First Christian Church

By Bruce Humes

Pastor

In Psalm 119:49-50, the psalmist writes, “Remember the word to your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has given me life.”

Here the psalmist in an attitude of prayer asks God to not forget the promises he has given him. Why? Because those promises of God caused him to put his hope in the Lord. It’s those promises that comfort him in his time of need, and he recognizes that it’s God’s word and promises that give him life.

It’s not possible that God, who is all knowing, could forget the promises he made through his word to us. But, as we go through times of difficulty, times of need, our human frailties can and will cause us to falter in faith. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful; he cannot deny himself.” This should cause us to come prayerfully to the Lord, asking him to help us believe in him and his promises. This is exactly what God wants us to do: come to him in prayer.

I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28, where he says to us: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In his own words, Jesus tells us to come to him with all of those worldly concerns that burden our souls and he will give us rest. In fact, that’s what he tells us in verse 29, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Want to find rest for your burdened soul? Then turn all your earthly burdens, afflictions and concerns of this world over to him, and he will bring you rest.

The writer of Hebrews in 4:8-13 touches on the subject of rest and God’s word that brought the psalmist hope, comfort, and life. Verses 8-11speak on the subject of rest: “For if Joshua had given them rest, then he would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who enters his rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from his. Let’s therefore be diligent to enter his rest, lest anyone fail according to the same example of disobedience.”

What is it in this world that loads us down with burdens? Is it finances, family issues, our health, politics or a pandemic? Perhaps it is the violence, ungodliness, wickedness and lawlessness we see not only in our own streets of America, but also the world? Is it in science, government or religion? If our hope is sought from any source other than him who gives us rest, comfort and life, we will be found wanting.

Verses 12-13 focus on God’s word. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” I believe this is what the psalmist had on his heart as he was going through his affections. He was asking God to bring him the rest that the word of God speaks about and Jesus himself promised us.

Those who want to speak to someone at the church or have a need can call the First Christian Church office at (562) 431-8810.