Bible Pathways - July 2, 2009

Psalms 40

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Learn more about Jesus and the glories of the Messiah and His Bride in today's reading. See the similarities between Ahithophel (David's trusted adviser) (II Sam.l 15:12) and Judas.

David was forcibly separated from his palace and worship at the Temple as well as participation in the God-prescribed sacrifices (festivals). For about 10 years David was in exile, constantly on the move. Wherever he was in hiding he was persistently harassed by Saul and his army who were searching to kill him. The psalmist's longing was for the living God who loves His children and seeks their love, listens to their prayers and faithfully provides and protects. David expressed: As the hart (similar to a deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God (Ps. 42:1).

Even while David was forced to be a fugitive, there was often evidence that the Lord was providing for and protecting him. David could not realize that his trials were the method God used to develop his spiritual life. In the midst of trials, he could say: Thou art my King, O God. . . . I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But Thou hast saved us from our enemies. . . . In God we boast all the day long, and praise Thy Name for ever (44:4-8).

God had brought David into surroundings and circumstances which he could not understand. But God placed David exactly where he was in order to complete His purpose for him.

Observing David's circumstances from a natural point of view, it would seem that his life was being wasted. However, God was using David's enemies to work a much greater work within his life. We tend to be concerned with the thing before us; God is concerned with doing a work within us — just one more reason why Peter and the apostles were rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name (Acts 5:41).

The immature Christian will be tempted to sacrifice principle for comfort or popularity. But those who qualify to help others have experienced the deep waters of sorrow and suffering.

We often consider our circumstances as if they were manipulated by men, but our loving Father arranges our affairs to prove to us that His grace is sufficient in every situation. When we recognize that each situation that we are faced with, whether it appears to be pleasant or distressing, is for our good and is His best for our lives — only then will we see clearly that no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (84:11). Whatever our predicament, in pleasant or unpleasant surroundings, we should pour out our hearts' devotion to Him without regard to its severity or duration meaning that we are His children and we have only one loyalty, and that is to our Lord.

Let your conversation (daily conduct, character) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5).

Thought for Today:

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His Name, make known His deeds among the people (I Chr. 16:8).

Christ Revealed:

As One who will do the will of God (Ps. 40:6-8). Jesus said that His purpose on earth was to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work (John 4:34; Heb. 10:7-9).

Word Studies:

40:6 ears . . . opened = open to obedience; 41:3 make all his bed in his sickness = sustain him in all his sickness; 42:1 panteth . . . after Thee = longs for You; 42:11 the health of my countenance = my salvation; 44:19 sore broken us = severely defeated us; 45:1 inditing = overflowing with; 45:6 right sceptre = righteous rule.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Deloros Dickison & Miss Josie Shaw • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. At-Large Michael Castle (DE) • Country: South Africa (42.6 million) on the southern tip of the African continent • Major languages: Afrikaans and English • Religious freedom • 76% Christian; 1% Muslim; 1% Hindu; 15% Traditional; .5% Jewish; 6.5% None/Other (Baha'i, Jain, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Confucian) • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and repent of any known sin (I John 1:9).

Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:20