Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
It Is Well
Today's Verse:
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. ~Psalm 119:111
Horatio Spafford penned the lyrics to the hymn “It is Well with My Soul.” The lyrics are the testimony of his incredible faith in God after the tragic loss of his four daughters on a failed transatlantic ship crossing. In the midst of this, he testified of how God’s grace strengthened him in his time of weakness. Our passage this morning encourages us on how we can have joy and strength even when things are very difficult.
We see the believer and his duress.
“I am afflicted very much…The wicked have laid a snare for me.” Whenever afflictions and hardships come to us, there is no time limit as to how long they will last. There is no way we can predict the severity of our suffering. Even though he accepted that his enemies wanted to make his life miserable, he was transparent about the fact that the weight of the afflictions was very much. Amidst your difficulties, do not be ashamed to let the Lord know that you are overwhelmed and burdened down.
We see the believer and his dependence.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.” He learned that God only needs to give us enough light for the next step. God’s Word illuminates our path when things are dark and uncertain. Like the psalmist, we must have faith in God and His Word to guide our steps and to lead us. It could be during a time of affliction that there is a commandment God shows us that we need to obey. It could be that God is strengthening our faith by helping us realize that He alone is our Rock and Refuge.
We see the believer and his desire.
“Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.” First, he asked the Lord to revive him. He was at a low point and needed God to replenish him. Second, he asked the Lord “to accept the freewill offerings of his mouth.” In other words, he expressed that his complete dependence was upon God. He was thanking God for allowing him to go through his experience and was being teachable for his spiritual life.
We see the believer and his decision.
“Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” He was making a profound proclamation. God’s Word had preeminence for him and the generations that followed him. He learned that God’s Word could be trusted. He learned that God’s Word would never fail him. God’s Word would be the first word and last word for his life. It was the rejoicing of his heart. He rejoiced in the promise! He rejoiced in its protection. He rejoiced in its power. He rejoiced that God’s Word would carry him through every trial.
Yes, it is well with my soul! The billows and waves may cover us, but God’s Word keeps us afloat. The darkness of the water cannot keep the light of God’s Word from emblazing our path. Yes, the hardships give us pain, but God is a very present help in time of trouble.
Have a satisfied God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 13-15
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