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“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  — J ohn 10:10 Are you ever unsatisfied with your life? Do you often find your heart wants more ? This isn’t a unique feeling; it is the experience of humanity. We want more . Often, however, we don’t know what the more is, so we find ourselves looking for it. We look to possessions, we look to experiences, we look to loved ones (or for loved ones), or we look to the pleasures of this world. But none of these truly satisfy our soul’s deepest longing.  The World’s Theft Jesus exposes the futility and danger of our unsatisfying pursuit for more , explaining, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”  This is a serious indictment against “the thief,” so we should ask, who is he? Jesus is talking here to the Pharisees: men who promise joy, blessing, and security to those who will live a certain way. To say it another way, Jesus is talking to those who believe doing certain things will give them the more they crave. In many ways, then, Jesus is talking to our own hearts when we buy into the worldly promise of the “good life.” He is telling us, any time we think a feeling, experience, possession, or pleasure in this world will satisfy our hearts, we are deceived. What does Jesus say about this sort of “life”? He says that it will steal from, kill, and destroy us. Pursuing joy through the things of this world cannot satisfy. Our worldly pursuits—our sins—steal our joy and displace it with shame. They kill our peace, filling us with fear. And they destroy our life, bringing only death.  The Shepherd’s Gift Mercifully, Jesus doesn’t simply warn us about the world’s empty promise of the “good life.” Instead, He shows us that He is the glorious alternative our hearts crave. Jesus follows His warning with the promise, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus came to give us the more we are looking for. How does He do this? In the next verse he explains: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Unlike the things of this world that promise life only to steal it away, Jesus lays down His life to give to us true, abundant life. Those who are in Christ, have life in Him. This is not merely a promise for the future, but a present reality. Jesus lived, died, rose, and reigns so that today, His people have the abundant life our hearts desire. As His treasured possession (Titus 2:14, Exodus 19:5), we have the love our hearts crave. In His presence, He offers the intimacy our hearts long for. Children of God have the identity our hearts search for. We have the joy our hearts hunger for in a life set free from the power and punishment of sin. What does this mean for us today? Jesus doesn’t simply forgive our sins—that is miraculous enough—He also satisfies our souls! When we are tempted to discontent by our social media feeds, or when we are tempted to lust by an ad, or whenever we think this world will give us the more we want—the “good life”—we must remember that we already have true, abundant life in Jesus.  We have no lack because Jesus, our Good Shepherd, has given us everything by giving us Himself. What more could we need? For Reflection What is the more   you often pursue to satisfy your heart’s longings? What promises of Jesus satisfy your heart’s longing for more ? How does Jesus’ gift of abundant life today help you fight sin? Ben James is the Associate Pastor of Chapelwood Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. He has served Chapelwood since 2020, beginning as an elder and going on staff in 2022 following his graduation from Indianapolis Theological Seminary in 2022. He also serves on the Administrative Team of Plant Indy which works alongside churches in the central Indiana area to plant and revitalize churches. He is married to Brentyn, and they have three wonderful children.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." —John 10:10 In these very few deft and defining words, the Lord Jesus describes a life with Him and one without. If we follow Jesus Christ as God and Savior, He becomes to us an abundant fount of life while we live on this earth, and He will give us the perfect, abundant life in heaven. It was His self-confessed purpose and goal. If we deny Him as Lord and Savior, we are doomed to suffer the wiles of Satan whose complete agenda is to steal, to kill and to destroy. What a riveting, stark contrast lies before each of us to consider. On one side sorrowful, terrifying torture, devoid of hope or joy—on the other, full, complete, God-assisted living now, and exhilarating, glorious life eternal with our beloved Christ Jesus. Jesus claims in this verse that He will give us an abundant life. Have you ever noticed that it’s true? Have you understood that He can hardly do otherwise, for everything about our God is abundant — everything! Consider what He has created: Vast reaches of space Complexities of the human body, and of all animal life Enormity of the world and its precarious balance that guarantees life can exist Consider how He attends us: Abundant love—He loved us even to and beyond His death. Abundant forgiveness—He not only forgives our sins, but forgives even our innate iniquity. Abundant life—He promises and demonstrates constant presence with us. He opens His hand and satisfies every need of the believer and He takes us to glory forever at death. Consider the hope He has given us: Life with Jesus Christ after death— forever. Seeing all the saints we have known here—and to know them made perfect! His assistance for every challenge we encounter here on earth. We could add countless blessings and advantages to the list above of what it means to live an abundant life in Christ. But maybe sharing with you an event that happened to me would be a good artifact to help us see God at work in providing us abundant life. I was paying bills in the dining room—my oldest two children were in the basement playroom, and the baby—just learning to walk—was in her “walker” (a round scooter for little ones to sit in and make it go by walking it around). My 