Safety is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of God

Even while David was seized by his enemies, the Philistines, he wrote this: When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4).

David knew that no matter what his circumstances looked like -- whether his life was in great danger or not -- his safety depended on God. It is no surprise, then, that David wrote in Psalm 27:1-3: The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

When you feel afraid of what other people can do to you, remember that God has ultimate control over your life. However, it is important to note that in order to expect God's protection, you must be in God's presence. Notice that Psalm 91:1-2 says, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." In order to be rest in God's shadow, you must be in His presence -- and that means spending time with God, reading His Word, and praying.

Whether the people coming against you are terrorists or just your neighbor, remember that it is God you protects you: The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6).

The principle that safety is found in God is summarized by Psalm 4:8, which says, I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. You may be in dangerous circumstances, but safety is found not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.

Weekly Wisdoms for the week of March 21, 2011
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2011-03-21

Don't Stop Praying ♫

Don't stop praying! The Lord is nigh;
Don't stop praying! He'll hear your cry;
God has promised, and He is true;
Don't stop praying; He'll answer you.

Don't stop praying! For every need;
Don't stop praying! The Lord will heed;
No petition to Him is small;
Don't stop praying! He'll hold your hand.

Don't stop praying! When bowed with grief;
Don't stop praying! You'll get relief;
Troubles never escape God's sight;
Don't stop praying! He'll make it right.

Don't stop praying! But have more trust;
Don't stop praying! For pray we must;
Faith will banish a mount of care;
Don't stop praying! God answers prayer.

Are you seeking God's presence or His presents?

You can learn a lot about what you want simply by examining what you are praying for.

King David said, One thing I ask of the Lord ... (Psalm 27:4). He had just one thing that was important to him -- just one thing! Are you begging God for many things, or are you asking Him for just that one thing: ... that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple" (Psalm 27:4)?

In that psalm, David was praying that he would dwell in God's presence and seek Him. Notice that his prayer had nothing to do with getting more worldly things from God.

So, instead of begging God to give you more worldly things, pray that you would dwell in the house of the Lord, knowing that when you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, ... all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).

When you seek God, He promises to take care of all the things you need! Start seeking God's presence, and He will give you His presents.

Weekly Wisdoms for the week of December 21, 2009
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2009-12-21

Listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity

What are you praying for? Are you asking God to give you more stuff--a bigger house, a new car, a bigger salary? What you pray for indicates what is important to you.

It is a great lesson to examine what the people in the Bible prayed for.

King David, in Psalm 27:4, prayed, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. He asked God for just one thing: that he would dwell in God's presence. David clearly knew that in God's presence he would receive everything he needed (see Matthew 6:33).

Paul also didn't pray for worldly things. Instead, in Philippians 1:9, Paul prayed that the church would walk in love: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more. Paul knew the importance of love, and so he made it a point to pray that the church would grow more and more in love.

Furthermore, he prayed that believers would be strengthened spiritually: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16).

In short, your prayers can tell what you consider to be important. If you are only praying for worldly stuff, then you are neglecting what is of lasting value: knowing God, dwelling in His presence, walking in His love, and being strong spiritually.

Therefore, decide to adjust what you're praying for. Learn to listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity.

Weekly Wisdoms for the week of November 23, 2009
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2009-11-23

Don't Stop Praying ♫

Don't stop praying, the Lord is nigh;
Don't stop praying, He'll hear your cry;
God has promised, and He is true;
Don't stop praying, He'll answer you.

Don't stop praying for every need;
Don't stop praying, the Lord will heed;
No petition to Him is small;
Don't stop praying, He'll hold your hand.

Don't stop praying when led to sin;
Don't stop praying that good may win;
Christ was tempted and understands;
Don't stop praying, He'll hold your hands.

Don't stop praying when bowed with grief;
Don't stop praying, you'll get relief;
Troubles never escape God's sight;
Don't stop praying, He'll make it right.

Don't stop praying but have more trust;
Don't stop praying, for pray we must;
Faith will banish a mount of care;
Don't stop praying, God answers prayer.