Never Give Up
Today’s Verse:
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. ~Psalm 38:17
The great British statesman, Sir Winston Churchill, in the closing statement of a speech he gave to the students at Harrow College on October 29, 1941, said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” David was ready to halt, or quit.
We see the fallen.
“For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.” The superscription to this psalm says, “To bring to remembrance.” Fresh in David’s mind were the afflictions that he was suffering. He attributes his suffering to sin in his life that God was dealing with. The discouragement that we have failed God and fallen into grievous sin can be a heavy burden. The pressure of sin places into us thoughts of insecurity and the inclination of quitting. Don’t give up if you’re in sin! Remember, God is merciful and will faithfully forgive us when we confess and forsake our sins.
We see the foes.
“But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.” David’s enemies were critical of him. His enemies even sought to use his failures to discredit and overthrow him. He felt outnumbered and weak against them. Don’t let your critics and adversaries pressure you into quitting. Stand up to the enemies who want to see your defeat and removal. Let God vindicate you, and be strong.
We see the friends.
“My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off." Worse than his failures and foes was the rejection of his friends. When your friends are against you, you almost feel like you’re at the bottom of the pit. Job experienced the rejection and criticism of his friends. When friends abandon you, don’t give up. Resolve to be strong in the Lord, and pray for those who reject and despitefully use you.
We see the feelings.
“My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.” We must be careful not to take stock in our feelings. Feelings can be deceitful and misleading. When we are discouraged, we just want to run and hide. Take time to rest, eat a good meal, and remember that God is the strength of your life.
We see the faithfulness.
“They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.” David followed the thing that good is. He did not allow his circumstances to change his dedication to the Lord. Your foes might render evil for good towards you, but keep doing what is right. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “Do right until the stars fall.”
We see the Father.
“For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.” In this psalm, we see David praying to God. He came to God’s throne in boldness for mercy and grace to help in time of need. He found hope and confidence in God’s love for him. He prayed for God to help him and not forsake him. David realized that God was the only One Who could prevent the situation from getting worse and that the way out was only through the Lord. Don’t give up or give in. Resolve to cling to the Lord, His Word, and His strength. Remember that God does not give up on you and you should not give up on God.
Have a steadfast God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 1-2