Presence of God

The Wednesday night Adult Discipleship class at New River Worship Center  has been focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit which is identified in Galatians 5.  The past two studies have focused on joy and peace.  We are understanding that true joy and peace can only come from the presence of God at work in our individual hearts.  We learn to trust in Him and lean on Him at ALL TIMES and in ALL SITUATIONS!  No one or no circumstance can hinder God from revealing Himself and His promises in our lives.  I am learning that I must not allow the circumstances of life to change my view of God regardless of what may be happening at any moment.  True faith continues to look to God when everything going around us and in us tells to look away.  I desire to demonstrate and exhibit that type of faith.  Is it always easy to demonstrate that type of faith?  I believe that the honest answer to that question is no.  It is not always easy to stand in faith when the troubles of life are hurled at us but I do believe that God rewards us as we seek to stand strong in our faith.  A passage of scripture and a devotional from Charles Stanley spoke strength and courage into my heart this morning and I want to share a portion of that with you.

 

Psalm 138:7-8, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect (complete) that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." (NKJV)

 

David was a man who walked through trouble on a regular basis. His psalms express the struggles and disappointments he faced, yet in the end, he always turned his focus back to God. The key to his victorious attitude was his strong faith in the Lord.

 

David was confident in God's purpose. That's why he could say, "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me" (v. 8). The only way we can walk through trouble and not be defeated is by keeping our focus on the Lord and His purpose. He has promised to do a good work in our lives, but sometimes the only way He can complete it is in valleys of hardship.

 

He relied on the Lord's power. When troubles arise, we, too, can trust God to deliver us, but it may not be by escape. Sometimes He sustains us through the difficulty, walking with us every step of the way.

 

David believed the promises of God. Throughout these two verses, he repeatedly reminds himself what the Lord will do. We also need to have some specific promises from Scripture that will anchor us in times of trouble. The truths of the Bible are our most valuable possession when the storms of life assail us. Self-reliance or advice from others will never equal the help God's Word offers us.

 

God assumes responsibility for accomplishing what concerns you in times of trouble. Your job is to believe that He will fulfill His purpose, His power is adequate, and He'll keep every promise. When the trial has achieved His goal, He'll remove it. Until then, keep walking with your eyes on Him.