Psalm 43, 149, 143; and Paul’s letter to the Philippians, 4:11-13 (NKJV)
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Devotion
The despondent writer of Psalm 43 with “cast down” soul, seeks delivery from “deceitful and unjust men,” questions why God “has cast [him] off,” and promises exuberant praise “with the lyre” if God brings him to His “holy hill.” There is implied blame (“…why are you disquieted within me”) but hope for a return to again “praise him.” In Psalm 149 the psalmist opens with an arms-flung-out, full throated, clarion call to “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song,” all accompanied by “…dancing…timbrel and lyre…;” but then surprises us in mid-song asking for “two-edged swords…to wreak vengeance” and to “bind their kings with chains and nobles with fetters of iron.” A song of praise seems then to devolve to a victory chant. And in each psalm trust in God seems conditional; victory over disquiet and depression leads to “I shall again praise him…” or victory over enemies unleashes song and dance. While fondly recalling “the days of old” and “all that thou hast done,” the writer of Psalm 143, similarly beset, asks his Lord “…to cut off my enemies and destroy all my adversaries.” Again, a return to faith seems conditional, on rubbing out his enemies.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians releases us from the “if/then” framing of an interventionist, judging God to “…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Whatever state I am in! And Paul has known both “…to be abased and I know how to abound.” Paul has “learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.” Why? “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” And Paul doesn’t seek accolades for what he has done, seeking “the fruit” not for himself, but for the Philippians: “fruit which increases to your credit.” And what you will receive will not necessarily be what you wish for: “…my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
With this stirring doxology Paul concludes his letter on the rock of faith. He exhorts his followers to “Rejoice. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” His is a summons to faith, not to a deal; to trust, not to an outcome. Certainly both a heartening message and a tough one: “tough” because we all have needs, especially if and when we face dire questions and petitions; “heartening” because the fear and anxiety will be shouldered by “God [who] will supply every need.” To put all worries aside is a hard message: but it is that—faith in a loving God—that lies at the very heart of our Christian belief.
Prayer
Dear Lord: May love, the needs of others, and thy will always serve as my guiding compass.
Jack Calhoun