Bible Pathway - July 16, 2012

Highlights:

Safety of the godly; blessings of trusting in God.

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning (Ps. 130:5-6).

There is an unusual emphasis in the repetition, I say, more than they that watch for the morning. It shows the importance of waiting on the Lord — looking to Him to supply our every need. He clearly tells us He is totally sufficient. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

The watchman on the walls of Jerusalem was obligated to stay awake. His responsibility was to alert others in case the enemy attacked the city. If he failed in his responsibility, it could cost everything. An enemy could attack the city without warning. The city would be completely vulnerable. You and I are called by God to be watchmen. We must alert our families, our churches and ourselves that the enemy, the devil, is on the attack. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up (Matt. 24:43).

With far more alertness and concern than that of a night watchman, the psalmist urged the Israelites to place their full confidence and trust in God: Let Israel hope in the Lord (Ps. 130:7). We should place our dependence completely upon Him and not anyone else. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

It is a natural tendency to depend upon one's own resources or the strength of others, as did the Israelites when they sought help from Egypt. But those who value the Lord's blessing will have faith like that of the psalmist, living in full confidence that God will fulfill His Word. The Word of God is our place of refuge when we are under attack by the enemy. It is in His Word, that we find true safety and security remembering who the Word of God is. Jesus is the Word become flesh (John 1:14). He has given us the ultimate protection as we are instructed by Paul to put on the whole armour of God which is Jesus. He is our Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word (Eph. 6:13-17). It is in Him and only in Him that we will truly find rest.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him . . . who bringeth wicked devices to pass (Ps. 37:7).

Thought for Today:

Happy are those who commit everything to Christ, knowing He chooses better for us than we can choose for ourselves.

Christ Revealed:

As our Protector — the One who shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in (Ps. 121:8). By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9). And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (II Tim. 4:18).

Word Studies:

130:3 mark, record; 130:4 feared, reverenced with awe; 131:1 exercise, concern; too high for me, far beyond me.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Mike D. Rogers (AL), Rep. Donald M. Payne (NJ), and Rep. Tim J. Ryan (OH) • Country: Malta (388,000) about 60 miles south of Sicily • Major languages: Maltese and English • Religious freedom • 97% Christian; 1.7% non-Religious/other; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Declare the wondrous works of God with thanksgiving (Ps. 26:6-7).

Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:8