On Becoming Faithful

FAITHFULNESS IS A QUALITY that develops in a believer. It doesn't come on automatically. It is often born out of conflict and pain, but with a confidence that God is bringing one through with victory. Oh how valuable faithfulness becomes in our lives for the final days! Some of the Psalms of David help us in the development of faithfulness. PS 34 is one such Psalm. It holds an unfolding revelation that came to a man who went through a trial of deep humiliation but maintained his trust in the Lord. The superscription of the Psalm says: A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. The Psalm is a testimony that it is possible to remain faithful to the Lord even when things don't go right and the enemy seems to prevail.

DAY 1-The Testimony Born out of Trouble Ps 34:1,2 I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Isa 24:15a Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires...

DEAR LORD, the trouble I face is painful and humiliating. I am now ready to trust You in it. Please sanctify all of it. Make it a holy thing in my life and release in me a testimony of Your faithfulness. The Background of David's Testimony-I Sam 21:10-22:1

 

DAY 2-The Sanctification of Fearful Things Ps 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. II Cor 12:8,9 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

FAITHFUL FATHER, sometimes I've feared imaginary things; sometimes my fears have been real. I want to trust You in every fearful situation, real or imagined. I turn all my fear over to You. Turning Fear into Trust-Ps 56:1-4, 9-11; Isa 12:2

 

DAY 3-The Removal of Shame Ps 34:5 They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

FATHER, I look unto You in the darkness of failure and see Your light. Your mercy reaches me and sets me free from the shame of failure. My reputation has suffered, but this no longer matters. Your grace is covering my shame. Let Your light now shine through me to others. The Abiding Admonition-Heb 12:1-3,12,13

 

DAY 4-Crying and Finding Deliverance Ps 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Ps 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

LORD, sometimes I have no words to express my pain or sorrow. All I can do is cry. Yet, You hear me! I didn't feel I could reach You, but you do care for me in this trouble. Deliver me from all its strongholds. The Testimony of a Man Who Cried-Ps 66:16-20

 

DAY 5-Angelic Deliverance in a Hopeless Situation Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Ps 91:11 For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

LORD, I have lightly regarded the ministry of Your angels, but what a comfort to know You have appointed them to help us! Today there are some who are dear to me who live in danger. Please send angelic ministry to them -and to me and those with me. A Merciful Angelic Visitation-Gen 16:7-11

 

DAY 6-An Invitation to Grow in the Lord Ps 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. I Pet 2:2,3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

LORD, I do not always trust You. There are still some things I am prone to worry about. Right now to turn these over to the authority of Your Throne. My finances. My future. The people close to me. I see Your goodness over each one. Our Faithful Lord at the End of the Age-Rev 19:9-16

 

DAY 7-An Admonition to Fear the Lord Ps 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

FATHER, thank You for shutting me up into a place where naked faith-faith alone-is all that I have. I stand in awe of this. I see my ability to believe You is coming from You! I wait before You today to be made faithful in this fearful time of trial. How Jesus Developed in the Fear of the Lord-Isa 11:1-4

 

DAY 8-Controlling One's Tongue when under Fire Ps 34:13,14 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

LORD, I tend to complain about trouble. Release me from negative thoughts. Forgive me for blaming others for what I am facing. Give me a tongue to praise You and to speak in line with the truth You have taught me-even while I'm in trouble. What Jesus Taught about Speech-Matt 12:35-37

 

DAY 9-A Testimony about Crying unto the Lord Ps 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. II Sam 22:7 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears.

DEAR LORD, my faithfulness is weak, but, oh, I know Yours is strong. I have no hope outside of Your mercy. I have no goodness of my own to plead before You. Therefore, I cry to You and I thank You for sanctifying this trial I am facing today. Make it a holy thing in my life. Finding God's Ways in Our Trouble-Ps 107

 

DAY 10-How Trust Can Develop out of Despair Ps 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. Ps 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

FATHER, I can no longer "try;" all I can do is "cry." I can't even form words to justify my condition or to clearly make my plea before You. So, I cry to You and I trust Your faithfulness. I wait for Your extended mercy. God's Solution to an Impossible Situation-Acts 12:5-11

 

DAY 11-The Nearness of the Lord to Those Who Are Broken by Life's Demands Ps 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Ps 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

