But we see this reality throughout the Scripture. Maybe that was why God allowed Peter to go through such a humbling trial at the cross since he would be the Lords chief Apostle. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (emphasis mine). Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version , Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. He was the envy of all his friends and business associates. Pulpit Commentary Verse 7. Genuine gold will last at high temperatures. How can we have joy in the midst of our trials? I pray youll be encouraged and take hope in Gods power, even as the battles seem to close in around you. They become lame and disabled. Only those who are trained by the trial, develop the character God wants. You will find that it is in the fire that your intimacy with Christ becomes the greatest. Fundamentally we are expressing our praise to God; we are thinking about God, and the things of God; we are honoring the Savior. One of the ways we can tell is by our response to trials. Thats something we can rejoice in, even when our natural inheritance is taken away. In fact, God is preserving this inheritance, keeping it from decay or being stolen, even right now. This life is not just about our future career, marriage, or retirement. Paul says not only is he in total control, but he is specifically controlling the temperature gauge on every trial. Psalm 23:3,4 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake, Psalm 41:7,8 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt, Psalm 66:10-12 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried, Psalm 71:20,21 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. All rights reserved. I am not really praising God until I decide to follow all His instructions. David wrote Psalm 18 and sang it to the Lord "in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul" (superscription). As I follow the instructions of God and honor the Son, there flows from my life just exactly the kind of influence that will do people good and not evil. BUT NOW - at the end of all this analysis and argument and affirmation -- THERE IS ADORATION! And one way we let that influence work is to praise Him and worship Him and honor Him, because of who He is and what He is about. In the situation of the Corinthians, this included weakness, sickness, and even death. Ephesians 2:6 says we are seated in heavenly places with Christ. Listen, many of us have lost our joy. Psalm 149:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes. David begins this stirring and prayerful statement by praising the name of God; in another place he wrote: "According to Your Name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth," (Psa. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Trials to our faith, are like fire to a precious metalthe fire tests the genuineness of it. Against the wrath.-- Or perhaps, upon the wrath. I cannot help but think about Jacob and Rachel. For those who are trained by going through hardship, it produces a harvest of righteousness. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. Judas denied Christ and never returned. Application Question: In what ways should the prospect of future reward and glory encourage us as we face trials? Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me, Psalm 56:1,2,9 To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. This is Deut. Praise should fill our hearts every day, no matter our circumstances - especially when we are walking through seasons of great trials. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Application Question: What are your thoughts about the concept of God being in control of every trial and him only allowing them if they are necessary? Glory. And, it is very much like David's statement in our text --- "David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Trials can create a tremendous intimacy. Gold is valuable in part because of how long it lasts, but gold will eventually fade and corrupt, unlike true faith. I will give them a crown. Peter saw this and focused on this in the midst of his trials. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. Preventer of Mistakes - Watch and pray that you enter not in to temptation. How do we bless, or praise God? Why is that? Make the choice to fill your heart with words of praise and thanksgiving for God. This is a wonderful truth for us, and it is one in which we must focus on in the multicolored trials we may go through. That means He doesn't have to clear anything with anybody! In the midst of his anguish, the psalmist (Ethan) begins his prayer with praise and worship. Christianity can become like arduous labor; it can become legalism, and it can steal our joy, if we have the wrong focus. It is the relationships around us that often enable us to endure hard times. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It took me to several chapters of 2 Samuel. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love (emphasis mine). It is this loving relationship with Christ that allows us to endure and have joy in trial or tribulation. Power belongs to God. His law may not seem good or fair to men - - but God is God; He is the Judge of all the earth; His name shall endure forever, and this is about SOVEREIGNTY! Though this was originally given in the context of church discipline, we can be sure that this is true whenever Gods people gather together for religious purposes.1 Christ is present wherever his people gather for the purpose of worshiping, honoring, and serving the Lord. Gold can be passed from generation to generation. On that day David decreed for the first time that thanks be given to the Lord by Asaph and his relatives: "Give thanks to the Lord; call on his name; proclaim his deeds among the peoples. We do that by rejoicing in the benefits of our salvation. David's painful guilt runs through this psalm. How can you turn your eyes to God and sing his praises when life is hard? Peter says that trials are used to prove the genuiness of ones faith. How can we live this type of Christian life in the various multicolored trials we go through? of Peter says there is more. 1:7). These were his thoughts, not only at the end of his life but throughout his life. I thirst for you, How do we know if we have genuine faith? Many people are only thinking about tomorrow or focusing on the next immediate milestone: graduation, marriage or retirement, but that view is too shortsighted. This is not true faith. In fact, they have lost their first love like the Ephesians. 116 views, 2 likes, 2 loves, 9 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Unity Temple Church of God in Christ: 2nd Sunday Service Thank you for. Deity entered into a timed existence, in the person of Christ, but deity exists outside the flow of time - God is "from everlasting, to everlasting." It brings joy because it is in the midst of the trial that we see Christ and know him more. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;even at night my heart instructs me.I keep my eyes always on the Lord. To be people of praise, we must come to the end of ourselves. The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. He is there, and his presence enables us to get through it, and even experience the sweetest joy. He encourages the Lord's people to respect God and offers wisdom leading to a long and blessed life. He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me. For eleven chapters Paul has been giving his comprehensive account of the gospel. I have no doubt that God did this so that we could apply it to any trial we experience, whether sickness, depression or demonic persecutions. Many of them are in the middle of adversity and calamity. These cookies do not store any personal information. After feeling impressed to go into ministry, I struggled with depression for over a year. In Isaiah we discover statements like this: "The moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed; for the LORD Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously. Fueled by loads of coffee, I'm passionate about helping and encouraging you along this journey, too! There are some Christians, especially young Christians, who struggle with how to comfort somebody in the midst of a failure, a loss, or some depression. Lean on the words of others until you find your own. Listen to what David said about his experience with discipline: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word (Ps 119:67). I will also praise you with the harpfor your faithfulness, O my God;I will sing praises to you with the lyre,O Holy One of Israel.My lips will shout for joy,when I sing praises to you;my soul also, which you have redeemed.And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long,for they have been put to shame and disappointedwho sought to do me hurt. In the midst of pain, God creates a reservoir in you. Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible. As you may know, reformed people see the major theme of Scripture as redemption, and therefore, in many of their sermons they come back to the gospel because they see everything connected to the gospel. I will praise the name of God with a song;I will magnify him with thanksgiving. These believers were being persecuted for following Christ; they were being persecuted for being different. Proud member True faith will last in the face of trials. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. It is to recognize the fact that they can exist together. What does Peter mean? God chose Psalm 63 for us to focus on at this time. I have found many young Christians that have lost joy or even fallen into spiritual depression, thinking they had sinned in such a way that they had lost their salvation. I dont necessarily have to experience exactly what they have gone through to comfort them. For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. God can help us meet all these struggles, if we will let Him influence us. What is the next reason we can rejoice in trials? It brings memories of past miracles and reminds you of the goodness from God. This is like a mountain climber. They fell away from God, they complained about God, and they were divided. Psalm 34 is a typical psalm of praise: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.1 Corinthians 11:3032. Paul was a very zealous man. Typically, we honor those who are successful and do great things. Genesis 29:20 says: So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her (emphasis mine). It awakens your spiritual self to view a heavenly perspective. 1 Ryle, J. C. (1993). Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in meput it into practice. 6. This is something we can rejoice in even in the midst of trials. The trial was not an accident it was necessary for your growth and maturation in Christ. It does not say Paul was prideful, but God was saving him from the sin of pride through this humbling experience. Psalm 17:7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. I will extol theLordat all times;his praise will always be on my lips.I will gloryin theLord;let the afflicted hear and rejoice.Glorify theLordwith me;let us exalthis name together.I sought theLord,and he answered me;he deliveredme from all my fears. Our Father knows whats best as well. We praise God in prayer. The thrust of David's words are - God is worthy of our praise, our worship and obedience and He is worthy of praise due to His greatness; His power, glory, victory and majesty. Look at what Paul says: That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. We can rejoice in trials because they have purpose. The first 21 verses are a cry to the Lord, laying out the problem that David finds . He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God (emphasis mine).Daniel 3:2425 (KJV). The drama intensifies. In this study, we will see six secrets to having joy in the midst of trials. Next, he says the trials are only for a little while. Now for some of us who have been going through a difficult situation for six months, a year, or ten years, the timing may not feel short at all. Or who has been his counsellor Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him? However, those who are not trained by it often develop strongholds. Its only the broken whom he can pour his precious grace through to minister to others. Verse Concepts. Interpretation Question: Why would some trials be necessary and in what ways? It tells your eyes that despite what you may see - you have a Creator. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope, Psalm 35:1-3 A Psalm of David. The word proved is used of testing metals through fire. We rejoice in the fact that we are new and we are not the same anymore. God honors him in Scripture and, no doubt, in heaven. It is the way of faithit is the genuine faith that is tested through the trial. In verse 8, he refers to himself as a sinner. Trials only last for a little while in comparison to our eternal salvation. Now why would these trials be necessary for us? God pointed out Psalm 63 to me recently as a guide for us in praise despite what trouble we see around us. Amen. When I cry for help, you will answer. We can focus on our inheritance and security in heaven. We must have an eternal view. A good father only allows his child to go through trials if they are necessary. Now there are those who struggle with this and say, What about trials that come from Satan or my own failure? Yes, God is in control of those trials as well. Application Question: Why do so many Christians lose this joy in their salvation which is meant to sustain them during trials? He also called these suffering saints to focus on it as well. GOD! Was it a voice of complaint? Living through a stormy season? "David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting." But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. King David teaches us how to praise God throughout the book of Psalms. When I am vulnerable, you are my refuge. Salvation and glory and power belong to our God," (Rev. It seems to be the same argument used by Peter, since he has just talked about our heavenly inheritance. . Peter says we have been given a new birth (v. 3) into a living hope through the resurrected Jesus Christ. The trial given to Paul was a work of grace to keep him from the sin of pride. Where do you find words of praise and thanksgiving when your heart is full of sorrow and struggle? (Psalms 115:1, NIV). This means Christ is ruling in heaven but we are there in spirit with him. I can definitely use help choosing words to praise and honor God. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. Many of us have lost our joy because we have sinned by losing the right focus. A lot of times we dont talk about false faith in church, but it is a reality. To help support this ministry, we gratefully accept non-tax deductible donations. Jesus declared that the meek would inherit the earth (Matt 5:5). Colossians 2:12 says -- "having been buried with him in baptism, and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." Look at what Paul said about his trials in 2 Corinthians 6:10: Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything (emphasis mine). This is what we see happening to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 11. Like every good parent, sometimes God will bring discipline in the life of a believer to give them motivation to obey. 1:1-4). In what way is this temporary? The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fadekept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by Gods power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (emphasis mine).1 Peter 1:35. Matthew (164). His Word has reached our hearts and had the intended influence. in a dry and parched land Here is a question: does simply going through a trial warrant reward in heaven? I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "you are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.". Is he God your Father? It is a mystery, but God brings comfort through the broken. Let praise bring you up above what you see in the world right now. The father makes the child finish the season only because its necessary for his growth. Maybe they dont receive it because the inheritance is lost or its value changes. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. This person inevitably falls away from Christ and never returns. 3 who forgives all your sins. Paul said something similar in 2 Corinthians 4:1718: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. earnestly I seek you; Jesus said, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do the things which I say?" This relationship will carry you and give you joy. Oh yes, this is the perspective we must have. . (Isaiah 24:23, NIV). We are not sure what this thorn in the flesh was. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. When you read Psalms, you can find so many verses about God's children singing praise even in the midst of hard times. Although David did often declare his misery to God, he managed to end his words to God in praise and . How do you respond to trials? Focus on our relationship with Christ; trials can bring deep intimacy with Christ. are - This is taking place right this minute. Focus on the eternal glory; faithfulness in trials will be rewarded. Maybe we are lacking joy because we are not cultivating this loving relationship with Christ. My calling to ministry was also marked by trials. DAVID ASCRIBES TO THE FATHER THE FOLLOWING: Greatness. That secures a freedom from distraction and instills a confidence to proceed in prayer as the Holy Spirit leads. No! So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. It is possible to work hard for Christ, persevere through trials, to hate what God hates, and yet still lose our love for Christ. When we view our trials in comparison to eternity, then they become light and momentary. Power. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me, Psalm 64:7,8 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. David praises the Lord for delivering him from the Philistines, and he invites others to join him in singing joyfully to the Lord. Ephesians 1:3 says we have every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. "And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fadekept in heaven for you" ( 1 Pet 1:4 ). The child may cry and complain, and it is not that the father is immune to the childs tears, but it is because he knows whats best. It is harder for them to love, harder for them to forgive, or harder for them to have peace. He has brought us back to the basics. He never changes. Through godly behavior, we light the way for others. Paul says the same thing in other texts, look at 1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 35:1-3 a Psalm of David so that we will not be condemned with the world.1 11:3032. Successful and do great things which thou hast caused me to hope, Psalm 35:1-3 Psalm. False faith in church, but on what is the next reason we tell! 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