Trust God’s Will and Care 

Yet how quickly they (people of Israel) forgot what He (God) had done (God’s works and mercy)! They wouldn’t wait for His counsel (advice, plans)! In the wilderness their desires (cravings, greed, or lusts) ran wild, testing (tempting) God’s patience in that dry wasteland. So He (God) gave them what they (people of Israel) asked for, but He sent a plague (wasting disease, leanness into their souls, or empty heart) along with it. Psalm 106:13-15 (NLT).

In the desert, Israel became discontented and inpatient with God’s provisions (e.g., see Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2-3; Exodus 17:1-3; Numbers 14:26-45; Numbers 21:4-9).  God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage and pain, but they soon forgot His mercy and ignored His advice.  The psalm writer recalls numerous times when Israel disobeyed the Lord after He delivered them from Egypt (Psalm 106:7–46). God gave the people manna (heavenly bread), and they lusted for meat. Even more, the people of Israel criticized their leaders and worshiped a golden idol.  The people of Israel did not trust God nor wait for God to work according to His will and plan.  Instead, the people only cared about pleasing themselves (self-gratification) and angered God with their insistent demands. The people did not want God’s best for them, and they refused to trust God's care and provision. Even though God had been faithful to Israel (Psalm 105), Israel was often unfaithful and disobedient toward God. So, God gave the people exactly what they asked for, but along with their request came leanness into their soul, i.e., dissatisfaction, bitterness and an empty heart (see Exodus 32:35; Numbers 11). After eating of the quails (meat) for a full month, the food became “loathsome” to them (Numbers 11:20). 

Psalm 106 teaches that when people make demands on God that are not in harmony with His will nor plan, He may grant their demands or requests to their sorrow, and send “leanness into their souls or an empty heart.” Let us all trust in God’s care, timing, and provision for our lives.  Even more, let us trust God’s perfect will. God knows what is best for us and in our best interest.  Like Jesus, be patient, trust and do God’s will first (see Matthew 26:36-46).  God always provides our needs if we only trust Him first! 

Seeking God

This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: "Seek (come to) Me (the LORD God) and live; . . . . Seek (come to) the LORD and live . . . . Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy (be gracious) . . . . But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:4-24 (NIV). 

In this chapter, the Prophet Amos mourns for Israel because they believed that their wealth and religious ritual made them secure. The Prophet Amos tells Israel the one sure cure for a world that is sick and dying in sin — "Seek (come to) the LORD and live." Sin destroys, but true happiness and security come only in God.  Moreover, this Scripture passages teaches that any society that mistreats the poor, helpless, and needy will be destroyed by God’s judgment. God wants true justice to flow like a vast river (Amos 5:24). Those who oppose justice will be swept away. 

Even more, this Scripture passage teaches that God dislikes false and insincere worship by people who simply go through the motions.  Instead, God wants our sincere and wholehearted love for Him (Deuteronomy 4:29-30; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 22:34-40) that yields obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23; John 14:15).  True repentance and faith can repair a damaged life and avoid God’s judgment made by sin.  However, God desires our authentic and continual loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness to Him as the One True God (Amos 4:4; Amos 5:25; Habakkuk 2:4).  So, let everyone seek the LORD God with all our hearts and souls and live!

True Happiness

Finally, all of you should be of one mind (in agreement, harmony or agreeable). Sympathize with (understand) each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted (kind, compassionate or kindhearted), and keep a humble attitude (spirit). Don’t repay evil for evil (wrong for wrong). Don’t retaliate (retaliation) with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil (say nothing evil nor harmful) and your lips from telling lies (dishonest speech). Turn away from evil and do good. Search for (look or seek) peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right (righteous), and His ears are open (attentive) to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NLT), see parallel reference at Psalm 34:12-16. 

Here, the Apostle Peter emphasizes the relationship between our good conduct and God’s blessing by quoting from Psalm 34:12-16, see also 1 Peter 2:3; Hebrews 12:14). God expects all people, but especially followers of Jesus Christ, to love and be kind to others (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; John 13:35). Jesus teaches us to love one another and to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). In God's Kingdom, revenge and insult are NEVER right!  Instead, God instructs His people to love our enemies, purse peace with others and quietly trust in God as the Lord of all (Leviticus 19:18). God always rights all wrongs!  

