Blog post 12th May 2020
1 Samuel 12:1-13:23
John 7:1-30
Psalm 108:1-13
Proverbs 15:4
At the beginning of lockdown, I was excited and worried of what's to come, but I was going to spend more quality time with God and I was going to be able to read the word more now that there were not any distractions from the world. WRONG! Instead 8 weeks later and I can say I have not. I have been spending my time working, watching Netflix, and on my phone being wrapped up with what is happening next. Granted I have had a lot of time thinking about my relationship with God and what door he has opened for me next, I have just been in shock as it all happened too quickly. After reading Samuel I realized I have placed my interest in other things above quality time with God. During this Lock down, it should be an opportunity to spend more quality time with God, not spend all this time worrying about my problems.
We should take time for reflection as it allows us to focus our attention upon God's goodness and strengthens our faith. We must not forget that as we face problems and temptations we must focus our attention on God and his resources, trusting him to help us. It may be difficult to trust God when things in your life are slipping away. We must not become impatient with God's timing. Saul substituted the ritual for faith in God. Saul had plenty of excuses but Samuel spoke of the real issue "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you". Like Saul we may often sugarcoat or brush over our mistakes and sins trying to justify and spiritualize our actions because of our "special" circumstances. My action to sit and watch Netflix all day or be on my phone and then justify it with "I don't have to be anywhere", "I haven't been able to watch TV like this in a long time", "I will won't watch tomorrow" or "After this show I will stop". Our excuses, to whatever we may be idolizing or situations, are nothing more than disobedience. God knows our true motives. He forgives, restores and blesses when we are honest about our sins.
So I pray that during this stressful period we think of how we are spending our time. David prayed not only for rescue during stressful times, but for victory. With God's help we can claim more than just survival, we can claim victory! That we look for ways God can use our distress, our problems and time as an opportunity to show his mighty power.
Amen
I also found Psalm 27 goes with the time of waiting right now.
Psalm 27
Of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
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