“I believe in a peace that flows deeper than pain”

 

Psalm 84:5-7a.. “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage(Godly path). As they pass through the Valley of Baca( hurt, grief, loss, weeping), they make it a place of springs ; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength,..(11-12) 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. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.”

What is God’s favor and honor? What are the good things of God?

Favor: A state of being looked on with goodwill or kindness; an act of grace or goodwill; a token of love….

Honor: Exalted rank or place, title or privilege, high estimation, distinction….

What about  those that suffer every day; where everything seems hopeless? Life on earth is a challenge due to sickness, abuse, poverty, tragedy, pain, suffering and sometimes there seems no solution, no end in sight. So why do some of us continue to suffer?( especially followers of Christ who dedicate their lives to Him and do his work faithfully.)

Could it be the favor, honor and “good things” referred here in Psalm 84 have nothing to do with earthly riches, health, bodily strength, or world success by man’s standard?

“Honors and riches, bodily strength are none of God’s good things”…..(Charles Spurgeon)

Worldly things come and go and eventually pass away.

The “good things” of God and his “favor” are chiefly:

1. God’s daily and constant Presence in our lives……..    “God has said, Never will I leave you nor forsake you.”(Hebrews 13: 5b)

“And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matt:28:20b)

“Where can I flee from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”(Psalm 139: 7-10)

2. God’s love…..

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 8:38-39)

“The Lord appeared to us in the past saying:”I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.”(Jeremiah 31:3)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”(John3:16)

3. God’s peace……. “And the peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Phil: 4:7)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”(John 14:27)

4. The Joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit………”You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence”.(Acts 2:28)

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”(John 16:22)

5. God’s Patience with us…….”He(the Lord) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”(2Peter 3:9b)

6.God’s Grace…..”My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2Cor:9)

7. The Promise..the expectation of Heaven and the glorious face of God revealed when He calls us Home…..

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-2)

“In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”(John 16:16)

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev: 21: 1-4)

Thank you God,  that  your “good things, favor and honor”are not temporary, but will last until eternity and sustain us through every trial, temptation and tragedy we may have to face while here on earth.

“I believe in a peace that flows deeper than pain”

 

 

 

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