June 5, 2017
CURRENT TRIAL OR BIGGEST BLESSING?
Psalm 105:1–22
Cindy Johns
Central Truth
Is there an issue or opportunity in your life that at one point you thought was horrible, but as time moved on you realized it was a blessing? God's timing is perfect. We just need to be patient!
Key Verse |
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.
(Psalm 105:4-5)
Psalm 105:1–22
Tell of All His Wondrous Works
1
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
2
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
3
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
4
Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
5
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
6
O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
7
He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8
He remembers his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
9
the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
10
which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
11
saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
as your portion for an inheritance.”
12
When they were few in number,
of little account, and sojourners in it,
13
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
14
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account,
15
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,
do my prophets no harm!”
16
When he summoned a famine on the land
and broke all supply
1
105:16
Hebrew staff
of bread,
17
he had sent a man ahead of them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
18
His feet were hurt with fetters;
his neck was put in a collar of iron;
19
until what he had said came to pass,
the word of the LORD tested him.
20
The king sent and released him;
the ruler of the peoples set him free;
21
he made him lord of his house
and ruler of all his possessions,
22
to bind
2
105:22
Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome instruct
his princes at his pleasure
and to teach his elders wisdom.
Dive Deeper | Psalm 105:1–22
I think we can all remember a time when we felt life treated us unfairly. We thought we knew the right answers, if only God and all the people around us would just cooperate, right? In our Scripture today, there’s a reference to God’s covenant with His people—that’s you and me, if you are a believer. He helps us remember the divine purposes found in the events of our life. He reminds us that He works according to His timing, not ours.
I don’t know about you, but my life has been marked by many challenges. If I was left in charge, those challenges may have worked out differently. But I’m one of those “stiff-necked” people who are referenced in the book of Exodus—you know, the ones who think they know the best way. Then God, in His perfect timing, reminds me that He has the perfect plan and His plans are far better than mine (Jeremiah 29:11-14).
As I mentioned in my bio, I love my family. So there should be no surprise that’s exactly the spot God has chosen to help me remember who’s in charge: He is! Whether it be through rebellious years with my kids, family addictions, teen pregnancy, or social struggles—when your family is hurting, there’s no pain greater. I know how much God loves me and how I’ve hurt Him over the years, yet He forgives me and continues to challenge me to abide in Him (John 15:5). He’s the only One who never changes, and He has the best plan. His divine purposes for human history include me, and all the struggles and unanswered prayers I’ve experienced are part of something much bigger. So what’s made the difference? It’s my willingness to seek Him, lean on His ways, and allow Him to make my paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). God protects His anointed ones. His timing is perfect.
Over the years, Jesus has softened me and allowed my responses to align more with His teachings. The outcome might look different than my prayers, but His plans are always better!
Discussion Questions
1. Have you been waiting a long time for answers to your prayers? Do you have community around you to ensure these prayers are aligned with the Word of God?
2. Are you willing to accept the possibility that the answers to your prayers might look different than what you expect? God’s plan is far better than we can ever imagine. Be open to the possibilities.
3. How are you responding to life’s disappointments? Are you allowing God to transform your heart by renewing your mind in Christ Jesus? (2 Timothy 3:16-17)