The new BAPTIST TIMES Magazine in our booklet rack includes an article from a pastor’s wife who has carried the grief of 10 miscarriages. The column is called “Wounds to Scars” and encourages Christians with the fact that even Jesus is described by his scars in Rev. 5:6, “a Lamb as it had been slain.” Wounds in our bodies are meant to heal, even if they leave a mark, and they become a part of our story by God’s grace.
This article was a highlight for me because it goes right along with today’s sermon from 1 Sam. 26. King David was the anointed king, yet Saul had not left his throne. David was on the run and in constant fear for his life. In today’s text, he is again betrayed by the Ziphites.
We are tempted to blame God for all the bad things happening in our lives. “God, why are you allowing this?!”
Or, maybe you say with the writer of “Christmas Bells,” “There is no peace… hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth goodwill toward men.”
In other words, you’ve heard the promise of peace… you just can’t see it.
That’s likely where David was. But that’s why we are in church. We open God’s Word to hear words of faith—words to live by. Words to trust. He said, “The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness.” 1 Samuel 26:23
I’m in the Psalms in my Bible reading right now. Every page is overflowing with trust… trust… trust… trust. I love it.
Even when you can’t see it, use your faith-filled imagination to believe that God’s got this whole thing under control.
-Ryan Rench