Others are watching your walk and listening closely to your talk. What would they tend to do, based on what they see and hear from you? David was ecstatic that God had turned his darkness into light and his sorrow into joy, and he was convinced that it was for the benefit of those who would cross paths with him in some way. As we stop and concentrate on this Scripture today, let’s be sure to reflect on the benefits others may receive from crossing paths with us.
DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-07-17
WRITTEN AT: Deming, NM
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: Psalm 40:1-3
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)
BIBLE TEXT: 1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
APPLICATION: Life can sometimes be compared to the television show ‘Truth or Consequences’. You want others to believe you, but they could tell from a mile away that you are either pretending, or lying! In the Bible, we see many times where others tried to tempt and test Jesus, because they couldn’t believe He was who He said He was. There are times that I will deal with a store clerk, and I will walk away commenting to my wife: ‘did you gather that they were probably a child of the King?’ In those circumstances, I believe that David’s words come through as reality. In other shopping experiences one might encounter a very rude or obnoxious clerk, and guess what, you and I will evaluate them also. Generally we will probably comment that we wish they knew our Lord. But, what if they are a Christian and they are just having a bad day, or perhaps their relationship with the Lord is not where it should be? We might say ‘shame on them’, but what happens to us when we’re down and out; having a bad day; in a lot of pain; been hit with very disappointing news; etc. Are we still able to reflect Jesus? Friends, from one imperfect person to another, let me suggest that we take a hint from David: stay in communion with God; accept His refreshment each morning as you open His Word and take a mental and spiritual note of the new song He wants to place in your heart. Lay your burdens at His feet and ask for His guidance that day. Ask Him to work in you so that He will always be reflected in your attitude; your wisdom; your smile; your dealings with challenging customers; your sadness; your joy; and with those who are out to persecute you. A previous pastor had a note pasted on his pulpit at our church ‘Oh that they will see Jesus’. He tried to preach with that in mind. What if we tried to live with that in mind? It might make a difference in the life of an unbeliever! Always remember dear friends, others will see us, and they will draw their conclusions about us. Let’s be persistent in keeping Jesus at the forefront so that they will meet our Savior!
BLESSING(S) NOTED: Many will see what God has done in our lives, and some may put their trust in the God we serve! Be persistent in your relationship with God. Let Him shine through everything that you do.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, let me acknowledge that when others have a relationship with me, they see just another human being just like them. When they see the difference that You have made in my life, and how You impart Your truth through me every day life, they begin to see the effects of knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. May others always see You Lord, even if they’re looking at plain old me. For knowing You personally will refresh their spirit and give them a new song to sing each day. It’s all about You Lord. If others see anything else than You, we are wasting our time and space here on earth. Only You can save a soul and lead them into the Kingdom of Heaven for all eternity. Please don’t ever let me mess that up for anyone. AMEN!