Psalms 40-42

Psalms 40-42 - Click to read scripture.

Wow! There are so many life lessons you can draw from today's scripture reading..it's amazing! I'm sure you'll see several things that I've NOT mentioned below, but here are 
a few things that did stand out to me:

1) Our life and how we live it may be the ONLY Bible others may read! 

If that is true, then I have a question for you - "What are your friends and family reading about your life?" Does it reflect the principles of the Bible?

David has an acute knowledge that his life and how he lives it is under intense scrutiny by others who are around him on a daily basis. He loves it when God answers his prayer! It gives him the wonderful privilege and opportunity to show those around him the power of God's presence and love. Notice what he says below:

"Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."

David realizes his life is the truest testimony to God's power and faithfulness. His hope is that others will look at his life and see God's presence and goodness and ultimately put their trust in Him.

What about you? Can you say your life is a "walking billboard" advertising the greatness and goodness of God? Do you think the way you talk, the way you live, and the way to carry yourself can brings others into a relationship with Christ? If not, you need to work on some things!

2) David's hope for ALL his troubles is found in the Lord!  

It wasn't the doctors or the sound advice of his advisers and friends who David depended on in his first line of concern - but rather the Lord. Listen to what he says:

"Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols."

If you're like most people, you probably have a habit of running to OTHERS first? 

Over the years, I've counseled hundreds of people, most of which have spent a lot of time running to friends, their pastor, a counselor, or a doctor for help. These are all good practices, but when I ask them, "Did you seek the Lord first?" Most of them (in honesty) admit they hadn't. Sadly, we run to others before we run to God!

Even Jesus told us in Matthew 6:33 that God is the first person we ought to seek!  He's the Great Physician to heal. He's the Counselor who offers great advice. The next time you have a problem - run to Jesus first. Pray about it. Look into the Word of God for advice. Or Google some scriptures dealing with your particular issue. God may be the only answer you need. Friends, pastors, counselors, and doctors all have good places in our lives, but God should be firs in ALL things. Right?

3. God is far more interested in your obedience than your sacrifice!

Most people get this backwards. They think they're offering great sacrifices to God by - going to church, singing in the choir, teaching a bible class, putting money in the church offering plate, etc.  However, the apostle Paul tells us that all these things are simply an outpouring of our "reasonable service." In other words, God doesn't see these as sacrifices, but rather He sees them as the things we should want to do as a natural by-product of our love for Him. Yet, that's now how most people view it. They think they're sacrificing for God and in some way earning "brownie points" with God by doing these things. Don't get me wrong - these are GREAT things, but not the most important things God is looking for from you. Notice what David candidly says below:

"You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures:
8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”

The reality is - God's greatest desire from us is not found so much in going to church, etc, - but rather in following His will. You can sing great songs in big churches around the world, but it's meaningless unless you are living a life that is in accordance with His will. You can preach on TV and become a famous preacher, but it's in vain if your NOT living according to the will of God. That's a hard pill to swallow, but you have to swallow it. God doesn't expect a big ministry from you. He just wants YOU! Only you! 

The question is - "Does He have you?"

4) In life there's hardship, but God is there ALL the time!  

Living for God doesn't automatically bring immunity from life's trials and tribulations. In fact, Jesus never sugar-coated the consequences of living for Him. He said, "In this world you will have tribulations."  However, He also tells us that He has the power to deliver us out of them all. King David realizes this in chapters 41-42. 

First, notice how openly David expresses the challenges and heartbreaks of exactly how he feels about what's going on in his life:

"My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be..."
"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?"
"Now I am deeply discouraged..."
"I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me."
“O God my rock,” I cry, “Why have you forgotten me?
"Why must I wander around in grief oppressed by my enemies?”
"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?"

Can you relate to any one of these lines?  Sure you can! I certainly can. David, as much as he loved and obeyed God, wasn't immune to heartbreak and the challenges of life. However, listen to his summary below:

"But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life."

At the end of the day, David doesn't shake his fist at God. He worships Him! What about you? Are you willing to worship God in the midst of your heartbreak?