Trusting in God for Healing

February 9, 2026

By M. Fontaine

Audio length: 11:35
Download Audio (10.6MB)

For the longest time I tried to figure out the how-tos of divine healing. I had wanted to be able to boil everything down into a step-by-step, one-two-three healing formula so I could say, “If you need God’s supernatural healing, all you have to do is follow these steps.” But I finally reached the conclusion that it doesn’t work that way.

If two people followed the same steps, one might be healed and the other might not. The more I studied various cases, the more I saw that each situation was different. The Lord seemed to handle each individual differently and tailored their healing to their particular needs and His will and work in their lives. Every person is unique, and the Lord works differently in each of our lives—not only in the matter of healing, but also in our circumstances, the lessons He teaches us, the tests and trials of our faith that we endure, and the blessings He gives us.

Trying to give universal counsel on how to get healed is just not possible, because the Lord doesn’t follow a set pattern. That is why, if you read many accounts of people’s healing, they can be very different. In some cases, the Lord miraculously heals someone through His divine intervention, while in other cases He requires us to do our part, through changes in our lifestyle, diet and exercise, or through natural remedies. In other cases, God works through medical interventions, including doctors, medication, surgery, physiotherapy and other treatments.

When we realize that the Lord works differently in each of our lives, we can better understand why in some cases He heals and in other cases He doesn’t—at least not right away. If we can grasp this, it will help us to put our trust fully in Him and His work in our lives and to not fall into condemnation or discouragement if our prayers for healing don’t result in our immediate healing from whatever is ailing us.

When we understand that God doesn’t always heal every affliction of every Christian in this life, it also helps us to have compassion on those who are suffering long-term afflictions. He is the God of all comfort who loves His children unconditionally as this beautiful passage from the Apostle Paul expresses:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).

One Bible translation of this says that “God will shower us with his comfort through Christ” (NLT). What a beautiful picture to bear in mind when we are suffering any affliction or time of trouble!

Divine wisdom at work

It is important to bear in mind when pondering God’s healing that each of us is a complex physical and spiritual being. The Lord has bestowed on each of us different abilities, physical and spiritual attributes, and strengths and weaknesses. No two of us are alike. The Lord, our Maker, knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows everything about us—our every thought, our every weakness, our every joy, our every need. He knows exactly how to teach us the lessons He wants us to learn. He knows what tests and trials we need to endure to make us into what He wants us to be, and He measures these things out to us in the exact portion that He knows we need—never too much and never too little—and so it is with our afflictions and our healing.

Two people could have precisely the same affliction, they could both pray to be healed, and one could get healed immediately and the other could continue to be afflicted for years. Does this mean that the one who gets healed immediately is stronger spiritually or closer to the Lord than the other? Not necessarily.

The reasons the Lord allowed these two people to be afflicted in the first place may have been completely different. If His reasons for allowing the affliction are different, then His reasons for healing or not healing are different as well. Whatever the case, afflictions can be blessings in disguise because they have the potential to bring about spiritual growth and blessings in our lives.

Faith in times of affliction

Faith comes—and it grows—from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). When we walk in faith, we know by His Word that the Lord is sovereign over our lives. We trust that the Lord has a plan and design for our lives, whatever that may be. Whatever we face is meant to draw us closer to God, and He has promised us that nothing in all creation can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38–39).

Those who suffer long-term illnesses or injuries have to keep the faith even when they aren’t healed. When the affliction persists month after month, they have to hold on and trust the Lord to either heal them eventually, or to give them the grace to continue to bear the affliction and grow and learn through it. They have to seek, find, and accept the Romans 8:28—“all things work together for good to those who love God”—in their situation. In each and every case, when they trust the Lord and hang on and don’t give up, it bears good fruit in their lives through the lessons they learn.

Who really has the most faith?—The person who is instantly healed of an affliction, or someone who has to bear that affliction and still carries on loving and trusting the Lord even though they may not understand why they haven’t been healed? They both have faith, but the one who has had to suffer long-term affliction has had to have enduring faith—not necessarily for healing, but faith to trust the Lord day by day to take care of them and bring them through.

In God’s time

If the Lord hasn’t healed you in answer to your prayers, or your infirmity is a long-term one or He’s made you that way from birth, should you feel condemned or discouraged? No, because whether you are healed or not, you are God’s beloved child and “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Whenever we are tempted to fall under condemnation or discouragement, we can remind ourselves of the truths in this passage:

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us (Romans 8:32–34).

He wants to give you faith to endure the trials and tribulations you may face in this life—faith to praise and thank Him in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and faith to be a good testimony to others in your affliction. Then, when He’s ready to heal you, “the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:15).

If you’re doing your part, praying, trusting the Lord, and walking by faith and the Lord doesn’t choose to heal you, you shouldn’t feel condemned. Perhaps it’s not yet the Lord’s time to heal you because there are things He wants to teach you first or He is working in some way in your life through the illness. Or perhaps He wants to use you as an example of someone who perseveres in faith through the difficult times, because He knows that will help and encourage others. Whatever the case, faith means trusting in the Lord for your situation, trusting that He knows best, whether you get healed or not in this life.

Personal comfort in times of illness

One thing that can make your physical afflictions easier to bear is knowing that you can bring your every burden and care to the Lord and receive His love and encouragement. The Bible says to “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). You can pour out your heart to the Lord in prayer and receive His help in your time of need, and His Spirit will pour out His comfort. He tells us to “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).

He can guide you in your time of affliction and help you to discern what He wants you to do about it, and how to go about receiving healing, whether through His supernatural healing, making lifestyle changes or seeking out medical assistance. He will guide you through His Word in the Bible, as well as through counseling with others and seeking His wisdom. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

Take your heartaches, burdens, and questions to Him. He said to “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He wants to lighten your burdens and make your afflictions easier to bear (Psalm 55:22). He loves you and He will never suffer you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but will always make a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). That way of escape often comes through His personal words of comfort and love and encouragement that will lift you over the storm and bring you to the light of a brighter day.

Let Jesus bear your burdens, ease your pain, and lighten your load as He has promised to.

Originally published March 2004. Adapted and republished February 2026. Read by Debra Lee.

Copyright © 2026 The Family International

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On an Adult Child's Seemingly "Wrong" Decision - The Daily Voice

Jesus Speaking: 

"You can not decide for your son or daughter. They must decide for themselves and live their own lives. They will learn important lessons from their decision making. Each person must give their own account before Me. Trust Me. You tried to implant My Word in your children's hearts when they were young. That word will not return void. It will come to them in those moments of deep soul searching that every one must face. Pray. Pray for each one as they decide which road to take. Pray that My Spirit will lead and guide them and that even any seemingly "wrong" decisions will work together for good. Remember, My ways are not your ways, neither are your thoughts Mine. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so are My thoughts and My ways above yours. Trust Me for your children. Baptize them with your daily prayers. Your prayers will not return void, but will reap that which I desire to accomplish in your children's lives according to their own yieldedness. 

"Prayer is not the least you can do, but the most. Prayer moves My hand. I will speak to your children in ways that only I can. You have done what you could. Now, be the loving sample I would have you to be. Be understanding. Be compassionate. Be a friend. The time will come when they will seek for your advice. Until then, keep your communication open by showing your approval of each one of them. Be helpful. Be generous and by doing these things you will keep the lines of communication fluid. Remember, love never fails. Do the loving thing. At times like the present, when they may not be open to your advice, be patient and trust that ultimately I am in control. Be there for each one of them, but do not try to force your "wise" opinions on them. They must learn at the present time from their own seeking and searching for the path they need to take. Pray. That is the gist of My message to you: Pray. If you only knew how much the outcome of things is determined by your prayers or lack of them, you would be more faithful in prayer. PRAY!"

Originally Published January 17, 2012.

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Hebrews 10 KJV

 

Hebrews 10  King James Version

1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou would not, but a body has thou prepared me:

6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou has had no pleasure.

7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He takes away the first, that he may establish the second.

10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompense of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

King James Version (KJV)  Public Domain

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Salmo 39 - Esperanza en el Señor

 

Salmo 39 de David con comentario de Dennis Edwards

Salmo 39:1 Dije: «Guardaré mis caminos, para no pecar con mi lengua; pondré freno a mi boca, mientras el impío esté delante de mí».

Vemos el ejemplo de Jesús al guardar silencio ante sus acusadores al ser llevado ante las autoridades seculares. Pilato, asombrado por la conducta de Jesús, dijo: «¿No oyes cuántas cosas testifican contra ti?». Pero Jesús no respondió ni una palabra, «de tal manera que el gobernador se maravilló mucho» (Mateo 27:12-13).

El apóstol Santiago nos advierte sobre los peligros de una lengua imprudente. Dice: «Si alguno no ofende con sus palabras, ése es un hombre perfecto, capaz también de refrenar o controlar todo el cuerpo» (Santiago 3:2). Continúa escribiendo: “¿Quién es sabio y entendido entre ustedes? Que muestre por la buena conducta sus obras con la mansedumbre de la sabiduría” (Santiago 3:13).

Los oradores son los líderes, o los líderes son los oradores. Necesitan saber cómo hablar a su rebaño para poder guiarlo por el camino correcto. Necesitan controlar su lengua y tener palabras sanas basadas en la verdad y el amor.

En Eclesiastés encontramos: “No permitas que tu boca haga pecar a tu carne” (Eclesiastés 5:6a). Jesús dijo que daríamos cuenta de cada palabra ociosa: “Porque por tus palabras serás justificado, y por tus palabras serás condenado” (Mateo 12:36-37). Nuestras palabras son importantes; dan vida o muerte.

El apóstol Pablo también comentó: “Ninguna palabra corrompida salga de vuestra boca, sino la que sea buena para la necesaria edificación, a fin de dar gracia a los oyentes” (Efesios 4:29).

El comentario de Job es: “Si me justifico, mi propia boca me condenará; si digo que soy perfecto, también me probará perverso” (Job 9:20). A veces, nuestra mejor defensa es un espíritu sereno y manso ante Dios y los hombres.

La profecía de Isaías sobre el Mesías decía: “Angustiado él, y afligido, no abrió su boca; como cordero fue llevado al matadero; y como oveja delante de sus trasquiladores, enmudeció, y no abrió su boca” (Isaías 53:7).

En Proverbios encontramos un consejo similar: “El necio da rienda suelta a su corazón, pero el sabio lo guarda para después” (Proverbios 29:11). “Aun el necio, cuando calla, es considerado sabio; y el que cierra los labios es estimado por hombre entendido.” Proverbios 17:28.

Salmo 39:2-3ab. Enmudecí, guardé silencio, incluso ante el bien; y mi tristeza se conmovió. Mi corazón ardía dentro de mí, mientras meditaba, el fuego ardía:

A veces Dios no quiere que nos callemos. A veces quiere que hablemos en su defensa o a su favor. El apóstol Pablo escribió: “Porque si predico el evangelio, no tengo de qué gloriarme; porque me es impuesta necesidad; sí, ¡ay de mí si no predico el evangelio!” (1 Corintios 9:16).

Sin embargo, cuando nuestras emociones están a flor de piel, generalmente es mejor callar para no echar fuego sobre fuego. Una lengua suelta puede empeorar las cosas, porque la lengua es “un fuego, un mundo de iniquidad” (Santiago 3:6a).

Salmo 39:3c-5 Entonces dije con mi lengua: Señor, hazme saber mi fin, y la medida de mis días, cuál sea; para que conozca mi fragilidad. He aquí, has hecho que mis días sean como un palmo, y mi edad es como nada delante de ti; ciertamente todo hombre, en su mejor estado, es totalmente vanidad. Selah.

David adopta un estado de ánimo más reflexivo y le pregunta a Dios sobre la duración de sus días. Se da cuenta de que su vida es solo un vapor, un poco aquí y luego se va.

Salmo 39:6 Ciertamente todo hombre anda en vano; ciertamente, en vano se inquietan; amontonan riquezas y no saben quién las recogerá.

Jesús nos dijo que no debemos preocuparnos por el mañana. Dijo: «Mas buscad primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas os serán añadidas» (Mateo 6:33). Nos dijo que no acumulemos tesoros en la tierra, donde la polilla y el óxido corrompen. Pero acumulen tesoros en el cielo, porque donde esté nuestro tesoro, allí estará también nuestro corazón (Mateo 6:19-21).

Salmo 39:7-8 Y ahora, Señor, ¿qué espero? Mi esperanza está en ti. Líbrame de todas mis transgresiones; no me hagas objeto de escarnio para los necios.

Un tema recurrente en las oraciones de David es buscar el perdón de sus pecados, transgresiones e iniquidades.

Salmo 39:9-10 Enmudecí, no abrí la boca, porque tú lo hiciste. Aparta de mí tu golpe: estoy consumido por el golpe de tu mano.

