Psalm 30

The Author

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

The ache in my body was not a welcome prologue to my day, but the story would soon change with the flip of my Kindle’s cover.

“I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foe rejoice over me.“
(Psalm 30:1)

There are many mornings that are difficult because of the pain. It is of no help. Actually, it is a hinderance to me as I try to get out of bed. It is a stumbling block. It is the foe that strives to keep me down and down on myself. And sometimes I just want to give in and give up, wallowing in self-pity. The pain becomes an unwelcome companion who tries to write my story.

But somewhere deep within, I recognize the lie, the deception. Through the darkness, I see a faint glimmer of hope, a glimmer that becomes a steady beam and, eventually, a blazing light. It is a light that reveals the lie that was written into my prologue. And the Light is what flips my script and reveals the Author of my true story.

Yes, my prologue is one of pain and suffering, brought on by my own rebellion and thus justly deserved. The lie is that there is no hope, but the story that has been written draws me up from the pit. It is one that brings healing to my pain. It is a story that can not and would not be written by any other author for no other author loves me like the Author.

My foe tries to rejoice over me through my pain, but he can not erase or even alter my story in the least, for the story belongs to my Father in heaven, the Author. And so, I will extol Him for I am lost without my Savior, the one who raises me up from my painful prologue and places me in His everlasting story.

Morning devotions ~ Prevailing

/ The Pastor

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. [Acts 19:20]

Sometimes I get the feeling that the Word of God is taking steps back. I watch the news (and that might be my first problem right there) and read the paper online and I see this world continuing to sink deeper into depravity. I see chaos all around and therefore plead with God, “Come, Lord Jesus and end it all.”

Here are just a few of the things I have been noticing:
~ With the rise of ISIS one wonders if this war can even be won. It’s scary.
~ Racism seems to be on the front burner again. Not that it ever left but it seems to be garnering more headlines now.
~ With continued court battles over marriage, it seems that traditional, biblical marriage is gone forever and families seem to be falling apart.
~ The prosperity gospel seems to be taking a stronger hold among many people as they strive for happiness now instead of eternal joy.
~ The holiness of God seems to be slipping into only a theological concept for many.

And I could go on, but that would get too depressing. Looking around; how does one not wonder what God is up to.

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

But then I read the book of Acts. I am also reminded of Isaiah where he says that God’s Word WILL NOT return to Him empty. But more importantly, I am reminded of the cross. You see, God’s Word has already prevailed. Jesus has already won. The forces of evil and darkness have already been defeated. ISIS and racism and hatred and war and Satan may have their day, but that’s it.  God’s Word has prevailed and will continue to prevail.

And so I pray, “Come, Lord Jesus” so that those who do not know may find their hope in the Lord. Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.(Psalm 30:4-5 ESV) Morning is coming, my friends. Hold on and know that the Word of the Lord has prevailed through Jesus Christ.

Praise be to God!

The Pastor -|—