“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Dear Ones:
The Psalms are a compilation of hidden treasures, not only because there are the real life testimonies of those who have lived by faith, but also, and more importantly, how God in His mercy and grace intervened concretely in their lives. The underlying reason for the Psalm’s existence, is the preordained purpose of God, to reveal to men, in particular through His servants, that He is a God that can be known, loved, proved, and served. It seems that with extraordinary clarity, conciseness, and conviction, the Psalms are masterpieces of God, given to men, that by the truths embedded in them, the greatest and smallest of men, can know Him. How did God do this, and what specifically is He communicating to man, so that one can truly commune with God?
In Psalm 73, we find the Psalmist’s account of him being overwhelmed by the “prosperity of the wicked, their pride and violence covering them as a garment. He saw their oppression of others, their defiance of God, speaking great things concerning themselves, but against heaven. He did not understand how God could allow the “…ungodly,” to prosper in the world, increasing in riches, while so many others were so needy. The turmoil in his heart was basically because of his own efforts to have a clean heart, being innocent before God and men, and yet, the wicked would prosper. It is at this point, when the logic would declare injustice and unrighteousness, that the Psalmist discovered something vital to the meeting of the need of his own heart. Or rather, he discovered somewhere to go, where he could see clearly from heaven’ standpoint, thus having the perspective of God. He writes: “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; UNTIL I went into the sanctuary of God: then understood I their end. Surely, Thou hast set them in slippery places: Thou casteth them down into destruction.” (73:16-18) The Psalmist discovered that in the worship of God, a true and right perspective will be given by God. Here is the tangible, and clear response of God to the dilemma of one’s heart. God actually gives knowledge, and truth, to the one who truly seeks Him.
With the knowledge of God’s certain dealings with the wicked, comes the grace to let Him bear the responsibility. The Psalmist then is no longer oppressed, or obsessed, by the weight of injustice, for he turns to the Lord in prayer, declaring: “Nevertheless, I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand.” (v.23) Why does the Psalmist use this imagery of the Lord holding him by his right hand? It is because it is spiritually true. God, in His authority, power, and love, does indeed lead the believer in a tangible fashion, just as He would take him physically by the hand. Tangible faith, its substance and the evidence of the certain response of God, is very real. These are concrete results of faith.
In Psalm 25, we find David writing: “Good and upright is the Lord: therefore He will teach sinners in the way. The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach in His way.” (v.8,9) Does the invisible good and upright Lord truly teach sinner in the way he should choose? He does so for the one who is receptive, and willing to follow Him. Jesus would say concerning this matter: “My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me.” Here is receptivity, and the response of faith. How then is one taught to recognize the Lord’s voice? The Psalmist found the answer in the sanctuary, that place of worship. It is there in the stillness, waiting on God, with the Scriptures in hand, and in the heart, that God leads, and reveals Himself to the heart. Faith is very tangible and real. Even more real is the faithful, and certain response of God for the one who truly seeks Him.
Dear Father, Thy Son is the Author and Finisher of faith. Strengthen our hearts, according to Thy word, to receive all from Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad