Psalm 139:7 has a two-part meaning about YAH. The first deals with the natural world, where the invisible God is ever present when have eyes to see. First we can see YAH in nature (Genesis 1:11-12) having created the birds, flowers and tress, the rising and setting of sun and moon (Amos 5:8). As being created in His image we also create everyday, for example construction workers building roads imitating His image (Hebrews 11:3).
The second part refers to our sin nature, and no matter how far we have fallen He is there to pick us back up Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Shalom
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10, “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I believe the pain we endure here in the natural realm is fuel for our spirit. YAH used the “thorn in the flesh” of Paul to power his spiritual growth which helped bring the Gospel to the Gentile nation. This pain edified and built Paul’s resiliency making him a great Apostle, enduring prison and other hardships.
The same can be applied to us, the hurt we endured in our old life is a powerful tool to reform and transform our new self. When we are made “new” by way of the Christ (2 Corinthians 5) we still have to make amends with the pain of our past. We then, can use this pain to move us closer to Christ and the life YAH has ordained for us.
It’s a great thing to be able to look back and see just how far we have come, and gain motivation to not go back. I pray we all use our pain to empower us for purpose, healing, and to empower others on their spiritual walk with Christ, Shalom…
1 John 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
Many individuals with a casual understanding of YAH, continually ask this question. It is only from reading and understanding the scriptures, one can come to a correct understanding of why? And the answer is very simple, we still live in a fallen world influenced by Satan. Salvation is offered to all through Jesus Christ, however many reject this salvation and remain under the sway of Satan. Thus allowing the struggle between good and evil to continue.
This sway or sin nature not only affects mankind in our thoughts and actions but also our health, physical world, and natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes. One can reach this conclusion by knowing that through sin death entered the world (Romans 5: 12-19). Poor health or being caught in a natural disaster can result in an untimely death for believers and none believers alike. This is due to us all living in a sinful fallen world that will not be restored until Jesus Christ returns 1 Corinthians 15:26, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
This is why the Bible asks for all to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) to protect us from every evil. While under the blood of Christ we are cleansed of sin, death still exists for everyone until His return. We all will pass from this world through death as a result of the sin still inhabiting it; but those in Him will live again as stated in John 11:25, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world,” Shalom…
1 Timothy 4:1, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.”
One of the most disheartening things to see is when a believer falls away from the Faith. Though the Bible states such things will happen in the latter times, we as Disciples of Christ need to be diligent in strengthening those we know in the Faith.
This strength needs to be rooted in sound doctrine, and Faith in YAH that all things are working together in our favor. Sound doctrine allows our Spirit to look beyond the bad, and see YAH working. This doctrine laid out in the scriptures says that trying times will always be a part of believing in Christ.
Acts 9:16, states “for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” As well as in Philippians 1:29, “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” It is important to teach this message to our loved ones in Christ, so that when they do come they can remain strong in their Faith.
For every adversity that comes our way, YAH will make a way for all of us. Psalm 9:9-10, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Shalom.
Divine Gospel Ministry 