Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-124 Sunday 23 Jun 2002

Reading: Psalm 124 – HE HAS HEARD MY VOICE

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.'(Heb 12:2)

Many of us have prayed, at one time or another, ‘Lord, increase my faith,’ or else have lamented, ‘If only I had more faith.’ This psalm offers a simple answer to both prayers, namely that our faith will always be in proportion to our experience of God’s grace.

The psalmist has great faith for the simple reason that he has been in great danger and God has rescued him. He was close to death, weeping with distress, and without direction (v 8), yet God fully restored him. This is the source of his joy and thanksgiving, as he celebrates not only God’s gracious acts, but God’s gracious character as well (v 5).

There is no suggestion here that the Lord prevents those who trust him from experiencing trials. God clearly allows such things to happen. Yet the psalm insists that when such overwhelming need arises, God answers those who call on him. The devotion that emerges from this experience is concrete, honest, and practical: ‘I love the Lord, for he has heard my voice.’ (v 1)

The concluding invitation for us to ‘praise the Lord’ represents something of a paradox. We are bidden to join in giving thanks for all that the psalmist has experienced. Yet this is the psalmist’s experience, rather than our own. Even the most well-intentioned assurance of God’s goodness can sound hollow to those who totter on the brink of losing everything. Only by experiencing God’s provision for ourselves will we be inspired to celebrate God’s praise. Scripture does not replace, but points us toward, our own encounter with God.

Rather than praying for faith, pray that you may see more of God’s deliverance, and may have the courage to endure the trials that will require it.

– Rev Dr Michael Knowles

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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