Sunday, April 14, 2013

Feeling Relief and Freedom from Pain and Sadness

What if God said to you that He was on your side, that He would strengthen you, crush your enemies in front of your face, and prevent the wicked from afflicting you? Can you imagine, just for a moment, how that would feel? Well, then read on, because that is just what has happened for you!

In Psalm 89 David tells a wonderful story about how God made a covenant with him to his generations forever. In a vision God told David that He chose him from among the people to anoint him and to raise him up. God said that He would strengthen David (and his generations since the throne was forever), crush their enemies in front of their face, and prevent the wicked from afflicting them. Further on He tells David that if his descendants cease to keep the law, the statutes, and the commandments that He will visit them with the rod and with stripes. When they return through repentance, He will again turn to the people and restore them to wholeness. If you are like me, there are times when you deserve the rod and stripes, but here is the good news.

Jesus kept the law, the statutes, and the commandments perfectly! Therefore when the devil had Jesus beaten and whipped with stripes, it was unjust. We can now apply the shed blood of the spotless Lamb, Jesus, to our lives, and be restored to God. Because Jesus bought us with a price, we are His. He is in David’s lineage. Therefore, we get the promise that was delivered to David in the vision! Is that a great comfort or what!?!

Prayer
Father, thank You so much for reaching out to us through Your Son Jesus. Thank You for crushing our enemies before us, and for keeping the wicked from afflicting us. Please forgive us our sins, and forget our iniquities, and let the blood of Your Son’s sacrifice cover them and us forever more. Turn again to us and comfort us. We love You. In Jesus name. Amen.