If you are good to people, God will be good and bless you. In other words, when you bless others, God will bless you! By blessing and loving others, we receive our blessings from God. God sees the good people do and listens to their prayers. But God is against those who do evil. 

A person, who wants a truly happy life filled with all God’s blessings, must first turn away from evil in word, will, and actions. This kind of person can be happy because God’s eyes are on such a person for protection and God’s ear is open to their prayers. Like Psalm 34, this Scripture passage focuses on turning from sin --- sins of speech (James 3:2-18), lies, evil, retaliation (Leviticus 19:18) and temptation --- and doing good to others. We do good to others by pursing peace, harmony, courtesy, love, compassion, mercy, and humility. 

If you have trouble living a life of good for God, ask God’s Holy Spirit to change and mold you into the person God wants you to be. God’s Holy Spirit changes a person from the inside to mold you into a person for God's use.

You did not choose Me, but I (Jesus Christ) chose you and appointed you to go and bear (produce lasting) fruit--fruit that will last (remain). Then (God) the Father will give you whatever you ask (using) in My Name. This is My command: Love each other. John 15:16-17 (NIV), see also Galatians 5:22-23.

Prayer of Jabez

There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez (sorrow maker) because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed (cried out or called) to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand (enlarge) my territory (border)! Please be with me in all that I do (let Your hand be with me), and keep me from all trouble (harm or evil) and pain!” And God granted him his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NLT).

1 Chronicles provides a history of Israel to the returning Jews from Babylonian exile.  The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles gives the genealogy of Israel starting with Adam.  In this genealogy is a short historical note on Jabez. Jabez was a descendent of the tribe of Judah.  He is most remembered for his simple prayer request to God found at 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

The Chronicler explains the origin of Jabez’s name. Jabez sounds like a Hebrew word meaning “pain” or “distress” and it literally means “he afflicts, gives pain.” Jabez received this name from his mother because she had such a hard and painful time at his birth (Genesis 3:16). However, Jabez was more honorable and distinguished than any of his brothers. Even more, Jabez’s prayer to God changed the outcome of his life. 

The prayer of Jabez acknowledges God as the true center of his life and Lord of his work, possessions, and body. Jabez’s prayer begins with (1) a plea for God’s wonderful blessings, (2) help with all his work ("enlarge my territory''), (3) God’s Presence to be with him in all he did, and (4) God’s personal protection from evil, hurt, tragedy, pain, and harm. He prayed precisely for God’s protection from harm and to keep him safe from all evil that may come his way. Jabez’s last request might also mean to keep him away from evil. God heard Jabez’s prayer and granted Jabez’s request.

Answered Prayer

I (David) will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly (continually) speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless (discouraged and humble) take heart (be glad). Come, (glorify or magnify) let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His Name together. I prayed to (cried out, inquired and sought) the Lord, and He answered (heard) me. He freed (delivered) me from all my fears. Those who look to Him (God) for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed (cried out to the Lord), and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the Angel of the Lord (God’s Presence) is a guard (encamps around); He surrounds and defends all who fear (worship and reverence) Him (God). Taste and see that the Lord is good (and kind). Oh, the joys of those (blessed) who take refuge in Him (God)!  Fear the Lord, you His godly people (saints), for those who fear (revere and worship) Him (God) will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in (seek and reverence) the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me (David), and I will teach you to fear (and trust) the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous (a desire to see many good days)? Then keep (or watch) your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil (and sin) and (spend your time to) do good. Search for (seek) peace, and work to (purse) maintain it. The eyes of the Lord (intently) watch over those who do right (righteous); His ears are open (attentive and gives attention) to their cries for help. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil; He will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues (saves) them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted (broken); He rescues those whose spirits are crushed (humble and thoroughly repentant for their sins). The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue (delivers) each time. For the Lord protects (keeps) the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned (found guilty). Psalms 34:1-22 (NLT).