HEAVENLY FATHER, all I've been going through has been bringing me down to brokenness. I despise it, but I see You do not. Therefore, take my broken vessel and make me useful for Your Kingdom's purposes. God's Delight in Brokenness-Is 57:15; Is 66:2; Ps 138:6

 

DAY 12-Finding, in the Midst of Trial, that the Lord Jesus Has Born Our Pain Ps 34:19,20 Many are the afflictions of the Righteous ("the Righteous One," the Lord Jesus): but the LORD delivereth Him out of them all. He keepeth all His bones: not one of them is broken. Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

LOVING LORD, open my eyes to behold You, and to know that You have born my pain and sickness. The very deliverance the Father gave to You in Your resurrection is now the source of my deliverance. I will trust You to bring me through. How His Life Overcomes the Death that Works in Us-Rom 8:11-15

 

DAY 13-Discovering the Strength of Redemption Ps 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of His servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate. Ps 31:5 Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. Lam 3:58 O Lord, Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; Thou hast redeemed my life.

O LORD, I am finding redemption in this affliction. I am finding relief from the desolation that tried to lay hold on me. You are redeeming my life from destruction. Rule in my spirit and make me an overcomer. I praise You! A Song of Celebration for Deliverance-Ps 103:1-5

 

AFTER PSALM 34 as a guide for the sanctification of trouble, I wondered where we should go to continue our development in faithfulness under affliction. The Lord whispered to me, "Go to Psalm 57." This is a Michtam of David, one of his "Golden Psalms." He wrote it after that humiliating chase by Saul when he had to hide in a cave (I Sam 24).

 

DAY 14-Finding that Calamity Is Only an Occasion for the Lord to Extend His Hand Ps 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Ps 17:7,8 Show Thy marvellous lovingkindness, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.

O MY LORD, teach me that You never leave me in affliction. Show me, and these I love, that we can hide under Your wings in any calamity. What warmth, what protection, what security You give! What lovingkindness You extend when others are unkind! I will trust You at all times and receive the help You give. The Security of the Soul That Trusts-Ps 91:1-11

 

DAY 15-Finding the Mercy that Removes Reproach Ps 57:2,3 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. Isa 26:12 LORD, Thou wilt ordain peace for us: for Thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

LORD, I cannot deliver my own soul, therefore I give myself over to Your mercy. Save me from the reproach of my enemies. You have ordained my peace. I cease my struggle under this reproach. Make my spirit strong with confidence in You. A Song Born out of Affliction-Ps 144:1-9

 

DAY 16-Finding God's Help in the Heat of Persecution Ps 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Dan 6:22a My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me...

FATHER, teach me to trust You even in the "den of lions." Give me confidence and serenity even in the midst of strong opposition. I am ready to trust Your power and Your grace to bring me through persecution without accusing those who inflict my pain. The Example and Grace of the Lord Jesus as He Went through Reproach-Is 53:7; Lk 23:1-11

 

DAY 17-Discovering the Salvation of God's Presence When Pursued by the Enemy Ps 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. Ps 9:3 When mine enemies are turned back (in revenge), they shall fall and perish at Thy presence.

FATHER, remove from me all anxiety as You teach me to trust. Nothing the enemy brings against me can destroy me if I abide in Your presence. What is meant for my destruction only works toward my perfection for Your Kingdom. How Affliction Can Work for Good-Ps 119:67,71,75,107

 

DAY 18-Maintaining a Steadfast Heart in Trouble Ps 57:7,8 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (steadfast endurance).

DEAR FATHER, now You are sanctifying to me the very pain I feared. I awake today to praise You and see Your hand at work in my behalf. Teach me to trust You for these I love who are going through difficult times. Work in them to make them strong in praising You. How Good Wins in the Conflict between Good and Evil-I Pet 3:8-18

 

DAY 19-Giving Bold Testimony of God's Faithfulness Ps 57:9,10 I will praise Thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto Thee among the nations. For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds. Ps 22:22 I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.

LORD, my testimony is becoming stronger, both among unbelievers as well as among brethren. This is because Your mercy has become fixed in my life. I live under its protection and provision. Continue to strengthen me in my walk and in my convictions regarding Your faithfulness. Conviction Strengthened while Hiding in a Cave-Ps 142:1-7

 

PSALM 59 is another Michtam ("Golden Psalm") of David. It was born when Saul was watching David's house to kill him. We continue learning from him. We come to the understanding: the enemy will seek to to destroy us in the final days, but all his efforts will only serve to crowd us into a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom. A fuller testimony is yet to be born in all of us-and our faithfulness will be strengthened.

