Hope In The Rain
Psalm 27:13 (NAS)
NAS “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
KJV “I would had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
NIV “I am still confident of this - I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
In a world which still lies under the curse of sin, clouds of despair seem to find us all more often than we would like. When life seems to be a steady, heavy burst of soul chilling rain, you may find yourself asking, where is the hope?
My friend, after today, forever more you will have the rich assurance of the Lord Jesus that there is not only hope after the rain, but in it as well!
King David never lacked for excitement and challenge during the course of his life. He too was often confronted with threats, heartache, and despair. God has given us His life in scripture that we may learn from David’s mountain tops and valleys. Often times David was surrounded by blood thirsty dogs seeking to destroy his reputation and steal his throne as well. Threatening clouds and driving rain often blew in on the troubled king, so lets look in on him and discover the shelter he found in both dark and good times.
Psalm 27:11 & 12 “Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desires of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.”
Here we see David under the gun from his violent, lying adversaries. Now what? What an example we see in verse 11! FIRST, he humbly seeks the counsel of the Lord. His request reveals a rejection of his own way in favor of the Lords. “Teach me your way, O Lord.” SECOND, he humbly seeks the Lord’s leadership on a level path, apparently due to the craft of his foes. Paths are made for walking, and level ones are best for avoiding injury. He sought the Lord’s careful direction of every step he would have to take. He knew that the “level path” could only be walked in the firmness of God’s wisdom.
These two first basic actions taken by David should always be taken by us as well. However, let us look to the primary focus for today and ask the question, what sustained David’s spirit when life was frowning?
The answer is shining as a wonderful beacon in our main text of Psalm 27:13 (NAS) “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” What strength of heart David found believing he would soon once again see the goodness of the Lord! Not just in the next life either, but in the “land of the living” as well. What measureless joy we have, dear Christian, knowing that no matter how ugly it may be right now, the clouds will part, the rain will stop, and again we will see the goodness of our wonderful Father!
Wait my friend, (v 14) wait for the Lord. Be strong and let your heart take courage, for He knows your heart and cares so very much. Are you not engraved in His hands and feet? Are the hairs of your head not all numbered? Does one sparrow fall to the ground apart from our Father’s will? Be strong my friend, His goodness is coming. Hold on my brother, His goodness is coming! Cry out my friend, His goodness is coming!
You may say, what about my wayward child? His goodness is coming, just wait, let your heart take courage. Have you lost heart in your praying?
I would have despaired unless I had believed......
1. Not only does God hear my prayers; He attends them, rewards them, and receives them as a fragrant incense. (Matt 6:6; Rev. 5:8)
2. “My times are in Your hand.” (Psalm 31:15) He is leading us with His gracious and sovereign hand.
3. I am safe in the arms of an almighty God. (John 10:27-29) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and NO ONE will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
Friends, the application is endless.
My son is on drugs - I would have despaired UNLESS I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord....
The deacons hate me! - I would have despaired UNLESS......
My marriage is on the brink - I would have despaired UNLESS....
I’ve been laid off! - I would have despaired UNLESS....
On and on we could go dear family. The truth is we all “would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” I urge you in the love of the Lord that from today forward we remember this Holy counsel. Let us all turn our backs on the weak prop of our presumptuous foresight and terribly limited understanding and turn our hearts fully to the counsel of Almighty God.
Next time the rain begins to fall, remember, there is heart swelling hope in the midst of the storms we all must walk through. Believe with me brothers and sisters, that we will all see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living “Be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”
