Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Psalm 34
“Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!” (Psalm 34:9)
Sooner or later, we will realise that this life is not in our hands. Tides may turn, and the chapters of our lives will change. This may be overwhelming, and many times, we struggle to adjust to new circumstances that God places in our lives, whether good or bad. We are often left feeling insecure, small, and helpless, like infants who have no control over their surroundings.
In these times, God works to teach us what it really means to trust in Him. At Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but your will” (Mark 14:36). In the hardest and darkest trial of all, our Lord teaches us that obedience to God’s will is always the step we should take. Jesus trusted the Father in obedience because He knew that the Father had a larger plan for His people’s salvation. So too, as Romans 8:28 says, “and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good”, God has a good plan for our lives, a plan that will bring glory to Him as we grow to see His greatness.
Obedience and humble submission to God’s will is the only place where we can rest in peace and security. Jesus promises this to us Himself in Matthew 11:29, which says, “take my yoke upon you, and learn from me. for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” God’s will is always work good for His children. The fruits of His children are those who listen to His voice and follow Him, those who take upon His yoke willingly in gentleness and lowliness. Only God’s children will know the peace and rest there is in Christ.
Our faith’s security should not lie in the physical blessings we have around us. It should not even lie in the spiritual means of grace we have around us, such as our pastor, church, friends, and family. One day, all these may fade away. We may be moved elsewhere by God, away from our family, friends and even church community, which we love so dearly.
We should only feel secure and bind our faith to God’s will. If we live in God’s will for our lives in this current moment, rejoice and have peace. If not, seek God’s will until you find it and pursue to live under it for the rest of your life.
Take hold of the abundant promises found in Psalm 34 for God’s children who humbly submit themselves to God’s will.
“Those who fear him have no lack!”
“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.”
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
“The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”
However, on the contrary, towards the wicked, it is said,
“The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.”
“Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.”
Where do we stand? Are we amongst the righteous who submit themselves in reverence to God’s good will? Or are we among the wicked who reject God’s will and choose our own path, which leads to destruction?
Seek the Lord and trust in Him.
Lord, even though it is difficult, please teach me to trust in Your will for me. Show me with clarity Your ways for my life. Lead me in Your path. When I stray, pull me back. Forgive me when I want to go my own way. Let me know and experience the peace and joy there is in Your path. Thank You that You are a loving God and that You first loved us in obedience to the Father’s will by dying on the cross for our sins. Teach me to follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.