Pastor’s Column 11/5/2023

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Fear the Lord you, His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” ​ ​​ Psalm 34:9-10, NLT                         

“It’s All Yours!”

The wisdom we seek in life must be found in our knowledge of God. How God works in our lives is crucial to our understanding of His care for us. To fear God is to have reverence for Him; and to put trust in Him. There was a time when people dared to speak profanely, for they had a reverence for God that formed the core of their thinking and actions. As the present Millennium emerged from the shadows of a fading century, we witnessed the devaluing of God. Some wanted God to be simply, friend; equal to themselves. Others placed God alongside other human-constructed deities; such as digital technology; artificial intelligence; politics; success, and riches. God was no longer Sovereign; and the Word was not absolute. Even worse, some sage academic people declared, “God as dead.” Thoughts like this are far removed from what we read in the Scriptures. The experiences of people who were much like we are, spoke of how grateful they were for what God had done for them. It appears the presence of God was even more profound as people tackled with hardships and difficulties. The psalmists especially are great witnesses to what God has done; does; and will do. Psalm 34 is no exception. It is attributed to David when he fled from Saul wherehe should have been safe. David went to the enemy’s camp ground,hoping he could hide. However, very quickly the people recognized him. David knew he would be a candidate for execution as an enemy to the Philistines; and as an enemy with excellent miliary skills. It was in that moment before death and disaster, that David began to beat his head against the city gate. He fell to the ground, with saliva spewing from his beard; so as to appear insane. That rare behavior saved David’s life; as he was expelled from the enemy’s camp. There was no experience in David’s life, where he did not encounter God’s protection. This is why he said, “Fear the Lord, you godly people, for all who fear Him will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:9, NLT). It’s all yours!