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Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." - Psalm 16:1-2 In light of the person and work of Jesus Christ, in all that we see of Him in just this one Psalm, in light of the gospel, what is it so many Christians are looking for? David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. - 1 Samuel 30:6 The calamity David was in now came about because he had been acting according to his own will and council rather than the Lords. Here, David had gone on his own, without the Lord's leading, and was off the narrow way. He was plotting and scheming like an unbeliever. He was no longer trusting in God in spite of all the Lord had done for him, blessed him with, and delivered him from throughout his life. Even while we are on earth, we can learn some of what heaven will be like from the blessings that we have while we are here. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. - 1 Corinthians 13:12 “To be in heaven is to lean one’s head upon the breast of Jesus. You have done it on earth? Then you know what heaven is. To be in heaven is to talk with Jesus, to sit at his feet, to let our heart beat against his heart. If you have had that on earth, you have had some of the grapes of heaven.” - Charles Spurgeon Old hymns and Christian poetry shed light on the depth of thought and contemplation of the gospel in God's word in earlier times. In this age of hectic busyness and technological intrusion, it is like a drink of pristine water to step away from the world and consider the words of Christians who lived in quieter and simpler times. Christian, dost thou see them on the holy ground,
how the pow’rs of darkness rage thy steps around? Christian, up and smite them, counting gain but loss, in the strength that cometh by the holy cross. Christian, dost thou feel them, how they work within, striving, tempting, luring, goading into sin? Christian, never tremble; never be downcast; gird thee for battle, watch and pray and fast. Christian, dost thou hear them, how they speak the fair? “Always fast and vigil? Always watch and prayer?” Christian, answer boldly, “While I breathe I pray!” Peace shall follow battle, night shall end in day. Hear the words of Jesus: “O my servant true; thou art very weary, I was weary too; But that toil shall make thee someday all mine own, and the end of sorrow shall be near my throne.” - John Mason Neale, 1862 |
Chad Prigmore is Pastor and President of The Way R122 Ministry USA & Kenya.
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