Jude 20-21, “But you beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
How do you build yourself up in your faith? We all experience life’s ups and downs. Our response to adverse and irritating circumstances often reveals our heart’s condition. In the Blue Letter Bible Commentary, David Guzik states, “It has been rightly observed that whenever a man gets out of touch with God, he is likely to begin complaining about something.” Ouch. I am often guilty and have been pondering this statement all week. I am reminded of the verse in Deuteronomy 8:3, which states, “And he humbled you and let you hunger and led you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, the Rhema, is the spoken Word of God that will give courage, direction to take, and guidance as it renews and transforms our mind (Romans 12:1-2). Adapting my behavior when needed as I read it and commit it to memory is where I will find the answers I need.
I had forgotten that I had chosen the word “perseverance – endurance” for 2023. I have had many instances during this past year, where I needed to stay on that track in looking to God for wisdom and guidance, having perseverance and endurance instead of automatically complaining. Here is a quote from Michael Green (August 20, 1930 – February 6, 2019), Christian apologist, author, and British theologian: “Grumbling “is to insult the God who gives us all things; it is to forget that whatever befalls us, nothing can separate us from His love, nor deprive us of that most priceless of all treasures, the Lord’s presence in our lives.” We still have to do our own due diligence in situations we encounter (sometimes requiring Godly council) and not sit idly by, but how often isn’t grumbling and complaining seem to be the natural reaction when under stress? Please tell me you can relate. Yet the truth in God’s Word in Psalm 112:7 NIV declares, “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” My prayer is, Holy Spirit, give me perfect peace as I keep my mind steadfast and unwavering in my faith in You, because I trust in my God to provide all I need. As Isaiah 26:3 states, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” I embrace You being my shield of protection and declare, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield’ the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11.
Holy Spirit, thank you for interceding for me (Rom. 8:26). Be my guide in my journey as I pray and ask for your guidance and wisdom. Teach me, guide me, protect me, defend me. You know what is ahead, precisely what I should say (Luke 12:11-12) and when to speak and when not to speak. Holy Spirit, be my guide as I wait and listen for what You want to instruct me in what lies ahead of me today. I am just beginning to understand exactly what You want me to say.
Listen to COME JESUS COME by Stephen McWhirter (Lyrics).