#psalm – Serambi Jeffry Sudirgo

MY SOUL THIRST FOR GOD

Emeritus Professor Everett Worthington from Commonwealth University working together with researchers from Harvard University, Everett examined the impact of hope on nearly 13,000 people with an average age of 66. The study will be published at Global Epidemiology Journal with the title, “The Role of Hope in Subsequent health and well being for older adults: An Outcome wide longitudinal approach”. They found those with more hope throughout their lives had better physical health, better health behavior, better social support and a longer life. Hope also led to fewer chronic health problems, less depression, less anxiety and a lower risk of cancer.

If we pause for a while and take a look from the Bible, especially Psalm 42, we will realize that the research actually confirms what the Bible said about the need of having true hope in life. Hope from God is powerful beyond what we can think and understand about the future. Hope in Christ is a belief that God who is sovereign in the past, present and future will always lead us in better way.

Just as the deer pants for streams of water, the writer is longing to come to God’s temple at Jerusalem, but he can’t. At that time, Saul the King of Israel wanted to kill David. So, David ran away from Jerusalem where Saul lived. David found himself in very bad situations from time to time, but he always got his hope from God. David desires to come to God by remembering God’s goodness. David put his hope in God alone.

Why did the writer of Psalm 42 find unceasing encouragement in God? The author finds hope in God because God can change any situation to save him. God could refresh the Psalmist’s terrible life from depression to a peaceful and contented life. God can refresh our lives and give us hope just as He did for David and countless other Christians down through the years. God’s reason for creating us is for fellowship with Him. That is why God has placed a thirst within our hearts – a desire that only God can satisfy. Let’s be content with what we have and not live our lives constantly longing for what we don’t have. Put your hope in Christ and you will receive salvation, peace and joy. Amen.

HOPE FROM GOD IS POWERFUL BEYOND WHAT WE CAN THINK AND UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE FUTURE
Jeffry Sudirgo

ZAMZUMMITES

(Read: Psalm 110:1)

Can you guess the name of this city? This is Amman the capital city of Jordan. From the Bible, we can know that Ammonites owned this land as God’s gift to Lot’s descendants. (read Deuteronomy 2:19). But, before Lot’s descendants lived in the land, the Bible tells of numerous, strong, giant people living there called Zamzummites. Can you imagine about four thousand years ago when Zamzummites were living here? Their attitude was very bad and they were cruel which is why God destroyed them and gave the land to Lot’s descendants.

At that time, the Ammonites were a small tribe meaning they were very weak and didn’t have many people. But, for the Lord nothing is impossible. Thanks to God’s help, the Ammonites could win the land from the Zamzummites. When God opens the door, no one can shut it. When God closes the door, no one can open it.

The Zamzummites reminded me about the Israelites journey to the promise land, called Canaan. (read Exodus 6:8) ‘I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the LORD.” At that time giants called Anakim (who part of other giants called Nephilim) were living there.

The Israelites felt very small like grasshopers before these very strong people (Joshua 14:12, Number 13:33). In this land, the grapes grew so large that it took two people to carry one cluster of grapes (Numbers 13:24). The Promised Land (Exodus 6:8) or as we call it Israel today, is a fertile region.

In this context, Joshua and Caleb saw opportunity in the middle of giant problems while others were pessimistic, and frightened, having lost all hope. Joshua and Caleb choose to follow God’s way. Remember, what is impossible for people, is possible with God.

Do you remember when David fought Goliath? If you do, you will certainly recall how that Israelites, including their King Saul, trembled before this giant elite force of the Philistines. David belived God and choose to fight with Him. He was able to conquer the giant Goliath only because of God’s power.

When trouble comes into your life, or when you face a situation that seems impossible, remember the God who help David, Joshua, Caleb, the Israelites and even the Ammonites they faced the giants. That same God is able to help you in the middle of any disastrous problem you face.

What kind of giant problem are you facing today? God is able and willing to help you and me. My best advice to you is to follow God, pray to Jesus and seek His way. Amen.

Serambi Jeffry Sudirgo

Tag: #psalm

Do You Want Happier and Healthier Life?

Zamzummites