By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY
THEME: HOPE IN THE LORD”
SCRIPTURE: Psalms 131:3
“O Israel, hope in the Lord From this time forth and forever.”
REFLECTIONS
Every believer should rejoice for the solemn truth that God understands humanity – our needs and attitudes – how we think, perceive things, and act. Hebrews 2:17-18 explains, “[17]Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [18]For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Because He has experienced our infirmities, He stands by us to help us. He does not demand anything too complicated from us. A simple childlike trust in Him is what He requires of us. If we cannot meet the least requirement of unwavering trust, how can we position ourselves to appreciate the great miracles He intends to perform on our behalf?
Our meditation in the Psalms takes us to Psalms 131, which has only three verses but holds a powerful message of “Simple Trust in the LORD.” It is described as a “Song of Quiet Trust in God.” The psalmist claims to be satisfied with having a simple trust in the LORD, who does not expect too much from us as a loving and understanding Father. David professes humility and acknowledges his limitations (read Job 42:1-3). He does not worry himself about things beyond his control – those that pertain to the realm of God. He does not claim to have the strength, ability, and wisdom to deal with every issue – for many are beyond his capacity to handle. Those he resigns for God to address.
David states in verse 1, “Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.” It is often said that there are more questions than answers. Some things belong to the divine realm that humans have no understanding of. David is not in any way pessimistic or downplaying the need to make strides and efforts but cautions about our limits. He will allow God to lead rather than for him to assume the position of “playing” God. In your life, some things may be too profound for you – leave those for God and cooperate with Him to enable you to grasp them. Be innovative, attempt big things, and aspire to greater heights, but collaborating with God is what will accomplish and fulfill these noble efforts and aspirations.
Like a weaned child who is still frail and depends on his mother, David will not be boastful or overestimate himself but, in humility, will wait for the salvation of God. He asserts in verse 2, “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Dependence on God despite your numerous abilities is the best rule and a sure investment in your safety. Thus, the author urges Israel and all other believers to hope in the Lord. Our hope in God is the fulcrum for invincibility, optimism, perseverance, patience, and endurance. What God must do, He will accomplish it in His time. God is and remains the source of all human hopes. In the new year, let God drive your plans.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
“In His Time”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His consistent support; thank Him for being there to enable you to offload your tremendous and profound matters to Him; pray for patience and humility to wait on Him;
– Pray for people in your sphere of influence who brag, boast, and display arrogance and pride; pray for Christians to humble themselves to seek divine help through prayer always;
– Pray for countries at war, communities mesmerized by disasters, and displaced and starving people; pray for divine healing for the sick, relief for the poor, and comfort for the mourning;
– Pray for peace, progress, justice, and reverence for God in our society; pray for youth in drugs, addictions, and occultism; thank God for Ghana’s peaceful and colorful transition of power yesterday.
