Wait, with Purpose
Actively waiting on the Lord
Life has a way of throwing challenges at us that can shake our faith and leave us feeling lost. In those moments, it's easy to wonder where God is and why He seems silent. But what if these struggles are actually opportunities for growth and deepening our relationship with Him?
The Psalms offer a powerful window into the human experience of faith, doubt, and perseverance. Psalm 27, in particular, provides a roadmap for navigating the ups and downs of our spiritual journey. It begins with a bold declaration of confidence: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
These words, penned by David, reflect a deep trust in God's protection and provision. Yet, as we continue reading, we see that this unwavering faith is not without its challenges. David speaks of enemies surrounding him, of armies encamping against him. These are not mere metaphors – they reflect real dangers and threats he faced.
In the midst of these trials, David's heart turns to worship. He expresses a singular desire: "One thing I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." This longing for intimacy with God becomes an anchor in turbulent times.
However, the psalm takes an unexpected turn. David begins to plead with God: "Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!" We see his confidence waver as he begs God not to hide His face or turn away in anger. This raw honesty is both surprising and comforting. It reminds us that even great heroes of faith had moments of doubt and desperation.
The key to understanding this apparent contradiction lies in a profound truth: Our goal as believers is to learn how to live on what we know to be true about God when we don't know what's true about our lives. This is the essence of faith – choosing to trust God's character and promises even when our circumstances seem to contradict them.
Just as we build physical strength through resistance training, our spiritual muscles grow stronger through facing and overcoming challenges. The first time we encounter a difficult situation, it may feel overwhelming. But as we lean on God and experience His faithfulness, we develop the capacity to handle even greater trials.
This growth process is not always linear or comfortable. Like David, we may find ourselves cycling through confidence, doubt, and renewed trust. The important thing is to keep returning to what we know about God, even when our feelings tell us otherwise.
The psalm concludes with a powerful exhortation: "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" This repetition emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in our faith journey. Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it requires active trust and courage.
Throughout Scripture, we see this command to "be strong" often accompanied by reminders of God's presence and promises. Joshua was told to be strong as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Gideon was strengthened to face a vastly outnumbering enemy. Daniel received courage to continue his faithful witness in a hostile environment.
In each case, strength came not from self-reliance, but from relying on God's word and character. This is a crucial lesson for us today. When we face our own battles – whether they be physical illness, emotional pain, relational struggles, or spiritual warfare – our true source of strength is found in God's unchanging nature and His promises to us.
Hebrews 6:17-18 reminds us of the certainty we have in God's word: "So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us."
This encouragement enables us not only to stand up in the face of adversity but to keep standing when the battle is prolonged. It's one thing to have a momentary burst of courage; it's another to maintain that steadfastness over time. This is the kind of enduring faith God is cultivating in us through our trials.
As we reflect on these truths, it's important to remember that the ultimate source of our hope and strength is found in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of trusting the Father, even in the darkest hours. His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection provide the foundation for our salvation and the power for transformed living.
If you find yourself struggling today, wondering where God is in the midst of your pain or confusion, take heart. The very fact that you're wrestling with these questions can be a sign of spiritual growth. Like David, bring your honest doubts and fears to God. Pour out your heart to Him, knowing that He is big enough to handle your questions and loving enough to meet you in your weakness.
At the same time, choose to anchor yourself in what you know to be true about God's character and promises. Immerse yourself in His Word, letting its truths wash over your doubts and fears. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you and remind you of God's faithfulness when your own vision is clouded.
Remember, waiting on the Lord is not about passivity, but active trust. It's about continuing to seek Him, serve Him, and love others even when you don't see immediate results or feel His presence. As you do, you'll find your spiritual muscles growing stronger, your faith becoming more resilient, and your relationship with God deepening in ways you never imagined possible.
So today, whatever you're facing, choose to wait on the Lord. Be strong and take courage, knowing that He is with you, He is for you, and He is working all things together for your good and His glory. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is worth it – a deeper, richer, more abundant life in Christ.
Full message: https://tricitybaptistna.org/media
Am I going to heaven? https://tricitybaptistna.org/heaven
Life has a way of throwing challenges at us that can shake our faith and leave us feeling lost. In those moments, it's easy to wonder where God is and why He seems silent. But what if these struggles are actually opportunities for growth and deepening our relationship with Him?