Cuando la mano de Dios pesa sobre nosotros a través de alguna prueba, a menudo permanecemos callados. Incluso podemos desanimarnos por la aflicción, el problema o la persecución que estamos atravesando. Sin embargo, si nos aferramos a Romanos 8:28 y 1 Tesalonicenses 5:18 en estos momentos, Dios transformará lo que estemos atravesando en algo Bueno para nuestra alma y carácter.

Cuando confiamos en Dios, e incluso le damos gracias en nuestra aflicción, demostramos que tenemos fe. Sin fe, es imposible agradar a Dios.Nuestra fe, a pesar de las dificultades de la vida, es lo que agrada a Dios. Por lo tanto, todo lo que Dios permite en nuestras vidas es para nuestro bien, y aunque por un momento no parezca “gozoso, sino triste, sin embargo, después da fruto apacible de justicia a los que en ella son ejercitados” (Hebreos 12:11).

El Señor nos exhorta: “Por lo cual, alzad las manos caídas y las rodillas debilitadas” (Hebreos 12:12a). Él no quiere que caigamos en el desánimo y la autocompasión durante los momentos de prueba. Por eso dice: “Dad gracias en todo”. Necesitamos usar la alabanza extrema y reprender al enemigo, autor de la nube de negatividad que nos cubre durante los momentos de prueba.

El escritor de Hebreos continúa aconsejándonos: “Y haced sendas rectas para vuestros pies”. En otras palabras, quizás nuestros pies estaban en el camino equivocado, no conforme a la palabra de Dios, que es lámpara a nuestros pies y lumbrera a nuestro camino (Salmo 119:105). Dios quiere que nos enderecemos y andemos por el camino recto y angosto que conduce a la vida eterna, en lugar del camino ancho que lleva a la destrucción.

“No sea que lo que es cordero (o enfermo o desanimado) se desvíe del camino; sino que sea sanado (o fortalecido o animado). Seguid la paz con todos (en otras palabras, no guardéis rencor, sino perdonad de corazón y así seréis paz entre vosotros), y la santidad, sin la cual nadie verá al Señor; mirad con diligencia, no sea que alguno deje de alcanzar la gracia de Dios; no sea que brote alguna raíz de amargura, y por ella muchos sean contaminados”, Hebreos 12:13b-15.

Si permitimos que la amargura entre en nuestras vidas, porque no podemos confiar en Dios con las cosas aparentemente malas que nos suceden; Corremos el peligro de tener pensamientos erróneos y, como resultado, que nuestro corazón se oscurezca (Romanos 1:21). O serás mejor o estarás amargado. O estarás agradecido o amargado, una cosa u otra. La amargura surge porque no creemos que Dios pueda transformar ese horrible suceso en algo bueno. La amargura es falta de fe y confianza en Dios. Combate la amargura mediante la oración, la acción de gracias y la alabanza.

Salmo 39:11: Cuando con reprensiones corriges al hombre por su iniquidad, haces que su belleza se consuma como polilla; ciertamente todo hombre es vanidad (Selah).

Las correcciones de Dios, o cualquier cosa que Él permita que suceda en nuestras vidas, pueden, de hecho, hacernos cojear como Jacob/Israel, quien luchó con Dios. Nuestro hombre exterior puede estar pereciendo, pero si somos agradecidos, el hombre interior se renovará día a día (2 Corintios 4:16).

El apóstol Pablo continuó escribiendo: “Porque nuestra leve tribulación (o problema, o enfermedad), que es momentánea, produce en nosotros un cada vez más excelente y eterno peso de gloria; no mirando nosotros las cosas que se ven, sino las que no se ven; pues las cosas que se ven son temporales, pero las que no se ven son eternas” (2 Corintios 4:17-18). En otras palabras, mantén la mirada puesta en el cielo.

Salmo 39:12 Escucha, oh Señor, mi oración y presta oído a mi clamor; no calles ante mis lágrimas; porque soy un forastero contigo, un peregrino, como todos mis padres. Perdóname, para que recupere fuerzas antes de irme de aquí y dejar de existir.

David, al igual que sus antepasados, sabía que era un forastero y un peregrino en la tierra. El apóstol Pedro llamó a los primeros seguidores de Cristo “forasteros y peregrinos” (1 Pedro 2:11). El autor de Hebreos describe a los padres de la fe de la misma manera: «Todos estos murieron en la fe, sin haber recibido las promesas, sino mirándolas de lejos, y creyéndolas, y abrazándolas, y confesando que eran extranjeros y peregrinos sobre la tierra» (Hebreos 11:13).

Salmo 39:13: «Oh, perdóname, para que recupere mis fuerzas, antes que me vaya de aquí y deje de existir».

Cuando atravesamos por alguna situación, ya sea enfermedad, aflicción o persecución, y nos hemos hundido en el desánimo por nuestra condición, sentimos que vamos a morir. Podemos orar como David, pensando que hemos llegado al final y que nuestra vida ha terminado. Sin embargo, por lo general no es así, y Dios envía alivio, sanidad, rescate y renovadas fuerzas.

“El Señor no retarda su promesa, según algunos la tienen por tardanza, sino que es paciente para con nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al arrepentimiento” (2 Pedro 3:9). “Así que ustedes, amados, sabiendo esto de antemano, cuídense no sea que, arrastrados por el error de los malvados, caigan de su firmeza. Más bien, crezcan en la gracia y en el conocimiento de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. A él sea la gloria ahora y por los siglos. Amén” (2 Pedro 3:17-18).

Publicado originalmente el 21 de febrero de 2025.

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Psalm 39 - Hope in the Lord!

 

39 A Psalm of David with commentary by Dennis Edwards

Psalm 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

We see Jesus’ example of keeping silent before His accusers when brought before the secular authorities. Pilate was amazed with Jesus’ behaviour and said, “Do you not hear how many things they witness against you?” But Jesus answered not a word, “insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly,” Matthew 27:12-13.

Apostle James warns us of the dangers of a rash tongue. He says, “If a man does not offend with his words, the same is a perfect or mature man, who is able also to bridle or control the whole body,” James 3:2. He goes on to write, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom,” James 3:13.

The speakers are the leaders, or the leaders are the speakers. They need to know how to speak to their flock to be able to lead them in the way that they should go. They need to be able to control their tongue and have sound words based on truth and love.

In Ecclesiastes we find, “Suffer not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin,” Ecclesiastes 5:6a. Jesus said we would give account for every idle word, ”For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned,” Matthew 12:36-37. Our words are important, they give life or death.

Apostle Paul also commented, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers,” Ephesians 4:29.

Job’s comment is, “If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me, If I say I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse,” Job 9:20. Sometimes our best defence is a quiet a meek spirit before God and man.

Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah said, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth,” Isaiah 53:7.

In Proverbs we find similar advice: “A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards,” Proverbs 29:11. “Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding,” Proverbs 17:28.

Psalm 39:2-3ab I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned:

Sometimes God does not want us to hold our tongue. Sometimes he wants us to speak in His defence or in His favour. Apostle Paul wrote, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, If I preach not the gospel,” 1 Corinthians 9:16.

However, when our emotions are running high, it is usually best to keep quiet, that you not throw fire upon fire. A loose tongue may make things worse, for the tongue is “a fire, a world of iniquity,” James 3:6a.

Psalm 39:3c-5 Then spoke I with my tongue, Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Behold, You have made my days as an handbreadth; and my age is as nothing before You: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

David changes to a more reflective mood and asks God about the length of his days. He realises that his life is but a vapour, here a little while and then it is gone.

Psalm 39:6 Surely every man walks in a vain show: surely, they are disquieted (anxious) in vain: he heaps up riches and knows not who shall gather them.

Jesus has told us that we should not be worried about tomorrow. He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these (other) things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33. He told us to not lay up treasures on earth where moth and rust do corrupt. But to lay up treasures in heaven, for where our treasure is, there will our heart be also,” Matthew 6:19-21.

Psalm 39:7-8 And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.

A familiar theme of David’s prayers is seeking forgiveness for his sins, transgressions, and iniquities.

Psalm 39:9-10 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because You did it. Remove Your stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of Your hand.

When God’s hand is heavy upon us through some trial or testing, we often remain quiet. We may even become discouraged with the affliction, problem, or persecution, that we are going through. However, if we can hold onto Romans 8:28 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in these moments, God will transform whatever we are going through into something good for our soul and character.