4-year-old came up from the playroom with a question and then went back downstairs to play. I called out to her that her sister was in the walker so to be sure to close the door behind her. But being a 4-year-old, she forgot to do it, and I heard the walker heading in the direction of the stairs. I jumped up, dropped the pen and ran to the basement door. In frozen horror I saw my baby, still in the walker now upside down in the air, gravity pulling her down head-first to the un-carpeted stairs. Then, without any rational explanation, the walker changed its course and appeared to be pushed sideways through the open space below the banister and then deposited–still head-first–in a toy box full of stuffed animals. I ran to her, pulled up the walker and grabbed her in a sobbing embrace. She wasn’t at all rattled. No bruises, no cuts, not even tears. God had held her in perfect peace. When I read John 10:10 now, I see it all in this unforgettable moment. The infamous thief, Satan, had come to steal, to kill and to destroy. But he was too late. For the Lord Jesus had already saved my soul—so Christ was with me and my little one. Whether it was an angel that pushed her through to safety or our Lord’s hand, I don’t know. I saw nothing except the moving walker. But I saw the Lord’s order fulfilled to deny the force of gravity and save my little daughter. Jesus Christ fulfilled His word in this passage and gave me an abundance of help and deliverance, part of His plan for my abundant life in Christ. Please do not think that I believe we always get a happy ending; there is a good deal of struggle and pain in life. Sometimes God—even though we belong to Him—does not order preservation. I know. I lost my husband 19 years ago. But His care for me without my Bob has been absolutely abundant. There is no better descriptor than the word abundant to explain how He has provided for me and kept company with me. If we are His, we will have an abundant life in Christ! And if we have no part in Christ, we know that disaster is ahead without the saving and abundant help of our Lord. Oh, dear Christian brothers and sisters, such a God we have! What a joy to come awake each morning into the awareness of His abundant presence in us and with us. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. For Reflection Tell of a time when God intervened in your life, and describe the difference it made for you. Share answers to your prayers to the Lord, and give Him belated thanks. Talk about the differences between the thief and Jesus given in John 10:10. What will it be like to be the Christ acceptor? Or the Christ rejector?

..."If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, ³²and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  — John 8:31-32 Ugur was a Kurd who had never known a Christian. But as he realized the futility of its rituals and rules, he no longer believed Islam was true. So he used his university years to search ancient and modern religions for truth until a liberally minded professor suggested he read the Bible, too. He said that as he read the gospels, “The Truth jumped out at me. It was Jesus.” Ugur stopped searching. He had arrived at the Truth, and it set him free from the rules and rituals of a religion that would never make him clean.  God reveals himself on the pages of Scripture. It is there that our eyes are opened to the truth. We see the Father through the Son and rejoice in the glorious gospel. Knowing Jesus sets us free from the chains of the law, the bondage of sin, and ultimately the power of death. As we continue to cling to the good news of Christ crucified for our sin and raised from the dead, we prove that we are the disciples of Jesus. The world, the flesh, and the devil entice us toward empty human philosophies. They constantly lie that God is not enough and urge us to come back and be enslaved once again by the pleasures of sin. But Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The Scriptures are the sustenance of the Christian life. Dear disciple, set your mind on the truth, the truth of God’s word: Read it daily: meditate, memorize, apply, delight, and obey.  Commit yourself to saints who speak it to one another.  Gather with them regularly to hear it read, prayed, sung, and preached.  We need the regular renewal of God’s Word to set our minds on the truth of Christ, replace our worldly passions with heavenly desires, and conform us to the likeness of Christ. Jesus is the treasure worthy of our all. Satisfaction is found in Him alone. He is the source of eternal pleasures and fullness of joy, true freedom forevermore. And we find Him in God’s Word.  Ugur was a man who abided in Jesus’ word. He read his Bible in front of his shop every day and invited others to read with him. He so delighted in the truth that he worked in a Bible distribution center so he could get the Scriptures into the hands of others in his country. Men who hated the truth attacked the center and stabbed Ugur to death. They thought this was the worst punishment they could inflict on him. But now Ugur is truly free. He is freed from suffering and sin, and freed to live eternally with the Truth face to face. This is the destiny awaiting all of Jesus’ disciples. We will eternally worship the one who was bound to a Roman cross to make us free.  For Reflection How is freedom from the chains of the law, the bondage of sin, and the power of death a reality in your life? What spiritual disciplines do you use to remind yourself of gospel truths? What fruit has this born in your life? How can you prepare to share the truth with others in your family, neighborhood, and workplace? How can you help those in your church set their minds on truth?  Keri Folmar has lived for 20 years in the United Arab Emirates, where her husband is the pastor of the Evangelical Christian Church of Dubai. She has recently written The Good Portion: Delighting in the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit   as well as The Gospel of God   an inductive Bible study of Romans. She also co-hosts Priscilla Talk , a 9Marks Podcast.

…“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:31-32 Lee en español abajo If you had been born in the Dominican Republic, John 8:32 would likely be very familiar to you. That's because we have the only flag with a Bible on its shield, a Bible that is open to John 8:32. Although I don’t know the theology of our founding father (Juan Pablo Duarte), given our history, it’s no wonder he had freedom from foreign oppression in mind. All truth brings with it some liberation. But only God’s truth, the gospel, makes us truly free. Only the gospel frees us from the guilt, consequences, and power of sin. Only the gospel opens the door to true worship and joyful obedience. That’s wonderful news. In the days of COVID-19, this text shines even brighter. Surely you do not remember another time when the wisdom of men has looked so conceited (1 Corinthians 1:19). Was there ever a time in your life when the safety of men seemed so fragile (Isaiah 31:1)? When have men’s plans, budgets, and estimates ever seemed so uncertain (James 4:15)? The pandemic has revealed how ignorant, incapable, and unreliable the most well-intended of men are. Suddenly, the foundations upon which so much human arrogance was built have been shaken. It should not surprise us that there is confusion, panic, and frustration around us. All this because they do not know the truth that can set them free. The good news is that today is the appointed day—so that ignorant humanity can verify that there is only One who is truth-worthy. Like them, we may sometimes react badly because of our weakness. However, when the truth has been known and embraced, our weakness is not the end of it. That is why we can say with the psalmist, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). In proving the faithfulness of our God, our faith is strengthened. So, child of God, immerse yourself in the truth, embrace the truth, freely celebrate and proclaim the truth. You are the true light of Him who is the True Light. Live as a child of light (Ephesians 5:8) and as one who has hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Your life will be desirable and blessed (Psalm 1:1). For Reflection In the face of so much confusion, have you been able to see that your heart is inclined to respond according to what your physical eyes see? How has God’s truth affected your reactions, thoughts, and decisions in the midst of global upheaval? Ask God to help you make the most of this unusual opportunity to proclaim the truth so that others can be set free, too. La Verdad que Nos Hace Libres “…Si vosotros permanecéis en mi palabra, verdaderamente sois mis discípulos; y conoceréis la verdad, y la verdad os hará libres” -Juan 8:31-32 Si hubieras nacido en la República Dominicana, posiblemente Juan 8:32 sería muy familiar para ti. ¿Sabías que tenemos la única bandera con una Biblia en su escudo, la cual está abierta en Juan 8:32?. Aunque no conozco la teología de nuestro padre de la patria (Juan Pablo Duarte), no me extraña que tuviera en su mente la libertad de la opresión extranjera. Toda verdad trae consigo alguna liberación. Pero sólo la verdad de Dios, el Evangelio, nos hace verdaderamente libres. Solo el evangelio nos liberta de la culpa, de las consecuencias y del poder del pecado; y nos abre las puertas de la verdadera adoración y obediencia gozosa. Esas son maravillosas noticias. Pero en tiempos del Covid-19, este texto brilla con mayor intensidad. Porque de seguro que no recuerdas otra ocasión en la que había lucido tan vana la “sabiduría” de los hombres (1 Corintios 1:19). No debes recordar momentos en los que pareciera tan frágil la “seguridad” de los hombres (Isaías 31:1). ¿En qué tiempos habían parecido tan inciertos los “planes, los presupuestos y las estimaciones” de los hombres? (Santiago 4:15). Así que ha quedado de manifiesto cuán ignorantes, incapaces y no confiables son los hombres más honorables. Y, de repente, han sido destruídos (o por lo menos removidos) los fundamentos sobre los cuales se edificaba la arrogancia humana. Por eso no debe extrañarnos que haya a nuestro alrededor tanta confusión, pánico y frustración. Y todo esto por no conocer la verdad que los puede hacer libres. Pero la buena noticia es que hoy es el día señalado para que esa humanidad ignorante pueda comprobar que sólo hay Uno que es confiable. Es verdad que nosotros, al igual que ellos, pudiéramos reaccionar mal en ocasiones debido a nuestra debilidad. Sin embargo, cuando la verdad ha sido conocida y abrazada, ahí no termina todo. Y es por eso que podemos decir con el salmista “en el día que temo, yo en ti confío” (Salmos 56:3). Y al comprobar la fidelidad de nuestro Dios, es fortalecida nuestra fe. Me encanta una versión libre que traduce este texto así; “Pero cuando tenga miedo, en ti pondré mi confianza”. Así que, hijo de Dios, sumérgete en la verdad, abraza la verdad, celebra la verdad, y proclama la verdad. Eres verdadera luz de Aquel que es la Luz Verdadera. Vive como hijo de la luz (Efesios 5:8) y como aquellos que tienen esperanza (1 Tesalonicenses 4:13). Tu vida será deseable (Salmos 1:1). Preguntas Ante tanta confusión, ¿Has podido comprobar que tu corazón se inclina a responder conforme a lo que ven tus ojos físicos? ¿De qué manera la verdad de Dios ha incidido en tus reacciones, pensamientos y decisiones? Si es así, ¿No crees que es una oportunidad inusual de proclamar la verdad para que otros también sean libertados?

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. ²⁰He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. ²¹Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. ²²The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. — Psalm 34:19-22 These verses are the culmination of a beautiful psalm extolling God’s commitment to and protection of His own people—those who truly trust in Him, who fear Him, whose hope is in Him, and whose allegiance is to Him. But God’s people should know that God’s commitment to them does not mean that he spares them from affliction. No, both the unrighteous and the righteous experience affliction  (see 34:4, 6, 17-18, 19, 21). The difference comes in God’s purpose in the affliction and the outcome He intends through the affliction.  The unrighteous can be assured that God is not on their side during their affliction. Rather their affliction will bring them down and result in their condemnation in the end (34:16, 21). But the righteous can know with confidence and certainty that, in their affliction, God is on their side to provide, protect, and save in the end (34:19, 22; also 34:4, 6-7, 15, 17-18). Believers should, however, be careful as they read and interpret statements like, “Many are afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all” (34:19). It is clear from Scripture broadly, from the experience of believers throughout the Bible, including our Savior Jesus Himself, that God neither prevents affliction from coming to them nor necessarily removes the affliction when they seek His help. This promise means that God’s sovereign hand regulates affliction so that it does no ultimate harm to the believer. Instead, He uses it in the end for their good (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) and the fulfillment of His purposes for it (Genesis 50:20). Psalm 34:20 has a particular importance since it is quoted by the Apostle John in his discussion of the crucifixion of Christ. In John 19:31-32, John records that Pilate had commanded the Roman soldiers to break the legs of the three crucified men since the Sabbath (beginning at dusk on Friday) was coming near and they needed to take these men to their graves. Breaking the legs prevented a crucified individual from lifting himself on the cross so as to breathe more deeply. Hence, breaking his legs would hasten his death by asphyxiation. The soldiers broke the legs of the first and third man, but “when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs” (John 19:33). It was then that the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side and both blood and water came out (19:34). This indicated that death had previously occurred and the blood within him had already separated. At this point, John assures his readers that he is giving an eye-witness testimony that is true (19:35). Why would John think it important to pause and so assure his readers that they can know the truth that Jesus had already died before the soldiers came so that they did not break the bones of his legs? Answer: this fulfills what was prophesied of Christ in Psalm 34:20. As John records, “For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken’” (John 19:36 quoting Psalm 34:20). The link between Psalm 34:20 and John 19:33, 36 shows a remarkable instance of fulfilled prophecy–God keeps His word! It also connects Jesus’ death as the “lamb of God” (John 1:29) with the Passover lambs offered in the act of saving the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12 both specify that no bones shall be broken of those lambs prepared for the Passover meal. But why would this stipulation—don’t break any bones—be given? The most likely explanation is that God intended the Passover lambs to signify certain truths about the ultimate Lamb provided by God who would bring deliverance of His people. By not breaking the bones of the lambs, and the soldiers not breaking the bones of Jesus’ legs, we see one of the connections showing that Jesus truly is the final and greatest Passover Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).  What joy there is in knowing that this final Lamb has come, that His death and resurrection have brought about true forgiveness of sin and the only hope there is of eternal life. This is only through faith in Him. Have you trusted in Christ? Is He your only hope for standing before God not condemned? What a Savior He is! For Reflection Are you comforted to know that God is “for you” in your affliction as a believer? Do you have hope in knowing that God’s sovereign hand regulates your affliction and that He promises to be your Deliverer, Provider, and Protector; your Helper, Comforter, and Strength?  