The Agony of Defeat

Do your remember the “ABC Wide World of Sports”  series of the seventies?  If you don’t remember the opening you may want to see it here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2AZH4FeGsc

In the opening, a ski jumper named, Vinko Bogataj, became the symbol of “the agony of defeat”, as he crashed during the Ski-flying World Championships in Oberstdorf, West Germany. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_World_of_Sports_(US_television_show)

During our lifetime, most of us have experienced hardship and the discouragement, but we are not alone.  Throughout the Word of God, we find the most Godly of the Lord’s servants faced discouragement and depression, as they faced various types of hardships and loss in their lives.



Lets take a few minutes to study how to handle the discouraging times in our lives…

THE SCRIPTURE:

Ps 42:1-11 (KJV)

…My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

THE STUDY:

Job, Moses, Jonah, and Peter faced loss and discouragement during the course of their service to the Lord.

Job lost his wealth, livelihood, children, wife and health which led him to say “Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night [in which] it was said, There is a man child conceived…Why died I not from the womb? [why] did I [not] give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?... For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest” in Job chapter 3.

Moses addressed the Lord and said “Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?... I am not able to bear all this people alone, because [it is] too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.”  After he faced the continual complaining of the people of Israel in Numbers chapter 11.

Jonah, in chapter 4, says “I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? … Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for [it is] better for me to die than to live.”  Jonah said this after the Lord had blessed Jonah’s begrudging ministry to the arch-enemies of the Israelites, the Ninevites and their countrymen.

And finally, after denying the Lord, “Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:75.

In all of these examples, we see Godly men who were faced with agony, discouragement and depression in the face of great loss.   Also, please notice that the basis of their discouragement varied.  In Job’s case it was due to great loss of material blessings, family and health; for Moses, it was experiencing obstacles in His service to the Lord;  for Jonah, it was seeing the wicked prosper; and finally, in Peter’s life, he experienced great depression after failing in his service to his Lord.

Four men, four differing experiences, but the same basic response to them all…. Discouragement, it is a common experience in the Lord’s service.

So how are God’s people to handle the discouraging times in life?  Psalm 42:1-11 holds the key….

Principle #1 – During times of hardship, we should seek a closer relationship with the Lord, as our first priority.   (Psa 73:28, James 4:8)

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

David found himself seeking after His Lord.  He desired to have a closer relationship with the Lord, to come to a better understanding of His Word and live a life of greater submission to His will.  Many times, the Lord allows trials into our life to bring us closer to Him.  It is during these times of trials that we pray more, study more, and become more aware of His presence in our lives.

Principle # 2 – During times of hardship, we should seek out sincere Godly friends and acquaintances   (Prov 17:17, John 15:13).

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Godly friends will give us Scriptural counsel and stand with us during our testing.  Especially seek out dedicated Christians who have faced the same type of trials that we are facing.  Their counsel, which is based on experience, can be invaluable during times of hardship.

Our carnal friends will only give worldly advice or desert us in the midst of our discouragement.  (Note: Beware of friends who claim to be Christians but are not dedicated to His service.  Many of David’s friends that doubted the Lord were those he had worshipped within God’s house.)

Principle # 3 – During times of hardship, we should not concentrate on our disappointments, but think on things that honor the Lord.   (Phils 4:6-9, Psa 63:6)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

David now begins to question why he is experiencing this period of discouragement.

He forces himself to think about what is true about His Lord.  (For example: He knows His Lord loves him; and the Lord has promised to accompany him throughout his life on earth.)

David recognizes that, even in this situation, there was much to be hopeful about. Because of this, no matter where David may find himself, he would always remember the Lord and give Him the honor and remembrance due Him.

Principle # 4 – During times of hardship, we should recognize the Lord is in control of all his life’s events. (Job 23:13, Psa 115:3, Isa 46:10-11)

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

[Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

David realized that his Lord was in control of all the events that he was currently struggling with.  That is why he said that the “waves and billows” he was facing was thine (God’s).  David knew that God was able to not only bring these upon him, but also because of His sovereignty, He could remove these circumstances anytime that He chose.

Also, David realized that God’s control over all things meant that He could keep all the promises He has made to His people.  This includes His promise to be with us, to show us His continuous loving kindnesses (His graces), and His comforting during life’s trials.

Principle # 5 - During times of hardship, we need to take our disappoinments and issues to the Lord. (Hebs 4:16, Psa 145:18, Psa 139:17-18)

I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

[As] with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

The Lord welcomes us to take our issues to Him.  We are to empty ourselves in prayer knowing He hears and understands us.   He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  We are to feel free to come before Him exposing our deepest desires, questions, heartaches, complaints, feelings, disappointments, and failures, knowing He will understand and comfort us as He draws near to us.

Principle # 6 – During times of hardship, count our blessings and realize how good the Lord is to us.     (Psa 40:5, Psa 139:17-18, 2 Cor 4:8-9)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

Once again, David questions why he is discouraged when he realizes all that the Lord has done for him.  He said that the Lord was “the health of my countenance” and also that He was “my God”.  David reminds himself that his God “puts a smile on his face” based upon all His blessings given to David.  David also sees that the Lord is “His God”.  In other words, He deserves David’s worship and submission to His will.

We all should practice the principles that David applied to his life during times of  hardship.  By actively following these principles, we can  be a Godly witness to the grace, love and peace that only God can give.

And remember, where there is God there is always hope and peace… Psa 30:5, Jer 29:11

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who have experienced God’s grace in their lives…

Ps 34:1-4 (KJV)

[A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

For those who have never come to a life changing belief in an Existing God…

Isa 55:6-7 (KJV)

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

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To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at  http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.    I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

May the Lord bless your study of His Word.  Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

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Mind Control (And your thoughts are...)

We’ve all heard of the phrase mind control.  In the movie “Manchurian Candidate”, (2004, 1962) the possible use of mind control to aid a political candidate win an election battle.  In the 1962 version Frank Sinatra plays the lead character, whereas in the 2004 version, Denzel Washington plays the lead.  Although these movies are based on fiction, they will leave you with a greater understanding of the danger of sinful mankind possessing the power to control the thoughts of others.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Manchurian_Candidate



 The Bible also addresses the issue of mind control… not the ability to control the thoughts of others, but the need to control our own thoughts.   Control of our own thought life  is one of the most important principles that a Christian should master in his walk with Christ.

 THE SCRIPTURE:

 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Php 4:6-9)

THE STUDY:

In the context of our text, the Lord is addressing the worrisome times in our lives.  During these times there are several keys to minimizing the stress that a Christian may go through.  These keys are clearly presented in our verses:

Be careful for nothing;

The word “careful” comes from a Greek word that means “do not be anxious” or “do not be full of concern”.  As Christians, we should be worrying about nothing… The Lord who has control of all things has promised to be with us and to work everything out for our good and His glory! (Roms 8:28-29, Hebs 13:5-6, Psa 91:all)

Instead of worrying about the issues of life that we face, what are we to do?

Key #1 – Take our concerns to Him, thinking on His greatness and His grace to us.

but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

We are to take all of our concerns and trials to the Lord, placing them at His feet and allowing Him to take care of them for us.  How do we do this?

Through…

“Prayer”:  (Greek - worship, adore Him) – As we bring our concerns to Him we should be thinking of His greatness, His love for us, and His promises to us.  Our attitude should be one of submission and humility

“Supplication”: (Greek - to bring requests, to bring petition) – We should verbalize to Him what our trials are, as well as what we are feeling about this trial.  We should feel free opening up to Him… He desires us to be transparent and reliant on Him.

“Thanksgiving”: (Greek - to appreciate Him) -  We should recognize His grace in allowing us to pour out our soul to Him, and know He will take care of us.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

As we share our concerns with Him, realizing His greatness, His promises and His gracious kindness to us; we can rest assured He will take care of us.  (Job 22:21, 1 Pet 5:6-7, Psa 27:13-14)

Key #2 – We are to keep on our minds centered on that which is pleasing and glorifying to Him.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

During times of trials, Satan attempts to use our thoughts to discourage and hinder our service to the Lord.  By controlling our thought life, we can find rest in the midst of our life’s storms.   Here is a listing of what we should be thinking of during stressful times:

True – actual to fact

Honest - honorable

just - aligned with God’s law

pure – clean, innocent

lovely – acceptable, pleasing

good report – true through testimony of others

virtue -  excellence, highest point

praise - commendable

 Key #3 – Follow the example of other Godly men who have faithfully gone through trials themselves.

 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 Gain from ministry of other Godly men:

Learn from their teachings.

Receive knowledge from accompanying them.

Hear from others testimonies about them.

See example set by watching their lives.

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION

For the Christian….

By applying these three keys during times of trials, the Christian is allowing Christ to control His thoughts and, in doing so, alleviating many of the avenues of temptation and anxiety.

For those who have never trusted in Christ…

First and foremost, you must go to the Lord, recognizing your inability to help yourself or give yourself security in your situation.  Without Christ, you have no assurance of the leadership nor accompanying presence of God in your life.  (Eph 2:12-18, John 15:5-7, Acts 4:12, Phils 4:13)

But when we come to Christ, placing our faith in Him to save us from our sin’s penalty, and turning from our sin to living our life for Him, we can be certain He will be always present to help us and meet our every need as we face the trials of life. (Mark 1:15, Deut 31:6-8, 1 Chron 28:20)

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To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at  http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.    I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com

May the Lord bless your study of His Word.  Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

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Don’t Worry… Be Happy!

“Don’t worry, be happy”, this song was made famous by Bobby McFarren in the 90’s (If you would like a touch of stress relief listen to the song here -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHFDa9efCQU&feature=related ). 

In this song, we find some great, much needed advice. The only problem is that putting down our worries is much easier said than done.

There are a great number of reasons why we shouldn’t worry. It has been proven that stress and anxiety can cause many health related problems such as HBP, heart disease, diabetes, mental and emotional problems, etc.  Despite all these reasons, it seems as if most people find it difficult to keep a check on their anxieties and fears. (Just take a look at my chewed down finger nails and you can quickly come to the conclusion that I, too, struggle with worry from time to time.)

So what can a Christian do to keep from worrying?  Our Lord graciously gives us clear instructions on how we can remain peaceful during the anxious moments of our lifetime…

THE SCRIPTURE:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 kjv)

THE STUDY:

After the Lord encourages us to not worry, “Be careful for nothing”, He then gives to us the key to gaining true peace “Let your requests be made known unto God”.  What a privilege we have… as Christians, we can take all of our concerns to the Lord who controls all things. 

If He chooses, He can remove any situation from us, no matter how hopeless our situation may seem.  Jeremiah had come to an understanding of this truth… “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” (Jer 32:17).  If He doesn’t choose to do so, we can rest knowing this trial is for our good, His glory, and only for a fleeting time. (Roms 8:28; John 11:4; Roms 8:18).  In either case, by coming to an understanding of these truths, we can rest knowing we are in His hands. 

As our verses proceed, they do not promise He will remove the trial we face.  However, they do promise peace in the midst of our personal storms, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

Please notice that the clear result of approaching God with a thankful attitude, and laying our concerns at His feet, is a special peace that goes beyond human understanding.  Have you ever seen a Christian going thru a devastating trial in their life and yet they seem so at ease?  That is the peace of God at work.   What a tremendous testimony this type of peace leaves in the midst of a chaotic world desperately in need of the peace only Christ can give.  

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

It was once said that the true sign of a close walk with Christ is not shown during times of prosperity, but only during times of great trials and difficulties. 

It makes sense… it takes very little faith to praise the Lord and live for Him during the smooth times in life.   He blesses us and we respond by thanking Him.  It is the natural thing to do… no big deal.

But what about those faithful Christians who praise and serve Him even in the midst the difficulties of life?   It goes against their human nature to serve Him and thank Him when “the bottom drops out”.  This is where our faith is put on public display… this is where our testimony shines out loud and clear.

When we are faced with trials, let us lay them down at His feet realizing it not only results in our inner peace, but also it is a living testimony to all around us.  This testimony declares that faith in Christ is the answer for a world filled with anxiety and fears. 

Let all of us, as Christians, have such a strong faith in Christ that can repeat what Job said as he faced innumerable trials… “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: … “(Job 13:15-16)        

May the Lord bless your study of His Word.

Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”