Spiritual ConfidenceAs we go on through the turmoil of everyday life, there are things that tend to get you down and keep you from sometimes wondering about how the outcome of life will be, considering the way things are now. At times like these, there is a way to remain anchored if we always rely on focusing on the things that God has said, which are the things that truly matter. Listen in today as our Pastor Teacher, Landis Fisher shares a message on this vital topic which he has titled: “Spiritual Confidence”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Psalms 116:1 – 10 (KJV)
Psa 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Psa 116:2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
Psa 116:3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
Psa 116:4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
Psa 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Psa 116:6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
Psa 116:7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
Psa 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
Psa 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa 116:10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
New Testament Scripture Reading: 2 Cor 4:13 – 18 (KJV)
2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
2Co 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
2Co 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Transforming Power Statements:
1) As we are going through dark troubling times; when things are not going as we desire that they would; while contrary conditions are oppressing our feeling “normal & Content” what should we do at times like these to stay afloat and get things moving again, so as not to continue to go deeper into despair? There is but one answer that is tested and true: Trust and lean on God, Who’s track record is flawless!
2) The Apostle Paul, just as the Psalmist states, has learned to overlook that which produces oppression, grief, turmoil, anguish of soul, a cry for pity; etc. but on the basis of God’s past record and His faithfulness to all the faithful in His Word throughout all the ages, the choice to recalibrate the focus of your soul’s dwelling place must now depend not on our fears; but rather on our Spiritual Confidence, as well as on the future promises of God which shall never fail!
3) Let us pray about insisting that when difficult times arise, or misunderstandings, bad news, even tragedy, that by God’s Holy Spirit we might lean on Spiritual Confidence rather than the many other possible fleshly, non-spiritual responses that we might have instead.
