The writer of this Psalm recognized the works of God; he trusted in the word and work of the Christ who was to come. There is a stark contrast between this Psalm and the religious leaders confronting Jesus in John 5 – 8. The Psalmist studied the works of the LORD; the religious leaders demanded a sign from the CHRIST. The Psalmist delighted in the works of the LORD; the religious leaders questioned the CHRIST. The Psalmist declares that God caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the religious leaders had twisted the Abraham and Moses accounts to elevate their works and fit into their religion.

Praise the LORD!I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. ²Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. ³ Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. ⁴He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. Psalm 111:1-4 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. John 6:29

Can we see and trust what Abraham, Moses and David saw? How do we learn to trust? The big picture is one thing; everyday life is another. How do I trust God’s mighty works now, at 10am this morning at 3pm this afternoon and at 8pm tonight? This is not a “how” question, this is a “who” question. Who do I trust – myself or the one whose works are full of splendor and majesty; my ability to function in this life or the one whose righteousness endures forever; my wisdom or Christ, the wisdom of God?

I declare, “God I will trust you!” By 10am or 3pm or 8pm I’m back to trusting myself, never mind a New Year’s resolution!  We are called to cling to the work of God – the work that creates faith; the work that frees us from the lies Satan continually places in front of us; the work of re-creation that takes place in our being for Jesus’ sake; the work of drawing us to a deeper understanding of the big picture; the work of calling us to beg Christ in.

Christ Jesus lives in us by his Spirit and by his very life – his body and blood. We live in Christ’s body – we have died with him and are raised to new life in his holy life. He cherishes us, he calls us, he holds us in his life. The work of God is this: that we believe in the one he sent into this world, into our life, into our being. The work of God is this: that we trust in him.

The work of God brought us to a New Year. May God grant us courage to beg him into our brokenness and the courage to allow his work to work in us. May God grant us boldness to beg him in to the brokenness around us and the boldness to allow his work to work through us. May the peace that passes understanding guard our hearts and teach us that we don’t have to work that work. Blessings IN Christ, Cindy

Your Subscription: