I Chronicles 4:10 NASB

Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm, that it may not pain me!"  And God granted him what he requested.

The world of prayer, the truth be told, is a psychological and emotional wilderness.  Many prayers, even among so called Christians, border on the superstitious rather than being truly Christian, where we carry it like some would a rabbit's foot, rubbing it every once in awhile to insure good luck.  Some prayers are only the expression of one's religious belief system; practicing a form of religion rather than knowing a genuine faith in the true God.  Behind much praying is a "Genie in the bottle" mentality, where praying is nothing but a daily wish list of desires, dreams and aspirations.  Most people pray when in great pain, upon facing bad news, or when in imminent danger, without giving much thought to the "Who?" behind the curtain.  They just want a miracle, no matter the source.  It happens almost instinctively; like a reflex.  I think much of the whoop-la over the "Prayer of Jabez" has risen out of a desperate desire to quench an insatiable thirst for what we consider to be our "inalienable rights":  the satisfying of all our wants, needs and feelings.  In our craze to satisfy our self-centered appetite, this verse has been "discovered" as a map to hidden treasure.  If we could only read the map right, we would have our requests granted.  Don't you think it's time we put the "map" down and consider only one thing?  Who is this God Jabez is praying to?  Who in the world is He!?  I think, more than anything, this prayer of Jabez is not about the answer to prayer. There is no secret formula on how to get our wants and wishes here!  Every time we seek formula's, it's a only a formula for disaster because it focuses attention on finding answers rather than finding God.  It puts attention on the last part of this verse,  "And God granted him what he requested", rather than the first part:  "Now Jabez called on the God of Israel".   God help us!  This verse is about one thing and one thing only:  it is a declaration of God and a man of God!  It is the testimony of one, among a list of many, who really knew God and who was known by God. That's all that matters!  Do you and I really know this God?  Or are we lost in the same hopeless wilderness many call "prayer"? 

Psalm 84:5-12 NASB

How blessed is the man whose strength is in You...  Passing through the valley of Baca, they make it a spring... They go from strength to strength... the LORD God is a sun and shield, the LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.  O LORD of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Cleland B. McAfee (1866-1944) captured what God's people have known to be true, down through the ages, when he penned these words for us:

There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God,

a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet near to the heart of God,

a place where we our Saviour meet, near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God,

a place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.

                                                c Dimension Music/Bretwood Benson/Bucks Music Ltd

Without a doubt, blessed is the man or woman who has found this place; "Passing through the valley of Baca (NASB margin, "probably, weeping"), they make it a spring (or place of springs)."  Note that this isn't something we do in our own strength.  God knows there are times in our lives when we hardly have strength enough to hold our heads up; where we can hardly put the next foot forward; the times when faith is at a record low and we walk through the days in a fog.  The Psalmist says, "How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!  They are ever praising You, (v4)."  There is a place!  Find that place! It's a place where he has the room ready, clean, and inviting. Enter in!  Enter in!  You will find Him to be your strength, and soon you are gong from strength to strength.  Yes, "There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God, a place where we our Saviour meet, near to the heart of God.  There is a place of full release, near to the the heart of God, a place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God." 

Psalm 49:10-14a, 15 NASB

The stupid and the senseless alike perish, and leave their wealth to others.  Their inner thought is, that their houses and are forever... But man in his pomp will not endure; he is like the beast that perish.  This is the way of those who are foolish...as sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd... But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol; for He will receive me.  Selah.

I have watched as the world frantically and feverishly pursues the things that have never proven to be deeply satisfying or enduring,  Never!  And yet, like ants, they quickly move from one point to another, bumping up against this and that, turning, returning, and always trying to find "what?", they do not know; only that they hope the next "whatever" will fill this insatiable thirst for more of something.  It's a hopeless attempt at nothing.  And no matter how successful they may appear, the Psalmist, observing them, calls them "stupid" and "senseless", noting that  they "leave their wealth to others" and that "man in his pomp will not endure".  Probably as descriptive a picture as you'll ever read of their plight, are the words he pens in verse 14:  "As sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd."  That was all of us at one time.  Whether we came on "riches" or not, our heart had the same insatiable thirst.  But somewhere, in a moment of divine mercy and revelation, we saw the folly of this kind of seeking and we opened our hearts up to a different world.  That turn saved us and, now, instead of, literally, a dead end, we latched on to true life and we know; Yes, we know that "God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol; for He will receive me!" 

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought

since Jesus came into my heart!

I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,

since Jesus came into my heart!

I have ceased from my wandering and going astray

since Jesus came into my heart!

An my sins, which were many, are all washed away

since Jesus came into my heart!

I'm possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,

since Jesus came into my heart!

And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,

since Jesus came into my heart!

There's a light in the valley of death now for me,

since Jesus came into my heart!

