Constant and Continual

 

Psalm 44:8 (NET) - In God we boast all day long, and we will continually give thanks to your name.

The heading in this translation refers to Psalm 44 as a “well-written song.”

I am inclined to agree.

First, the Psalmist reminds us that we are to praise God “all day long.”

Second, he reminds us to “continually give thanks.”

But human beings find praise and gratitude difficult at times.

We certainly find praise and gratitude easier when things are going well for us.

But they do not come so easily when circumstances become difficult.

Is it possible to praise God when illness strikes?

Is it possible to be grateful when we face unemployment?

Is it possible to praise or be grateful when a loved one dies?

Despite human reasoning, the answer is yes.

Paul, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, reminds us to rejoice always.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NET) - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

That means rejoicing no matter the circumstances.

But how can we rejoice when faced with things like illness, unemployment, or loss?

Paul gives us the answer.

We are to “pray without ceasing.”

Prayer is the key.

In prayer we find that the Lord is our strength.

In prayer we remember that the Lord is worthy of praise throughout the day. 

In prayer we find that we are always able to praise Him even in difficult circumstances.

Prayer reminds us that there is no one like God.

It reminds us that we may approach God daily for there is no other help but His.

Challenging times are temporary.

But God always hears us and answers us.

Therefore, God deserves our constant praise.

He also deserves our continual gratitude.

Both are possible when we persist in prayer.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 1, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 8, 2021

Lingering Doubt

Isaiah 42:1 (NET) - Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

In these words, the prophet speaks of the commissioning of a very special servant.

A servant who is yet to come.

That servant is Jesus.

It would take centuries for this prophecy to be fulfilled.

In the Gospel of Luke, we read about the time Jesus confirmed the prophecy.

Jesus goes to Nazareth and enters the synagogue.

He stands up to read and the scroll of Isaiah is handed to Him.

He looks for a particular passage and reads the words.

Luke 4:18-19 (NET) - “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus then returns the scroll.

Everyone looks at Him waiting for Him to speak.

His words astound them.

He tells them that the scripture was fulfilled even as they heard it.

At first the people are amazed.

Luke 4:22 (NET) - All were speaking well of him, and were amazed at the gracious words coming out of his mouth. They said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

But Jesus continues to speak.

He reminds them that “no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”

The people are filled with rage.

They force Him out of town and threaten to throw Him down a cliff.

But Jesus passes through the crowd and goes safely on His way.

Many doubted Isaiah’s prophecy.

Especially as it took centuries to unfold.

Even those who heard the words directly from Jesus doubted.

Now, 2,000 years later, people still doubt.

But those who believe know that Jesus is our redeemer.

We know we can continue to rely upon Him.

We can speak well of Him.

We can praise Him.

As we do, we also help others overcome their doubt.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 17, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 24, 2021