 

DAY 20-A Growing Conviction about Deliverance Ps 59:1,2 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. II Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

DEAR LORD, thank You for allowing me to go through trouble and conflict. It is strengthening my confidence and my awareness of You. Take the pain that I can no longer bear and replace it with Your strength. Keep me strong for Your Kingdom and my calling in it. A Prophecy from the Father of John the Baptist Regarding the Faithfulness of God-Lk 1:67-75

 

DAY 21-A Strong Plea for Defense Ps 59:3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. Ps 7:6 Arise, O LORD, in Thine anger, lift up Thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that Thou hast commanded.

HEAVENLY FATHER, I am committed to You and Your Kingdom. This enrages the enemy. I am no match for him, but You have promised to fight for me. So, I rest in Your faithfulness. Teach me to bind the enemy's advances and throw back his wrath. The Source of Our Strength-Ps 18:28-39

 

DAY 22-Admitting We Can't Face Our Enemy Alone Ps 59:9,10 Because of his (my enemy's) strength will I wait upon Thee: for God is my defence. The God of my mercy shall prevent me (anticipate my trouble and meet me): God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. Isa 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

HEAVENLY FATHER, help me see there is no enemy-or enemy plot-I face but that You are greater. I trust Your greatness because it comes to me in mercy. Let these fierce attacks that have been coming lately only serve to strengthen me for Your Kingdom and make me faithful. A Firm Persuasion-Rom 8:35-39

 

DAY 23-A Celebration of God's Triumph for Us Ps 59:16,17 But I will sing of Thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of Thy mercy in the morning: for Thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto Thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. Ex 15:6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: Thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. II Chron 20:29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

LORD, what triumph You have wrought! Let me see clearly what You have done. Let it become manifest in my life. Let the grace, and the mercy, and the power of Your work overcome me. Let all the enemy has done to discourage me serve only to persuade me that You are faithful. A Prayer from Paul for Strength-Eph 3:14-21

 

PSALM 16 is another Michtam Psalm. Peter quoted it on the Day of Pentecost when he gave the reason it was not possible Jesus should be holden of death. It was because of something David said in this Psalm. So, even though its higher reference is to the Lord Jesus Himself, the principle of its truth is for us. It becomes a foundation for our faith and faithfulness.

 

DAY 24-The Strengthening of Conviction-Bracing against a Subtle Attack from the Enemy Ps 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. Jonah 2:8,9 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto Thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

LORD, give me discerning of spirits so I can know when the enemy comes to take me away from You. I know he sometimes comes as an angel of light and I cannot always be sure of my response to him, unless You continually help me. Therefore, keep a close check on my spirit. The Watchful Eye of the Lord over a Heart- Jer 17:5-10

 

DAY 25-The Settled Inheritance Ps 16:5,6 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

FATHER, I have given my way to You. I have turned the rule of my life over to the authority of Your Throne. Therefore I stand in the midst of this trial and confess that You are maintaining my life, my place in Your Kingdom's service, and my strength for this service. Learning the Source of True Strength-II Cor 12:1-10

 

DAY 26-Rest while in the Heat of Affliction Ps 16:8,9 I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Heb 4:9,10 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His.

LORD, You are the strength of my life. You are the One Who brings me stability. You are the source of my wisdom. You are the One Who imparts faithfulness to me. All my testimony is that You are faithful. I rest in this while I face the tests of each day. Zion-the Place of God's Rest Forever- Acts 7:49; Ps 132 8-16

 

FULLNESS begins with distress. Then the person in distress makes a decision to trust the Lord and a testimony is born. Thus, that person becomes stronger and moves toward becoming a faithful person.

 

DAY 27-Putting away Faithlessness Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

DEAR LORD, I put away my lack of faith. I renounce distrust. I am ready to believe You completely in spite of what has happened to me and around me. I behold You as my loving Lord Who died for me and now lives for me. The Birth of Confidence-I John 1:1-5

 

DAY 28-The Building of a Testimony Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

DEAR LORD, I put away my lack of faith. I renounce distrust. I am ready to believe You completely in spite of what has happened to me and around me. I behold You as my loving Lord Who died for me and now lives for me. The Birth of Confidence-I John 1:1-5

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