Psalm 118 -- God's Word To Us When We Have Walked Away

Today, as I read this psalm, God put my younger son on my heart.  He’s away from home trying to overcome his drug problem.  I want so much for him to be able to experience what these words say, in his own life.

My commentary derived four practical instructions for believers from this psalm:

Give thanks to the Lord at all times.

Trust the Lord in every crisis.

Glorify the Lord after every victory.

See the Lord in every experience.

Those are instructions I strive to follow as I watch to see God working in my life every day.  I remember a time when I was away from God and I actually wondered if He even cared about my life, but now I am constantly amazed at how He continually intervenes in my life!

Here are the words I want so much for my son to be able to experience in his own life:

“I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord.  The Lord answered me and set me free.  I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.  People can’t do anything to me.  The Lord is with me to help me, so I will see my enemies defeated.  It is better to trust the Lord than to trust people…  They surrounded me on every side, but with the Lord’s power I defeated them.  They surrounded me like a swarm of bees, but they died as quickly as thorns burn.  By the Lord’s power, I defeated them.  They chased me until I was almost defeated, but the Lord helped me.  The Lord gives me strength and a song.  He has saved me.  Shouts of joy and victory come from the tents of those who do right:  ‘The Lord has done powerful things.’  The power of the Lord has won the victory; with His power the Lord has done mighty things.  I will not die, but live, and I will tell what the Lord has done.  The Lord has taught me a hard lesson, but He did not let me die … Lord, I thank You for answering me.  You have saved me … You are my God, and I will thank You; You are my God, and I will praise Your greatness.”

There is a powerful verse in the very middle of all this, that I purposefully pulled out:  “The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.”  That is of course a reference to Jesus, and it is only through His love and sacrifice that Joseph can experience all of this and see God working in his life for his good.

Father, please remove the blinders and earplugs that Satan has placed upon my son, just long enough for these words to penetrate to his heart.  Allow him to hear what You have shown me this morning.  Help him to trust You to do exactly what Your Word says, including giving thanks to You, trusting You, and glorifying You.  Bring him back, Father!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford