4.2 Assurance of God’s Care

Read Psalm 40:2–4; 50:15; 55:23; and 121. How is God involved in our daily affairs?

These Psalms provide profound insights into God’s care for His people and His involvement in their daily affairs.

Psalm 40:2–4: The psalmist describes how the Lord lifted him from a deep pit and provided a firm foundation. This rescue signifies divine care in personal challenges. The psalmist emphasizes that true happiness comes not from worldly achievements but from a relationship with God.

Psalm 50:15: In this verse, God urges people to call upon Him in times of trouble. God’s willingness to listen and respond to the cries of His people demonstrates His involved care and interest in the daily concerns of individuals.

Psalm 55:23: The psalmist stresses the importance of casting one’s burdens on the Lord, as God cares for His people. This statement illustrates that the burdens of believers don’t need to be carried alone; God actively stands by their side.

Psalm 121: This psalm celebrates God’s all-encompassing power and care in the lives of believers. Various images, such as protection from stumbling, God’s constant vigilance, and comprehensive preservation from all evil, illustrate profound care from God. Metaphorical expressions like the shadow and the right hand of God emphasize His closeness and strength accompanying His people.

In summary, these Psalms highlight God’s loving care in all aspects of life. Believers are encouraged to trust in this care and to bring their concerns, joys, and sorrows to God in prayer. The essence is a deep confidence that God is present and lovingly cares for His people in every situation.

What can you do concretely to better experience the reality of God’s care? How can you better collaborate with God for Him to work in and for you?

1. Prayer and Communication:

   • Deepen your prayer time to consciously communicate with God. Share your thoughts, worries, joys, and gratitude with Him.

   • Take time to be still and listen for God’s response. This can happen through meditation, studying the Bible, or simply in moments of silence.

2. Trust and Faith:

   • Develop a profound trust in God’s love and care for you. Believe in His promises and His ability to work in all areas of your life.

   • Regularly reflect on past experiences where God’s care was evident, and remember His faithfulness.

3. Studying God’s Word:

   • Read the Bible regularly to better understand God’s character and His promises. Scripture is a crucial source for recognizing God’s love and care.

   • Look for Bible verses related to God’s care and meditate on them.

4. Practicing Gratitude:

   • Cultivate an attitude of gratitude toward God. Be thankful for His care in both small and significant aspects of life.

   • Keep a gratitude journal, recording things you’re thankful for daily.

5. Community with Believers:

   • Seek fellowship with other believers to strengthen faith and share experiences.

   • Pray together and share testimonies of God’s care with one another.

6. Self-Reflection and Humility:

   • Practice self-reflection and humility by acknowledging your dependence on God’s care.

   • Be willing to accept God’s guidance in your life, even if it differs from your own plans.

It’s important to note that the experience of God’s care is personal and individual. Each person may find different ways to deepen this experience and cultivate a more active collaboration with God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-4-2-assurance-of-gods-care/

Lesson 4: The Lord Hears and Delivers

In the fourth lesson, we explore the Psalms as powerful expressions of worship, prayer, and relationship with God. The Psalms offer a rich range of emotions and experiences, from deep despair to exuberant praise. We will examine the different types of Psalms, explore their structure and meaning, and understand how they shape our understanding of God’s character and care for us. Let’s dive into the rich world of the Psalms and be inspired by their timeless wisdom.

4.1 You discern my going out and my lying down

Read Psalm 139:1–18. How is God’s power (V. 1–6), presence (V. 7–12), and goodness (V. 13–19) poetically described? What does God’s greatness reveal about His promises?

Poetic Descriptions:

• God’s Power (Verses 1–6): The Psalm begins by acknowledging God’s comprehensive knowledge of the psalmist. God knows every thought and word even before they are spoken, portraying divine power that transcends space and time. The phrases “You have searched me” and “You know my sitting down and rising up” underscore God’s all-encompassing power and wisdom.

• God’s Presence (Verses 7–12): The Psalm continues to describe God’s presence as omnipresent. It states that even in the farthest places, whether darkness or the grave (Sheol), God is there. Metaphors like the wings of the morning and the uttermost parts of the sea emphasize that no place is beyond God’s reach. This poetic depiction highlights God’s closeness to humanity, irrespective of spatial or geographical boundaries.

• God’s Goodness (Verses 13–19): God’s goodness is emphasized in the creation and formation of humans in the womb. The psalmist praises God for the marvelous ability to know and shape each individual uniquely. The words “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” express gratitude and admiration for God’s goodness. The certainty that God knows and loves the psalmist in every aspect leads to profound trust and joy.

God’s Greatness and Promises: The greatness of God, manifested in His power, presence, and goodness, lends weight and depth to God’s promises. The assurance that God knows every aspect of our lives and is powerful beyond space and time strengthens confidence in God’s promises of help and deliverance. The close relationship with God, deepened by the awareness of His comprehensive knowledge and care for us, fortifies faith in His promises.

The psalmist recognizes in God’s greatness not only a majestic reality but also a source of hope and comfort, strengthened by God’s promises.

Some may find the idea that God knows everything about them – even their darkest secrets – to be a somewhat daunting thought. Why, then, is the Gospel our only hope?

The fact that God knows everything about us, including our darkest secrets, can be intimidating for some when associated with feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of punishment. In this regard, the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, may appear as our only hope. Here are some reasons why the Gospel is a source of hope in the midst of this awareness:

1. God’s Love and Forgiveness: The Gospel proclaims God’s love for humanity despite their sins. Jesus Christ came to save humanity by dying on the cross for sins. Through faith in Him and accepting His forgiveness, people can have a relationship with God. The Gospel teaches that God’s love and forgiveness are greater than any sin, offering hope for a fresh start.

2. Redemption and Liberation: The Gospel includes the message of redemption and liberation from the power of sin. Jesus Christ provides the possibility of inner transformation by freeing people from the slavery of sin. Through faith in Him, people can find a new identity in Christ and lead a life shaped by God’s grace and strength.

3. Grace and Acceptance: The Gospel emphasizes God’s unconditional grace. It teaches that acceptance by God is not based on personal achievements but on His grace. This brings a deep sense of acceptance, even in the midst of imperfection and weaknesses.

4. Hope for Eternal Life: The Gospel offers hope for eternal life through the resurrection of Christ. It promises that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life with God. This perspective transcends the limitations of the present world and provides a hopeful view of eternity.

5. Relationship with God: The Gospel offers the possibility of a personal relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, people have access to God as their heavenly Father. This relationship provides comfort, guidance, and the assurance that God, who knows everything about us, accepts us lovingly.

In summary, the Gospel is the source of our hope because it provides a positive response to the daunting realization of our sinfulness. It offers a path to forgiveness, transformation, and communion with a loving God who accepts us despite our flaws.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-4-1-my-frame-was-not-hidden-from-you/

Have you ever experienced the wait and expectation that arises before something you’ve been looking forward to finally arrives? Perhaps the day of your wedding, the first day of your new job, or even that all-inclusive vacation you’ve desperately been needing. 

During the wait, time can seem as if it passes ever so slowly. From our human point of view—especially in today’s Instagram world—anything less than instant is slow. 

For 180 years, Adventists have been preaching and proclaiming the Second Coming of Christ. While many wait in anticipation for this life-changing event, others can feel like that long-awaited day is still an eternity to come.

In this video, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, explores the reality of Christ’s Second Coming and encourages listeners that it is still possible to wait in hope for His return. 

Want to know more?

For a detailed look at what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes about the Second Coming, visit https://www.adventist.org/second-coming/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/jesus-is-coming-soon-pastor-ted-wilson/