Notes from Norman

DELIVERANCE AND DISCIPLESHIP (2)

DELIVERANCE AND DISCIPLESHIP (2)
Thoughts on Psalm 116

Verses 7 – 8

What I see here is God’s deliverance from all kinds of life’s trials. We are caught in circumstances that sadden us, scare us and threaten us, but God has delivered us from all these circumstances? Why? Not so we can have carefree life and enjoy what people commonly call the good life. It’s so we can walk with God in the land of the living.

Verses 7-10

The psalmist’s life was no bed of roses. He was “greatly afflicted.” He was under stress. That’s what a modern day psychologist would call it. He was in dismay. They would call it depression. He was even a bit paranoid. He thought “all men are liars,” which is something of an exaggeration. He saw all these things as consequences of his faith. Faith in God does not guarantee exemption from pain, heartache, disappointment or even depression. Some years ago a well known Christian writer suggested that depression is sin. I wonder if he would accuse the psalmist of sin when he admits his depression. The point of the psalm seems to be this. You are still blessed by God even when life looks sour.

( more to come)

posted by Norman @ 6:34 AM