GOD PERSEVERES
- Key Verse
- But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth. (Psalm 69:13)
(I literally did "LOL" when I received this "randomly" assigned text. As I write, I'm deep in the mire, and calling out with parched voice, but I have great confidence God knows what he is doing and will share that with me shortly.)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
The first 28 verses are filled with David's pleading to God for help and deliverance. In the end, we find David praising God. However, there is something a little different in this psalm as David gives us insight into what pleases God and a reason for going through difficulties.
Reflections
As with so many scriptural commands, "persevere" is more than something God says; it is something He does. Perseverance is one of the many aspects of His character. It's of great worth because it is one of the chief ways God has revealed himself to us.Scripture consistently points to God's perseverance and forbearance with his people. Verse 7 says, "Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; dishonor has covered my face." Perseverance is only relevant in difficulties. Our Creator God has fashioned us for Himself but too often we respond with indifference or embark on an adolescent quest for independence.
Our chief purpose is to enjoy God and to serve Him forever. That's not hard to do when everything is going great, but it is an entirely different matter when our whole world seems to be falling down around us. Would God allow that? Yes, He does. Why? Psalm 69:32-33 says, "The humble have seen it and are glad; you who seek God, let your heart revive. For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners."
God uses our own difficulties and our godly responses to encourage the godly humble and poor. He shows those whose faith is small that He is there for them even in the bad times. But there is a second reason we are here: To testify to the ungodly of our faith in God and the reality that God is always here for us, and will be until He takes us home to heaven to be with Him forever.
Discussion Questions
- When you feel thoroughly exhausted, what or who do you call upon for help? Is it a band-aid, a distraction, or is it the One who can help?
- When was the last time you spent time in personal worship and cried out from your innermost being to the God who adores us and knows our every need?
- As Americans we love to fill the margins, the white space, with more activities and distractions. These can range from clear sin (drunkenness, fornication, adultery, abuse, gluttony) to things that may just be fillers (TV, Facebook, community and children's activities, and even service). Will you take time to be silent before God today? After your worship and devotional time, just be silent and listen? God may have a lot to say. Then again, He may just want to hold you quietly in His arms and comfort you.
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