Psalms 34 is wisdom psalm filled with praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 34:1-7) that celebrates God’s care and protection of the godly (those who trust God) (Psalms 34:7; see also Exodus 14:19-20).  This psalm encourages everyone to seek God and place themselves under the protection of God’s angel (God’s Presence) (Psalms 34:8-14). God pays attention to those who call on and cry out to Him in prayer. The apostle Peter in the New Testament quotes Psalms 34:12-16 in his instructions for peaceful living (1 Peter 3:10-12).

Wisdom contains three main ingredients: “fearing the Lord” (Psalms 34:11), doing good (Psalm 34:14), and rejecting or fleeing evil (Psalm 34:13). God shows His concern for the wise by answering their prayers and rescuing them from their troubles (Psalm 34:15, 17-20), but He destroys the wicked and evil (Psalm 34:16, 21).  The godly might experience suffering and pain.  However, God promises He will deliver and save the godly while ultimately the wicked and evil will perish (Psalm 1:6; Psalm 34:15-16).

“Fear of the Lord” is a phrase frequently found in the Old Testament. However, this phrase does not necessarily mean we should be frightened of the Lord. “Fear of the Lord” gradually became a standard phrase for a good and healthy relationship with God. A good relationship with God begins with a reverent sense that God is all powerful and righteous. “Fear of the Lord” includes reverence, dependence, and respect for God that leads to a life of wisdom (Psalms 34:9-13; Psalm 51:17 see also Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10). Even more, “fear of the Lord” leads to a deep sense of security in an all-powerful, all-wise and all-knowing God. 

Blessings From God

 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and protect (guard, keep and watch) you. May the Lord smile on you (make His face shine on you, show you His kindness) and be gracious to (gift, kind, giving favor, have mercy on) you. May the Lord show you His favor (lift up His approving countenances on you, God look you full in the face, watch over you, look with favor on you, or turn His face toward you) and give you His peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in My Name, I Myself will bless them” (put or place My Name on them). Numbers 6:22-27 (NLT).

Another famous prayer from Numbers is the blessings of Numbers 6:24-26. This blessing is still used today in Jewish and Christian services to seek God’s divine blessing. Through the centuries, worshipers have found peace and comfort in this brief, simple yet profound prayer in Numbers 6:24-26.

This famous prayer sought health, wealth, fertility, and protection from God. This prayer is repeated in the language of Psalm 67:1, Psalm 121:3-8; Psalm 140:4; and Psalm 141:9 and similar to Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17. These heartfelt prayers are still good models for prayer and for the blessings that God’s people can seek for themselves and others. The entire prayer emphasizes the Lord God as the true Source of all good things (e.g., food, water, health, children, and protection from enemies).

The prayer calls upon the Lord’s blessing by repeating His Name in each request. The repeating of God’s name reminds God’s people of His interest and involvement in their daily lives as the true Source of their blessings. This prayer was one way of asking for God's divine favor, peace, and wholeness to rest upon others. All God’s people need His grace, mercy, and compassion in this world (see also Psalm 31:16; Psalm 80:3, 7, 19).

Call On God!

This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it--the Lord is His Name: Call to Me (the Lord God) and I will answer you and tell (and show) you great and unsearchable things you do not know (and understand). Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NIV).

The Prophet Jeremiah urged the people to call out to God (Father, Son - Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit).  God hears and answers our humble, genuine and wholehearted cries for His help. He will show us great and mighty things. In fact, God promised the Prophet Jeremiah that he only needed to call upon to God for help and God would answer him (see also Psalm 145:18; Isaiah 58:9; Matthew 7:7). 

God can be trusted and He is ready to answer our prayers. However, we must call out to God with all our heart and totally rely on Him for His assistance. God could take care of our needs without our prayers. However, our prayers to God acknowledge that He alone is God and our true Help. Without God’s help, our efforts will fail. 

When we pray, we must repent and humble ourselves before our loving God.  As Creator, God is our real Source of wisdom, power, and strength (James 1:5-8). Rely and depend on the living God. God’s grace is all we need to survive (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:13).