Down an Unfamiliar Road

DON’T BE MISLED

David penned many wonderful psalms, and when compilers collected them, some were so good they classified them as being worth their weight in gold. They recognized that if they wanted to inspire people to remain faithful and loyal, they had to choose the writings of someone who had gone through the fire; went through the flood; experienced unimaginable difficulties, but yet survived. After facing many such trials and challenges, David developed a motto for his life, and this Psalm proved worthy to be etched on a pillar erected in his honor, hence it became known as a Golden Psalm. The ancients also tell us that the first sentence was etched into the crown David wore.

“My Sovereign King, You’re all I want; You’re the only One I hold on to. I openly confess, You are my Divine Master; You owe me nothing. Likewise, I want only the best for all the gallant believers throughout our land. But when it comes to those who do not acknowledge You, may they be sorely disappointed. I not only refuse to join in their ungodly activities, but decline to even discuss it with them. O LORD Eternal, I won’t let You go because You’re the One who guarantees my future. Life’s been good to me in so many ways: food on my table and a roof over my head. But You get all the credit O LORD Eternal, because of Your advice in letting me know when a change needed to be made in my life. Each day I sense Your presence, walking with me; making sure I’m on the right track. That’s why I’m full of joy, yes, I’m all excited and have such blessed assurance in my soul. You won’t abandon me, even when I die; You won’t let the one who has been faithful to you die lost. You will keep me on the path to eternal life; and having You walk with me each day is pure joy; I get happy just holding Your hand.” Psalm 16:1-11

Reflection: A wealthy Persian named Ali Hafed living in India owned a very large estate with orchards, grain fields, and gardens. One day a visiting Buddhist priest showed him a diamond and told him how much richer he’d be if he owned a diamond mind. So out of greed Ali sold his plantation and went in search of diamonds. He traveled the world over but found none. Eventually he became so poor, hungry and defeated that he committed suicide by throwing himself off a boat into the sea. One day the man who bought Ali’s manor led his camel into the garden to drink. He saw a sparkle of light in the sand at the bottom of the stream. When he pulled out the object he discovered it was a diamond. His find led to the famous diamond mine of Golcanda, the most magnificent diamond mine in history. Had Ali stayed home and dug in his own garden, he would have possessed acres of diamonds. Often we go chasing after supposed spiritual remedies or solutions based on other people’s opinions. God went out of His way to provide us with all we need right where we are. It’s our option to keep our eyes open to see it, or close them and go off on a fruitless journey.

IT’S NOT WRONG TO BE WRONG

There were few things David revered more than the Ark of the Covenant. He went to great lengths to get it from where the Philistines left it at Kiriath Jearim, about 6 miles NW of Jerusalem. It signified the presence of the living God in the midst of His people. It was the symbol for all things righteous and holy, as well as representing the embodiment of spiritual goodness and ethics, something sorely lacking in his day. David did not want to continue thinking of God’s presence in the abstract, but something that could be seen and felt; not something that was imaginary, but something that was real.

“O LORD Eternal, who qualifies to enter Your sanctuary; yes, who can stand in Your holy presence? Only those who live wholesome lives; who dedicate themselves to living and doing what’s right, and telling the truth even when it hurts; who doesn’t slander or disgrace friends or neighbors; who avoid despicable people, but love those who worship the LORD Eternal; who never go back on their word no matter what it costs; who give to the poor without wanting anything in return; and those who cannot be bribed to lie against an innocent person. People like that will never, ever disappoint anyone.” Psalm 15:1-5

