Ecclesiastes 5:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: Ecclesiastes 5:10 

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10 

Some years ago, a rich entrepreneur was asked a question regarding his goals.  Not remembering the exact quote, the question was essentially, ‘You have everything you could ever need, millions of dollars, a large and fancy home, and an incredible business growing fast and prosperously.  What keeps you motivated?  His answer was this, “To make another million.” 

This is a sad response to the question; however, I believe many more would answer this question in the same way.  This person could have said enjoying time with family and friends, learning new skills, or just enjoying life.  However, it appears that his mind was focused on making as much money as possible for his heart was focused on wealth. 

Money is but a small part of what life is about.  It should be used as a means of meeting our needs and the needs of others.  Of course we should set aside some provisions for future use.  “Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8. We should not take all we make and spend it, for harvests happen one or two times a year, and some should be saved for when there is no harvest.  And this verse.  “There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.” Proverbs 21:20.  This is saying that it is wise to put some of our money away for future needs, because if we consume it all, we shall have nothing to support us during these times.

The problem with loving money is that we will never be satisfied and will focus on getting more and more.  People who love certain things will desire to acquire more of what they love.  Those who love snacks will buy assorted snacks to satisfy their desire for snack foods.  Those who love books will acquire books in order read what they desire, then put them away for future use.  And those who love admiration will seek admiration from others.  What we love we pursue as we have the means to do so.  But to put all our focus on anything other than God is not wise and will take our focus from pursuing God. As the writer of Proverbs says, it is vanity.  According to Strong’s dictionary, vanity is that which brings emptiness and is unsatisfactory and vain. Ultimately, loving anyone or anything more than God is empty and unfulfilling.

Let us work to place our focus on God: who He is and what we can do to give ourselves completely to Him.  Nothing can ever satisfy us more than God can.  And besides, as Timothy said, many have been lured away from God by its tentacles.  “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.  This makes it clear that money is not the problem, but the love of it is.  It is not an abundance of money, but the love of it that causes us to desire more and more, focusing on wealth rather than obedience and love for God.  This life is so short, and the next life is eternal.  And we have two ultimate destinations.  We can be forever with God or forever separated from Him.  I know which I desire.  I pray you focus on life with God forever as well.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Proverbs 29:11

Verse of the Day Devotion: Proverbs 29:11 

“A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.” – Proverbs 29:11 

This life we live can be difficult at times.  It seems that many are so stressed that the simplest things can cause them to become angry and tell us what they really think about us.  Work environments are much more difficult and can be very stressful.  Political conversations can start out amiable but end up with yelling and other non-complementary actions.  It can be so easy at times to lose our temper and say things that should never be said.

I remember when I was in the Air Force and I was a roommate with a Seventh Day Adventist.  We agreed to attend each other’s church once and afterwards discuss our thoughts.  I will not get into any details, but I made a huge mistake which caused him to walk away from the faith.  I found an issue that he somewhat agreed with and I, in essence, beat him over the head with it.  He believed Jesus died on the cross for his sins.  He definitely lived the life of a Christian, probably more than I did at the time.  To make a long story short, he left his church and Christianity all together and started living a life separate from Christ.  I tried talking to him, but I could not get him to understand.  Now I did get angry during parts of the discussion, and I believe this was the major reason for his decision, and  I have regretted it ever sense. 

Today, it seems that it does not take much to end up quarreling with people.  And unfortunately I have seen this behavior between Christians.  And the majority of time it has to do with doctrinal disagreements.  Some over simple things like pre-tribulation verse post-tribulation rapture, or one that is very fiery (unfortunately) is the idea of Calvinism.  However, we must be careful of how we address these for several reasons.  First, if a brother or sister is in error doctrinally, yelling or insulting will only exacerbate the issue.  They may turn away and not listen to us anymore.  If what they believe is false doctrine, in love, show them their error.  If we argue in anger or yell, we may lose them and strengthen their belief in the heresy. 

And if we are speaking to a non-Christian regarding Jesus and how He died for us to provide salvation, we may end up in a debate because they do not believe in Him at the time of our conversation.  If we raise our voice and/or insult them in any way, we may lose the opportunity to share the gospel and turn them away from desiring Christ.  You see, if Christians treat people badly during times of evangelism, or if they see that we give up on them quickly, then we have no doubt lost the right to speak into their life.  And this may eliminate anyone else from ministering to them as well.

We are called to spread the good news of Christ and the salvation He provides and the invitation He has given us.  And we are called to disciple those new to the faith.  Moreover, we are to do both with a heart filled with love and patience, for many times it will take longer to reach them then a single meeting.  They must see we ourselves live the life we are inviting them to live.  And we must take whatever time is needed in order not only to lead them to Christ but help them grow in the faith.  Our Lord spent as much time as necessary to teach those He came across.  As our focus verse says, “A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11  Do we speak in love to those we come into contact with?  Do we wisely present the truth so as to help them truly understand?  Do we patiently help people understand or lose our patience and act as such in unwise ways?  Do we lose our patience with people (fool), or do we hold back our anger (wise)?  If the latter, we are doing well.  If the former, then do the latter.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Proverbs 3:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Proverbs 3:6 

“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:6          

Many times, when we are going through difficult situations, we cry out to God to help us.  We know we cannot get through these times in our own strength.  We get anxious and worried about how this will end.  Because of this, we pray and ask God to bring us out of these circumstances and lead us to the other side.

However, when things are going well, how often do we pray and ask God to lead us in the direction He calls us to go?  According to our focus verse, it should be always.  It tells us in all our ways acknowledge Him.  This basically means to know who He is; our God, Lord and King and proceed accordingly.  We are to set Him before us.  We are to trust Him in all things, and no matter what, we are to go in the ways He calls.  Note the previous verse.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”  Proverbs 3:5.  We are not to be half-hearted in our trust, for He always has what’s best for us in mind.  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Roman 8:28.  Sometimes, it does not appear to us that it will end to our good, but this is what He has promised and therefore we can accept it and live as such.

There is an example in the Book of Acts where Paul had an idea where he wanted to go, however, he heard from the Lord and followed His ways instead.  “And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us. And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” Acts 16:6-10.  What Paul wanted to do was not a bad thing because he wanted to share the gospel with the people in Bithynia, and probably in Asia as well.  However, this was not what God had laid out for Paul.  And Paul accepted His leading and walked the straight path set before him.

We are doing the work of God; therefore we should do the work He calls us to do in the way He tells us to do it.  Maybe we want to go to the Hawaii to minister, however, God may want to send us to Cleveland, OH.  Are we open to His leading?  We may want to preach every Sunday in a little country church; however, God may want us to go to the gangs of New York and witness to their members.  (This refers to the ministry of David Wilkerson as described in his book “The Cross and the Switchblade”, which I encourage everyone to read.  We must understand that we are not to do what we want in ministry but do what He wants in ministry. 

We must acknowledge Him as our lord and do the work He has called us to do and not usurp His place and decide ourselves what we are to do.  This is where prayer comes into play.  We are to call upon Him for guidance and then listen for His response, after which we move forward on the straight path He has prepared for us. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Psalm 149:4

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 149:4 

“For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” – Psalm 149:4         

This is a psalm that should bring us great encouragement and rejoicing.  We read here that God takes pleasure in His people.  As Christians, we are His people and therefore we can infer that God takes great pleasure in us 

This is a beautiful thought because this tells us that not only do we take pleasure in Him, but He takes pleasure in us.  He enjoys fellowship with us as we with Him.  We sometimes forget this concept thinking only of how we enjoy His presence.  However, this verse tells us that He also enjoys being with us as well.  He loves us. He showers on us His blessings and favor.  And in Him doing this, our hearts are filled with gladness.  He delights in us doing well.  “Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35:22.  He delights to make us prosperous and happy.  He wants to make us content, and He does this by meeting our needs.  “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19  God loves doing good to is.

However, my greatest thing God has done to show His delight in us is the salvation He provided through His Son.  Look at the second part of this verse.  “He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”  Psalm 149:4b. The word rendered beautify means to adorn, to honor.  It basically means the salvation He provides would be like an ornament, as if we are clothed with splendid and costly clothing, beyond anything we could ever imagine.  The ‘afflicted ones’ refer to the humble in means and/or in heart. Those who humble themselves in God’s presence and does the work He has called them to do.  These will be afflicted either by men or the enemy, however, the affliction will end at the time of His coming.

However, those whom He adorns will be with Him forever without end.  He loves us and delights in us so much that He will make it such that He will always be with us.  We need to see this idea both ways.  We will be with Him for eternity, and He will be with us for eternity.  He loves us and takes great pleasure in creating a new home for us.  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.”  Revelation 21:1. 

Next is a verse I find intriguing.  “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,” Revelation 21:3.  Note the wording used twice in this verse, He will be among us and He will Dwell among us.  Again, just as Christ came down to us and saved us, He will come to us in the new heaven and earth and dwell with us.  He delights in being with us and fellowshipping with us that He comes to be with us in our new dwelling place for all eternity.  He creates our new home and then abides with us there.  This is how much He loves us.    

