Topic: FOR ME OR AGAINST ME? – By Dr. Jeff Schreve – From His Heart 26 December 2023
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FOR ME OR AGAINST ME?
The LORD is for me; I will not fear;
What can man do to me? The LORD
is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall look with satisfaction
on those who hate me.
Psalm 118:6-7
A decade or so ago, I was under fire at my church. There was a staff issue that turned sour—and some people in the church got upset with the way I handled things. They wanted to see me go. It was a hard time in my life, a time when I needed a true friend and supporter.
I clearly remember a phone call I received from an older gentleman in the church. His attendance was spotty at best due to health problems. He said, “Preacher, I am not able to get out like I used to, but if you need me to come down to the church and stand up for you, I will do it.” That was a word from the Lord that brought encouragement and strength to my soul. That dear man was clearly saying, “Jeff, I am for you!”
THE LORD’S ENCOURAGEMENT TO US
Psalm 118:6-7 are two of the most encouraging verses in the Bible. The psalmist says twice, “The LORD is for me.” What a statement! The LORD is not against me, wanting to see me fail and fall. He is for me and wants what is best for me. Furthermore, He is counted among those who want to help me. Wow!
Be honest: how do you see God? Do you see Him as one who is for you or against you? Do you see Him as one who really wants to help you in your trials and troubles, or as one who sadistically likes to watch you squirm like a worm in hot ashes? The sad reality is that many of us see Him in a negative light. If you see God in negative terms, you will have a very hard time drawing near to Him.
To be sure, God cannot support sin, but He can support us. He wants to see us thrive and radiate with His love, joy, and peace, regardless of our current circumstances. He wants us to trust Him, no matter what, knowing that He will stand with us and see us through every dark and lonely valley.
PAUL’S TESTIMONY
In the last chapter Paul ever penned, he expressed the sentiments of Psalm 118:6-7:
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth. 2 Timothy 4:16-17
God stood with Paul, and He will stand with you, as you stand up for Jesus. King David said, “This I know, that God is for me” (Psalm 56:9). May you be assured, as David and Paul were, of the Lord’s presence and power. There is no need to fear. The God who helped them will help you, too. How do I know? Because His word says so!
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
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