PSALM 116:9-11: “I will walk in the LORD’s presence in the lands of the living. I will continue to believe, even when I say, “I am greatly afflicted” and speak hastily, “All people are liars!” (ISV)
OBSERVATION: Am I walking in faith? Today is a new day, and will be filled both with new opportunities and new challenges. How I face the day depends solely on my outlook on life. It is so much more than answering the question – Is the glass half full or half empty?. It is a question of who I am trusting in, and what I am looking at. It is a question of faith!
Just a few days ago we celebrated the wonderful truth of the Resurrection! Jesus is alive! He has defeated both sin and death! Yet, does this reality affect my daily life? Do I view my salvation as merely a spiritual life insurance policy that will only become a reality in my life when I die? Or, do I view my salvation as an invitation and also a provision to live life in the power of His resurrection, by grace through faith?
The Psalmist made a decision to live by faith! He decided to walk in the Lord’s presence each and every day of his life. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and we are invited to receive the provision of the baptism or overflowing power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We have both the invitation and the provision to daily walk in the Lord’s presence. Jesus Himself said,
- “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18 NKJV
- “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV
So the Psalmist declares,
“I will continue to believe, even when I say, “I am greatly afflicted” and speak hastily, “All people are liars!”
He will continue to walk in faith, even when he is greatly afflicted, and even when it seems like the world is set against him, and everything he believes in is being challenged. How can he do that? He can only do that through faith. Faith lifts us up from the difficulties and uncertainties of life. Faith truly is the assurance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.
In the midst of the greatest trials of life, faith declares – “I will continue to believe!”
I will never forget one afternoon when I was watching Dr. Robert Schuller on the Hour of Power television program. I don’t remember much about his sermon, except for one phrase. I was going through a very difficult time in my life, filled with uncertainty, and I was desperately in need of direction. Discouraged, tired, and feeling like I wanted to throw in the towel, I heard him say – “GOD WILL HAVE THE LAST WORD!” At that moment my faith ignited. I knew deep in my heart that the Lord was right there with me. And, despite the fact that nothing had changed, I began to rise up in faith and proclaim – “I will continue to believe!”
Throughout my life, and even now as I meditate on these verses, I have found that the Lord is always present and always with me. In times of victory, and in the midst of my greatest despair, He has never left me, nor has He forsaken me. And I have also learned, as I continue to believe, as I choose faith, He gives me assurance, comfort, and faithfully leads me to the next open door and the next provision, through His faithfulness, mercy, and love.
This morning Lord – I choose to believe! I choose to walk in faith! I choose to walk in Your presence! I choose to persevere! I choose to rest in Your faithfulness, mercy, and love!
In Jesus Name!
