Why? Mankind wrestles with questions about life and why things happen as they do. Some events seem straightforward cause-and-effect, but others remain inexplicable to us. The writer of Psalm 119, in the seventeenth stanza, recognizes the difficulty of understanding life events and sees the importance of understanding God’s word for navigating life.
Who shall oppose us? Christianity is not merely an intellectual pursuit, where we politely sit at circular tables, sipping coffee and tea, and thinking things about things. Christianity is following Jesus. It is a way through life surrounded by enemies who are set on destroying your soul. The writer of Psalm 119 is aware of…
How shall we see where to go? In the brightness of the noon sun, we don’t feel urgency to have a light with us. In the darkness of midnight, we are desperate for a light. Life is the world is mostly a dark background and the writer of Psalm 119 recognizes the need for light.…
What about when suffering is extended? Suffering well and bearing up under afflictions doesn’t mean we cannot, or should not, pray for deliverance. It does mean that we don’t turn back from following Jesus. It means we recognize the good in it and submit to God’s judgments. We can and should pray for deliverance. In…
How can suffering be good? It’s hard for us to comprehend any positive aspect of innocently suffering affliction. God’s word assures us that sometimes afflictions are chastisements to correct us for wrong and sometimes afflictions are not for particular wrongs, but rather for our good. The latter afflictions humble us, teach us, and glorify God.…
How shall we live? When Jesus was led into the wilderness, he fasted for 40 days and nights. Matthew 4:2 seems to state the obvious that he was hungry. The Devil came to him and pointed out the stones on the ground, saying it would be possible for the Son of God to make them…
Being Tested Sitting in comfortable chair with a good light, a hot cup of coffee, and an open Bible is not the setting for testing our mettle. It’s easy then to have grand thoughts and ample feelings of courage. It’s easy to think of how strong our resolve is and find our commitment unimpeachable. Getting…