And the gates of the city  beyond I can see,

since Jesus came into my heart!

(Chorus)

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart,

floods of joy o'er my soul

like the sea billows roll,

since Jesus came into my heart!

                             Rufus Henry McDaniel (1850-1940)

Psalm 43:5 NASB

Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why are you disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God.

The spirit of man is affected by many things.  Life's ups and downs are as certain as the waves of the sea, often whipped up more severely by stronger winds.  I have watched some of God's people bear more than their share of these incessant winds.  One of the great wonders of the world is to watch many humble, faithful believers bravely face into these merciless storms, bearing up under the strain.  I have marveled over the years at this scene; watching this kind of people demonstrate an incredible faith as they were tossed about.  They are, as Amy Carmichael said, "the Lord's diehards, to whom can be committed any kind of trial of endurance, and who can be counted upon to stand firm whatever happens."  They, like the Psalmist, with a grace some have never plumbed, declare to themselves, "Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why are you disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."  They aren't super human, or somehow different than any of us.  They feel despair.  They know what it is to have the soul shaken, but they know in whom they have believed and wouldn't deny Him for anything. None can do this except by God's grace.  Like the Psalmist, it's worth having a conversation with your soul about this. 

What's that?  Oh, don't worry, this kind of talking to yourself is the healthiest thing you'll ever do.

Psalm 19:12-14 NASB

Who can discern his errors?  Acquit me of hidden faults.  Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;  let them not rule over me; then I shall be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Dr. Dennis Kinlaw points out that the word "presumptuous" means "boiling up".  Thus, the Psalmist is saying, "keep back Your servant from boiling up sins; let them not rule over me; then I shall be blameless (literally, "complete").  One of the greatest struggles of the heart is that which rises up in us, hurting God, hurting others and hurting ourselves.  This is the Psalmist's greatest concern, and he prays, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."  Do you think God can do something about the "boiling up" in us?  The Psalmist thinks so, or he wouldn't waste his time praying for deliverance.  The greatest thing about God is that He is Redeemer.  If you're struggling with this in your own heart, come to the Redeemer.  He can deliver.  He can cleanse the heart.  Yes He can!

Psalm 16:11 NASB

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

There is a natural tendency in us to view God from the standpoint of the serious alone, because things like sin and salvation, life and death, heaven and hell, and justice and judgement are no laughing matter.  And, if the truth be known, we need to give even more serious thought to these things than we do.  But, having said that, and not wanting to take away from any of it, I want to say that, because of the sobering truth of these realities, I think we are in danger of missing another, more natural side of God; The delightful side of God. This can happen in the work place with bosses.  Most people only know their boss in a work setting, which has to do with pressure, production, results and responsibilities.  The intensity of the work place gives us a view of him/her that is probably completely different than what they may be away from work.  It's the nature of the work place to put people on the more weighty side.  Because of the magnitude of our case, most of our dealings with God are on the serious side.  But, with deep care and reverence,  I would venture to say that the more natural side of God is on the "fun" side.  Just look at his creation!  Note the brilliant colors, the incredible diversity, the fantastic scenery, the different shapes and sizes, the massive and the minute, the numberless and the single. Marvel at the variety of fruit, the savory foods, the delightful drinks.  Why the gold, silver, diamonds and other treasures?  Consider all the funny looking creatures, the different means of getting around, with crawling, walking, hopping, flying.  Take in the amazing and amusing sounds of God's creation.  Look at the human rainbow of colors; the different personalities, shapes, sizes and looks, and then think of the innate desire and ability we have to laugh and enjoy. God made man with a sense of humor.  Could it be because God has a sense of humor? As we take in His creation, what else can we say, but that "Someone was having a lot of fun".  Read scripture from the other side and you'll find it swimming in words like joy, pleasure, milk and honey, gladness, delight, singing, making melody, musical instruments and dancing.  I want to get to know this side of God better.  What if we all did this?  Do you think we might start enjoying life more?  Is it possible that we might find a "fun" that is worlds apart from the desperate search for another kind of "fun" going on in our world?  They've almost ruined the word for us.  But let's not let them.  I think it's our word!  After all, it's God's world and we are His people.  Yes!  God is all about abundant life, fullness of joy, and pleasures forever. 

Psalm 9:7-10, 18 NASB

But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment, and He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.  The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble, and those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You... For the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the afflicted perish forever.

"They're going to live forever!"  That's the thought that comes to our minds when someone seems to keep succeeding in their unfair, unjust and untoward ways; when it looks like wicked forces will continue with unbridled rule.  But, there's a powerful reining in that takes place with the word "But" that comes at the beginning of our text, showing itself again and again  throughout the Word of God, and standing strong into our tomorrows.  It declares an end to wrong.  David, who knew something about a wicked, persistent and seemingly enduring enemy, testifies that "they stumble and perish before God (v3), they are rebuked and destroyed by God (v5), they have their name blotted out forever by God (5b) , they come to an end in perpetual ruins before God (v6), and they are uprooted by God (6b).  Again, no matter what things may look like at the present time, just remember--

"But the LORD...has established His throne for judgment... He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.  The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble... For the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the afflicted perish forever."  Praise His name forever!  For it's true! 

Here I stand, so help me God--with the oppressed, needy and afflicted!  God has not forgotten them.  Nor should we. 

Psalm 8:3-9 NASB

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man, that You take thought of him?  And the son of man, that You care for him?  Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and you crowned him with glory and majesty!  You made him to rule over the works of Your hands; You put all things under his feet... O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Here's the balance we need;  not to think too highly of ourselves, lest in our pride we usurp God's place, but, also, not to think too lowly of ourselves, lest in our unworthiness we never take hold of God's provision, purposes and promises for us.  We can humbly wonder, "What is man, that You take thought of him?  And the son of man, that you care for him?", or we can joyfully wonder, "What is man, that You take thought of him?  And the son of man, that you care for him?"  I think David kept this tension as balance.  It helped him to remember his place, knowing that though God crowned us with glory and majesty over nature, the LORD is crowned with glory and majesty over all.  This is a right view of our place before God.  This is a healthy view of our place before God.  It causes us to take heed to our responsibility to each other, to the created world, and to our LORD.  Our place with each other, rightly understood, causes us to respect and regard one another as equally precious in the sight of God, and we treat each other this way. Our place with God's creation, rightly understood, causes us to appreciate and care for His creation, and we tend it this way.  Our place with the Creator, rightly understood, causes us to worship God, exclaiming, "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"  And we serve Him this way.  In a world that is off balance because it refuses to know its place, God's people are God's equilibrium; the stabilizing force that keeps the world from its own destruction.  This is the force of the gospel.  Is it any wonder that Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15)? 

Psalm 6:6-10 NASB

I am weary with my sighing; every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears.  My eye has wasted away with grief; it has become old because of all my adversaries.  Depart from me, all you who do iniquity, for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.  The LORD has heard my supplication, the LORD receives my prayer.  All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly dismayed; they shall turn back, they shall suddenly be ashamed.

Have you ever hurt so bad you can't hardly stand it?  Not a physical pain, but a pain so deep it affects one physically; where your heart is so broken and your burden so heavy you can't hardly bear it?  Whether they be human adversaries or just adversities, David's Psalm speaks your language.  No, it's so true, there aren't words sufficient for this kind of pain.  Words, even well meaning words, will sometimes drive the pain even deeper because it only serves to remind us of how impossible our pain really is, in that words alone can't begin to touch the overwhelming hurt we feel.  But thank God, the Psalmist doesn't come with words alone.  He comes with the only One who can bring hope and healing to the awful darkness that engulfs and destroys our sense of well being.  David, out of his own darkness, says,  "the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.  The LORD has heard my supplication, the LORD receives my prayer."   As one who is coming up out of his own abyss, he points us to the hand that reaches down to help us with our own heart wrenching ache.  Take His hand!  Take His hand!  He will surely turn your darkness to light.  This Psalmist says, "All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly dismayed; they shall turn back, they shall suddenly be ashamed".  God's ways with us seem to follow this path.  When we can bear no more, "suddenly" God moves in ways that turns the relentless enemy of our soul away, and we know it.  Light!  All of a sudden we're free!  Wait for His "suddenly" in your life.  O joyous day! 

Psalm (excerpts from 124,125 and 128 NASB

(124)Had it not been the LORD who was on our side when men rose up against us; then they would have swallowed us alive...then the waters would have engulfed us, the stream would have swept over our soul; then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.  Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.  Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper...Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth...  (125)As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever... Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts.  But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, the LORD will lead them away with the doers of iniquity....  (128)Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD.  Lord, hear my voice!  Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.  If You, LORD should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.

"Whose side are you on anyway?"  Have you ever heard that kind of question, or asked it yourself?  It's not a position anyone likes to be put into, but, when we're the one needing a friend, we sure do like to know we have someone who is on our side.  The problem, of course, is complicated when we're the guilty party and still want people to take our side.  Some have tried to put God into that kind of position, looking for His presence, smile and blessing while living otherwise, but to no avail.  Yet it's a popular notion among many who call themselves Christians today; that somehow they can admit to an adulterous affair, or some other blatant sin, one one hand, while claiming that God was still with them on the other hand.  How can it be?  The verses, from these two Psalms are not that kind of promise.  Far from it.  One need only to consider this plea, "Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts," and then we can understand the language that comes before:  "Had it not been the LORD who was on our side...then the waters would have engulfed us, the stream would have swept over our soul; then the raging waters would have swept over our soul... As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever..."   Yes, the LORD takes sides, but only on the basis of our taking His side.  He stands with those who choose to stand with Him.  This is the purity and power of His promises, otherwise they wouldn't mean anything to anyone because they would be doled out to everyone, no matter how they chose to live.  But thank God it's not so. They become precious to us because they hold great meaning between the Giver and us.

• The promises of God are given because we have responded to the marvel of His invitation.  His promises are not thrown out there like bones tossed out on the ground for any dog to maul.  The promises of God are a banquet meal served at a well prepared table, for those who care to join Him there.  And joy of joys, we're invited!
• The promises of God are given because we have responded to the marvel of His forgiveness.  The Psalmist says, "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."  Thank God He didn't hold our sins against us.  None of us would have stood a chance.  And thank God He dealt with the sin against us, offering a forgiveness that moves the heart from rebellion to reverence. 

It's to these that God says, "I'm for you and not against you!"  Thanks be to God!  "Had it not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us; then they would have swallowed us alive... But, praise God, "Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; the snare is broken and we have escaped.  Our help in in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth," (Psalm 124:7-8). 

Psalm 121 (NASB)

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come?  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.  He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber... Behold, He...will neither slumber nor sleep.  The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.  The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.  The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."

I think it could be argued that, next to Psalm 23, this is probably one of the most loved of the Psalms.  It has been a source of tremendous strength and comfort to God's people down through the ages, and with good reason.  Its words bring God into our circumstances as One who walks along side of us with an ever watchful eye and strong hand.  And He does!  Like the Psalmist, we consider what the world puts their trust in, which in that day was "the gods on the mountains, or high places", and we exclaim with gladness, certainty and joy,  "My help comes from the LORD, who made everything!"  Why put your trust in things created when you can know the Creator?  Who would be so foolish?  Good question.  We must then ask, "Why would anyone be so foolish?"  A good question indeed.  O God, help us not to play the fool.  The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.  The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."  Thank you LORD!  From the depths of our hearts, thank you!

Psalm 18 (excerpts) NASB

(2) The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold... (6) In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice... (16) He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters... (18) The LORD was my stay.  (19) God brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me... (28) You light my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness.  (29) For by You I can run upon a troop; and by my God I can leap over a wall.  (30) As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.  (31) For who is God, but the LORD?  And who is a rock, except our God, (32) the God who girds me with strength, and makes my way blameless?

The introduction to this Psalm says, "A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD, who spoke to the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul."  There is no greater day than the day after our trial is over, whatever that may be.  This is especially true if we have gone through a long ordeal that seems never ending.  With David, all of a sudden Saul is dead; wounded in battle and finally taking his own life.  It's over!  This meant that David no longer had to hide.  The sleepless nights were over!  God had kept him through it all, and now he looks back over those days with a deep sense of the presence of God.  His heart breaks forth in song; one of the most beautiful of the Psalms.  The darkness has become light!  For the believer, there is always the assurance that, no matter how dark the circumstances, the Light will banish the darkness:  (28) You light my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness.  But David understood that God's presence and help isn't random.  In verse 19, David says "He rescued me, because He delighted in me."  Why would God delight in anyone?  David's response is clear:  (30) As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.  (31) For who is God, but the LORD?  And who is a rock, except our God, (32) the God who girds me with strength, and makes my way blameless?  There's something very important about this that many have wanted to ignore, but it simply can't be ignored, and that is that holiness matters.  There is no doubt of this in David's mind.  He writes, "(20) The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.  (21) For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God... (23) I was also blameless (margin of NASB, 'complete, or having integrity; or, perfect'), and I kept myself from my iniquity.  (24) Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His eyes."  This was the stark difference between David and Saul, and God knew it.  He still does! 

I Samuel 30:6 NASB

"Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters.  But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God."

