choose ways that align with God’s Holy Spirit in the matter–wise and just ways that show compassion for the weak with wisdom in our procedure.
There are many methods and avenues to supply whatever help we’ve chosen to give the poor, (e.g., practical actions like sharing food or clothing or speaking up on their behalf). Key principles include being generous without showing off, treating the poor with dignity, and recognizing that aiding them is a way of serving God himself.
Whether it be money, food, prayer, clothing, furniture, etc., God takes note and provides the benefits of one’s actions. Not to mention the joy one receives when they provide something of necessity to someone who could really use the help.
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Psalm 41:1-3
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.“
“But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.“
If you have children, consider them for a moment. Don’t you want the best for them? Don’t you want them to be happy? Synonyms for happy are delighted, glad, satisfied, and pleased, among many others. Don’t you want this for your children or other people you love? Then why wouldn’t your Father in heaven desire this for you?
I’d like to submit to you that it makes good sense to reject any idea that suggests that God does not want you to be happy or that your happiness is not valid. God created happiness. The Bible more frequently uses terms like “blessed,” “glad,” and “joy” to describe a state of well-being and contentment that aligns with God’s will.
Happiness does not always come from the receipt of gifts, though often giving can produce happiness. We should keep in mind the generosity of our heavenly Father and how He has brought us joy in our lives. Matthew 7:11 tells us, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Most of us can probably testify that we’ve received good gifts from the Lord without even asking. So, clearly, he is pleased to see us happy. Psalm 35:27 tells us “… the Lord delights in the well-being of his servant.” This means wonderful things for us.
No doubt there are things we might not always find enjoyable that the Lord expects us to do in obedience to Him and for our own good. These things only cause us to reap the blessings from our agreement and action. Nevertheless, when our hearts are right, but we fall short, that does not stop our Father from blessing us with happiness, without harm. I would define this to be allowing some undeserved blessing that does not bring harm to us or others. God does this all the time, if we’re honest.
Feel free to rejoice in the Lord and his kindness and lavishness toward you and your family. If you read your bible, you will find it is His way to be generous. Not to mention, He’d like us to be this way, too.
Don’t allow people to influence you with false attributes that aren’t of God’s character, but may sound good or spiritual. He came that we might have life and life more abundantly. This has to do with eternal life and God’s life now in the spirit in general. Walking by the spirit allows things to go well with us.
Aren’t you glad God wants you to be happy? The wellness of God encourages happiness. In specific terms, we may desire different things. Yet God takes care of supplying those things as well, never giving us anything that will hurt us. However, sometimes we may insist and learn lessons of desiring the wrong things, or the right things at the wrong time.
Just imagine the pleasures of heaven, and the fact that Jesus told us to pray that his Kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. Of course, there are many things to relate to his Kingdom rule. However, any of them would inspire happiness. So, as citizens of heaven, we should welcome the happiness of the Lord. Therefore, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise (James 5:13).”
True happiness comes when we pursue God and His kingdom first, so patience is necessary. But don’t think God won’t shower you with blessings in various surprises that spark happiness throughout your life. So, don’t worry, be unapologetically happy!
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More blessings to savor:
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11)
Ms. Rita's Minute 