Waiting for the Lord

 

Psalm 38:13-22

 

April 21, 2022

 

I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.   For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.  For I am about to fall,  and my pain is ever with me.   I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.   Many have become my enemies without cause,  those who hate me without reason are numerous.  Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.  Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.   Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

 

Is it common for a man to seek after their flesh, one of the best definitions of our flesh in a spiritual way is from my friend Bill Gilliam; “Getting my need met outside of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 10:13, has this to say on the subject:  ^“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  You’re a young girl and the captain of the football team who does not have good moral ask you to go on a date.  You know his reputation, you have a little voice that says tell him no, but he is so cute.  (First provision of escape) He tells your parents you are going to the burger place and just get to know each other better.  But you drive right past the burger joint and you ask why did we not stop, His answer; I wanted to show you a place I like to go and you're going to like it. ( second provision of escape), and by 10:00 you are doing things you will be ashamed of for years.  That is trying to get your need met outside of Christ.  We find this truth in Galatians 5:17, For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.

 

Now we understand David was a man after God’s own heart, yet we have an example of  David allowing his flesh to control him. Now listen, to David’s call for the Lord’s help, and he is sure the Lord will answer. David, understand truth, the Lord's time not David, and David is willing to wait on the Lord’s answer, many today are not willing.  How does David understand he is in trouble, and God is his only answer, are you in a place like that today?

What does David do; he confesses his sins and has a brokenness before God.  He understands his enemy has more power than he does, so he runs to God.  The enemy of your soul has come to kill, steal, and destroy all that you deem of value, your integrity, your family, and your fellowship with the Lord. Will you run to Jesus?  He has told us to cast all our cares on him for He cares for us.  But he also knew he could ask God to come to his defense, for Lord was his salvation.

 

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice