April 29, 2025

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.” ps 27:13 nkjv   Note here that the Psalmist is speaking of present tense circumstances. To me the key to his expression is, “unless I had believed.”

Life is full of all kinds of challenges, disappointments, even physical and emotional sufferings. Some of them seem unsolvable and/or inescapable… and our minds can picture worse troubles than what the circumstances actually present us with. Anxiety, fear, doubt and uncertainty, are terrible experiences in our time of need... Psalms 27:13,   causes me to think, that unless I grasp hold of Yahweh’s Word in faith [ faith is a gift from Yahweh, that feeds and grows upon our study and meditation upon His Words] I could “loose heart.” Faith thereby, is our substance for “waiting” patiently, for “seeing” the goodness of Yahweh… in the land of the living [the hear and now].

Living life as a believer in Yahweh’s Word, to me, is what gives us hope to see tomorrow. I spent many years in my life flying to a multitude of places, an often I would be taking off in bad weather, rain, snow, fog… etc. Always, as we gained altitude, the plane broke through the dark turbulent clouds, and we burst out into a clear blue sky and sunshine [in daytime flights]. I used to know a positive thinking pastor who would say concerning difficult times, “the sun always shines above the clouds.” A very large part of our outlook, I think, has to do with our choosing to see Yahweh’s perspective instead of what the circumstances offer us… the same pastor, in a caring way, used to ask folks who were grumbling about being under some sort of circumstances, “what are you doing under there?” Now mind you, I must admit that it sometimes [in the natural] feels good to “grumble,” if I may use that expression. I do think it does work against our conditions and our faith. So, waiting faithfully, prayerfully, and patiently, for Yahweh’s help is our best approach… otherwise the devil thinks our negative confession [and expressions] is proof that he has an upper hand on us… not a good idea to give him that pleasure; and we should give thanks “in everything,” as Paul says in …., 2 Thessalonians:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Looking at life from the Apostle Paul’s perspective, we learn to endure patiently, be longsuffering, and stand faithfully, when circumstances try to convince us otherwise.   Psalms 27,   with its first verse (1), and its last verse (14), seem to present the message within these two verses, as “bookends,” that frame all the circumstances between them… We could rewrite the in-between verses with our own personal difficulties, problems and challenges, and using the same bookends, we could get the same lesson. Notably, it is not the “in between” issues, but the bookends that make the difference. I think, just consider verse 1 and verse 14; when our issues are framed by them, do they not apply to all the problems life can throw at us?

Faith thinks Yahweh’s Promises:

“He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” isa 40:29-31 nkjv

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” isa 41:10 nkjv

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” isa 26:3-4 nkjv

Thankfully, in faith, we can hope to “see” Yahweh’s promises [in the land of the living]… who else can you trust?

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” ps 27:14 nkjv

Shalom, John