"I will remain steadfast, being upheld by the power of God." - Geneva Bible Footnotes
This is a time for resolve for the Christian!
When the "times" are perilous, it is a "time for resolve." When the "times" are treacherous, it is a "time for resolve." When the "times" are evil, it is a "time for resolve."
When you as a believer are beset by troubles, trials, and tragedies, it is a "time for resolve."
When all around you is heartache, brokenness, pain, sorrow, betrayal, loss, disappointment, and disillusionment, it is a "time - like never before - for resolve."
It is a "time" to make up your mind...to have a fixed purpose and intention...and to come to a definite and earnest decision about your relationship with God.
In this message, we want to consider six (6) definite resolves that you as a Christian must have in order to "ride out the storms of life" and make it to the other side.
The first and foremost resolve can be found in Psalm 18:1 which says - "I will love Thee, O LORD, my strength."
Here David made it his fixed resolution to abide in the nearest and most intimate union with the Most High. He determined to love his God - the one true and living God - most affectionately, dearly, and entirely...with his whole soul...with the greatest intensity...with a burning and boundless affection ...and from the depth of his heart.
The Preacher's Homiletic Commentary explained it in this way - "Nothing must we love above God, or so much as God, much less against God."
David resolved that there would never be any time when he would love anyone or anything "above God," "so much as God," or "against God."
You must make that same decision!
The second resolve for the Christian can be found in Psalm 34:1 which says - "I will bless the LORD at all times..."
Here David displayed a firm resolution to praise his God and be thankful for His mercies. He always regarded God as the object of his adoration and praise.
This became a great principle of life for him that in every situation...under every circumstance...in every event that occurred - whether in prosperity or adversity...in safety or in danger...in joy or in sorrow...before, in, or after trials...in bright days of glee or under dark nights of fear - he would publicly and privately "bless the LORD."
This must also become your determination as well!
The third resolve for the Christian can be found in Psalm 57:2 which says - "I will cry unto God most high; unto God That performeth all things for me."
When beset by enemies, David demonstrated here his firm resolution to appeal at once to the Supreme Being - the God to Whom all worlds and creatures are subject and under Whose protection he would be safe.
First of all, he recognized that Elohim was the "most high." He was above all and could do all things for David's succor and relief. As Divinity, He completely covered David with His "wings" - sheltering him all around.
To add to the understanding of God as "most high," Albert Barnes interjected this comment - "God is exalted above all creatures; all events are 'under' Him, and He can control them."
As a Christian, do you really believe that?
The Treasury of David then added - "I will by prayer put myself under the shadow of God's wings: and mark what success should follow."
As a Saint of God, is this your true intent?
Secondly, in reference to Psalm 57:2, David recognized that Elohim was the strong God - far above all of his enemies and against Whom no human nor diabolic might could ever prevail.
Then, thirdly, David recognized that his God did not make large promises and then through inability, carelessness, and unfaithfulness not perform them. He did not work in halves. On the contrary, He brought to pass...perfected...and finished what He had begun and promised.
You must recognize this as well!
The fourth resolve for the Christian can be found in Psalm 71:16 which says - "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only."
Here David resolved to always go to battle against his enemies with a strong confidence in the power of his God. He was resolved to never sit down in despair but to stir up himself in his work and warfare to go forth - not in his own strength - but in God's strength.
In his future journey through life - his trials, difficulties, duties, conflicts, temptations, and even old age - he would only lean on God's arm - disclaiming his own sufficiency and depending on God only as all-sufficient.
In your future journey through life, is it your intent to rely on no other strength but that of the Almighty?
The Biblical Illustrator made this comment - "'I will go in the strength of the Lord God.' If I shall require mental vigour, God can give it me. If I shall want physical strength, He can give it me. If I shall need spiritual power, He can give it me. If the particular demand is a clear sight, that I may detect and baffle the cunning of the enemy, He can give it me. If I require courage and quick resolve, He can give them me. If my special need be firmness of mind in the day of temptation, He can give it me. If it be a patient temper, He can give it me. Nothing is wanted by a believer, but that which the strength of God supplies when it is needed. As our days our strength shall be. We shall find the supply always equal to the demand."
David also went on to say - "I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only." He added the resolve to always remember God's "righteousness" - His faithfulness in making good all His promises.
You must make this your fixed purpose as well!
The fifth resolve for the Christian can be found in Psalm 56:3 which says - "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."
Here David determined to make it his firm resolution to always have God as his confidence - especially in the day of his fear - that day when he felt fear stealing over him... when he had the greatest cause of fear...and when he was most terrified from without and most timorous within. It was then that he would trust in God - relying on His providence and promises for his deliverance.
The Treasury of David said - "Afraid! alas, who is not? but what course will you take then? Even what course you used to take, i.e., believe; use faith always; and have it now."
It is imperative that you - as a believer - make this your objective as well!
Lastly, the sixth resolve for the Christian can be found in Psalm 44:6 which says - "For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me."
Here the Psalmist determined that his only ground of trust would be God. It would not be in himself... any carnal weapon...nor any creature help or assistance (in other words, the arm of the flesh) - but in the word of the Lord.
He understood that to trust in men was a ready road to utter ruin. Carnal confidence only ended in confusion. Hence, he renounced for ever all reliance upon outward confidences and determined to place his trust totally and absolutely in his King Who alone "commanded deliverances for Jacob." (Psalm 44:4).
You also must make it your objective to have less confidence in yourself or anything else beside God.
This is a time for resolve for the Christian!
It is not a time for wavering!
Follow these six resolves taken from God's Word, and you will be sure to successfully "ride out the storms of life" and make it to the other side.
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved