Shalom, Paul and Barry, I have missed your posts of spiritual refreshment and prayer requests. I hope that all are well and flourishing in the spirit of our merciful Lord. I am still clanking along like an old 44 Ford coupe. Did they make one in 44? They must have, or I am the only original. <VBG> Being 53 doesn't sound old to me, but as an olive branch, grafted in as a wild olive shoot, I am trusting that our Master will see me through this time of testing and nourish me until I am once again feeling better.
God bless all,
James
"When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me."
- Psalm 56:9
It is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of this delightful phrase, "God is for me." He was "for us" before the worlds were made; he was "for us," or he would not have given his well-beloved son; he was "for us" when he smote the Only-begotten, and laid the full weight of his wrath upon him-he was "for us," though he was against him; he was "for us," when we were ruined in the fall-he loved us notwithstanding all; he was "for us," when we were rebels against him, and with a high hand were bidding him defiance; he was "for us," or he would not have brought us humbly to seek his face. He has been "for us" in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within-how could we have remained unharmed to this hour if he had not been "for us"? He is "for us," with all the infinity of his being; with all the omnipotence of his love; with all the infallibility of his wisdom; arrayed in all his divine attributes, he is "for us,"-eternally and immutably "for us"; "for us" when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like a worn out vesture; "for us" throughout eternity. And because he is "for us," the voice of prayer will always ensure his help. "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies be turned back." This is no uncertain hope, but a well grounded assurance-"this I know." I will direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up for the answer, assured that it will come, and that mine enemies shall be defeated, "for God is for me." O believer, how happy art thou with the King of kings on thy side! How safe with such a Protector! How sure thy cause pleaded by such an Advocate! If God be for thee, who can be against thee? |