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Psalm 4:7

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 4:7 

“You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.” – Psalm 4:7          

This is a psalm of David, and it speaks of where our joy comes from.  Many in the world, and unfortunately many who belong to a church, do not understand what the source of true joy is.  Many find their joy in what they do, others in what they have, and still others in who they know down here.  When our job is doing well and we are making a good salary, we find ourselves happy.

Now, I am not saying that we cannot be happy about things we have.  And I am not saying we cannot enjoy a concert, sports events, or dinner with friends.  Of course, we can, as long as what we do does not involve something that is against the will of God for our lives.  These things are enjoyable and may be something that God brings our way for His service.  For instance, when we go to a concert, and we are able to speak of the Lord to someone who really needed to hear it.  Or we have a rifle and can go hunting with several friends which opens the door to encouraging them.  These are definite things that God does.  However, true joy has its source from God Himself.

Let’s look at a few ideas which will help us understand this concept.  How do we react when something very precious and important to us is stolen.  Do we get depressed and angry?  It can be understandable. Or do we look at it as something God allowed, and He will comfort us and bring joy.  Suppose you go to work, and someone has spoken lies about you to your boss.  This is something I have experienced.  I did get upset, but I took the time to get with my boss and talked with her, sending her evidence that what was said was false.  I did get very nervous about how this could affect my job there. I had a great position, and I was only several years away from retirement.   I then spoke to the person and worked it out with them.  Now, I was not perfect in how I addressed this, but I prayed, and God brought this thought to my mind.  It was something a former pastor told me when I was let go from a previous job.  “If God wanted you to have that job, there is nothing in this world that would have caused anyone to take it away.  And if God did not want me to have that job, there was nothing in this world that could have allowed me to keep it.” 

It is important that we do not look to things or events for our joy but look to God for our source.  Things, jobs, people and events can be taken from us, cancelled, or destroyed.  However, if these things do happen, rejoice that it did happen.  For maybe someone else needed something more than us, or maybe we were not to attend or stay working at the place we were at.  God knows what we need and what we do not.  He knows what He has called us to and what He has not.  And since nothing is too hard for Him, then we can rejoice that His will was accomplished and go from there.  True joy comes from Him and is about Him.  There may be things we love or have been waiting to do for a long time.  If things do not work out as we wanted, we know they took place as He wanted.  And knowing that infinite love He has for us, it was for our good. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Lamentations 3:32

Verse of the Day Devotion: Lamentations 3:32 

“For if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion According to His abundant lovingkindness.” – Lamentations 3:32         

Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you?  Have you ever felt that the correction of the Lord is difficult?  There are times when it feels like He is far away.  Especially when we do something against what God allows or has commanded.  The writer of Lamentations, which traditionally is attributed to Jeremiah, had experienced this.  He has understood the correction of God.  “I am the man who has seen affliction because of the rod of His wrath.”  Lamentations 3:1.  By reading this, it is apparent he is a troubled man.  He is going through a very difficult time.  He feels that God is angry, and he is experiencing the repercussions of His anger.  This is many times what happens when we are corrected.

He does not understand and is perplexed.  “He has driven me and made me walk In darkness and not in light.” Lamentations 3:2.  The idea of darkness points to great trouble and perplexity.  He desired to walk in the light again where there is both comfort and direction, but it is not the case at that time.  Lets look at a few additional verses that describe how he is feeling.  “Surely against me He has turned His hand rrepeatedly all the day.” Lamentations 3:3.   “My soul has been rejected from peace; I have forgotten happiness. So I say, “My strength has perished, And so has my hope from the LORD.” Lamentations 3:17-18.

But as we read further, he remembers the loving kindness of the Lord.  “This I recall to my mind; Therefore I have hope. The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23.  And then finally, the last part being our focus verse, “For the Lord will not reject forever, for if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness.”  Lamentations 3:31-32.

We must understand that we will go through trials, some of which will be to correct us, some in order to do a particular work of God.  We must always understand that God has a purpose for all He does.  In the area of correction, it is because He loves us and wants us to change the path we are currently on and go back to following Him as He desires us to.  The writer of proverbs puts it this way.  “My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof, For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”  Proverbs 3:11-12.  A father who loves his children corrects and reproves them because he loves them and wants them to grow up to be Godly adults.  This is the same with God.  He loves us and wants us to follow Him and be with Him forever, therefore He will do what is necessary to make this happen. 

But His correction will not last forever and therefore His rejection will not last forever, but only for a season in order to help us be who He desires us to be; a person who loves God in all ways and does His will.  So, when we find ourselves in difficult times because He is correcting us, or any other reason, give Him thanks.  He is doing and allowing these things because He loves us.  It is temporary, and it puts us back on the path to eternal happiness with Him. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Deuteronomy 12:32

Verse of the Day Devotion: Deuteronomy 12:32 

“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.” – Deuteronomy 12:32        

This is a very Important command to follow, however, this command is increasingly becoming more ignored in today’s culture.  And I am referring here to the church.  God has given in His Word what we are to do, and what we are not to do.  And it breaks my heart to see additions and subtractions from His Word that takes away from the message we as Christians are to put forth, both in the words we say and the lives we live.  I pray you look read through this devotion and understand I am simply pointing out areas in which we can improve in order to clarify our message and not being accusatory.

When I have visited various churches, there have been things that the scriptures tell us to do, but no one preaches or teaches them.  However, many things are not taught for fear of offending people.  For instance, loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute or hate us.  Yes, these are difficult things, but we must not ignore them simply because we choose not to love those who treat us badly.  God calls us to love everyone, however, if we pick and choose who we will love, then we are ignoring the verses which tells us to love everyone.  “If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:8-9.  In the same sense, if we only fellowship with certain people and not with those who, we believe, are of a lessor class, then we again are leaving out one of His commands.  “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” Romans 12:16

Also, we must not add to God’s Word.  Today, we hear that homosexuality is an approved practice within the church because He made some people that way.  And because of this, we are not to call it a sin.  And we see the same thing regarding abortion.  I have even heard it said that abortion should be a right in the church.  We must not fall for this because this is adding to God’s word by including them in what God approves.

I want to encourage us all to ensure we do not take anything away from His Word, such as acts of love pointed out above, or to add things to His Word, such as making sinful acts acceptable.  This is so important, and when I see where our church is regarding these things, as I stated above, it breaks my heart. People are being taught that there are certain things in His Word that do not apply today because we live in a different time than when the scriptures were written.  And thus, we are approving of sin and in some ways encouraging its practice.  It is important that we read and study His Word and sit under solid bible teachers who will ‘rightly divide the word of truth.’ 2 Timothy 2:15.  People need to hear the whole truth.  And God has provided it to us.  We just need to teach it properly and accept it fully.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Psalm 139:23

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 139:23 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23  

This is a prayer we should pray regularly, although I believe it is one that is hardly ever lifted to God.  David here is calling out to God to search him and know his heart.  This is interesting because in the first verse of this chapter he declares, “O LORD, You have searched me and known me.” Psalm 139:1  However, he is being more explicit in our focus verse and asking that He would show him his heart.  David is asking God to examine the innermost parts of him; that with great scrutiny and reveal this to him.  Why?  Because David does not want to be under any delusion regarding who He is in the deepest depths of his heart.  That he is true in everything he sees about himself, whether good or bad.  For how can we know we need to change if we are not honest about what is in our hearts.  God already knows him completely, therefore this request regards David’s desire to know the reality of himself.

David is asking God to lay bare the true state of his heart.  The idea is to not just know his outward conduct, but also what he thinks about, what are the thoughts and beliefs that move him to act as he does.  What is it that occupies his thoughts and imaginations.  What is it that he enjoys and what controls his will.  He has asked God to try him, so that the results of these tests will be revealed to him.  David knew there were things in his innermost being that needed to be changed and he was wanting God to reveal these things.  David wanted God to show him the real David, for in seeing this he could follow the path God wants him to take. “And see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:24.  David desired to live life as God wanted.  He wanted God, through showing him what was truly inside him, to guide him in the way that leads to everlasting life.

David was a very brave soul to ask this of God.  For we all have thoughts, beliefs and ungodly ways that affect us, even if we do not recognize them.  Many Christians believe they are good because their actions and deeds are good.  However, this Christian walk goes beyond doing and actually consists of who we are as well, which is found in our hearts and minds.  We can fool ourselves and others by our deeds, but when we look deep inside of us and allow God to show us the hidden things within us, these will show us reality, which can be scary, but should be looked at as a path to growth in our relationship with God and a deepening in our Christian walk.   

So, I encourage everyone who reads this to pray the same prayer David did, and understand God’s response may not be what we expect or want to hear, but it is necessary in order to be the Christian He desires of us, real in both deeds and intentions.  For as I alluded above, how can we correct something if we do not see anything that is wrong?  We all have areas that need improvement.  Let us call out to the Almighty God who loves us with an everlasting love, to show us what is in our hearts.  And when He does, He will also show us what we need to change.  Remember, David said, “And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:24b.  If this is what we want, then we must go through the pain and anxiety of seeing who we truly are so we can become who we ought to be. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Isaiah 43:18

Verse of the Day Devotion: Isaiah 43:18 

“Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past.” – Isaiah 43:18         

The Lord is speaking through Isaiah regarding the things of the past.  What is he referring to in regard to the former things?  Just before this verse Isaiah starts regarding delivering them from Babylon, “Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, for your sake I have sent to Babylon, and will bring them all down as fugitives, Even the Chaldeans, into the ships in which they rejoice.” Isaiah 43:14. He tells them that He sent the Medes and Persians with their king Cyrus to deliver them from Babylon.  Before that, we read “For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place.” Isaiah 43:3. Egypt as a ransom may refer to when God delivered Israel from Egypt with various plagues, especially the last one regarding the death of the first born and ultimately the charioteers and their chariots in the Red Sea.  The reference to Cush and Seba probably refers to a time when the king of Assyria diverted from Palestine and Judea to deal with Egypt and Ethiopia. 

What Isaiah is saying is that though these events were amazing and worth being remembered with thankfulness, praise and rejoicing, and no doubt bringing encouragement, they are not to be compared with what God is going to do and must not take precedent over future workings of God. “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:19 God has great plans for Israel.  And He will declare them to Israel before they spring forth.  “Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth, I proclaim them to you.” Isaiah 42:9. The metaphor here refers to plants and flowers and the springing up out of the ground from the seed.  The idea is that before there is any indication of life in a certain place, there is the seed and at this time God will proclaim it to them. 

And this new thing is the coming of the Messiah.  Note the first four verses in chapter 42.  “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry out or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.” Isaiah 42:1-4.  This servant He refers to is the Messiah, and He will bring forth a future deliverance to Israel, but not as the past deliverances.  Before it was deliverance from those who held them captive but coming will be a deliverance from their sins which now holds them captive.  They were not to dwell on past deliverances but focus on the great one coming.

This speaks to us today as well.  God has done many things in our past that has helped and guided us.  But we must be careful not to dwell too much on these and assume what He will do for us will follow the pattern of the past. God may be doing brand new things in our lives that are completely different than anything He has done before.  Dwelling on what He has done may affect how we see His new work or may make us miss the new work altogether; just as Israel missed the future divergence by Jesus because it did not match past works.  If He is doing something new in our lives, then let us see it as a totally new thing, asking Him to make it clear, so we can fully understand.  I think we will be amazed by how God works in our lives. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Psalm 32:11

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 32:11 

“Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” – Psalm 32:11       

This verse points out a great and mighty truth that we as Christians should understand, for we have a relationship with the all-powerful, all knowing God of the universe.  That mighty truth is that we have a reason to rejoice no matter our situation.  And we must always be glad in Him.  And the main reason we have for rejoicing is stated in verse one and two.  “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven; whose sin is covered!  How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! ” Psalm 32:1-2

We have all sinned.  We have done what is wrong, and we were guilty of going against the commands of our creator.  And because of this we were separated from God because of our sins.  We did not have any way of making things right, therefore we were destined to eternal separation from the one who loved us.  However, God made a way.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  John 3:16.  God sent His only begotten Son to earth to pay the penalty for what we did.  We were guilty and were destined to eternal death.  We could not pay the penalty, so Jesus did. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

God, in the form of a man in Jesus gave Himself for us.  He did not have to do this, but He wanted to. It was because of His love and mercy that He addressed our situation, and all we have to do is believe and accept the work Jesus did on the cross.  Do we really understand this?  The fact that the eternal God, creator of all things including the rebellious creatures called human beings, came and died in our place shows the immense love He has for us.  Do we deserve this love? No.  But He loved us just the same.  He made a way for us to be in fellowship with Him by imputing Christ’s righteousness on us, if we believe and acknowledge our guilt, not attempting to hide it from Him. “I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.” Psalm 32:5

And because of all He did, we should rejoice and be glad for He saved us and made us His children and will soon take us home to be with Him for all eternity. There will be no sin, sorrow, weeping or dying.  It will be a place of constant joy and peace, where God reigns and we live in His presence forever.  This is why our lives should be a fountain of gladness, rejoicing and shouts of joy.  If what God did for us is not a cause of perpetual celebration and rejoicing, then we need to get on our knees and ask Him to show us again.  He gave us Himself, and there is no greater gift I can think of. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.