It’s Joy Bombs in the Psalms on the Bible for Busy People! Thanks to King David in the Psalms, he’s going to give us clarity in the difference between wearing “fear goggles” versus “faith goggles,” since he wore both at times. Today, we’re going to see that God is our protector and that many of our difficulties are used for a greater purpose. Okay, let’s pop on our faith goggles as we read together today.
Show Notes:
- Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
- Who Is Jesus? Let us introduce you!
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Transcription:
It’s Friday so you know what time it is. It is time for Joy Bombs in the Psalms on the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, and just delighted to have your company. It’s just a joy to study God’s Word with you. I want to kick off our time together with two excellent questions from King David. Join me in Psalm 27. I think that both of these questions will encourage you.
The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
I love those questions. Why should we be afraid? It is safe to take off the goggles of fear and to permanently put on the goggles of faith. And by the way, more on goggles before we wrap up our time together this week in just a few moments. But yeah, we can put on the goggles of faith because we have a faithful God and it’s safe to put your faith, your hope, and your trust in Him. He’s worthy of all of those things. He’s worthy period, and there is nothing that’s going to ever happen to you that doesn’t pass through his nail scarred hands first. If Jesus allows something difficult in your life, it’s because there is a mighty purpose he has in mind for it, and it’s going to bring you good and Him glory. That’s what we learn in Romans 8:28. I think that’s the verse. I’ll put it in the show notes. Okay, join me now in Psalm 34. That’s where we’re going to pitch the tent today. But before you and I start roasting the marshmallows, I want to tell you about the circumstances that inspired David to write this Psalm. He was so terrified, scared out of his mind being chased down, hunted down by King Saul who wanted to murder him, because he was so jealous of David that David pretended to be insane. Okay, David, the young shepherd boy who fearlessly stood before Goliath the giant, that beast with five stones only needed one to take him down and a heartful of faith… This same David was attacked by a spirit of fear and literally pretended to be insane. So the next time fear gets ahold of you, remember, you are not alone, but don’t stay there. Pick up the shield of faith and fight. This is what David ultimately did when he wrote this Psalm. Here we go. Psalm 34 verse one. Isn’t it amazing knowing the background? Okay.
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
That’s one way you sing your way out of fear, right?
I will boast only in the Lord. Let all who are helpless take heart.
I’m sure that David felt helpless knowing that King Saul wanted to murder him, right?
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Isn’t that hopeful? He literally pretended to be insane. That’s how scared he was. But he’s telling us now that God delivered him from that spirit of fear.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
He’s no longer ashamed of his behavior is he knows that the Lord is his helper.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. 12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
See, it’s not just David. God wants to rescue. It’s you too.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
One of the most hopeful verses in the Bible.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! 21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Isn’t that incredible? Do you realize the about face that David has done? He’s pretending to be insane. He’s that scared, literally out his mind and he realizes, wait a minute, God is with me. So, what do I have to be afraid of? Elizabeth Elliot was a famous missionary and she said, fear God and fear nothing else. Stand in awe of our savior and watch your fear scurry away like a nasty bug when you turn the light on in your kitchen. Fear has to flee when you pick up the shield of faith or you put on the goggles of faith. I want to wrap up our time this week with a story I read on Instagram about a mom named Tara who hadn’t put on swim goggles for like 20 years, and she’s in the pool with her sons and she’s having the time of her life. She’s like, when did we quit wearing goggles? Is it an adult rule you don’t wear ’em, only kids do? She’s like, this is the most fun I’ve had in two decades, and I got to thinking, it’s different, isn’t it, when you put on those swim goggles? You can see clearly underwater, and it’s different in life. When you put on your faith goggles, everything seems a little clearer, doesn’t it? We know whom we serve. Alright, until next time, you are loved.
Thank you for making time for the Bible for busy people today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.
Thank you for making time for the Bible for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God… I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find, and thrive, in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.
Find more podcasts that will recharge you at onpurposely.com.
