Reason to Fear

Psalms 56:4 (KJV) In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

(Proverbs 27 also read)

If you are awake when you read this verse the last part of it will strike home.  The question is what can other people actually do to me?  The answer is quite a lot.  They can attack me physically.  They can sabotage my reputation.  They can threaten my children.  They can steal my possessions.  The list is almost endless of what people can do to me.

The question is how important is the damage.

This is another point where we need to get the big picture.  We need to understand that God is the one in which we trust.  We don’t trust in our ability to defend ourselves although we do our best.  We don’t trust in our reputation because that is so fragile.  Possessions can be replaced.  Ultimately we have to believe that God is going to limit the damage.  In most cases, unless we force the issue, He will find ways to help us avoid the damage.  Face it. usually the biggest threat to our peace of mind is our lack of trust.  Worry causes more damage than reality on a regular basis.

So?  We need to learn to trust and believe in the trust.  We need to find ways to set aside the worry and concentrate on Him.  We need to take setbacks and put them in perspective.  Just think about all the things you’re worried about through your life would’ve never come to fruition.  

Rewards

Psalms 54:4 (KJV) Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

(Proverbs 16 also read)

David is going through a difficult time according to the introduction to this Psalm.  And then in this verse and the next we have two groups of people introduced.  In this verse we have people who uphold him.  In the next, we have those who are described as enemies.  I don’t know that I have any enemies, but I do know that there are people who are supportive of me.

This of course was originally written to David.  It applies specifically to him, but the principal that is shared here was meant to be applied to our lives.  Let’s not worry about the enemies right now.  I don’t know that I have any real enemies.  I’m not sure I’ve ever had any real enemies.  There might be people that don’t particularly care about me but I don’t know that there have been any out to get me, except for the cat course.

We are told to pray for enemies.  I think the point here is that we should also be praying for those who are our friends.  We should be asking God’s blessing upon those who serve him alongside us.

So?  Make sure you pray for the good guys.

Call on the Name

(Psa 54:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

Yes, this is the Old Testament.  Did David believe the law was of God?  I would say yes.  Later he will talk about offering a sacrifice but it is a sacrifice of thanks.  Even the Jews immersed in the law knew that salvation came from God, or at least the ones who were paying attention.  I will not make any claims for the masses that are seeking the widest gate to go through.

Remember the words of Paul,

(Rom 10:13 KJV)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

So?  God is waiting for us to call upon Him.  Whether the name is Yahweh, Emmanuel or Jesus, He is waiting.  If you have not already made the call this could be a Christmas to remember.