Jump Start # 3997
Psalm 57:7 “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!”
In a recent sermon, built upon our congregational theme for the year, we looked at how to keep joy in the midst of trouble. It seems that we allow trouble to drive out our joy. We’ve accepted the idea that until we are trouble free we cannot have joy within our hearts. And, for some, that pursuit of joy is never realized because life seems to move from one trouble to the next.
The sermon followed David in those years that King Saul was chasing him and trying to kill him. That period covers many chapters in Samuel, nearly a decade in time and hundreds of miles. It was David’s faith in the Lord and trust that kept him going. He believed God was his refuge and shelter.
I mentioned the Six D’s that tend to drive joy out of our hearts:
Disease
Death
Discouragement
Disappointment
Departures
Defeat
We could put names to each of these D words. Those things tend to cripple us and even destroy hope, trust and joy. There is no running from those things. There is no escaping that they are part of life. We will be impacted by those terrible D’s.
So, we can turn our hearts and faith over to those six D’s and just go along for the ride, not knowing where they were take us, nor how long the journey with them will be, nor what damage they will cause, or, we can use our faith to work through them and stay on the right path with the Lord. Things happen, but we do not have to allow those things to color the pages of our lives. We do not have to be a helpless victim at the mercy of those troublesome D’s.
Here are some lessons for us:
First, our goal is not to find peace and joy. Our goal is to honor the Lord. That’s always first. Paul, beaten and locked in a prison, is found praying and singing praises to God. Honoring the Lord came first. The Lord took care of Paul. Denying self, means just that. It’s not about me. It’s not about how I feel, what I want, or anything about me.
Understanding this is paramount to a healthy relationship with the Lord and others. Some will bounce from job to job, relationship to relationship, in pursuit of their joy and happiness. This misguided pursuit will take some through all kinds of churches and belief systems, all looking for that joy and peace. They are missing the target. There is a glory of the Lord that becomes our driving ambition. Whether here or there, the Corinthians where told, our goal is to please the Lord. That’s first. Always first.
Second, troubles in life, though they can last a long time, are not eternal. Keeping the eternal picture and hope in our hearts helps us through the troubles. Our troubles stay on this side of life. The things that causes us to lose sleep and creates worry within us are momentary. God is eternal. Troubles can be so complex and intense that we don’t notice anything else. We can’t see the promises of God. We fail to recognize the goodness of our fellowship. We unplug the power of the Scriptures.
It came to pass…it never comes to stay. Remember that. It will help you.
Third, in the midst of turmoil, trouble and those six D’s, God has not forgotten you. God has not stopped working. You may feel alone. You may feel that you must find a solution. You may feel overwhelmed. God is still there. God still loves you. God has not given up on you.
Some of the best lessons learned are through the seasons of trouble. Character is forged on the anvil of hardships and tough choices. Using your faith strengthens you. It’s of little value to have faith if you never need it or use it. There are things beyond us. Tomorrow is uncertain. Life can be fluid and unpredictable. But God is absolute. God is sure. God will be there tomorrow just as He is today.
What will get you through trouble is the Lord. He’s always been there for you and He will patiently wait for you now.
Our verse today was written while David was hiding from Saul. David was singing praises to God from a cave. A cave, that he had hid in to escape Saul. He left that cave, stronger, more determined than before. And, if God can put a song in David’s heart during this troubles, He can bring joy back to you during your troubles.
Roger