Thursday, June 12, 2014
Thankful In Victory
My wife and I spoke about cartoons this morning and how they leave the viewers feeling that life always turns out and we will always get through without a scratch. She expressed concern for our daughter thinking that life is like that and that she might not see danger coming as a result. Understanding that these works of art are meant to be light hearted and our daughter has certain special needs, I believe we can still learn something from this. We can learn that there are different situations in life, and these different situations can have very different perspectives. This is especially true when we read the scriptures.
As believers, we can know, understand, and productively use these different perspectives in our lives. The three most common I can think of involve an element of time. Before something happens, while something is happening, and after something happens. This really is one of the repetitive themes of being a believer and getting a victory in our life. When we trust in God, we can know that the promises He has made to us will come to pass in the end. In essence, by faith we have hope to “see” the end from the beginning.
Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
This is why we have so many examples in scripture, or at least a part of the reason. We search these things to gain an understanding of who God is that we might build our faith to believe that He will help us. Our part is to but follow Him as best we can. We are to praise Him at all times. This is that repetitive message that David shared so often. He offered songs (psalms) to God before, during, and after the battle. He did this because He spent time with God and knew Him for who He is, not just His acts. We can too. If we give God our time and our praise then we can experience what David experienced. We can walk out our lives from before the battle begins until the sweet taste of victory is like honey on our lips where thank God in the victory, not the battles.
Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You. You are majestic above the earth. You are our great Deliverer King. Help us to gain understanding and knowledge of You. Help us when we become afraid and have doubts. Teach us to have faith, trusting in You for our victories. Please rise up in power today, Father, and send us Your miraculous healing for those in need. Please send Your deliverance. And please send Your overflowing abundant provision that all men may know that You alone are the One True God and that You stand for Your people. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.