When I Have Doubts - Psalm 73:1-5,12-20,25-28

Now that some of us are older and can look back across years of experience I am made to wonder if anything has ever been more devastating to the Christian life than the doubts and fears that we have allowed to weaken our confidence in our fellow man and the God we serve. When we first believe and place our lives in the care of Jesus Christ there is usually a surge of confidence that wells up in us and drowns out the fears that life has taught. This contented state of mind comes to us through our faith and by the grace of God.

The mental and emotional process of fear and doubt begins in our early childhood and a strong confidence has to be relearned. During our first three to five years we are loved, protected and made secure by the love and care of our parents. We have no reason to fear because we trust our parents to always do right and furnish our protection. Usually by the age of four or five our sin nature causes us to start doing things that are unacceptable and loving and caring parents are forced to enact restrictions, and teach personal accountability. As we grow into the age of accountability we enjoy our own way less often and soon begin to fear the results that our actions may bring. Doubt and fear enters our lives and we become less comfortable individually and more dependent on god as our spiritual leader.

This process repeats itself through the early years of our Christian life. We must accept Christ as a child and believe that He will cause all things to work together for our good, Romans 8. Then, as our Christian life grows, we learn that we are not always spiritually obedient and that God will hold us to our commitment even if it requires Him to punish us for our sins. Soon, even as a dedicated Christian, doubts and fears reenter our thought patterns and cause us to worry about our position in God’s sight. This is a dreaded position that should not bother any man who has a great and abiding faith.

As we grow older, it is not uncommon for us to incur problems with our eyesight; two of the most common problems are far and near sightedness. When our distance vision is impaired it is know as myopia and may require correction in order to see things that are afar off. What is even worse is spiritual myopia that occurs causing us to be able to see those problems which are temporal, physical and earthly. One with spiritual myopia can only see the things in the here and now.

This psalm addresses one of life’s most difficult “life seeing problems?” Christian people just can not discern the answer to this problem. “How is it that the wicked often prosper while the godly suffer so much? This is a specific problem to all of us who have myopic faith. We must always remember that it is not possible for a person to see and trust in the eternal things of life while his focus is on the temporal things of life.

Asaph was the musician that wrote this psalm. He remembers a time in his life when he envied the prosperity of the wicked and fell into doubt about the goodness of God toward the righteous. He did not understand why God’s people suffered while the ungodly seemed to prosper at the same time.

Look at and read the first verse carefully. Asaph could look back through the ages and remember the many times when God had been especially good to the country of Israel. I am sure that one of the greatest memories the Israelites had—was their ability to look back to the six thousand years of slavery in Egypt—and to remember that God used Moses in a very great way to bring them out of Egyptian bondage and to care for them all the way to the Promised Land. Asaph said. “Surely God is good to Israel.” {Even with full knowledge of this great love, he still had doubts.} In verse 2 he said, “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

Be sure to note why he had slipped away. He said it was because “I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” He says the wicked can be carefree and still always increase in wealth. In verse 13 he continues—“Surely in vain have I kept my hart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. I am still plagued, in fact punished every morning.”

Let me beg you to be honest with God, yourself, and me. Have you ever had some of these feelings that Asaph is expressing? Have you doubted God? Have you feared that you would not receive your rightful blessings because of the way God was reacting to you differently from others? In verse 12, do you feel with him that the wicked can remain always carefree and still increase in wealth? Do you vainly keep your heart pure and feel that all you gain is punishment ever morning and each day you live? The psalmist had a problem. Today, we Christians still have the same problem. Complaining Christians think they see what is happening and believe it to be wrong. They sometimes believe that sinners are prospering more than Christians. What many have forgotten is that there will be a judgment day…some day; and when the scales are balanced there will be some on both sides who are very surprised.

The thing that bothers me more than anything else in this day and time is that those who want to eliminate the name of God from literature, and especially in a government function, seem to be gaining power and control. I know that in this world where the wicked seem to prosper more than the righteous—the believer’s eye must be fixed on God and his goodness. Only God can give the true believer a proper outlook on life and eternity. This perspective will dominate the believer’s life only when he constantly focuses on God, trusting in him alone. Your father and mother, or your best friend may let you down but God will never fail you. Do you believe this?

Does this lesson fit your situation? Have you ever encountered an ungodly person who had better things in life or a better situation in life than you have had? Why do you think God allowed this to happen? Why do you believe God allowed someone else to prosper more than you prospered? Is it very important to you that God allowed this difference to exist? To some people, why is close fellowship with God more important than fame and fortune? Is it more important to you? Why do you not examine very carefully and find that the one who seems to have more of this worlds goods than you have…who seems to have prospered the most…just may be the one that has the greatest need for a close fellowship with Christ on a daily basis? Here is a good question for you: would you like to trade places with your rivalry? I know my answer would be NO. I can live with my doubts and fears regarding my daily prosperity and be much more content than if I am required to live on a daily basis with out the love, compassion, and protection of God Almighty. WHEN I HAVE DOUBTS I CAN ALWAYS GO TO MY LORD FOR COMFORT AND SECURITY.

When I Have Sinned - Psalm 51:1-13

Is there a man in the crowd today that likes to admit that he is on the wrong road headed in the wrong direction? It is sometimes difficult to pick up the map and try to locate where you are and how to get back on the freeway and headed in the right direction. There is no argument about this matter—embarrassing as it may be—it is the right thing to do. It is hard to admit to your wife that you have made a wrong turn at the last intersection. Sometimes as a Christian, you will find it even more difficult to admit to God that you have committed a grievous sin and it is taking you in the wrong spiritual direction. Spiritual driving on the wrong road can often lead you into a ghetto where crime and destruction hazardously awaits your next turn.

Today we will study the Psalm that David used to give an example of his hazardous driving on his spiritual road home. He had committed some major sins—not minor offenses. He had reached the area in his life that was life threatening and was still man enough to repent, get his road map out and find his way back into fellowship with God.

The superscription that heads the 51st Psalm says that this is a psalm of David written for the director of music following the time when Nathan went to visit David and warned him that he had knowingly and willingly committed adultery with the wife of one of his prize soldiers. No doubt that Bathsheba had played apart in this affair, but we must treat her fairly and acknowledge that she was dealing with her King, and even though she knew that she was sinning, it would have been difficult for her to refuse him in his position of power. The act of adultery was a sin in depth but David realized that he had taken advantage of this woman and his sorrow and regret must have been great. His attempt to cover his sin included murder, lying and forceful involvement of others honest people that did not want to be involved.

If you will go now and read the story of how David was alone at his palace and knew the setting, and the habit of this woman bathing on her roof top in view of one wing of the King’s palace. He, no doubt had observed her before, and knew who she was—even though he inquired as to her identity. David premeditated this evil act and went against his own conscientious, not only carrying out his own lustful desire but actually forcing her to be a part in it; and involving other innocent bystanders. He fully intended to commit this sin—but just did not expect to get caught and surely did not realize how far he would go to try to cover his actions. It is easy for us to see how deeply involved he is in this matter, and how he now has only one way out. He has to confront all of his people and the God of his life with the one tool left; which is repentance before God and a plea for his forgiveness.

Look inside at the enter being of the greatest of all earthly kings and try to imagine what you see in his action and reaction; place yourself in his place and feel the enter pangs of sorrow for you sin. Internalize this moment; place yourself in his shoes and face God alone with no self defense other than to admit that you were conceived in sin and have now succumbed to sin’s power over you.

Remember now that there are no little or big sins; therefore you must realize that your sin and mine are all grave in God’s sight. [For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.] We, like David, have also sinned against God. What can we do? What can we say? We must repeat his words and plead—Have mercy on me, Oh God. Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion—transgression. Did God forgive him? Yes. Will he forgive us? Yes. How? According to his compassion and love; and greater love has no man than to be willing to die for him. Christ died for David and John, me, and you.

David prayed, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Had that already happened? No. Did it happen? Yes, it did when Christ spilled his blood on the cross and washed away his sin…and ours also.

If you have not read this chapter…do so now…and you can boast of reading one of the most sincere prayers ever prayed by a sinful man. You will learn that there is more to a prayer of forgiveness than just forgiven sin.

The total process must also create within us a clean heart. That is past sins are forgiven first and then our hearts must have the inclination to remain free from future sins. A clean heart can not sin. A forgiven person desires the presence of the Holy Spirit and realizes that so long as the Spirit lives within us, sin can not exist in the same territory.

The most difficult request made in this prayer is that the memory of committed sin will vanish and torment David no more. Only when we forgive ourselves can we reach the place where God can restore unto us the joy of our salvation. The joy of salvation can not exist in the hart of one who is continuing in sin. We can only enjoy God’s presence through the visitation of the Holly Spirit when we are free from sin.

Then David made God a promise. He said now God, do to me and for me as I have prayed and “I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will turn back to you.”

The largest and most complicated Super highway interchange in the world is located in Houston, Texas. I would not dare exit on to this interchange without having a map in my car and everyone knowing that I am willing to follow it. The sinful road to spiritual destruction is just as complicated as the Houston interchange and I will not attempt to drive on it without instructions as how to exit on to the straight and narrow road that leads to heaven.

The title of this lesson today is WHEN I HAVE SINNED. The best question about the title is WHAT MUST I DO? And the ONLY answer to this question is DO AS DIAVID DID—REPENT OF YOUR SIN AND SEEK FORGIVINESS FROM THE LORD WHO LOVES YOU. The results will be THE RETURN OF THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION HERE AND LIFE EVERLASTING.

When I Need Comfort - Psalm 23

There are only six verses in the 23 chapter of Psalm, so as usual; I decided to read the entire chapter before I started writing. Then I found four different versions that aroused my attention, and I have copied all four versions below. Note: I tried to copy verbatim, and this is very hard to do on a personal computer. The computer refuses to copy small case letters where capitols are required. It will not allow partial sentences, and so you may find that my attempt is not PERFECT…BUT it is close enough for you to see the many differences in the way this chapter is written.

One fact makes these differences great in my sight. Though very different…THERE ARE NO CONTRADICTIONS. God’s word is truth! Many different writers stood on different viewing stands and wrote about the same incident. They all used their own language, their own understanding, but were all inspired by the same Holy Spirit that brought the whole truth out of every story we read. God is great and without error and he did not allow the writers of his Word to error.

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. [I shall not want. Or,
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, I shall not be in the
He leads me beside quiet waters, state of want.] [We
3 he restores my soul. could want but not
He guides me in paths of righteousness have a need]
For his namesake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and love will follow me [Some say mercy and love will
all the days of my life, follow]
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

PSALM 23…AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.



PSAM 23…NEW KING JAMES VERSION

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5You prepare a table
before me in the
presence of my
enemies;
You anoint my head with
oil;
My cup runs over.
6Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me
All the days of life;
And I will dwell in the
house of the Lord
Forever.

PSALMS 23…NEW AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.

3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of
the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for thou
art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff,
they comfort me.

5 Thou dost prepare a table
Before me in the presence of my enemies;
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.

6 surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days
of my life,
And I will dwell in the
house of the Lord forever.


PSALM 23…TODAY’S ENGLISH VERSION By Nelson

The Lord is my shepherd; [This version removes the possibility of wanting
I have everything I a person may not need.]
Need.
2He lets me rest in fields of [He can rest while sitting, strolling, or
Green grass standing. Rest is over mind and not
and leads me to quiet pools position of body.]
of fresh water.

3He gives me new strength. [God keeps his promise.]
He guides me in the right
Paths,
as he has promised.
4Even if I go through the
Deepest darkness, [To David, deepest darkness may not be death.]
I will not be afraid, Lord,
for you are with me.
Your shepherd’s rod and staff
protect me.
5You prepare a banquet for
me,
where all my enemies can [My enemies may not just be present, but they
see me; actually see me while you welcome me.]
you welcome me as an
honored guest
and fill my cup to the brim.
6 I know that your goodness
and love will be with me
all my life;
and your house will be my
home as long as I live.

If you were writing a Psalm to God this morning, what would you use as the back-drop or bases for your thinking? How would you make your petition to God seem realistic enough that God would know your deepest worries, sorrows, needs and desires? David had been a shepherd and understood what he had meant to his sheep. He used this metaphor to explain to God that he placed the same dependency in his shepherd—God almighty; as did the sheep experienced under his, David’s watch.

There are many examples in the Word where we are known as the sheep; and where God is the Good Shepherd. No animal is more dependent upon total leadership from an earthly shepherd. And man is the only animal that is spiritually dependent upon the Heavenly Shepherd. The New Testament tells us that He is our great Shepherd…the good Shepherd, and as he is our Shepherd so we are his sheep. One circumstance makes our position even greater; we are not passive or frightened animals but wise and obedient followers. This passage does not deal with the animal like qualities of the sheep, but it deals with the qualities of disciples of God as followers of his shepherding.

David is pictured here as one most dependent upon his God and he gives him complete credit for all good that is his to enjoy. David, as a mortal man had some desires that were undesirable to God, but if in His will, he never was left suffer a need unfilled. When his mind was on God he never had a need for food [green pastures] or water, always quiet and pure.

When David’s sinful nature bothered him…God restored his soul and he was soon guided back into the pathway of righteousness. This was not for David, but for His name’s sake…so that he can be honored for His greatness.

David was a great man of God, but not so great that he did not have fear when evil approached him. The giant stood in his way; he could have feared the death of an approaching spear…it was a shadow of death to him—but his faith was so great that he knew that all was well so long as God was with him and that they were on the same side. As he approached the giant, he was able to visualize God as a great shepherd, standing in the gap with his rod and staff in hand, ready to intercede for him in a moment of need.

The 23 Psalm is only six verses long; however no passage long or shout, has more proof of complete confidence of any other man in his God. God exhibits complete concern in his sheep all the way from the food they eat, water they drink, through all of their life and then that time that comes when we pass through the shadows of death to a bright and shinning tomorrow. Our heart is our cup, and it should be constantly filled to overflowing. If you were finishing your Psalm to God right now, what other grounds would you use to prove your complete dependency upon your GREAT SHEPHERD? Pray for me! Oh! You have. You do. And you will…then I thank you.