Life on the Mountain

Chuckle: Boy: Grandma, do you know how to croak. Grandma: No, I don't think so. Why? Boy: Because Dad say's he'll be a rich man when you do.

Quote: "Progress always involves risk; you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first." --Frederick Wilcox

"He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord" (Psalm 40:3 NLT).

Yesterday, we dealt with “Life in the Pits.” We saw how we should wait upon the Lord for his deliverance when we find ourselves mired in the pit of despair and discouragement. We saw what a miraculous change there was in David's heart as he learned to wait upon the Lord with an attitude of faith and expectancy. Today, let's look at how David's transformed attitude impacted his life and the lives of other people.

Notice that David's first reaction after being lifted out of his pit and transported to the mountain top was to praise God for delivering him. This should be the reaction from each of us as God does His work in our lives. When you praise our Lord for delivering you, it will impact the lives of others in addition to bringing glory to God.

When you share your personal testimony about what God has done in your life, He will use your experiences to draw others to Himself. When you say, "here's what God has done for me," your words will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of others. Our passage says they will be astounded by what God has done and, in turn, will also put their trust in the Lord. You are important to God and his work. Don't ever let Satan make you feel otherwise.

The second thing David did was to dedicate his life completely to God. To be delivered from despair and then turn a deaf ear to God is the height of ingratitude and selfishness. David heard God's message and came to recognize that "You (God) take no delight in sacrifices and offerings. Now that you have made me listen, finally I understand -- you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. . . I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your law is written on my heart" (Psalm 40:6-8 NLT).

David came to understand that it was not the burnt offerings or other rituals of worship that pleased God; but what God wants from us is total devotion to him. The prophet Samuel told Saul, "Obedience is far better than sacrifice" (I Samuel 15:22 NIV). In Romans 12:1 NLT, the apostle Paul tells us: "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he (God) will accept." God seldom asks us to die physically for him, but he wants us to live sacrificially for him each day.

Remember, whether you are in the pit or on the mountain, God is in control. He is the Master in all situations. He loves you and desires the very best for you. And that best can be seen in the words of Jesus, ". . . I have come that they (you) may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse