In Psalms 73 - 75, there is inner turmoil, as the Psalmist
wonders what to make of the success of the wicked who oppose the Lord
and His people. There are times of great confusion - “But when I tried
to understand this, it was too difficult for me” (Psalm 73:16). There
are times when the Psalmist is on the edge of despair - “Why, O God,
have You rejected us forever? Why does Your anger smoulder against the
sheep in Your care? ... How long, O God, will the enemy insult us? Will
the enemy despise You forever?” (Psalm 74:1,10). Despite all that runs
counter to God, the Psalmist remains strong in faith. He triumphs over
all that opposes the purpose of God in his life - “God remains the
foundation of my life and my inheritance forever ... From long ago, God
has been my King, the One who has been victorious throughout the earth
... We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks. You are present, and
Your miracles confirm that ... I will speak about Your miracles forever.
I will make music to praise the God of Jacob” (Psalm 73:26; Psalm
74:12; Psalm 75:1,9).
We read about Elijah in his high-points of strength - the triumph over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36-39) - and his low-points of weakness - he is ready to give up: “I’ve had enough now, Lord” (1 Kings 19:4). How did Elijah get into such a mess? He forgot this: “The Lord’s power was on Elijah” (1 Kings 18:46). In all life’s ups and downs, we must hold on to this: The Lord has sent His Spirit of power to live in us (2 Timothy 1:7). How are we to live in the power of the Spirit? We need to feed on the Word of God and drink in the Word of God (1 Kings 17:4). We need to pray that the Lord will send His showers of blessing (1 Kings 17:14). We are to live our life “according to the Word of the Lord” (1 Kings 17:16). For our life of faith to be strong in the Lord, we need to listen attentively to the preaching of God’s Word (1 Kings 17:24).
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