Let My Faith Triumph Over Trouble
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:6-25, Jeremiah 4:1-2 and Psalm 4 (NIV)
(Joyce Lo, Zone 4A Leader, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Jeremiah 3:6-25, Jeremiah 4:1-2 and Psalm 4 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Prayer is an important theme for King David. Psalm 4 begins with David’s plea to God to hear his prayer; an amazing picture of fellowship between God and him. David talks to God and God hears him (v4). In this Psalm, David talks to God and also to men. David is surrounded by enemies – real enemies.
APPLY:
This is one of my favourite Psalms which has provided an anchor for my soul throughout the years, in particular verses 4, 5 and 8. Knowing that God will be WITH me in the midst of distress relieves me of the stress as I am able to trust Him and rest in His assurance. Verse 3 is a good reminder that the Lord will set me apart for HIMSELF – from ungodly culture, sinful patterns and the world system that contradicts with kingdom values. God will put “gladness in my heart” to enjoy the pleasures in my life as He wants me to be with Him. As a high achiever personality type, I no longer focus solely on what I am accomplishing or doing, but I let myself be with Him, spending time with Him and resting from my own works (v8). In my personal pursuit of success and happiness, David’s prayer is so real to me; and I know that God will listen to me and mould me and change me to become what He wants me to be.
DO:
Learning from Psalm 4, I will slow down the pace of my life, meditate on His Word regularly and spend more time with Him. Learn to trust Him in troubled times, knowing that He has everything in control. Rest in peaceful mind and heart and let my faith triumph over trouble. God always has a plan and it is always good for me!
PRAY:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for the assurance that when I call, You hear me. Your grace and mercy save me from falling. Set me apart, just as David prayed, so that even if I am in the world, I will not be conformed to the world. Lord, help me to be an extraordinary ordinary child of God, so that my life will bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
