October 26, 2024 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- Testify!

I love you, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in Whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the LORD, Who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3 ESV

Last night Redemption Prison Ministry held its Annual Fall Banquet in Jordon, Ontario. One of the men, Wade, who now hails from Moncton, gave his testimony. How the Lord took him from addiction and life-controlling issues and brought him to fullness of life in Christ. When believers share their testimony with other believers, the family of God is built up and encouraged. Certainly, that happened last night. On the way home from the dinner, my son, Adrian called me, to say how the testimony he heard from Wade, and the conversation with Travis, and the report Pastor Mitch gave had a huge impact. He said it reinvigorated his enthusiasm in his walk with God.

That is the blessing of sharing our faith journey. In this Psalm David speaks to God telling Him of all the Lord has done for him. Such a testimony confirms the goodness of God’s work in his life. Speaking of God’s goodness guards our hearts and minds from evil temptations. Declaring what God has done encourages other believers in our precious faith so that together we are strengthened to stand against former sins and the onslaught of unwelcome, renewed temptations. Psalm 18, as with all the Psalms, is a prayer to God. Such a prayer recounting what God has done, leads His people to praise Him and declare His goodness.

If you keep on reading this Psalm, you’ll see the variety of ways which David declares the salvation of God. It is personal. It is creation-wide. It is His salvation, taking Israel out of Egypt. The salvation of God is communal. Strange how many modern day Christians are so self-focused that their interactions with other Christians is neglected. When I was in High School, okay, about forty years ago, a common expression was “faith is personal, not private”. The point being, one’s deep faith is meant to be expressed and shared. Folks who have never considered God or His saving work in Jesus, are drawn to Him by the testimony of other believers.

Sometimes Christians grow stale in their walk with God. Reading the Bible is okay. Going to church is a common habit. When believers specifically share what God is doing in their lives, others are sparked again in our precious faith. Be prepared, wherever you are, to tell others about what God is doing in your life. You’ll notice the praises start and your heart is warmed with renewed joy in the Lord.

For these things I praise You, O LORD. In my heart and among your people I will sing to Your Name. Your great salvation has been revealed through Jesus, Your beloved Son, our King. You show Your steadfast love to Your people forever and ever. Spirit of the Living God, make us so brimmingly aware of God’s salvation story in our lives such that we are readily prepared to tell others of Your great love and salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/9sE5kEnitqE?si=MrDjAlH3yGoLk3lA “Goodness of God”

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