Are you tempted to think that sometimes it just doesn’t pay to be righteous? After all, it seems often that the unrighteous get away with their wicked and sinful plans. Does this discourage you? If so, consider again the end of the wicked (Psalm 34:21; 37:38; 73:17; 94:23) in contrast to the end of the righteous (Psalm 34:22; 22:4-5; 23:4-6; 37:40)? Are you strengthened to know that God always keeps His word? Such great hope and confidence comes to God’s people by knowing that every promise God makes is as sure as His faithful, holy, and righteous character. Isn’t it amazing that something as little and seemingly insignificant as the Roman soldiers not breaking the bones of Jesus’ legs proves to be an indicator that God is in control of what occurs and that He keeps His promises? Bruce A. Ware is professor of Christian Theology and chairman of the Department of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He has written several books, including his theology book for children, Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God . Bruce and his wife, Jodi, have two daughters and three grandchildren. The Wares love drives in the country, hikes in the woods, walks on the beach, and time with their daughters and son-in-law and grandchildren, along with reading and good music.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6 Salt has been essential to mankind for thousands of years. Before refrigeration it was used as a preservative, lengthening the time food could be stored. And it has always been used for seasoning, providing flavor and enhancing the taste of many foods.  In our Fighter Verse this week, Paul instructs Christians season their speech with grace, just like many of us season our French fries with salt. The grace in our speech serves much the same function as salt.  Paul is not the only person in the New Testament to stress the importance of a Christian’s speech. Jesus’ brother James, and Jesus himself, does, too (James 3:1-12, Matthew 12:36). The words that come from our mouths should represent and reflect the God who purchased us. Empty of anger Many of us struggle with wanting to react to our circumstances with pointed barbs from a sharp tongue, to either defend ourselves or tear down someone who has made us angry. Paul tells us to guard our words so we don’t succumb to making such outbursts. Instead, we are to respond charitably and winsomely (James 1:20, Proverbs 15:1).  Full of truth A gracious word should also be one that is full of truth. This verse doesn't mean that we should only be concerned with not offending or ruffling someone’s feathers. That’s not the model we see in Scripture. Both Paul and Jesus offended some when they spoke words of truth (Galatians 4:16; John 8:43-47).   It is a gracious word when a brother calls out a sin in my life that I haven’t acknowledged or observed. It is a gracious word when someone is called to repent and put their faith and trust in Jesus. And yet, these firm words should be charitably and winsomely delivered to avoid adding barriers that might make painful truths even harder to accept.   The one who seeks to respond rather than react, who doesn’t deviate from the truth in his response, is the one who knows “how [he] ought to answer each person.” May this guide us as we seek to steward our mouths and words faithfully.  For Reflection If you are active online, consider: how do your postings come across? Many of us are strong in truth but weak in charity and winsomeness. How are you faring in this area?  If you are a parent, in what ways does your speech need to be more seasoned with grace toward your children?  Ask the Lord to bring this verse to your mind this week when circumstances tempt you to lash out with your words. Pat Dirrim  and his wife Barbara helped start Grace Fellowship church in Cumming, Georgia 20 years ago. They have worshipped there ever since, outside of the two years when they served as missionaries in Guatemala. They've been married for 29 years and have seven children, three of whom remain at home, and one grandson. Grace Fellowship has been using Truth78 curriculum  from the start and the Dirrims have introduced it to many other churches, as well as trained others how to use it.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6 When my family moved to San Jose, Costa Rica to serve as missionaries, our primary task that first year was to learn Spanish—an adventure that taught me a great deal about the importance of words. When I speak in Spanish, my words show people who I am. My word choice, the order of the words, my accent all reveal that I am not at home. In brief conversations with neighbors, fellow church members, even people in the grocery store or the bank, they can tell that I am not a local. In Colossians 4:6, the Apostle Paul reminds the believers at Colossae that even words in our native tongue reveal a great deal about who we are. As those who trust in Christ, the things we talk about and the words we choose should be different from the world around us. Our speech should clearly demonstrate that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Our expressions and exclamations should underscore our trust in the sovereignty of God, who works all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even when our kids misbehave or someone cuts us off in traffic. People in our workplace and our neighborhood, those we meet at the gym or in the playground, our family and friends should all see a different character in how we use our words. Our conversations should