Day: April 7, 2024

CALL TO GOD IN TROUBLE

This message is based on Psalms 107

Psalms are real photographs through words

This Psalm teaches us about the relief we get when we call out to our Lord Jesus Christ when in trouble, when we are facing any problems in life,be it in the family, work, business, friends etc. This Psalm gives us four biblical pictures and in all this he shows us how he delivers us from the troubles and in turn He expects us to give thanks and praise 

1. Psalms 107:4-8 shows us the picture of a desert and how we are wandering in the desert

When we are hungry, thirsty, lonely, and caught up in the daily struggles in life,  or when we are struggling to achieve something in life on our own merit and we do not succeed, then we loose all hope and turn to God. When we call out to God, He is there to deliver us from all the troubles

Psalms 121:2 :- My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Mathew 14: 30-31 But when he (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, Wherefore didst thou doubt?

2. Psalms 107:10-16

This depicts a picture of a prison of how we imprison ourselves with the wats of the world. We look for the pleasures offered to us by the wrong choicest. We see alcoholics, drug addicts, gamblers, tobacco users search for relief through wrong choicest. They get trapped and are not able to be released even when they want. They try various ways. Some of us are trapped by the obligation of society. We are caught up in chains made by humans. Again when we call out to the Lord, the chains are broken and we are released from all bondages. Once released we have to give thanks.

Proverbs 3:5:- Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

3. Psalms 107:17- 20 tells us that sickness is due to unforgiveness 

We are not able to eat and lie in pain due to sickness. When we call out to the Lord Jesus and forgive and forget, then we will be at peace and sickness will flee, and we will be healed of our infirmities

John1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth

4. Psalms 107:23-32 depicts the picture of the storm.

a. The place of storm :- When we take the step of faith and go beyond the unknown; we do not to come out of our comfort zone; we prefer our regular jobs with a regular income without any risks. In business there are risks but we try to avoid new challenges. But when we trust in the Lord, He will be out provider.

b. Psalms 107:25 Producer of storm

God at times causes the storm. He allows us to make mistakes. He puts us in the middle of the storm, but is ever present with us to bring us out of the storm when we rely on  Him. At times he tests our trust and faith.

c. Psalms 107:26-27 The perils of the storm.

Joshua was thrown out in the deep as the storm was raging. He was saved by the mighty hand of God, and was forced to carry out the Lord ‘s command.

At times when we do not give heed to the voice of our Lord and obey Him; He allows us to go through hardships, and when we realise our mistakes and repent and seek God for a solution, He is ready to deliver us from all the problems.

d. Psalms 107:28 cry help

In the depths of our trouble when we call out to God, He is our ever present help. When we call out to God, he is ready to lift us from the miry clay. When a thorn is in our flesh, we are in pain and fully aware that the removal of the thorn will cause excruciating pain but still we are willing to go through the pain because it is for our good. Hence when we are inflicted with troubles, we should be aware that this is a training ground for us which will strengthen us and help us to be a better person in the sight of God.

e. Psalms 107:29-30 Peace in the storm 

When God answers our prayers when we call out to Him then peace will prevail. God creates a storm for us at times but we have to trust our Lord Jesus Christ to calm the storm. He is in control of our lives. In all situations we have to thank the LORD with our body spirit and soul.

Sol.Patsy Joseph

The Unshakable Kingdom

We have a lot of wrong ideas about God. Contrary to what some believe, God is not our buddy. He is not an overindulgent grandfather who lives in the sky. He is not a spiritual genie who will grant our every wish.

Hebrews 12:29 directs us to think of God with “reverence and awe.” The thunder that accompanied the giving of the Law on Sinai was a signal that “God is a consuming fire” (see Deut. 4:24).

The Law taught that all who sin are in danger of divine wrath. The gospel does not douse the fire of God’s holiness. Nor does it cancel the day of judgment. Instead, the gospel provides forgiveness, righteousness, and a secure place to stand when that day comes. Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ receive “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (v. 28).

The voice that shook Sinai at the giving of the Law foreshadowed an even greater shaking that will occur at the end of time. The voice that spoke on Sinai “shook the earth” along with all who heard it (v. 26). In the final judgment, God will “shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”

This quotation from Haggai 2:6 speaks of a judgment to come that will transform both heavens and earth and create a new order. The old earth will pass away and be replaced by “a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1; see also Isa. 65:17), “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce explains that this is a picture “of the end of the present world-order…where earth and heaven flee away from the face of the judge on the great white throne.” Jesus is the judge. He will receive all who come to Him in faith. Those who refuse Him reject life itself. They have no place in His unshakable kingdom.

Go Deeper
What important points does this passage make about God’s character? How does this shape our relationship with God?

Let’s Pray: Father in Heaven, what a consolation it is that in this changing world there is something unshakable—Your kingdom “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Even more, today’s reading says we are receiving this kingdom!

Sol.Pritha Debnath