Encouraging Words - Pt 3

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds! For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. (Psalm 9:9-12 ESV). The third word of encouragement focuses on the ability and desire of God to provide for his children. Our reading today was written by David as he recalls the protection of God for his people. There are some who believe he wrote it soon after he had killed Goliath saving Israel from defeat by the Philistines. If we take Psalm 9 with Psalm 10, as most interpreters do, it is easy to see this point of view. Whether it was after the defeat of Goliath, one of the many other victories God gave to David, or any of the many experiences Israel celebrated of God’s deliverance and provision we certainly have the ultimate example of God’s provision for our need in Christ. God simply does not forget his children. If you read Exodus 16 you will notice that Israel was back again doing what Israel did so often following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery. They were moaning and groaning looking only at the natural, and completely forgetting, once again, the gracious and miraculous provision that God had repeatedly made for them. You will also note that they were even starting to exaggerate as to how good it really was back in Egypt! Into this setting God gives them manna and quail to eat. Two things are important to note from this experience: First, the provision of God was not based in their earnest obedience. They were crying out in the affliction; but, it was not directed toward their faith in the provision of God. The source of our provision today is found in the gracious character and nature of God as he expresses his love toward us. That’s encouraging! There’s nothing I have to do to motivate God to deliver me! Second, God provided abundantly for their daily needs. They were given enough food each day. I find I am often stuck in the future needs I might perceive. When I do that I miss the present provision of God. My future is already secure in Christ; my present is merely the unfolding of that finished act. For 40 years, while Israel wandered in the wilderness, they lived on the manna! It was a complete food in and of itself, giving them everything that their bodies needed. The Psalmist called it the “bread of angels” (cf. Psalm 78:25). This gives us a picture of how Jesus is totally complete in Himself and is all we need. Watchman Nee once said, “It does not matter what your personal deficiency is… God has always one sufficient answer, His Son Jesus Christ, and He is the answer to every human need.”