overflow with grace. In Paul’s metaphor, our words should be “salted” providing unique flavor and having a positive impact on the world around us. This is about more than just being a nice person. Our words must not only be “gracious” in the human sense, they should point to the Grace of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). Our words should overflow with the gospel of grace. Because our words should and will raise questions from the people we encounter, Paul urges us to see our words as they are received by “each person.” He encourages us to carefully and prayerfully choose our words to have maximum gospel impact. As Peter puts it, we should always be prepared to make a defense for the hope we have, but with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). As I write this post, my Facebook feed is filled with opportunities for Christians to speak with gracious, gospel commending words. As we engage issues like same sex marriage, abortion, politics, and many others, even when it’s hard—especially when it’s hard—we must ask ourselves: How are my words commending the grace of God? Could someone who doesn’t know me tell I trust Jesus, simply from the words I am using ? How are my words advancing the cause of impacting them with the gospel? My time in language school trying to overcome the obstacle of clunky Spanish, was optimal for praying for those who trust in Christ around the world. May the Lord help all of our words to overflow with grace that brings gospel transformation to the world, and glory to our great God. For Reflection Are there areas where you need to repent and seek forgiveness from God and others regarding how you have used your words? What concrete steps will you take this week to ensure your words reflect the grace of the gospel? Who are some specific people (or groups of people) that God has brought into your circle of influence that you can prayerfully engage with your words to impact their lives with the gospel?

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. ²⁰He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. ²¹Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. ²²The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. —Psalm 34:19-22 One of the great tensions, in the Bible and in life, is the suffering of the righteous. “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Of course, theologically, we might respond to that question by saying, “Well, there are no good people.” Romans 3:10 tells us “None is righteous, no, not one.” While that might work to help explain a lot of the suffering in this world, it doesn’t help us understand Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous..." There was one Person who was truly good, completely righteous; yet He suffered greatly. The Bible calls Him “A man of sorrows” and one who was “acquainted with grief.” In Isaiah 53:9-10, we read that “…he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him…” Consider how tremendous a comfort Psalm 34:19-22 would have been to Jesus. We know He memorized Scripture. This passage would have been particularly comforting to Him. Time and again, as Jesus endured unjust suffering, He may have run to these verses to remind Himself that, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Jesus understood that He was the true Passover lamb. He knew that he would suffer, yet He also knew that God would “Keep all his bones…” so that “not one of them [would be] broken” (John 19:31-36). As the Passover lamb, Jesus came to “redeem the life of his servants” so that “None of those who take refuge in him would be condemned.” In John 3:17, Jesus says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Who is Jesus talking about here? He is talking about sinners. He is talking about the wicked. Paul, who once hated the righteous and gave himself to persecuting the church, says it like this: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” The Passover lamb was slain so that the wicked might be forgiven. The Son of God was condemned so that in Him those who “once hated the righteous” might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” But Jesus didn’t stay dead. No, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” That is why, three days later, God raised His Passover lamb from the dead and Jesus walked out of the tomb on bones that had not been broken. Now He ever lives to “redeem the life of his servants (so that) none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” Jesus says it like this in John 6:40: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” It’s true, “many are the afflictions of the righteous” but you can know for certain that the Passover lamb of God was slain so that He could deliver His people from them all. The Son of God died and rose again to ensure that “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11). For Reflection How do you think these verses may have brought comfort to Jesus as He was suffering at the end of His life? How would your approach to suffering change if you truly believed that God had a plan to deliver you, like He delivered Jesus? What steps can you take to find refuge in God in whatever affliction you are currently going through?

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. ²⁰He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. ²¹Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. ²²The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. —Psalm 34:19-22 David begins Psalm 34 praising and exalting the Lord. As the song develops, we hear ample reasons for David’s praise: Deliverance from fear Experiencing radiant hope and confidence Salvation and deliverance from all his troubles Being surrounded and delivered by the angel of the Lord Not lacking any good thing Having the attentiveness of the Lord’s eyes and ears on him Being personally near to the God of heaven Being redeemed and not condemned How fitting that praise would continually be in David’s mouth. Yet, mixed with these blessings are the realities of troubles and afflictions. David knew those well. So many were his troubles that David often cried out to the Lord. In seeking God in the midst of his troubles he found refuge, deliverance, and a nearness to God. We also know by experience troubles and afflictions. They are many. Yet for the righteous, we see in this week’s passage, a deliverance from them all. Verse 20 gives us a clue as to how this works: "He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken." Jesus, the perfect righteous lamb was afflicted, despised, smitten, and crushed by God. But God set a limit. There was a boundary established by God that could not be moved: none of His bones would be broken. The afflictions Jesus experienced were horrendous (see Isaiah 53), and yet the Roman soldiers, tasked with breaking the legs of those crucified to accelerate their deaths, bypassed Jesus. This because a boundary was set: “not one of them is broken” (v. 20). The righteous also live within the boundaries set by God. They will experience troubles and afflictions, but only that which God allows. Afflictions may cause much of the suffering in this life, including death. Yet, the righteous are assured: deliverance is coming — the redemption of their soul. "…the Lord redeems the life of His servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned (v. 22). What precious truth, none who take refuge in him will be condemned. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Like David, let us cry out to God in our afflictions and praise Him in our deliverance. Let us magnify and exalt His name together! For Reflection Have your afflictions and troubles caused you to cry out to God? Are you seeking Him (v. 4), experiencing Him (v. 8), obeying Him (v. 14)? Do you trust God within the boundaries He has set for you? What does it mean to take refuge in Him?

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. ¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18 I’ve had two study Bibles over the last 24 years. I reluctantly replaced the first when the pages of Genesis began falling out. In both Bibles, Psalm 34 is well marked up. Scribbled in the margin are numerous dates, indicating particular times of difficulty in my life: miscarriage, deployment, serious illness, living in spiritually dry environments, loneliness, regret, and more. We all have stories of the troubles that we face. Some are large, others small, but they are all very real. What do you do when trouble threatens to harm you? Psalm 34 fills us with hope.  A pattern emerges in verse 17, echoing verses 4 and 6: in the midst of fear or trouble, the righteous cry to the Lord and He hears and delivers. The promise that the Lord hears and delivers isn’t for just anyone. It’s for the righteous. Scripture is clear that we cannot achieve righteousness apart from Christ (Galatians 2:16, Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21). That was true at the time this psalm was written as much as it is today. This promise has always been a gift given to those who look to the Savior. David looked forward to Jesus’ coming, even as we look back to it and forward to His return.  If you are in Christ, you can be certain of this: when you’re in trouble, if you cry to the Lord for help, He will hear and He will deliver. That doesn’t mean, however, that we’re exempt from trouble in this life. We know this from our experience. In fact, Psalm 34 assumes that the righteous will have trouble on this earth. How then can David, who penned this psalm, claim that the Lord delivers the righteous “out of all their troubles”?  Ultimately, we will be delivered from all trouble when we are with the Lord in Heaven. Until then, we experience deliverance as God gives us the strength to endure and not be overcome by those troubles. When I cried to the Lord during the circumstances marked on the pages of my Bible, He didn’t rescue me by changing the situation or taking me out of it. He rescued me from the threat that those circumstances would beat my faith down. Our trials won’t defeat us when we cry to God for help.  Verse 18 gives us great comfort: When we are brokenhearted, the Lord is not far-off, but close by. In Hebrew, brokenhearted  is two words: shabar , meaning shattered, and leb , a word that defines the center of our thoughts, feelings, will, beliefs, and desires. The troubles and trials of life humble us. They reveal that we  are not in control. They show us our need for the Lord’s help and strength. Be comforted, knowing that in those moments, when your emotions lie about how God has abandoned you, the very opposite is true: He is near. Not only that, but also He “saves the crushed in spirit.” We know that the requirement for eternal salvation is the humility, brokenness, and repentance the word crushed  speaks of in Hebrew. But when our spirit is crushed from trouble or grief, God continues to save us in the sense we’ve already looked at in verse 17: He rescues us from being overcome by our circumstances.  Whenever I dive into Psalm 34 during difficult times, He is faithful to deliver. The difficulty is still there, but it no longer threatens to overcome me. Suffering becomes a catalyst that drives me to the Lord. In times of trouble, cry to Him. He is near, He hears, and He delivers. For Reflection 1. In times of trouble, are you quick to cry to the Lord for help, or do you turn to other people or things for help or escape? 2. How does it encourage you to know that even though your troubling circumstances may not change, God delivers and saves in the midst of it? 3. Thank God that He hears your cries and He is near when you are brokenhearted. Rachel Coyle  is a biblical counselor, Bible teacher, and author of Help! She's Struggling with Pornography   from Shepherd’s Press. She and her husband Philip have six children. Scripture memory plays a pivotal role in their parenting and homeschooling as they sing, write, and discuss the meaning and application of passages together. The Coyles live in South Carolina where they're members of Boiling Springs First Baptist Church.

