"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD CAN DO"
Psalm 146:8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:9 The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
Once again, we learn so much about who the Lord is, and what the Lord does for His people, and also what He does to the plans of the wicked. So, let's just look at these two verses and enjoy what God has to say to us.
1. God is the one who opens the eyes of the blind.
Psalm 146:8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
Man is naturally blind to the things of God as a result of sin that has entered into the world. Like the hymn Amazing Grace says, "I once was blind, but now I see" etc, etc. But, God is the eye opener. Sin is the blinder of men's eyes, and God is the one who opens our blind eyes. He wants us to see Him. And, what a wonderful sight to see, to see the Lord. So, the Lord comes to spiritually blind people and works in their hearts and lives, so that they can see Him, and understand Him.
2. God is the one who raises up those who are bowed down.
Psalm 146:8 ...The LORD raises those who are bowed down;
This has to do with humility. God is faithful to lift up those who are humble, and to raise up from the dust those who are bowed down. It's similar to the truth that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. Many times in the Bible we see this truth about God played out. He is faithful to take a humble heart and lift it up. So, it makes perfect sense to humble ourselves before God, because He is then able to lift us up.
3. God is the one who loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:8 The LORD loves the righteous.
Of course God loves each and every person in the world. There is no question about that. But, He has a relationship with those who have turned to Him, and in that sense, His love for them is very special. The saved person is in Christ, and is able to draw near to the God who loves them. God loved a saved person before they were saved, but now that they are saved, He is able to enjoy sharing Himself with them. How He loves those He has saved and made righteous in His sight.
4. God is the one who watches over the strangers, and relieves the fatherless and the widow.
Psalm 146:9 The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow;
God has a special place in His heart for those who are the most vulnerable. Three categories of people are listed in this one verse. Strangers, orphans, and widows. God is said to "watch" over them. Or to protect them, and to care for them.
In fact, God tells us in James that ministry to these kind of people is "pure religion" It's something very dear to His heart. And, may it be to us as well.
5. God is the one who turns the way of the wicked upside down. ( or frustrates the plans of the wicked )
Psalm 146:9 ...But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
Now, this is much different than what we have just read. But, it's nonetheless true. While God works in the lives of His people, there is something He also does in the lives of the wicked. He turns their way upside down. Or he frustrates their plans.
Wicked people are in the most unfortunate position possible. Wicked means, ungodly, criminal, hostile to God, guilty of sin against God and man.
But, please, let's remember God's desire for them. He does not want them to perish, but to come to repentance. May He use us to accomplish His desire towards them.
Questions:
1. Can you remember when God first opened your eyes to Himself?
2. What was the first thing you realized about God, and about yourself?
3. What did God do in your life when you bowed before Him, how did He lift you up?
4. Have you experienced God's special care for you in your times of need?
5. Will you ask Him if you can be of some use to Him, in ministering to those who are the most vulnerable?
A prayer:
Father, day by day, You provide us with spiritual nourishment from Your Word. And, what a nourishment it is. There is nothing in all the world like Your eternal life giving Word. Thank You for how You use it in our lives. And, it's our prayer that we might be found at Your disposal, and be of use to You in these last days. May we be effective ministers of the grace, love, and mercy of God. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