We live in a world where "thieves break through and steal"; but I'm speaking of thieves much more dangerous than those who would break into our home and steal some "stuff".  For really, all material things finally amount to is "stuff".  But there are thieves more dangerous than this, who want to break into our lives to rob us of things much more precious than silver and gold.  These are thieves who uncaringly and destructively seek to rob us of things money can't buy: love, peace and joy.  And many times, this is so entertwined with the things most precious to us, that it hurts like nothing else can hurt.  David and his men felt this kind of thievery as they returned to the place where they had left their wives and children, only to find that the city had been burned with fire, and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been taken captive by some raiding Amelekites.  We can only imagine what David and his men must have felt.  The writer describes their great sense of loss: "Then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep," (I Samuel 30:4).  On top of this, in their anguish, the men began to turn on David, blaming him for their loss.  These are awful moments.  These are awful circumstances; when you're whole world has come crashing down on you and you feel like there's no one to turn to. Verse 6 says, "David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters."  But there was Someone to turn to!  Always!  Always!  When the enemy of our soul comes to rob us of that which God has given to us, the greatest gifts one could ever know, of love, peace and joy, don't let him get away with it.  Never!  Never!  David immediately called on the God who had given him inner life.  In the depths of his distress, the scripture says, "David strengthened himself in the LORD his God."  The words "strengthened himself" literally mean "to latch onto" or "hold onto".  He just simply wouldn't let go of God, the very source of love, peace and joy.  Only He is the giver of life, and only as we intertwine our life in His Life will we find the very gifts that have to do with real life.  This is where David found his courage and encouragement, and he found this even before the wives and children were restored.  How opposite of what so many of us think, believing that if God will change our circumstances, we will be happy.  But that's not the way it works.  Happiness is never found in our circumstances, no matter how much we seek this way.  It is found only in Him, the Giver of real life.  But mind you, God cares about our circumstances too, especially as relates to the things that really matter in life--family and friends. With the help of God, the wives and children were restored.  But, overall, what was it Jesus said?  Yes!  "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."  That's it!  That's it!  May God help us to learn this truth; always putting first things first.  This is a tough one, isn't it?  I'm learning with you.

I Samuel 26:9-11 NASB

 But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him (Saul), for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD's anointed and be without guilt?"  David also said, "As the LORD lives, surely the LORD will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish.  The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD's anointed..."

Have you ever tried to take things into your own hands, only to regret it later?  We all have, at one point or another, I'm sure.  It's so easy to say something or do something that we feel needs to be said or done.  We can be so quick to default to our "rights", but just because we think we have the right to take certain action against someone doesn't always mean it's right.  John Wesley had a rule of thumb to guide him before he spoke about or to anyone.  He would ask, (1) Is it true?  (2) Is it kind?  (3) Is it necessary?  This would certainly save us from a lot of regrets along the way.  There were occasions when David acted foolishly in his life, but mostly he was quick to respond to the checks and guidance of God's Spirit along the way, leaving us with some wonderful gems of wisdom in our dealings with people.  I Samuel 26:9-11 is one of of those gems.  This is the second time David had opportunity to kill king Saul, and he certainly would have had the "right", as Abishai argued, but this was also the second time in which he knew, no matter how much Saul sought to kill him, it was best to leave Saul's life  and death in the hands of God and not take matters into his own hands.  Anytime we think we have the right to come at someone, to tell someone off, or expose the truth about an individual, we are always in danger of usurping God's place and part, making ourselves the judge and jury and assuming action that is only God's to take. There may be times when God has clearly led, and it may be required of us, to deal strongly with someone, but this must always be done humbly and prayerfully, lest we claim authority that isn't ours to take.  This is always, and especially, a difficult course of action for those in a position of leadership, who are sometimes called upon to deal with people's actions and attitudes directly and decisively.  Take great care, because many a soul has done damage to their own soul by "going off" on someone that "deserves it", just simply because they acted more from their own emotions and impulsiveness rather than God's mind and wisdom.  At that point, any attempt to excuse our actions with supposed "holy indignation", "courage" and "rights" are only cover-ups for wrong we have now done.  The writer of the Proverbs said, "A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back... Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?  There is more hope for a fool than for him... An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression... a humble spirit will obtain honor," (29:11, 20, 22, 23b).  May God grant to us the spirit of wisdom in all our relationships.  This is often like walking a tight rope, but God will help us keep balance if we seek Him rather than reacting to our own feelings.  Psalms 17, 35, 54, and 63 are classic and helpful Psalms written out of David's struggles against his enemies, the voicing of his anguish to the LORD, and, through it all, learning to keep his balance. They are worth our study and meditation.

Psalm 56:3-4, 12-13 NASB

"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me? ...I will render thank offerings to You.  For You have delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living."

In this same light, David says, In Psalm 120:1, "In my trouble I cried to the LORD, and he answered me."  In Psalm 140:7 and 12, he says, "O God (Jehovah) the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle... I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.  And in Psalm 142:3 and 7, David writes, "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path... Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to Your name; The righteous will surround me, for You will deal bountifully with me."  All of this comes at a time when nothing seemed to be coming together.  Saul was in pursuit of his life and David feels the pain and loneliness.  But through the darkness of the days, he keeps reaching up to the God he knows has not forsaken him and he finds hope.  These were not just hopeful words he struggled to articulate.  These were inspired words, moving on his heart by God's Spirit; words that are as strong and alive today as they were then.  This rope will hold! 

