Praying Pint

 

Isaiah 41:8-10  But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

God’s promises are given “liberally and upbraideth not,” meaning He bestows them generously and without reproach. Unlike humans, who may grow weary of repeating themselves or feel slighted when their word is doubted, God understands the depth and resilience of unbelief in the human heart. He does not withhold assurances but continues to offer His word—again and again—knowing our need for reassurance.

Just as a single strike cannot reduce a mountain to dust, a single promise may not be enough to overcome entrenched doubt. God, therefore, provides “mighty stores of promise”—an abundance of assurances—so that, over time, even the most stubborn unbelief may be overcome.

Many times believers doubt God despite His clear promises: He says, “I will strengthen thee,” yet we hesitate; “I will help thee,” yet we worry about tomorrow; “I will uphold thee,” yet we shrink from responsibility. Each act of unbelief is not merely a private struggle but an implicit accusation against God’s faithfulness and righteousness.

God’s promise to uphold His people is backed by His own righteousness. He declares that if He were not to uphold us, His very character—His justice, His holiness—would be forfeited. To doubt Him is, in effect, to liken Him to unreliable, unholy idols, rather than the faithful God He is. This is a sobering thought, urging us to recognize the seriousness of our unbelief.

Faith is not only a personal matter but a testimony to others. When believers live in trust, they display God’s reliability and love; when they live in doubt, they obscure His glory and mislead those who observe their lives.

Examine your heart and attitude toward God’s promises. Am I living as if God’s word is true, or am I allowing unbelief to shape my actions and attitudes?

Trust Him fully and represent His faithfulness to a watching world

 

 

Matthew 3:16  And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;

Isaiah 11:2    And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 42:1    Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 61:1    The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

John 1:31-34     I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

John 3:34   For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

Just as the Spirit of God descended upon the Lord Jesus—the head of the Church—so also does the Spirit descend upon each member of His church body. This descent, though given in measure to us, is patterned after the manner in which it was given to our Lord. There is often a peculiar swiftness in the Spirit’s coming; before we are fully aware, we are propelled onward and upward, moved toward heaven beyond our expectations. Yet, unlike the rush of earthly haste, the Spirit’s movement is marked by a gentle quietness—the wings of the dove, soft and swift, carry the presence of God in tranquility.

Many of the Spirit’s operations require a deep quietness. The Holy Spirit speaks in a still, small voice, and, like the dew that falls in silence, Gentleness is a natural result of the Spirit’s transforming power. Hearts touched by His gracious influence become meek and humble, changed forever. Just as the Spirit brooded over the face of the deep to bring forth order and life at creation, He also comes into our hearts to foster new life and light.

Dear heavenly father, may the Holy Spirit’s presence continue to transform us, filling us with purity, peace, gentleness, harmlessness, and divine love, so that our lives reflect the beauty and grace of Christ. (Spurgeon)

 

 

Lamentations 3:26  It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalms 77:9  Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”

Psalms 31:22  I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.

Psalms 37:7  Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Proverbs 20:22  Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

2Chronicles 20:17  You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.”

Luke 18:7-8  And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Galatians 6:9  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

James 5:7  Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

 

In times of uncertainty and distress, it is natural to question whether God remains attentive and gracious. The passages presented invite us to reflect on the steadfastness of God’s mercy, the assurance of His justice, and the importance of patient trust even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Our cries do not fall on deaf ears; instead, they reach a loving God who responds with compassion. Patience is not passive resignation but active trust in God’s timing and faithfulness. We are to cultivate inner peace and confidence, knowing that God ultimately governs all outcomes.

Sometimes, the greatest act of faith is to refrain from striving and simply observe how God moves on our behalf. Trusting God means releasing control and allowing Him to work in ways beyond our understanding.

Even when we feel cut off or discouraged, we are invited to stand firm, persevere in doing good, and patiently anticipate the harvest that follows faithful waiting. God’s mercy endures, and His salvation is sure for those who trust in Him. (Bagster)

 

Psalms 139:1-24  To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

 

When faith becomes weak or “sags,” there is a temptation to rely on external props—rituals, public opinion, and popularity—to sustain religious life. This reliance is portrayed as a symptom of deeper:  spiritual  unhappiness, restlessness, uneasiness, unease, melancholy, depression, despondency, dejection, disquiet, trouble, anxiety, leading to practices that dilute the authenticity and depth of Christian faith. The passage suggests that this external orientation is a defining characteristic of contemporary Christianity, often overshadowing genuine spiritual commitment.

The antidote to spiritual bloating and moral decay is a spirit of faith and humility. Faith acts as an “antibody,” protecting the heart from the corrosive effects of pride, vanity, and the desire for recognition. Humility enables believers to focus on what truly matters: God’s perspective, rather than the fluctuating opinions of others. This approach fosters spiritual health and resilience, shielding individuals from the moral “bacteria” that distort authentic Christian living. (Tozer)

 

 

1 Timothy 4:10   For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Hebrews 4:11   Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

2 Peter 1:10-11   Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.  For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:14    Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

 

Hebrews 12:28    Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

1 Corinthians 15:58    Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Isaiah 1:10-18    Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!  “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.  “When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts?  Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.  Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.  When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.  Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,  learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.  “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

 

Colossians 3:5    Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Romans 8:13   For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

2 Timothy 2:22    So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

1 Peter 2:11    Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Genesis 4:7    If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Acts 10:35    but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

 

 

1 Thessalonians 2:4   But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Colossians 3:20   Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Psalm 147:11   The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27    So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:25   Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

1 Corinthians 6:12   “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

 

2 Timothy 2:4
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Hosea 6:6
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

2 Corinthians 5:9   We make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 

Romans 12:1   Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 

1 Thessalonians 4:1    As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 

Colossians 1:10    So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. 

 

Hebrews 3:12    Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.

Ephesians 5:10
And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 6:6
Not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

1 John 3:22
And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.