Ponder This: What story of God’s faithfulness in my life could encourage someone else who needs hope today?
Scripture To Consider: He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. -Psalm 40:3
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Karen's Response: When I read this question, one of the first things that comes to mind is how faithful God has been throughout my life in placing people around me who have encouraged me, guided me, and helped me grow closer to Him. Looking back, I can see His hand so clearly. From family members to mentors, dear friends, or even a new acquaintance, God has continually brought people into my life at just the right time. People who encouraged me. People who listened. People who guided me. People who prayed for me. People who prayed with me. People who invited me to study Scripture with them. People who didn’t always say what I wanted them to say, but spoke truth when I needed to hear it. And the list goes on and on.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” I know this to be true in my life. Our church’s motto is “Real Relationships, Real Transformation.” God has used others to sharpen my faith, challenge me to grow, and remind me of His truths if I begin to stray.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” God has consistently surrounded me with people who have done this for me. What a gift. And it makes me stop and ask, “God, who do you want me to encourage today?”
Our verse to PONDER today is Psalm 40:3, which says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” I love the reminder that what God does in our lives isn’t meant to stop with us. When we share how He has loved us, provided for us, and been faithful, we can become a source of hope and encouragement for someone else.
So ask God and seek out others who love the Lord, encourage you, use the Word of God to direct their steps, love you as you are but challenge you to grow. Let them pour His love, His wisdom, His goodness into you. Then, ask God whom you can serve, guide, encourage and share the love of Christ with.
Tom's Response: Psalm 40:3 is a short story in one verse. David was in a bad place, and God rescued him. David goes from crying out to singing joyful praise. His joy is so apparent to the public that they learn to trust God too. The end. I don't have any stories quite like that, but I do know God has continually rescued me over and over as He did for David. My life has involved a lot of risks and careless behaviors. There are specific times I know God was on the scene helping me, and there are times I had no idea I needed help. I believe that nothing happens outside His awareness and absolute authority.
Many scholars believe David wrote Psalm 71 in his old age. In verse 14, David says, "I will keep on expecting you to help me. I praise you more and more." In verse 15, he says, "I cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger. I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant, daily care." In verse 16, he says, "I walk in the strength of the Lord God."
Like David, I am very grateful for my relationship with God; even when it is one-sided at times, He marks my path. He's beside me in my daily journey, watching over my steps and guiding me towards His purpose. I would share with the person who feels weak, has doubts, fear, and little hope, to make Psalm 71:16 their reply to every hardship thrown at them. "I walk in the strength of the Lord God. Paul was not ashamed of his weakness; in fact, he boasted about his weaknesses, knowing God's unlimited power would rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:9).
