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Volume 33   Number 33 Aug 16, 2009

        Psalm 37:5: "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." Walking in faith gives us the opportunity to trust God to fulfill His Word, to trust in His character, and to believe what the Bible teaches. Following God is an exciting journey—a journey in which we learn through various experiences that "God's Way Is Best."
        (1) A Key to understanding that God's way is best is LEARNING TO TRUST IN THE LORD. Psalm 9:10: And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
        (A) NAME is the poetic symbol for the total person and personality it represents. Here it stands for the reliable character of God.
        (B) God will never ignore our cries for help as we seek Him.
        (C) You can confidently believe that He will never leave you nor abandon you.
        (D) God's promise does not mean that if we trust Him we will escape loss or suffering. It means that God Himself will never leave us no matter what we face.
        (2) Another Key is PUTTING YOUR FAITH IN THE WORD OF GOD. Psalm 12:6-7: The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. You shall keep them, O Lord, You shall preserve them from this generation forever.
        (A) Seven indicates full or complete refining.
        (B) God's word has been proven to be completely trustworthy.
        (C) When we feel like sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have hope–the Word of God.
        (3) Another Key is EXPECT JESUS, YOUR SHEPHERD, WILL CARE FOR YOU. Psalm 23:1-6: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear nor evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
        You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
        (A) Rest, knowing that He will refresh you, walk with you, comfort you, nourish you, and protect you.
        (B) In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. 1 Samuel 16:11: And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all the young men here?" Then he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and there he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him." Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection.
        (C) This passage does not focus on the animal-like qualities of the sheep but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognize the Good Shepherd, follow Him!
        (D) The key to provision is the presence of God. The oil shows favor and excellent hospitality.
        (E) Mercy is the unfailing covenant love of God. This loving-kindness is similar to the New Testament word "grace" or unmerited favor. John 1:16-17: And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
        (4) GOD'S WAY IS BEST.
        (A) The Relinquishment - Psalm 37:5: Commit thy way unto the Lord.
        Some Christians insist on clinging to their own ways. They lack spiritual victory. If we are to enjoy God's best, we must yield our way, will, work, and walk to Him.
        Colossians 2:6: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him. To walk in God's way and please Him means we must totally commit our time, talent, and treasure to Him.
        (B) The Reliance - Psalm 37:5: ....trust also in Him. Christians often fail to trust in the Lord as they should. They rely on their own strength and fail.
        Some Christians depend too much on doctors, lawyers, or friends. We should be thankful for the help of others, but our ultimate trust must be in God. Bank accounts may fail, money markets may fail, possessions may fail, but Jesus never fails.
        God's way is best. Psalm 37:40 says: And the Lord shall help them and deliver them...because they trust in Him.
        (C) The Reward - ....and He shall bring it to pass. God rewards those who are totally committed to Him, who trust Him implicitly. Psalm 37:6: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. God rewards His children by enabling them to be a blessing to others. Their influence reaches out to attract others to Christ.
        GOD'S WAY IS BEST. He not only rewards the faithful in this life, but He rewards them also in the next life eternally. Jesus said: "I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
        Set your heart on the Lord. Intentionally commit all of your plans to God daily. Trust Him and wait patiently for Him, and you will find that GOD'S WAY IS BEST.

Dr. R. Jay Lee