Christians sometimes feel dejected and hopeless about what is ahead of them in this world. But Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose”. How are you sure that you are called according to his purpose? How do you know that you love him?
His purpose
The purpose of Jesus coming to earth and dieing on the cross was to save sinners. Whoever accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior, has taken water baptism and is leading Godly life is called according to his purpose. But.. but, I have sinned sometimes. Have you repented? Good. It was the purpose of God to save you. The world and even the so called christian world may define success in human terms. But those who have eternal life and goes to heaven is the ultimate winner. Those store up treasures for themselves in heaven will receive eternal rewards.
Psalms 103 is considered to be written by David during his old age and lists the attitude or perspective or character of a person who loves God.
A Soul that praise God -vs:1
David says “All that is within me bless his Holy name”. A person who loves God praises him no matter what. Paul and Silas was in prison, yet they praised God. Job says in 13:15 “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him”. David’s desire was to be in the house of the Lord and praise him. Psalms 84:4 “Blessed are those who dwell in your house;they are ever praising you.” We read Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.
Psalms 34:2 “My soul will make its boast in the LORD’. When we praise God, that changes our situation. When the people of Israelites murmured and complained, there circumstance deteriorated and many did not enter the land of Canaan.
2. Forget not his benefits - vs:2
The human mind can make the list of things that can serve you well in this world. The things that seem to be missing, which would make you happier. But let us not only count his blessings, but remember his benefits. David could remember the time a Lion, a bear came against him. He can remember how he went against Goliath in the name of the Lord. He can remember how he was saved from javelin thrown by Saul to pin him against the wall. He can remember how God delivered him from the hand of Saul, many many times.
Psalms 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Let us taste and see that the Lord is good. Do you forget the taste of your favorite food? If you strive to get your favorite food again and again, how about remembering the benefits of God?
3. Remember that God forgives ALL your sins -vs:3
Sin is the heaviest burden of mankind. Through Jesus Christ all our sins are forgiven. In the case of David, after he sinned and repented, he cried unto God to create in him a clean heart, restore unto him the joy of salvation and renew right spirit within me.
Your enemy will remind you of sins, but in the name of the Lord tell him, that God forgives ALL your sins. Tell your enemy his judgement is coming, but you are covered under the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
4. Heals ALL your diseases -vs:3
God heals ALL diseases. Jesus healed everyone whom he wanted to. Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." God is the master healer. But his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
5. Crowns you with love and compassion - vs:4
Without his love and mercy where would we be. The term crowning denotes the ultimate of love and compassion available to mankind.
1 John 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” The ultimate love of God is demonstrated by sending his own son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
6. Satisfies your desires with good things -vs:5
Psalms 37:4 “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Solomon asked for wisdom and he was given wisdom and wealth. David’s desire was to be in the house of The Lord and he had the chance to gather resources for building the temple of the Lord (He was chosen to build the temple, but because he shed blood, Solomon was picked to build the temple). Abraham desired for an offspring and he became “Father of faith”.
7. Slow to anger, abounding in Love -vs:8
vs. 10-12 “he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
abounding in love
vs13 “As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;”
vs 17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
Conclusion
Let us believe that his grace is sufficient for us and in 2015 year, God will make all things beautiful in his time. Let us remember that we are called for a purpose by God and love our savior.
