True Growth
Ayin
I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
It is time for you to act, Lord;
your law is being broken.
Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,
and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.
Psalm 119:121-128
One of the greatest struggles as a parent is allowing your children to suffer for the sake of their growth. I remember one of my kids getting stuck in a piece of play equipment. It’s hard to listen to those cries for help and not immediately fix the problem. But I knew they could get out. So I tell them to trust me. I tell them I’ll be there. I tell them if it’s impossible then I’ll help. But they did it and having figured it out, it was good for them.
We can often be a bit like children. We generally don’t like stress, suffering or pain. We want to be rescued immediately.
But what if God allows us to remain in hard places in order for us to grow. Paul says in Romans 5:3, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
The stressful or even painful situation grows us. And God is there. He is speaking to us, encouraging us and reminding us of hope.
Hope. That ultimately in Jesus we will be rescued from the greatest threat - that of death and hell. Again, Paul (while in prison),
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18
For Today:
Pray: Praise the Father who is wise and all-knowing. Give thanks for Jesus who endured the cross for our sake. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others trust God in the midst of hard situations.
I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
It is time for you to act, Lord;
your law is being broken.
Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,
and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.
Psalm 119:121-128
One of the greatest struggles as a parent is allowing your children to suffer for the sake of their growth. I remember one of my kids getting stuck in a piece of play equipment. It’s hard to listen to those cries for help and not immediately fix the problem. But I knew they could get out. So I tell them to trust me. I tell them I’ll be there. I tell them if it’s impossible then I’ll help. But they did it and having figured it out, it was good for them.
We can often be a bit like children. We generally don’t like stress, suffering or pain. We want to be rescued immediately.
But what if God allows us to remain in hard places in order for us to grow. Paul says in Romans 5:3, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
The stressful or even painful situation grows us. And God is there. He is speaking to us, encouraging us and reminding us of hope.
Hope. That ultimately in Jesus we will be rescued from the greatest threat - that of death and hell. Again, Paul (while in prison),
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18
For Today:
- Do you struggle to be in stressful situations?
- Do you think difficult situations can grow perseverance and hope?
- Pray for someone who is in a hard situation.
Pray: Praise the Father who is wise and all-knowing. Give thanks for Jesus who endured the cross for our sake. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others trust God in the midst of hard situations.
Posted in Psalms
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