Friday 16 August 2024

Psalm 38:1-8

Background
This passage focuses on two very important Christian qualities: a sense of joy and a sense of peace. It is worth bearing in mind that it was written at a time when there appeared to be no reason for joy or peace. Paul was in prison and under threat of execution and the church at Philippi was facing divisions and persecution. Paul seeks to remind the Philippians of the importance of never losing sight of the things that are good in the world and to be content with what you have, rather than being discontented over what you lack. The cup should be seen as half full rather than half empty.

Some of you may know the thankful prayer written by a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War (1861-65) and found in his pocket after his death:

"I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly how to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for – but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed."

This is the kind of peace that transcends all understanding because this soldier would have witnessed all the horrors of a civil war. He would have suffered hunger and fatigue, lived in filthy trenches, heard the screams of the wounded, seen friends and foes dying from sickness and disease, and smelled the stench of death. It is the transcending peace that stems from having Christ alongside you in all that you face. Such peace is a cause for rejoicing.

To Ponder:

• We live in a materialistic society that encourages us to be discontented and to want more things. Are you able to be content with what you have? Are you grateful for whatever gifts God has given you?
• Do you feel able to rejoice in your faith even when things are not going well for you?
• Have you a sense of peace in your heart?

A prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace… so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever and ever in the next. Amen.

Bible notes author: Gary Best
Gary was Headmaster of Kingswood School from 1987 to 2008 and Volunteer Warden of the New Room in Bristol from 2009 to 2019. He has published over 20 books, including A Christian Alphabet, a study book for home groups.