Reflection: Universities produce graduates – the doctors who heal us, engineers who build our bridges and CEOs who generate our wealth. The degrees they confer are the university’s guarantee that a graduate has completed a required course of study, and that he or she has been tested and deemed suitable by appropriate authorities. Yet a recent University of Guelph study discovered that more than half the student body was cheating its way through school. There is no great sense of urgency shown by university administrators over this problem. The value of a degree is being debased, and there is mounting evidence that a lack of integrity in the university system will have a far-reaching effect on our economy in the years to come. The numbers on academic misconduct at both Canadian and American post-secondary institutions are startling. The Guelph report puts the percentage of Canadian students engaging in serious cheating on written work at 53 per cent. In the U.S., according to some studies, 70 per cent of students admit to cheating in one form or another. Universities, apparently not convinced that cheating has reached crisis proportions, offer little but token anti-plagiarism policies and ineffective ethics campaigns to assuage critics. [Cathy Gulli, Nicholas Kohler and Martin Patriquin | Category Magazine, Feb 9, 2007] Could it be that there are cheating Christians; people who profess but don’t possess or produce? David certainly did not want to be in that crowd, and he despised people who wanted only to be judged on the outside. But he knew there was one Judge who could not be fooled, and one day all mankind will stand before Him to receive their sentencing. Those who fit the person David described in this psalm are the ones who confesses their failures now, and don’t want to wait and apologize when they stand before the judgment throne of the Almighty.

DEFYING THE DOUBTERS

Continuing with the theme of trusting in God to help you through your difficulties, in this portion of Psalms, Book I, the compilers include a psalm befitting David’s quality of writing. It came from a period in Israel’s history when their captors profanely rejected their God; treated them with contempt; and caused them to plead for liberation by a Savior coming out of Zion. The Psalmist’s words are not crude or contentious, but strong and deliberate to let the enemy know nothing they can do will destroy his faith in the One True God.

“Only morons live as though there is no One True God. The way they live is immoral, detestable and they don’t have one ounce of good in them. The LORD Eternal has tried to find just one who has enough sense to see if a One True God does exist. But He found that every one of them was rotten to the core; none of them proved to be decent human beings, not a single one. Can these individuals who love to insult and profane God’s people be so clueless that they dismiss the very existence of the LORD Eternal? One day their arrogance will turn into terror when they see our One True God revealed and living in the presence of His people. Right now they make fun of those who have such hope; but the saints believe the LORD Eternal holds them securely in His arms. O how we pray for our Deliverer to come. For when the LORD Eternal restores His people to their rightful positions, all God’s people will rejoice; yes, all God’s saints will shout for joy!” Psalm 14:1-7

Reflection: A Christian college student sat in his philosophy class listening to a lecture about God’s existence. The professor used a very humanistic form of logic when asking the class, “Has anyone here ever heard God speak?” Nobody raised their hand. “Has anyone here ever touched God?” No answer. “Has anyone in this class ever seen God?” the professor inquired. When no one responded the professor concluded, “That tells me there is no God.” The Christian student finally lifted his hand and asked if he could speak. Standing up he turned to the class and asked, “Has anyone here ever heard the professor’s brain speak?” Silence followed. “Has anyone here ever touched our professor’s brain?” Complete quiet. “Has anyone in this class ever seen the professor’s brain?” Everyone sat looking at each other with no response. “Then according to our professor’s logic, he has no brain!” The Psalmist seemed to draw the same conclusion about the critics and doubters in his day. While the mind is the intelligence of the body, faith is the intelligence of the soul. That’s why people without faith find it so hard to accept and believe the things that believers are absolutely confident in. Doubters and skeptics attack the believer’s mind, but they have no weapon to attack the soul. When under attack, believers must never allow their body’s intelligence of the mind to overrule their soul’s intelligence of faith.

DEFYING DISAPPOINTMENT

Not only did David contend with Saul’s attempts to get rid of him, but he even faced criticism and opposition from his own supporters. They wondered how long he would go on believing he was destined to be king when the prospects seemed all but lost; why he didn’t face the truth and forget his dream and go back to shepherding, Psalm writing and playing the harp. No doubt some of them grew tired of supporting him in his quest, and were ready to go home and give up. But David knew this was no fantasy, it was his mission. God anointed him and he would not quite till he reached the goal set for him.

“O LORD Eternal, how much longer must I feel like You have forgotten me and don’t want to commune with me any longer? How long must I continue figuring out things on my own; giving me heartache and grief because my enemies won’t go away. Say something, or at least take note of what I’m dealing with, O LORD Eternal, my One True God; put a glimmer of hope back in my eyes, otherwise there’s no reason for me to go on. I don’t want my enemies to brag, ‘We got the best of him!’ and start cheering when they see me finally give up. As for me, Your unwavering love is all I need, and I can hardly wait until You give me victory. When You do, I’ll sing to the LORD Eternal like I’ve never sung before, because He’s been so good to.” Psalm 13:1-6

Reflection: A driver saw an old man having trouble walking along a country road because he had a heavy bag of potatoes draped over his shoulder. Out of compassion he stopped and offered a ride. The old man was grateful, but when he got in he sat the bag of potatoes on his lap. Several times the driver urged him to put the bag on the floor, but the old man replied, “Sir, it’s kind enough of you to carry me, but I don’t want you to feel like you must carry my potatoes too.” By the time the driver explained that since the potatoes were already in the car they were being carried without any extra effort, they reached the old man’s destination. How many believers go through life continuing to carry the weight of their disappointments, even though God has already offered to carry their burdens for them? David concluded that he’d rather be thankful for what he already had instead of becoming depressed over what had not yet be given to him. Sometimes I think believers would rather carry their burdens as victims instead of casting them upon the Lord to become victors. As Scott Wesley Brown wrote so beautifully in 1982, “If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know my brother that He will carry you.”

HONEST AT BEING HONEST

David continues sharing about the bad state of affairs resulting from King Saul taking God’s people, whom Samuel led toward righteousness, and turning them toward wickedness. He knew that such a situation left unchallenged would deteriorate into a society full of corruption, lying, cheating and violence, with evildoers finding ways to avoid punishment. He also realized it would not be easy, no great victory ever is. However, he was still anxious to be used of God in the position his LORD chose for him and anointed him to lead.

“O LORD Eternal, do something quick; more and more honest and decent people are disappearing from society every day. It is now common for people to lie, twist the truth, but still act like they are being honest. So I ask You to put a stop to this misleading and worthless blabber. Especially those who go around bragging, ‘Our free speech guarantees we’ll say what we want to say and no one has any right to censor us.’ But didn’t I hear You say, O LORD Eternal, that because the ill-informed and under-served are crying out for help that You would act now, that You promised that You would come to their rescue? Therefore, I believe that Your promises are genuine, they are even more valuable than sterling silver refined to perfection. Because You, O LORD, Eternal, will see to it that such people will never be able to dupe Your children into becoming victims of such lies.” Psalm 12:1-7

Reflection: While ministering in Asia a businessman asked me how he could succeed now that he was a Christian, when bribery and kick-backs, plus charging owners for high-priced materials and then substituting inferior products were a common practice. Not being an Asian or businessman, I told him I could only advise him on the principles of Biblical ethics. Those who earn a reputation for being honest; being true to their word; mean what they say and say what they mean, will find that businessmen who put up money for expensive projects will love to deal with an honest and trustworthy contractor more than those who cheat. Sometime later that same businessman told me he followed that principle and found it to be true. This led to his becoming a highly respected, trusted, and wealthy businessman with a reputation for being honest. Many believers feel that the idolization of corruption must be met with strong public outcries of righteous indignation. This often offers only the proverbial 15 minutes of fame to the proponents. Better to respond by living an honest and trustworthy life so that believers and sinners on every level will see the benefits of truth and reliability.

WHO’S LOOKING OUT FOR YOU?

David knew what it was like to face a giant with only a slingshot and a few stones. He had experienced fighting off wild animals to protect his father’s sheep, but this was different. That’s why, even though his friends advised him to cut and run in order to save his life from Saul’s assassins, he knew that God had chosen him for a special purpose and he would not give up being faithful to God’s call. After all, if God could trust him to remain true and faithful during times of stress and danger, then God had no reason not to trust him in times of peace and prosperity.

“All of you know I turn to the LORD Eternal when I’m threatened, so how dare you suggest that I fly off like a frightened bird to some hillside cave! Look around you, there are those standing in the shadows who hate believers so much, they’ve got their arrows pulled back against the string so they can ambush them. So I’m telling you, if those considered pillars of society won’t stand up against them, what chance does the average person have? The LORD Eternal watches from His holy throne in heaven to see what’s going on doing down here, because He’s interested in His creation. The LORD Eternal emboldens those who live right, but has little time for those who are habitually evil and love violence. Such evil-minded sinners will get the fiery end they deserve when God’s scorching blast hits them. For the LORD Eternal is gracious; He loves those who live right and act right, and they know He’ll always come through for them.” Psalm 11:1-7

Reflection: Mom and Dad knew their little boy possessed a great deal of talent, when at the age of five he already learned how to play the violin. By age 13 he mastered the organ and became a talented concert artist in the community. By the time he reached his twenties he was recognized as a prolific pianist, composer, and orchestra conductor. But then he began to lose his hearing. Soon his fingers became so calloused he barely felt the piano keys. He kept it all a secret until he reached his fifties when he became stone deaf. But before it was all over, Ludwig von Beethoven wrote nine majestic symphonies, five concertos for piano, not to mention numerous pieces of chamber music, as well as sonatas and scores for violin and piano. His masterful works of unique harmony broke with the traditions of his times, and can be heard on concert stages around the world even to this day. The same with David, whose fingers once strummed a harp, but now had become calloused with climbing rocks and wielding a sword, but he held on to his belief that God was watching over him and would not let him fail as long as he was faithful to his calling.

DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS

David faced more than one enemy from without and plenty of foes from within the kingdom. But none seemed to have thrust a knife in him like his son Absalom and trusted adviser Ahithophel. There was something sinister and evil about their actions and total disregard for his anointing by God as king of Israel. David didn’t mind that Goliath and the Philistines hated him; after all they were the enemy. But how do you respond when the attackers are supposed to be your friends? So David decided to let them know that their evil-minded plot was not only against him, but against a greater King who had picked him to be ruler over all Israel.

“O LORD Eternal, why does it seem at times like You don’t notice or even care that I’m in such deep trouble. Those who hate me are unashamed and proud about it – I wish they’d end up the same way they want me to end up. They openly brag about wanting to get things that aren’t even theirs; they even laugh about being so greedy, thus treating You with contempt and scorn. There’s one who is so disillusioned that he rejects any notion You will hold him accountable or even try to interfere with his wicked quest. And because nothing happens to him, he mocks me when I tell them that You will make him pay. He charges forward as though he has nothing to fear; that nothing can stop him from getting what he wants. So he goes around calling me names, while saying things that are totally misleading and false; it seems as though he can’t wait to brag to others about what he’s up to and how he’ll get away with it. But I want him to know that the LORD Eternal will always be my King; that evil people like him have no place in His kingdom. I have faith that my LORD Eternal will take care of those who are afflicted and give them what they need, so they can cope with their situation. He will stand up for and help believers who have been written off and discriminated against, so that evil people can’t push them around anymore.” Psalm 10:1-7, 16-17

Reflection: The famous British evangelist, pastor and Bible scholar Dr. G. Campbell Morgan was raised in a strict home where he amused himself preaching to his sister’s dolls. Being somewhat of an intellect he started reading the works of such scientists and agnostics as Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley and Herbert Spencer. By the time he was 19 he began to doubt what he had been taught about his Christian faith. In spite of enjoying a career as a successful minister, he became more and more perplexed with doubt about his beliefs. So he canceled all his speaking engagements, put all the books he was reading into a cupboard and locked them away. Then he went to the bookstore and bought himself a new Bible. He challenged himself with this resolution: “Although I’m no longer sure that this is the Word of God that my father told me about, I am sure that if it is the Word of God, and I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul all by itself.” For two years he immersed himself in God’s Holy Word, and by the time he reached the Book of Revelation the light had returned and he never left the path of faith again. He went on the write some of the most influential books of his era that are still read by millions today. Like King David, Dr. Morgan believed that God had the answer to his doubts and fears and all he needed to do was take time to read and listen. Sometimes too much advice and counseling can cloud the mind and result in mixed feelings because of too many options. But God’s Word never changes, and is always there to direct us even during the darkest and most confusing times.

IS IT FAIR?

David’s contemplation of the past in Psalm 8 is followed by the reality of the present. Absalom is dead now, and any hopes and dreams David had of his handsome son becoming a God-fearing prince and leader in Israel died with him. But life must go on in spite of the heartache and sorrow. In David’s mind he never saw himself as a victim of circumstances, but as a warrior king being given every opportunity to test his faith in God. He found that going through such trying situations helped him learned to trust his God more and more. David experienced a simple truth during his years of running from King Saul, that in order to get from one mountain top to another you must go through a valley.

“O LORD Eternal, my heart bursts with joy as I worship You, I can’t wait to tell others how loving and caring You are. O Yes, I’m so proud of You that I want to sing songs of praise telling all about who You really are, my God above all gods; about how You, O LORD Eternal, personally care for those who experience depression or distress and put Your arms around them so they feel safe. That’s why those who know You best, trust You completely; they know that You, O LORD Eternal, will never abandon them even though they’ve lost all hope. That’s why I tell them to sing songs of praise to the LORD Eternal, who lives among His people; and let their neighbors know all that He has done for them. That’s because those who are downtrodden will not be repeatedly forgotten, nor will those who are oppressed be left without anyone to turn to.” Psalm 9:1-2, 9-11, 18

Reflection: Supreme Court Associate Justice Horace Gray was born in Boston to a prominent merchant family. He was such a prodigy that at the age of 13 he enrolled in Harvard and graduated in four years. Four years later at the age of 21 he earned his law degree. While a member of the Massachusetts Supreme Court he was asked to rule on a case where the man involved escaped conviction on the basis of a technicality. He informed the man that he believed he was guilty and that the man knew he was guilty. He told the man to be aware that one day he would stand before a better and wiser Judge where justice would be served without the technicalities of the law. Years later, while burglarizing a house in Antwerp, Belgium, this man fled out the back door after being discovered, clambered over a nine-foot high wall, dropped down on the other side only to find himself in the exercise yard of the city prison. Justice Gray’s words had been validated. Some may despair over Nazi criminals that got away, or Russian gulag guards that went unpunished, or modern terrorists that never pay for their carnage. But never forget, they are all predestined to stand before the Great Judge one day, and justice will be carried out in full. We all may yearn that they be punished now, but God is more interested in how we react and respond to such situations to reach our own destiny, because He has their end already laid out.

DO NOT REGRET HAVING NO REGRETS

David was worn out with Saul’s constant hounding and deceptive methods in trying to get rid of him so he could not take over his throne. It’s one thing when an opponent fights square and fair, but Saul used all types of underhanded methods to fool and assassinate David. What made it so heart-wrenching was that if God had not used David to save Israel from the Philistine giant Goliath, Saul would have no kingdom. So David composed a song to express his frustration with this dark-hearted Benjaminite. In so doing, David not only sent a message to his adversary that he was not giving up, but also to encouraged himself and others to remain strong and steadfast.

“O LORD Eternal, the God above all others, You’ve got to help me; I’m being hounded by those who despise me and You’re the only One who can keep me out of their reach. If You don’t do something they will rip me apart like a lion; tearing me to pieces because there is no one around to protect me. O LORD Eternal, my One True God, I’m ready to accept responsibility if I’m the one who’s at fault for causing this mess. If it turns out that I double-crossed any of my friends, or took things and then claimed they were mine, they have a right to chase me until they catch me; and when they do let them take it out on me no matter how much it hurts. They can then walk off and leave me to die. However, what they are doing to me now should cause You to stand up and defend me, O LORD Eternal; You must see that the justice You promised is served. I want everyone to know that You are still on Your throne; that You, O LORD Eternal, are the one who decides who’s right and who’s wrong in any situation, and I believe You will stand up for me because You know what I’m doing is right. Yes, O LORD Eternal, because You know I’m doing the best I can in the best way I can. Therefore put an end to all this trouble caused by such evil-minded people, but keep those who are living like they should where they have the right to be. For when it comes to examining a person’s heart and mind, there’s no judge as fair as You, O One True God.” Psalm 7:1-9

Reflection: In 1904, William Borden, 16 year old heir to the Borden Dairy Estate, graduated from high school already a millionaire. As a graduation present his parents gave him a trip around the world. While visiting Asia and the Middle East, William became burdened for the poor and afflicted. He wrote home: “I’m going to give my life to prepare for the mission field.” And on the flyleaf of his Bible he wrote, “No Reserves.” He entered Yale University and soon began a daily prayer group. By the end of the year 150 freshmen were involved. When he graduated, 1,000 out of Yale’s 1,300 students met in such groups. William turned down many job offers, and wrote again on the flyleaf of his Bible, “No Retreats.” After completing his degree at Princeton Seminary, William sailed for China to work with Muslims. He stopped in Egypt to make preparations for the final leg of his trip. While there he was stricken with cerebral meningitis and died within a month. Just before he passed away he wrote the last time on the flyleaf of his Bible, “No Regrets.” Even though many doubted the wisdom of his decision, his intentions were beyond question. Both David and young William give us great examples of doing things God’s way, no matter what the cost or consequences. They understood that God does not add up our value based on the number of years we serve or all the positions we hold, but on how strong the intent of our heart is to be faithful as long as He gives us life.

HOLDING ON, NOT HANGING ON

Although David yielded his devastation over Absalom’s rebellion to God, he still struggled with the grief and remorse it brought him. Wounds like that do not heal overnight; they must be bathed in the balm of forgiveness. It’s one thing to deal with treachery coming from an enemy, but the heart and mind are not prepared to handle deceitfulness coming from your own flesh and blood. Perhaps those around him often heard him crying out inside his palace, “How could this happen to me!” So after a long sleepless and tearful night he composed this prayer for God’s strength to help him cope.

“Don’t let my lack of faith upset You O LORD Eternal, so that You punish me out of disappointment and frustration. Be lenient with me O LORD Eternal; for I feel weak inside, my knees are knocking, and I’m completely stressed out, so don’t wait too long before You answer me. O LORD Eternal, don’t let this go on any longer. Because You are so loving and caring, please get me out of this somehow. If I die like this and end up in the grave, there’s no way I can testify of Your goodness. I’m completely worn out with moaning and groaning, that’s why every night I drench my bed, and every day I soak my couch with tears. My eyes have turned blood red and I can hardly see anymore because of the heartbreak I feel. That’s why I’m turning a deaf ear to those who tell me I won’t make it, because I believe the LORD Eternal will hear my sobbing, and my cries will touch His heart. He understands what I’m going through, and I believe my critics will end up being sorry and ashamed they didn’t support me, and it will be a huge embarrassment to them.” Psalm 6:1-10

Reflection: In 1883 engineer John Röbling was inspired to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with Long Island. Bridge experts throughout the world told Röbling to forget the idea; that it was not practical and had never been done before. But Röbling could not erase his vision. He convinced his son, Washington, to help him construct it. So they hired a crew and began building their dream bridge. After only a few months a tragic accident took John Röbling’s life. His son Washington was also injured with partial brain damage and total paralysis. Everyone felt the project was jinxed and should be scrapped. Yet in spite of his handicap, young Washington refused to give up his father’s dream. He was able to move only one finger and slowly developed a code of communication with his wife. Suddenly he had an idea, so he touched his wife’s arm telling her to call the engineers; he wanted to keep the construction going. For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. Since Washington Röbling held on to the end with the picture of a bridge in his mind, how much more should we be able to hold on with the picture of the crown of righteousness in our mind.