INTRODUCTION As time progresses and the church age approaches its terminus, the activities of the power of darkness will continue to increase until the midnight mark is struck (cons. Matt. 25:6). However, the all-knowing God would not leave His saints living at such a critical period destitute (cons. Isa. 49:15; Jer. 29:11). Hence the continual passage of faith-sustaining information to the end-time church to keep them functional (cons. Lk.18:8).
Our message is drawn from David’s experience and testimony.
We shall consider 2 points (A) The Tribulation Of The Covenanted (B) The Testimony That Follows
(A) THE TRIBULATION OF THE COVENANTED (Ps. 40:1-2, 89:20-28, 34)
The Psalmist was in a condition that was described as being in a horrible pit and miry clay.
The word ‘horrible’ was translated from a Hebrew word that really means ‘uproar’ and by implication destruction. It has to do with tumult. So the picture is that of a troubled prisoner confined in a pit.
And the phrase ‘out of the miry clay, impresses the picture of a traveller floundering in a treacherous quagmire of clay.
Now for the Psalmist: the facts on the ground (i.e. physical evidence) strongly indicated that there was no hope for him, that was why he cried out to the Lord (v. 1).
There are periods in life when a believer is faced with challenges that make the heart tremble, mouth fumble, legs wobble, and the individual appears like one caught in a quagmire, helplessly struggling to find the appropriate words with which to express self-coupled with thinking that goes haywire (cons. 2Cor. 4:8; 1:8-10). This could manifest in health, business, marital life, academics, spiritual life and even in ministry.
As David was delivered, so shall it be with the child of God (cons. 2Cor.6:17-18).
(B) THE TESTIMONY THAT FOLLOWS (Ps. 40:1-4)
The Deliverance did not come as soon as the challenge arose. David had to wait patiently for the Lord, and while waiting, he went praying (Ps. 40:1 cp. Isa.41:21).
Whosoever (ie child of God) waits patiently for the Lord and maintains his prayer – pressure shall surely experience divine deliverance (Ps.40:2, Heb.10:35-36, Jas.5:7-8).
Deliverance from a great challenge usually goes with joy (Ps.40:3).
The believer is built to praise, which is the Lord’s delight (Rev. 4:11; Ps. 22:3). However, it should be noted that sometimes the capacity to praise is enlarged through the programme of exposure to challenges and the victory that follows.
Deliverance from great challenges usually imparts knowledge (Ps. 40:4).
The child of God should always bear in mind that one of the major ways of spiritual development and growth is by accepting and confronting the challenges that come his way (cons. Rom. 5:3-5; 1Cor. 10:13). So whenever an opposition arises, the believer ought to see it as a growth opportunity and seek the increase by being conscious of the WORD and obeying the Lord (Isa. 1:19).
As the Watchman does what God requires of him, deliverance from the tumultuous pit and the slippery ground is mandatory, for there are no contingencies in God’s programme.
Let us rise to pray.
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