2019 Jan 31 Psalm 31, Titus 3
2019 Jan 31 Psalm 31, Titus 3
With a warm welcome, wishing you a good day! Let's pick up in Psalm 31, this time verses 9-16:
" 9 Show me favor, O Jehovah, for I am in distress. Anguish has made my eyes weak, my whole body as well. 10 My life is consumed with grief And my years with groaning. My strength is waning because of my error; My bones grow weak. 11 I am scorned by all my adversaries, Especially my neighbors. And I am dreaded by my acquaintances; When they see me in public, they flee from me. 12 I am put out of their heart and forgotten, as if I were dead; I am like a broken jar. 13 I have heard many evil rumors; Terror surrounds me. When they gather together as one against me, They scheme to take away my life. 14 But I trust in you, O Jehovah. I declare: “You are my God.”15 My days are in your hand. Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those persecuting me. 16 Make your face shine upon your servant. Save me by your loyal love."
In Psalm 31, David is weakened by his serious sin. Jehovah does not always shield us from the consequences of our mistakes. He warns us against such sin to save us from grief, troubles, and unhappiness. May we appreciate God's word and warnings for our everlasting happiness and benefit!
Psalm 31:9,10 Some of the more immediate repercussions of especially serious sin, feeling distress and anguish over a mistake, one's spiritual sight may have also been weakened, along with the body. One may be consumed with grief, and there may be extended groaning--some consequences of serious sin may last for "years". One's strength and vigor may lessen, and the frame of one's spirituality may weaken. One who has repented of serious wrongdoing should not lose heart over such things however, but trust in Jehovah and His help to return to obedience to God with a restoration to a state of true happiness.
Psalm 31:11,12 Adversaries and even neighbors could scorn one, depending on the seriousness of that one's sin. Acquaintances may seem to "flee" from the person, not wishing to show themselves in close association with that one. We must realize the effects our sin may have on others, perhaps discouraging them from a course of righteousness, potentially causing some to trip over our faults. Thus their reaction may be a protective measure on their part. To them, David says, it was as if he were dead to them and forgotten. He felt like a "broken jar." Perhaps only Jehovah could help one truly recover from such a condition.
Psalm 31:13,14 King David was also concerned with enemies seeking to conspire against him. Still, his trust was in Jehovah, desiring to continue serving Him.
Psalm 31:15,16 David confidently placed himself in the hand of Jehovah, pleading for rescue from enemy scheming and persecution. How he yearned to once again have Jehovah's favor and approval, to be saved in Jehovah's loyal love. May this consideration move us to desire never to displease God by serious sin, rather to "hate what is bad" in God's eyes, knowing it only displeases God, harming our relationship with Him and others, leading to often inescapable consequences. Let us love God's insightful and protective word and right standards, safeguarding us from wrongdoing and its consequences.
Titus 3:3-5 however acknowledges that many came to the truth after a course of wrongdoing. Notice Paul's inspired words: "3 For we too were once senseless, disobedient, led astray, being slaves to various desires and pleasures, carrying on in badness and envy, detestable, hating one another. 4 However, when the kindness of our Savior, God, and his love for mankind were manifested 5 (not because of any righteous works we had done, but because of his own mercy), he saved us by means of the bath that brought us to life and by making us new by holy spirit."
Yes, by means of "the bath" or the cleansing word of God, He is able to correct our thinking and heart to become truly obedient, in spite of an ignorant past. (Ephes 5:26). We've come to see the beauty of God's way of doing things, leading us to great delight and rejoicing, with the powerful holy spirit of God. May we look forward to a joyful future, learning and remaining within the framework of God's right standards, promoting true success in our life and family, with eternity in view!
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