The Psalms offer a powerful window into the human experience of faith, doubt, and perseverance. Psalm 27, in particular, provides a roadmap for navigating the ups and downs of our spiritual journey. It begins with a bold declaration of confidence: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
These words, penned by David, reflect a deep trust in God's protection and provision. Yet, as we continue reading, we see that this unwavering faith is not without its challenges. David speaks of enemies surrounding him, of armies encamping against him. These are not mere metaphors – they reflect real dangers and threats he faced.
In the midst of these trials, David's heart turns to worship. He expresses a singular desire: "One thing I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." This longing for intimacy with God becomes an anchor in turbulent times.
However, the psalm takes an unexpected turn. David begins to plead with God: "Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!" We see his confidence waver as he begs God not to hide His face or turn away in anger. This raw honesty is both surprising and comforting. It reminds us that even great heroes of faith had moments of doubt and desperation.
The key to understanding this apparent contradiction lies in a profound truth: Our goal as believers is to learn how to live on what we know to be true about God when we don't know what's true about our lives. This is the essence of faith – choosing to trust God's character and promises even when our circumstances seem to contradict them.
Just as we build physical strength through resistance training, our spiritual muscles grow stronger through facing and overcoming challenges. The first time we encounter a difficult situation, it may feel overwhelming. But as we lean on God and experience His faithfulness, we develop the capacity to handle even greater trials.
This growth process is not always linear or comfortable. Like David, we may find ourselves cycling through confidence, doubt, and renewed trust. The important thing is to keep returning to what we know about God, even when our feelings tell us otherwise.
The psalm concludes with a powerful exhortation: "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" This repetition emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in our faith journey. Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it requires active trust and courage.
Throughout Scripture, we see this command to "be strong" often accompanied by reminders of God's presence and promises. Joshua was told to be strong as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Gideon was strengthened to face a vastly outnumbering enemy. Daniel received courage to continue his faithful witness in a hostile environment.
In each case, strength came not from self-reliance, but from relying on God's word and character. This is a crucial lesson for us today. When we face our own battles – whether they be physical illness, emotional pain, relational struggles, or spiritual warfare – our true source of strength is found in God's unchanging nature and His promises to us.
Hebrews 6:17-18 reminds us of the certainty we have in God's word: "So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us."
This encouragement enables us not only to stand up in the face of adversity but to keep standing when the battle is prolonged. It's one thing to have a momentary burst of courage; it's another to maintain that steadfastness over time. This is the kind of enduring faith God is cultivating in us through our trials.
As we reflect on these truths, it's important to remember that the ultimate source of our hope and strength is found in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of trusting the Father, even in the darkest hours. His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection provide the foundation for our salvation and the power for transformed living.
If you find yourself struggling today, wondering where God is in the midst of your pain or confusion, take heart. The very fact that you're wrestling with these questions can be a sign of spiritual growth. Like David, bring your honest doubts and fears to God. Pour out your heart to Him, knowing that He is big enough to handle your questions and loving enough to meet you in your weakness.
At the same time, choose to anchor yourself in what you know to be true about God's character and promises. Immerse yourself in His Word, letting its truths wash over your doubts and fears. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you and remind you of God's faithfulness when your own vision is clouded.
Remember, waiting on the Lord is not about passivity, but active trust. It's about continuing to seek Him, serve Him, and love others even when you don't see immediate results or feel His presence. As you do, you'll find your spiritual muscles growing stronger, your faith becoming more resilient, and your relationship with God deepening in ways you never imagined possible.
So today, whatever you're facing, choose to wait on the Lord. Be strong and take courage, knowing that He is with you, He is for you, and He is working all things together for your good and His glory. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is worth it – a deeper, richer, more abundant life in Christ.
Full message: https://tricitybaptistna.org/media
Am I going to heaven? https://tricitybaptistna.org/heaven
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Posted in Christian living, Faith, Free Grace, Tri-City Baptist, Worry
Posted in Free Grace, Tri-City Baptist, New Albany, Discipleship, Indiana, Trusting, Faith
Posted in Free Grace, Tri-City Baptist, New Albany, Discipleship, Indiana, Trusting, Faith
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