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. ¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. —Psalm 34:17-18 How often do people, when they are in danger or in desperate need, cry out for God to hear and deliver them from all their troubles? Charles Spurgeon said, “He is like a night watchman, who no sooner hears the alarm bell than He flies to relieve and deliver those who need Him.” No matter what our trouble may be the Lord can always free us of all our burdens. Only prayer can set us free from our burdens, but only if we allow the Lord to fight on our behalf. When the righteous man cries out God hears and removes his troubles. God’s true people are ever righteous in His eyes because Christ died for our sins. God responds to the cry of His hurting people even if our trouble is caused by our own sinfulness. Our God is full of compassion for His own. John Calvin said, “Not only is God our deliverer, but it is good and fitting that the believer is afflicted, so that we can breathe again in God alone.” Even when we are overwhelmed by our own troubles God does not depart from us. It is we that depart from Him. When we are broken and at our lowest point, it can seem like God is very far away. In reality, that is when He is nearest to us. So often we seek peace and contentment in our own works and experiences, forgetting that God is always with us and in us when we need Him. When we are “brokenhearted and crushed” is when God will do a good work in us. When we humble ourselves before God, He will have compassion on us. Jesus is the name above every name. God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are sorry for their sins. He is full of compassion for His own. The arrogant, self-righteous person looks in vain for help from God, but He works on behalf of the humble in spirit. When we are humbled by our troubles, we are more likely to draw nearer to God. God resists the proud but gives favor to the humble in spirit. For Reflection Do you feel God is very far away? Do you cry out to God in a humble way, laying your burdens on Him? Allow God to give favor to your humble spirit!

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. ¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. —Psalm 34:17-18 David was a wanted man on the run when he penned this psalm. He fled the presence of neurotic King Saul and said his final goodbye to his best friend, Jonathan. David could not know when, if ever, he would see his home again. All that David loved was now behind him. His heart must have been breaking as he ran. His spirit surely was weighed down, making his pace erratic. From here, for some inexplicable reason, David decided to abscond to Gath, the hometown of David’s vanquished foe Goliath. He arrived carrying Goliath’s sword, perhaps as a gift to entreat them and curry their favor. However, the men of Gath recognized David, captured him, and brought him to face the city’s menacing leader. The smell of blood was in the air. The danger was obvious, not so the way of escape. If you had been in David’s shoes at that time, can you imagine your mental frame of mind? What emotional struggles would you be fighting? Where would your faith be placed at such a time? 1 Samuel 21:10-15 is the context for Psalm 34. We know this from the title given to this psalm. Our focus here is verses 17-18, with the emphasis being on our God, the Deliverer. Note that the same saving grace is voiced multiple times throughout this psalm (v. 4, 6, 19), with surrounding verses supporting the truth that we will have many troubles throughout our life but God’s promise as our Deliverer never fails. If you are tempted to think that these promises claim too much, if you are familiar with times when these promises were not your experience in time of need, remember that the truth stated here is a principle of God’s sovereignty. Even though David used his wits to feign lunacy in order to escape the Philistines, it is clear from David’s accounting that he credits God’s saving hand as the Source of his deliverance. For Reflection Where am I currently not trusting God with the difficulty I am facing? Instead of feeding my anxious thoughts by reminding myself how hard my circumstances are, how will I seek out and listen instead to the One who promises to deliver my soul from trouble? Remember that Christ Himself was delivered over to sinful men and left abandoned on the cross. Jesus knows first-hand how horrible and lonely is the place of suffering, and His promise is to never leave you there.