The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 86:14-17, O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, and a band of violent men have sought my life, and they have not set You before them.
15 But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me; oh grant Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your handmaid.
17 Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.”

Have you ever been in trouble? Someone once said that the disciples of Jesus were either in trouble or just getting out of trouble or headed for trouble. Did you ever feel like that? Of course, you have! What makes a situation like that even worse is when arrogant men have risen up against you. They have cut the props from under you and given no thought of the LORD Himself.

Note that the psalmist turns to the LORD for help (vss.15 & 16). He extols the LORD’s mercy and grace. He recognizes the LORD’s anger, but emphasizes His lovingkindness and truth. He then prays that the LORD will be gracious to him and grand him strength as required. We are always too eager to think we’re in control.

How often we want the LORD to furiously pummel those who fail to treat us with respect! But the psalmist has the right spirit. He only wants those who hate him to be ashamed of themselves when they see the LORD is helping and comforting him. Oh, if only we possessed that quality of love! Perhaps the key to possessing it lies in our recognition of the loving grace of the LORD. How long has it been since you thanked and really praised the LORD?

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom