Paul's instruction herein is for us to rejoice. To pray without ceasing, and in every single thing occurring in our lives (both good and bad) to give thanks -- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. How can we be confident? Because we now that this same Lord our God knew us whilst we were being formed in our mother's womb. It is there that the good Lord put His purpose in our heart. And in whatever happens, He is in control.
David the psalmist understood these simple principles when he scribed the following. It is herein that we come to understand how our soul is satisfied when we bless the Lord at all times, with His praise continually spoken into the hearts of those around us. Know that regardless of the situation we are going through -- when we seek the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He does hear our cries, and in fact, already knows our innermost heart desires.
But as in all relationships, the conversation (blessings!) is not a one way dialogue. The Lord wants to hear from us, exalting His Name in all things. In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23)
And the Lord Jesus never fails those whose hearts are focused on Him.
From Psalm 34:
"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.
They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him. O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate." (Psalm 34:1-22)
Stand in the offering plate.
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