Psalm 34 (excerpts) NASB

"My soul shall make its boast in the LORD... I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.  They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.  This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.  The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.  O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!  O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him, there is no want.  The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing... The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry...The righteous cry and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

The description to this particular Psalm is "A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed."  That comment makes this Psalm especially interesting because it's evident that David was in a tight spot that could have meant his life, but he ingeniously came up with a ruse that saved his life.  No mention is made of this in the body of the Psalm itself.  Most people would have drawn attention to their cleverness, but not so with David.  He saw God in everything and says, "My soul shall make its boast in the LORD... I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears."  How different than the self-confident presentations, of one's self, being championed today.  In the world of impressions, we're supposed to leave something that is supposed to make people think how unafraid, capable, educated, connected and experienced we are.  Certainly, we should be the best we can be with what God has given us, but let's always remember that it's only with what God has given us.  We cover up a lot of reality these days with our "show" of control and confidence.  The reality is, most people are fearful of a lot of things they have to face in life, at work, or at home, with the many uncertainties, demands and expectations.  Why not just say so?  David unashamedly admits his fears and says "This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."  This isn't a false or self-effacing humility.  This is an honest humility that, in it's honesty, can bring great glory to God; for it exalts God and not man. We could certainly do with more of that these days.

Psalm 31 (excerpts) NASB

"In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed... For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me... I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul... You have set my feet in a large place... How great is Your goodness which You have stored up for those who fear You... You hide them in the secret place of Your presence... As for me, I said in my alarm, 'I am cut off from before Your eyes'; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to You.  O love the LORD, all you His godly ones!  The LORD preserves the faithful... Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD."

Have your ever felt your strength rise and fall, even as you pray?  This is the sense you get as you read some of the Psalms of David.  His prayers carry him to to the top of a wave, as it were, only to come back down into the trough, and back up again.  I have selected the verses that only show the crest of the wave.  But where there is a crest, there is always a trough, and though we may feel one more at one point or another, they are really both a part of life all at the same time.  So, one can have joy in one area of life while at the same time have pain in another area of life.  One can know peace while at the same time know turmoil.  The issue is not how high the crest nor how low the trough, but that we are held by the One who carries us through the waves and troughs of life.  "O love the LORD, all you His godly ones!  The LORD preserves the faithful... Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD."  It's men and women who, in this confidence, have taken pen in hand and have written words that still calm our anxious hearts.  Such are the words of Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847), who gets hold of what David knew many years before.

Abide with me; fast fall the eventide;

the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;

when other helpers fail, and comforts flee,

help of the helpless, abide with me.

Swift to its close, ebbs our life's little day;

earth's joys grown dim, its glories pass away;

change and decay in all around I see:

O Thou who changest not, abide with me!

I need Thy presence every passing hour;

what but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless;

ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.

Where is death's sting?  Where, grave thy victory?

I triumph still, if Thou aide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,

shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;

heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee:

in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

And now it's our turn.  May God bless your life with His presence in such a way that your own soul can sing, "He abides!  He abides!  Hallelujah!  He abides with me!"

Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 13-14 NASB

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? ...Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident... For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock... I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

David was being sorely tried by the merciless pursuit of Saul.  The pressure was so constant and intense it consumed his whole life in thought and action.  There is nothing so exhausting as a problem or pain that just won't go away.  It will sap the very life out of you if you don't find some source of refuge and relief.  It drove David to his knees, crying out to the only One he knew could help him, and, with amazing strength, no matter how strong the pull downward, David's soul "somehow", just kept popping back up to the surface.  But it wasn't just "somehow" on his own strength.  He didn't have it to carry on alone.  He found His strength in the One He knew; not at a distance, but right next to him, covering him in His Presence.  This was not a desperate "hanging on for dear life".  This was anchored in the eternal rock of ages.  

Safe in the shadow of the Lord

beneath His hand and power

I trust in Him,

I trust in Him,

my fortress and my tower.

My hope is set on God alone

though Satan spreads his snare,

I trust in Him,

I trust in Him

to keep me in His care.

From fears and phantoms of the night,

from foes about my way,

I trust in Him,

I trust in Him

by darkness as by day.

Strong in the everlasting name,

and in my Father's care,

I trust in Him,

I trust in Him

who hears and answers prayer.

                                           John Ellerton 

Psalm 7:9-10 NASB

"O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.  My shield is with God who saves the upright in heart."

