Psalm 29-32
This can be an up-and – down life we lead, can’t it? Do you ever feel that way? David obviously does. One moment he is praising God, full of joy and enthusiasm, and the next moment he is bemoaning the fact that evil men are out to get him.
David has an attribute, however, which we need to notice. In fact, we need to cultivate it in our own lives. That attribute is the ability to stir ourselves up, or “talk to ourselves.” After David would pour out his heart to God, he would start reminding himself of God’s faithfulness.
Almost always does David end his psalm on a high note. “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.”(31:24)
This should be an example for all of us. There are times when we seem overwhelmed with obstacles all around us. We cry out to God. We moan about all of the hard times at hand. But at the end of it all, if we will let our hearts be reminded of our God and His faithfulness, our faith in Him will actually rise. We will end up on a higher plane.
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones. And shout for joy all you who are upright in heart.”(32:11) This is where we wind up as we live our lives with the Lord. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves like David does, but our lives will be full of joy as we live for Him.
Acts 23
Paul is really in hot water now. The Roman commander has to forcibly take Paul and hide him in the barracks, as the Jews are so hostile. But 40 of the most zealous Jews make a vow that they will band together, ambush Paul, and kill him. The plot, however, is revealed to the commander and he gathers 200 Roman troops, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to take Paul safely to felix the governor.
Interestingly, once again the devil plays into God’s hands. He is stirring up the Jews so vehemently that Paul has to appeal to Rome. This is the means God uses to take Paul to Rome to preach the gospel. “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”(V. 11)
So the evil plot is foiled by God’s hand, and Paul is delivered to the hands of the governor. The devil has a plan, but so does God. And God’s plan always prevails.
