“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” – Psa. 42:5

We often hear jokes about people talking to themselves, but in the case of our text it is no joking matter. Here we find that it can be of great help. The psalmist is speaking to himself out of the depths of depression. He feels and fears that God has forsaken him. His situation is so severe that to say he is depressed is an under statement.

The strange thing is that neither we nor he sees the cause of his calamity. That’s the way it is sometimes with depression. We find ourselves in it for no apparent reason. We have a roof over our head, food on the table, clothes on our back, friends at our side, and luxuries galore, yet we get depressed! We could understand if we were troubled by domestic strife, marital conflict, vocational trouble, financial problems, or disease. But everything is in tact and we don’t understand why we are depressed. So, what do we do?

The psalmist remembered God and that gave him hope. Although he couldn’t understand the cause he found the cure! He knew that God could help and believed He would. He is, after all, “the God of hope” ( Rom. 15:13). What we need to remember is that He gives us hope through the reading of His word. Rom. 15:4 says, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” As we read of His endless love, great power, mighty works, and precious promises it imparts hope and that helps.

I don’t know your state of mind, but I do know that our God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” ( Eph. 3:20). If you are a child of God you are never without help. Shift your focus to Him and “ the God of peace shall be with you” ( Phil. 4:9). “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7). This day might not be nearly so bad as you first thought! – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”– Ecc. 12:13-14
One of the biggest problems in the world today is that there are too many people trying to fix the world without knowing what’s wrong with the world. It’s obvious that the world could be better, but rather than deal with the root cause of its problems, which is sin, they shift the blame or propose silly ideas that don’t help.

For example. Some deny God altogether. They claim that man evolved by mere chance and life is all about the survival of the fittest– a dog eat dog world where only the strong survive. And that explains the behavior of many.

Others say that’s the way it started, but we have made great strides in making it better. They believe given enough time and effort we can turn it into a utopia. I can’t help but wonder, by what standard do they speak of “better”? Without God in the picture how do you know it is better or worse? It just is what it is, and everyone is free to do as they please or as they can. “Better” for them is doing as they please, for they recognize no other authority.

Others claim that the solution has to do with politics, education, or religion, etc. But in spite of all their efforts the world keeps getting worse rather than better ( 2 Tim. 3). It’s clear that man doesn’t have a solution. The fact of the matter is that man isn’t really looking for the solution to what’s actually wrong with the world. Here’s why—Generally speaking, all the natural man cares about is pleasing himself. If you don’t believe that just look at how people spend their time, money, and energy. It’s all about pleasing self (2 Tim. 3: 2-4 ). Man is obsessed with himself. Rom. 1:21-32 describes what has happened- both the cause and result. Rejecting the true and living God, man created a god in his own image. He became a god unto himself and, having assumed such a position, he has a one track mind — self-interest. He works day and night trying to satisfy self, but he never succeeds.

There can be only one outcome to such a mad pursuit, and that is the wrath of God – the worst possible outcome ( “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;”-Rom. 1:18, also see Jude 14-18). That’s the bad news. The good news is that one day King Jesus will return and rule over the earth. Therefore we “ look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” ( 2 Pet. 3:13). Until that glorious day comes, may we be found “faithful unto death” ( Rev. 2:10), never deterred from duty, even if it is difficult or dangerous. It will be worth it all! – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“…..this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

After writing about overcoming the world yesterday I suspect someone is thinking, “That’s easier said than done”. Even though John mentions the means – “our faith”, there are still questions in their mind. They wonder, “How does that work?”. What must we do to exercise faith? To be a victor rather than a victim we must do four things:
I. OPEN OUR HEART TO GOD’S WORD   Faith has to do with accepting what God says to be the truth – regardless of the subject. To overcome the world we must come to see it as the worthless thing it is, which God clearly describes. 1 John 5:19 says, “the whole world lieth in wickedness”. 1 John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”. That being the case we must avoid it. We would be fools to pursue it.
II. OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS    It does no good to just understand what the world is if we don’t take the proper measures against it. 1 John 2:15 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…”. James 4:4 explains why, “…know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” In light of this it was for good reason that Paul wrote, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” ( Rom. 12:2).
III. OCCUPY OUR MIND WITH CHRIST AND ALL HE AFFORDS     It’s one thing to get going and another to keep going. The best way to do both is found in Heb.12:2-3 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”. As long as we are in this world we are in danger of falling, making it essential the we keep our focus on Christ. To do so study 2 Cor. 4 and Phil. 4:6-13.
IV. OPERATE IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT     Make no mistake about it, as Christians we are called to live a life far beyond our ability. You could say we are called to live a miracle. It is only as we are filled with the Holy Spirit ( Eph. 5:18) that we are able to walk in the Spirit ( Gal. 5:16-25) and win over the world. The Christian life is all about what the Spirit of God produces in the child of God. He is the change agent. Paul put it this way, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” ( 2 Cor. 3:18). – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”- 1 John 5:4

Someone suggested that sometimes it takes more faith to believe that God is in control of your own personal life than it takes to believe that He is in control of the world. Considering the great trials and temptations we sometimes face, I suspect that is true. Just about the time we think we’ve got it all together things start coming apart. That should make this verse of great interest. It assures us we can win rather than lose.

Reading our text raises a question – “Are you overcoming, or being overcome?” To understand this verse we must start where it begins, with the word “For“. That takes us back to the previous verse which ends with these words, “his commandments are not grievous”. Now let’s be honest – for some folks that doesn’t seem true. To them they are drudgery rather than delight, a burden rather than a blessing. However, for the child of God in the will of God the opposite is true. For them their “delight is in the law of the LORD” (Psa. 1:2). That doesn’t mean His commandments are always easy. The truth is, God sometimes commands us to do things that are humanly impossible without His help. The good news is that His help is available to those who trust Him.

I’ve been blessed by an old song that says, “I’m on the winning side”. What side are you on? I don’t know what challenges you are facing, but I do know that God is greater and that His help can be gained by faith. Whether you are a victim or a victor depends on whether you trust God or try to make it on your own. Don’t be a fool – the only way to triumph is through trust in God who is faithful. Those who walk by faith live in victory! – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“…The mighty God….” – Isa. 9:6
We live in a troubled world and we can’t seem to stop thinking about it. Consequently we find ourselves focusing on the fruit of the problem rather than the root. We give more thought to the situation than we do to the solution. Rather than looking at the problems, we need to be “Looking unto Jesus” ( Heb. 12:2) to keep from fainting. Our text helps us to do that. Here we see Him described as “The mighty God“. And that, dear friend, is exactly what we all need. We need Him because our needs are many. There are — Transgressions that need to be pardoned.
– Temptations that are powerful.
– Traps that are in our path.
– Trials that are pernicious.
– Tribulations that are painful.
– Troubles that are perplexing.
– Terror that prevents peace.

But we, who have a personal relationship with Christ, have a mighty God! And He has given us exceeding great and precious promises assuring us of help in time of trouble. Thinking upon them brings a great reward. For example –
– Consciousness of them procures hope.
   Our God is merciful, marvelous, magnificent, and mighty. With Him all things are possible!
– Confidence in them provides help.
   Trust in these truths moves God into action. If you don’t trust Him who is True and Faithful who will you trust?
– Considering them produces happiness.
  “…whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.”- Prov. 16:20. Nothing brings greater happiness than considering who we are and what we have in Christ. Thinking about such things should banish all fear and cause us to shout with joy unspeakable! “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”- Heb. 13:15. – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346