President Reagan was derided for referring to particular nations as "evil", an idea that was scoffed at as archaic to those who thought themselves more enlightened.  Whether done for political reasons or not, it was a bold declaration that defined and identified something as opposite and opposed to good, raising the question of sources and forces affecting men's hearts.  It was also a thought provoking declaration because it called for action against this "evil" as something that could not go unchecked because it was an enemy and danger to all that was good. The problem for the scoffers, of course, was twofold:  first, they have no answer for the horrific abuse humanity has brought on humanity all around the world, and until someone can give a better explanation for such inexplicable abuse, anger, hatred, murders and wars against each other, Reagan's charge is still on the table; and, secondly, to admit the presence of "evil" in the world, gives rise to questions about God, righteousness, responsibility and accountability.  This is what the Bible is all about:  there is One with whom we have to do.  And, though treated either condescendingly or with contempt by some, God's word moves unstoppably and unapologetically across the terrain of this world, like hot lava flowing from a volcano, as truth to be reckoned with.  And because these things are true, God's people can hope and pray with confidence and courage.  They know that evil is not supreme nor is it impossible.  It will always come up against the God who sees, feels, judges and acts.  This is what David grabs on to as he deals with the evil that surrounded him and sought him.  And what was true then is still true today:  "The LORD judges the peoples...God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day.  If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword..."  (7:8a, 11, 12a).  Therefore we can say, "I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High," (7:17). 

Psalm 11:1-2; 59:16-17 NASB

"In the LORD I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, 'flee as a bird to your mountain'; For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.  If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? ...As for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of our lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold, and a refuge in the day of my distress.  O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.

David's world was turned upside down when he killed Goliath.  Building character, confidence and courage through the demands and dangers of caring for sheep in the wild hills of Judea, this obscure, young shepherd boy was suddenly thrown into the limelight and everything began to move at rapid speed.  His incredible feats of war became legendary.  His growing fame went through the roof.  His best friend was the king's son.  But his greatest foe became the king himself.  Jealousy had taken root in king Saul's heart, growing like a cancer that would destroy anything in its way, and David, as far as Saul was concerned, was in his way.  His jealousy, as it will do if not checked, exploded into insane anger, hatred, and murder, sending David on the run for his life.  Many of the "sweet" Psalms of David come from this desperate time, becoming probably the greatest source of comfort and strength to untold thousands down through time, across many lands and people of many languages.  The "sweetness" flowing out of the Psalms didn't happen overnight.  As a young shepherd boy growing up in the hills of Judea, David had come to the precious knowledge of God; a relationship that became grounded in deep faith and constant fellowship, ever growing in likeness and intimacy.  So now, under the pressure of this new, different, strange and present danger, it only brought out what was already in his heart.  He knew His God and he spoke to Him with the straightforwardness, honesty, regard and reverence of one who had been often and long in His presence.  These were not those who greeted one another with the common and cordial words of strangers occasionally passing each other along the way.  No, these were deep friends who walked together along the way. They knew each other well and spoke to each other with the frankness, feelings and love that develops between two people who trust their lives and words to one another without fear of misunderstanding or betrayal.  God had given Himself to David as much as David had given himself to God.  So, in the darkness of his life, David knew he was not alone.  His constant Companion was immediately the One he took hold of as His source of strength, and he wouldn't let go.  Nor would God!  Thus David can say from the agony and depths of his heart, "In the LORD I take refuge... As for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of our lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold, and a refuge in the day of my distress.  O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me loveingkindness.  May the LORD bless your life with this kind of relationship.  Yes, He's there, actually looking and waiting for you.  Let Him be the rest of of your life.

I Samuel 17:37 and 45-46 NASB

"And David said to [Saul], 'The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'  And Saul said to David, 'Go, and may the LORD be with you'... Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, a speak, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.  This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands...'"

I wonder what David's first impression was of Saul?  Here was a young man full of confidence and excitement about God's presence, purpose and power with His people, but the first time he "goes to Washington" he finds nothing but fear and dismay (7:11).  The army of Israel was paralyzed before a strong and confident force called Goliath.  Though David hadn't yet met Saul, he was incredulous at the way everyone was cowering, and he reacts by saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel?  For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (17:26).  It's as if they're hoping and praying for someone, anybody, who might be bold enough to face this giant, because, as the storyteller says, "When the words which David spoke were heard, they told them to Saul, and he sent for him," (17:31).  Saul could not but help see the haunting difference between them.   David confidently and humbly offers himself by saying, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine," (17:32).  Saul was in disbelief until he began to hear this young man give testimony to the LORD's help against a lion and a bear, and he probably winced when David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine," (17:37).  Surely with a sadness of a lingering memory of better days, Saul said to David, "Go, and may the Lord be with you," (17:38).  He must have watched with a sense of wonder as David took five smooth stones from the brook and, with nothing but a sling in his hands, approached the Philistine.  He must have must have felt the evident and painful difference between himself and this young man, as David fearlessly declared to Goliath, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.  This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands..." (17:45-46)."  The difference between these two was huge.  There ought to be a difference between those who come at life from their own way and those who come at life from God's way.  It's a certain simplicity that isn't impressed with the ways of the world.  It's a certain sincerity that isn't tainted with the ways of the world.  It's a certain strength that isn't rooted in the ways of the world.  It's a certain spirit that isn't found in the ways of the world.  Don't let the world rob you of this.  The "Christian world", as did the army of Israel, needs to see the this difference again.  Viva la diferencia!

I Samuel 16:7 NASB

"Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature...for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

This is a glorious truth for those of us who feel a bit self-conscious about our looks, whether that be our height, build, color, features or age.  We come in all different shapes, shades and sizes and, though there can be very interesting similarities, none of us is alike.  Each of us is unique and special in the sight of God and, although there is nothing wrong with noting and appreciating beauty when we see it (David, the scripture notes, "was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance," 16:12),  any attempt by man to segregate and gain on the basis of appearance is not from God but from the sinful heart.  Overt emphasis on the external has done much harm.  In exalting and exploiting the sexual, while discarding the sacred, this world has made lust for the body the order of the day.  In doing so, they have degraded the worth of a human being to outward appearance alone.  This has nothing to do with what really matters. The writer of I Samuel also describes Saul as "a choice and handsome man", emphasizing that "there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people," (9:2).  But it was to Saul that Samuel would later say, The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart," (13:14).  His looks, as with David's, meant nothing, except something to note.  With some, that's all they are.  And if that's all they are, they are to be pitied because their measure of worth will diminish with age and decay in death.  God raised the worth of every person, in the eyes of the world, then and now, to a much higher level when, in choosing a new king for Israel, He showed us His feelings by saying, "Do no look at his appearance or at the height of his stature...for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  By making the heart the heart of the matter, God not only raised a man's true worth, but He also declared all that matters.  When He looks at the heart, what do you think He's looking for?  A clean heart?  He can do that.  A Spirit filled heart?  He can do that too.  There are many wonderful things He can do for the heart, and we ought to enjoy everyone of them as He gives Himself to us, but, from all indications, in His dealings with Saul, what He's really looking for is to see which way I'm facing.  He wants to know which direction my heart is pulling.  He looks to see if there is a well trodden path to His heart.  Though the Bible, in it's original form, wasn't written in English, if you'll allow me some freedom, the English version gives us an interesting nuance to an important word.  When Samuel said, the LORD was seeking out for Himself a man after His own heart, the word "after", in the English language, can mean "like" (that's the real meaning in the original) His own heart.  But it can also mean "pursuing", as in "going after" His own heart.  Though this is specifically talking about a heart like God's heart, we know one thing about God:  He pursues us with all His heart, and, if we do the same toward Him, we would have a heart like His heart in the deepest sense of the word.  There is no doubt God looks for both, but for One, as Phillip Yancey put it, "wildly in love with us", I think He especially delights in the latter.  More personally, He wants to know that you're looking for Him.  He wants to know you're waiting for Him.  He wants to know you're "gone on" Him, as one wholly, wonderfully, and wildly in love with Him.  This raises love to the highest, purest and Spirit filled level; all of which anyone of us can know.  When He looks at your heart, what does He see?  Give Him your heart!  This catches His eye every time. 

I Samuel 15:22-23 NASB

"Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.  For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry."

Saul had been sent on a mission of the total destruction of the Amelekites, an enemy that God had targeted ever since they waylaid Israel as they were coming up from Egypt.  He followed God's orders to the "almost all", sparing King Agag, some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction.  When Samuel came on the scene, Saul claimed complete obedience, but Samuel asked, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?" (15:14).  Saul's first defense was to blame someone else:  "The people spared the best..." (15:15a).  When Samuel wouldn't back off, Saul, still blaming the people, gave a second defense, which was to try to cloak his actions with spiritual overtones:  "the people spared the best of the seep and oxen, to sacrifice to the LORD your God," (15:15b, 21a).  Unconvinced, Samuel drove home the truth of the matter by asking, :Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?" (15:19).  In desperation, Saul jumped to his third defense, which was to claim fulfillment of God's mission on the basis of weight:  "I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amelekites.  But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal," (15:20-21).  The intriguing thing about the word translated "mission", in verses 18 and 20, where Samuel said to Saul, "The LORD sent you on a mission", and where Saul claims, "I...went on the mission on which the LORD sent me," is that the word "mission" literally means "way".  Here again is Saul's deepest problem:  he is set on his own way while at the same time trying to claim God's way. This is a dangerous road many people take.  In their desperation to look good, they blame others for their attitudes and actions and try to justify themselves with acts of righteousness over against acts of sin, believing that the one outweighs the other.  The problem with it is, if this way is in us, it will always bring us up short of full submission and obedience to the full will of God in our lives, and will end up substituting religion for relationship. It doesn't matter how much we might try to make of it, there's no delight in it.  Samuel reveals what Saul has missed when he asks, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices (religion) as in obeying the voice of the LORD (relationship)?"  God is all about delight!  Why settle for anything less than this?