August 27, 2019: SOAP #3554:  Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143-144

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 143:3 The enemy pursues me; he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

Observation:   David had been pursued by King Saul, then later by his own son, Absalom.  He knew what it was like to be on the run.  When his spirit became discouraged, he knew what to do.  He thought back on all the things God had done for him in the past.  What God had done in the past gave David faith for what God would do in the future.  The past built David’s faith for the present and the future.

Application:  Especially when I am pressured to accomplish a big task, I like to make a “to do” list.  I take the big task and break it down into smaller tasks. Then I mark them off as they are completed.

In the above verses, God is telling me to include the following in my task list: remember what God has done in the past.  That should be number 2, following prayer.

God probably will not do it the same way, but He will do something!   With my faith encouraged, I can face the future with excited anticipation rather than worry!

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, continue to remind me of the many things God has already done for me. With my faith charged by remembering, I can have joyful anticipation for what my Heavenly Father will do for me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!