Psalm 42, 58, &115
Hope for Victory
Although Psalm 42 and 58 were written at an earlier time they have application to the time in which the exiles were living. Psalm 42 describes the longing in the heart of the captives for God. Psalm 58 describes those who are ruling over the exiles.
Babylon thought they were god because they had conquered the world, but they only held it for a short time. Seventy years after the second invasion of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon would fall to the Medes and the Persians and the exiles would be allowed to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple and the city just as Isaiah had prophesied.
Psalm 115 was written at the time God delivered Jehoshaphat and the nation from the invading nations we read about in 2 Chronicles 20. It is an encouraging reminder that God is bigger than any problem we might be facing. It is important that we glorify our God rather than glorify our problem or situation.
When going through difficult times it is important that we do not lose sight of the promises of God. It is also encouraging to look back at the times when God delivered His people from impossible situations. These reminders are like streams in a dry desert that bring new life and hope. Jesus is the stream in the desert that gives life and hope to believers. From Him flows living water that we can drink, any time and at any place. John 7:37-39. (See also John 4:1-39)
In our last study, “When Afraid” we looked at the story of Hagar and Ishmael who were wandering in the wilderness and ran out of water. God met them in their time of dryness and need and showed them a well close by. Jesus the source of living water is close by. He is only a prayer away. When dry and thirsty a good emergency number to remember is John 7:37. Jesus said that those who were hungry and thirsty for righteousness would be filled in Matthew 5:6.
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”
What God has said He will do. No matter what the day brings, or what we are faced with may we never lose sight of God’s promises to us and may we find refreshment in God’s faithfulness!
Pastor Dave