Category: Assurance and Dejection

David learns, and perseveres

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King David, choice of God for ruling,
his people leading many years;
composer, singing psalms appealing,
revealing faith he’d learnt in tears.

Whatever causes of his turmoil:
his sin, his troubles, scheming Saul:
however low, he’d still in prayer toil,
and on the Lord of promise call.

For laying hold of all God’s promised, –
see: that’s how David struggled up, –
a way of grace his God had furnished, –
the Lord himself would drink the cup.

And all his failings he acknowledged;
for his repentance was sincere.
He trusted, pleaded: God provided
assurance, peace, removed his fear.

Through faith the mouths of lions …

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Hebrews 11:33–39
Through faith the mouths of lions
were shut, and fiery flame
was quenched; – the God all able
brought honour to his name.

Through faith, God’s people suffered
in persecution’s hour;
bore flogging, jeers and, torture
by Jesu’s grace and power.

Through faith some had escape from
the sword, but others bore
such death – their resurrection
ahead, by faith they saw.

The early Christian martyrs,
and Daniel, all were blest;
– the God of scripture trusted:
he helped them through the test.

In trials, troubles, turmoils …

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In trials, troubles, turmoils,
I wait upon the LORD,
expecting he’ll accomplish
his wise and promised Word.

He only is the Master,
the wise and able King,
I wait for him to rescue,
his joy and help to bring.

I’m waiting and I’m hoping,
assured, his grace expect;
his Word is all I lean on,
and other trusts reject.

I understand those feelings of despair …

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I understand those feelings of despair, –
the devil loves to take me wandering there;
for holiness he’d have me cease to care,
or, look at all my failings, – and despair.
The devil does not want the gospel peace,
salvation of inestimable worth,
to be made known; – desires to make me cease
from usefulness to Christ upon this earth.
Temptations come as differing fiery darts.
That old deceiver makes them sweet appear,
but Christ (Protector) wisdom, grace imparts
to keep from carelessness to sin, or fear.
Have mercy, holy God who dwells on high,
a contrite sinner’s plea do not deny.

Why am I downcast?

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help from Psalms 42 and 43

Remembering fellowship and praise,
experiences of former days;
but now oppressed by taunts and fears, –
I thirst, I pant for God with tears.
Why am I downcast, why despair?
My powerful Saviour hears my prayer.

“Where is my God?” – I do not feel
or sense his presence, comfort real.
“Where is your God?” I know their sneers;
– God hears my sighs and sees my tears.
Why am I downcast, why despair?
My powerful Saviour hears my prayer.

But has my Rock forgotten me?
(False whispers of my enemy)
God’s love directs though storms last long; –
he fills my heart with prayer and song.
Why is my soul disturbed within?
Remember God, and hope in him.

Oppressed, but God will vindicate,
bring justice, save from those who hate.
Send forth your truth and light to guide
to Christ; with joy I will abide.
Why is my soul disturbed within?
Remember God, and hope in him.

Inconveniences

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1 Corinthians 10:24 Romans 14:19 Philippians 2:4
If we look around us, feeling quite depressed,
feeling we’re hard done by, worse off than the rest;
if we stop to ponder, think more carefully, –
we will see that everyone needs sympathy.
Thank the LORD for all he’s given,
trust him, shelter in his care, and wait for heaven;
pray, submit, with joy believe,
’Til we’re free from troubles, we can grace receive.

If we look around us, feeling very cross,
– inconvenienced often, caused financial loss,
yet ourselves not guiltless, – better turn and do
unto others what you’d have them do to you.

When we look around us, do we look to see
‘Who could do with help?’ and ‘Has God work for me?’
Are we living solely for our own desires?
Is it joy to know and do what Christ requires?

Tune: 65 65 65 65 + Swanwick by William T Meyer (tune of ‘There’s a work for Jesus’)

Love for God

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For you know I love you, Saviour,
know I love you, mighty Lord;
love you more than any other
thing I ever have adored:
this bears witness,
this bears witness
to your work upon my soul.

From where came these new desires?
What gives life to heart and mind?
Things I once despised, I long for, –
and delighted when I find.
Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus, Jesus,
this is all what you have done.

Glory is the goal I aim for,
holy heaven, happy home;
mighty Holy Spirit made me
child of God, and bids me come;
and I want to,
and I want to
serve and worship God above.

This song is a loose translation of a Welsh hymn,
“’Rwy’n dy garu, Ti a’i gwyddost” by William Williams, Pantycelyn

Elijah

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1 Kings 19:1–18  Romans 15:4
Elijah was tired, exhausted, dejected,
(God’s enemy boasted and threatened to kill);
but after he’d slept, and had food, God instructed:
his work was progressing, his plan he’d fulfil.
Not fire from heaven, or shaking of mountains,
– God’s voice in men’s hearts turns them back so they will
acknowledge his work, all his words fully follow,
unshaken by those who choose wickedness still.

Queen Jezebel’s malice was bitter and raging,
she snarled, but the base of her power was gone;
and Satan attempts to wreak havoc and trembling:
he knows he’s defeated, the contest is won.

Elijah was like us, with passions and weakness,
straightforward and honest, no ‘airs’ or pretence.
He suddenly felt all alone, but God’s presence
was with him, as soon he would know and confess.

And all this is taught us to strengthen endurance;
the scriptures encourage and lead us in faith.
Let no-one intimidate; saints’ perseverance
is certain, their hope is unshakeable truth.
Tune: ‘He giveth more grace’ by Hubert Mitchell 12 11 12 11+