Heralds Digest

“For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, And will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; And precious shall be their blood in His sight.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72:12-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.72.12-14.nkjv If the laudable achievement of humanity can be simply paraphrased, it should be the “deliverance from pauperism”. Dignity and respect are restored at home and the society when pauperism is clearly seen to be conquered. Unfortunately, not many people can see the impracticable venture of eradicating pauperism in their life, especially when the divine purpose becomes alien to their primary pursuit. Even when personal achievements in life are attracting celebrations and satisfaction, the poor in spirit align with God in pursuit of His will in the lives of others. Accumulation of material prosperity may be readily in abundance; but the spirit of the precious ...

  “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭69:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.69.13.nkjv One of the reasons why importunity in prayer is considered old-fashion is that self-help approaches appear to often provide good competition. In times of troubles and the vicissitude of life, several mountains and options keep calling for the attention of vulnerable minds. Even when the embarrassing situation in the life of David has dragged him away from the possessed throne, he remained tagged on to the privileged throne of grace: “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD”. Funny enough, all of the demigods and pseudo-gods in the affairs of the people of God are mostly excited by the patronage of faithless attention seekers. Whereas, the Psalmist preferred to keep the anticipation of God’s attention alive. As long as God remains on the throne of His mercy, the rig...

  “Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, And His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68:34-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.68.34-35.nkjv Clouds symbolize chaos, calamity, uncertainty and confusions. And while many detest the taste of clouds, confidence in God and the courage to stand for the right are often tested in the clouds. Unfortunately, even the righteous do ask “where is God and the Rock of the salvation?”, when surrounded by clouds. Notwithstanding, the Psalmist teaches the righteous to “Ascribe strength to God” because in spite of it all “His excellence is over Israel, And His strength is in the clouds”. Yes, the Almighty God is always Awesome in the midst and circumstances surrounding His beloved children. As soon as the eyes, hearts and souls are focused on the awesomeness of God, even in the midst of cloud...

  “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.63.6.nkjv Activities in the day and entertainment in the night are common routines when life appears good and everything is going on as planned. Unfortunately, these routines often do not always encourage productive meditation. Concentration on well-planned out activities for the day and relaxation with entertainment in the night does feels great in the eyes of a self-made man. Although the challenges of life are generally unacceptable, they provide a better perspective of authentic night watches. And it is difficult to challenge the fact that problems often draw the heart closer to God than prosperity. Therefore, even when the day’s activities are lining up as good, wise hearts will often prefer the option of inviting godly meditation in night watches than indulging in ungodly entertainment as night splash .

  “So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭61:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.61.8.nkjv For a heart that is consistently overwhelmed with an heavy load of care, taking pleasure in approaching the presence of God is under-stably motivated by prayer petitions. And commitment to a daily performance from a heart of praise is certainly impossible in a world that cannot be totally free from troubles, without a sincere pleasure in praise. Therefore, the Psalmist made a commitment to praise the name of God forever, thereby overcoming the distractive challenges from the odds in life. Unfortunately, performance-based praises are common in the assembly of God’s people and the commonwealth of Saints. And praises become dull and dead in seasons with little or no performances. Whereas, the pleasure of believers in the praises of the King of Kings should never reverberate from casual performances.

  “For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭48:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.48.14.nkjv The concept of seeking God for guidance is easily amenable to visitors to the throne of grace. Whenever the guidance is obtained by many, the deal is done and the Guide is expected to step aside. Unfortunately, navigation through our complex world with trusted guidance but no Guide is like flying a plane on autopilot. Storms and turbulence that defile predicted simulation will surely bring down the ambitious exploration. Therefore, it is not enough to know the will of God in marriage, business, family and all career prospects. The race of life is won by only those who know the importance of running with God as the only Guide. God, through His indwelling Spirit in the heart of the righteous, does provide consistent interpretation of the needs for frequent detour in the race of life.

  “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance...Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:5, 11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.5,11.nkjv Praise in appreciation of what God has done is comely; but praise in appreciation of who God is is more sustainable. In moments of depression and great devaluation of what God has done, motivation for the normal praise in the heart is lost. In such moments, instead of asking “Why have you allowed this, O God?”, the Psalmist asked “Why are you cast down, O my soul?”. The soul is the battlefield for depression in moments of disappointment and despair in life. And it is the fertile ground for sowing the seeds of discouragement and disrespect for the power and the presence of God. Unfortunately, the heart often forgets...