When we trust God, and even give Him thanks in our affliction, we are showing we have faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Our faith through the difficulties of life is what pleases God. Therefore, whatever God is allowing in our lives is for our good, and though for a moment it may not “seem to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them which are exercised thereby,” Hebrews 12:11.

The Lord admonishes us to, “Wherefore lift up the hand which hang down, and the feeble knees;” Hebrews 12:12a. He does not want us to fall into discouragement and self-pity during our periods of testing. That’s why he says, “In everything give thanks.” We need to use the weapon of extreme praise and rebuke the enemy who is the author of the cloud of negativity over our heads during the moments of trial.

The writer of Hebrews continues to advise us. “And make straight paths for your feet.” In other words, perhaps our feet were on the wrong path, not according to God’s word which is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our way, Psalm 119:105. God wants us to straighten out and walk the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life, rather than the broad way that leads to destruction.

“Less that which is lamb (or sick or discouraged) be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed (or strengthened or encouraged). Follow peace with all men, (in other words, do not hold grudges, but forgive from the heart and thereby be a peace among yourselves), and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently less any man fail of the grace of God: less any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled,” Hebrews 12:13b-15.

If we let bitterness enter our lives, because we cannot trust God with the seemingly bad things that happen to us; we are in danger of having the wrong thinking and as a result having our hearts darkened, Romans 1:21. You will either be better or bitter. You will either be thankful or bitter, one or the other. Bitterness comes because we do not believe that God can transform that horrible event in our lives into something good. Bitterness is a lack of faith and trust in God. Fight bitterness through prayer, thanksgiving, and praise.

Psalm 39:11 When You with rebukes do correct man for iniquity, You make his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.

God’s corrections, or whatever He allows to happen in our lives, may in fact make us to limp like Jacob/Israel who wrestled with God. Our outward man may be perishing, but if we are thankful, the inward man will be renewed day by day, 2 Corinthians 4:16.

Apostle Paul went on to write, “For our light affliction (or problem, or sickness), which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal,” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. In other words, keep your eyes on heaven.

Psalm 39:12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not your peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with You, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

David, like his forefathers knew he was a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth. Apostle Peter called the early followers of Christ: “strangers and pilgrims,” 1 Peter 2:11. The author of Hebrews describes the fathers of faith in the same fashion. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth,” Hebrews 11:13.

Psalm 39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

When we are going through it, whether it be sickness or affliction or persecution, and have sunk into discouragement over our condition, we feel like we are going to die. We may pray like David thinking we are at the end and our life is over. However, usually it is not the case and God does send relief, healing, rescue, and renewed strength.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” 2 Peter 3:9. “You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware less you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever Amen,” 2 Peter 3:17-18.

Originally published February 21, 2025.

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SALMO 39 - Esperança em Deus

Salmo 39 Um Salmo de David com comentário de Dennis Edwards

Salmo 39:1 Disse eu: Guardarei os meus caminhos para não pecar com a minha língua; guardarei a minha boca com uma mordaça, enquanto o ímpio estiver diante de mim.

Vemos o exemplo de Jesus de permanecer em silêncio diante dos Seus acusadores quando é levado perante as autoridades seculares. Pilatos ficou admirado com o comportamento de Jesus e disse: “Não ouves quantas coisas testemunham contra ti?” Mas Jesus não respondeu uma palavra, “de modo que o governador ficou muito admirado”, Mateus 27:12-13.

O apóstolo Tiago alerta-nos para os perigos de uma língua imprudente. Diz ele: “Se alguém não tropeça com as suas palavras, o mesmo é homem perfeito e maduro, capaz de refrear todo o corpo”, Tiago 3:2. Continua escrevendo: “Quem é sábio e dotado de conhecimento entre vós? Mostre, por meio de um bom procedimento, as suas obras em mansidão de sabedoria,” Tiago 3:13.

Os oradores são os líderes, ou os líderes são os oradores. Precisam de saber como falar com o seu rebanho para poder guiá-lo no caminho que deve seguir. Precisam de ser capazes de controlar a língua e ter palavras sãs baseadas na verdade e no amor.

No Eclesiastes encontramos: “Não permitas que a tua boca faça pecar a tua carne”, Eclesiastes 5:6a. Jesus disse que daríamos conta de toda a palavra ociosa: “Porque pelas tuas palavras serás justificado, e pelas tuas palavras serás condenado”, Mateus 12:36-37. As nossas palavras são importantes, dão vida ou morte.

O apóstolo Paulo também comentou: “Não saia da vossa boca nenhuma palavra torpe, mas só a que for boa para promover a edificação, para que dê graça aos que a ouvem”, Efésios 4:29.

O comentário de Job é: “Se eu me justificar, a minha boca me condenará; se eu disser que sou perfeito, ela também me provará perverso”, Job 9:20. Por vezes, a nossa melhor defesa é um espírito calmo e manso diante de Deus e dos homens.

A profecia de Isaías sobre o Messias dizia: “Foi oprimido e afligido, mas não abriu a boca:  foi levado como um cordeiro ao matadouro, e como a ovelha muda perante os seus tosquiadores, assim ele não abriu a sua boca,” Isaías 53:7.

Em Provérbios encontramos conselhos semelhantes: “O insensato revela todo o seu pensamento, mas o sábio o guarda até depois”, Provérbios 29:11. “Até o insensato, quando se cala, é considerado sábio: e o que fecha os seus lábios é reputado por homem de entendimento”, Provérbios 17:28.

Salmo 39:2-3ab Com silêncio fiquei qual um mudo; calava-me mesmo acerca do bem; mas a minha dor se agravou. Escandesceu-se dentro de mim o meu coração; enquanto eu meditava acendeu-se o fogo;

Por vezes Deus não quer que fiquemos calados. Por vezes, quer que falemos em Sua defesa ou em Seu favor. O apóstolo Paulo escreveu: “Porque, se anuncio o evangelho, não tenho de que me gloriar; porque a necessidade me é imposta; sim, ai de mim, se eu não pregar o evangelho”, 1 Coríntios 9:16.

No entanto, quando as nossas emoções estão à flor da pele, é geralmente melhor ficarmos quietos, para não deitar fogo ao fogo. Uma língua solta pode piorar as coisas, pois a língua é “um fogo, um mundo de iniquidade”, Tiago 3:6a.

Salmo 39:3c-5 Então com a minha língua, dizendo; Faze-me conhecer, ó Senhor, o meu fim, e qual a medida dos meus dias, para que eu saiba quão frágil sou. Eis que mediste os meus dias a palmos; o tempo da minha vida é como que nada diante de ti. Na verdade, todo homem, por mais firme que esteja, é totalmente vaidade.

David muda para um estado de espírito mais reflexivo e pergunta a Deus sobre a duração dos seus dias. Percebe que a sua vida é apenas um vapor, que fica aqui durante algum tempo e depois desaparece.

Salmo 39:6 Na verdade, todo homem anda qual uma sombra; na verdade, em vão se inquieta, amontoa riquezas, e não sabe quem as levará.

Jesus disse-nos que não nos devemos preocupar com o dia de amanhã. Ele disse: “Mas buscai primeiro o reino de Deus, e a sua justiça; e todas estas coisas vos serão acrescentadas”, Mateus 6:33. Disse-nos para não acumularmos tesouros na terra, onde a traça e a ferrugem os destroem. Mas para acumular tesouros no céu, porque onde estiver o nosso tesouro, aí estará também o nosso coração”, Mateus 6:19-21.

Salmo 39:7-8 Agora, pois, Senhor, que espero eu? A minha esperança está em Ti. Livra-me de todas as minhas transgressões; não me faças o opróbrio do insensato.

Um tema familiar nas orações de David é procurar o perdão pelos seus pecados, transgressões e iniquidades.

Salmo 39:9-10 Emudecido estou, não abro a minha boca; pois tu és que agiste, Tira de sobre mim o teu flagelo; estou desfalecido pelo golpe da tua mão.

Quando a mão de Deus pesa sobre nós através de alguma provação ou prova, muitas vezes permanecemos quietos. Podemos até ficar desanimados com a aflição, o problema ou a perseguição que estamos a enfrentar. No entanto, se nos pudermos agarrar a Romanos 8:28 e 1 Tessalonicenses 5:18 nesses momentos, Deus transformará tudo o que estamos a passar em algo bom para a nossa alma e caráter.

Quando confiamos em Deus e até Lhe damos graças na nossa aflição, estamos a mostrar que temos fé. Sem fé é impossível agradar a Deus. A nossa fé no meio das dificuldades da vida é o que agrada a Deus. Portanto, tudo o que Deus permite nas nossas vidas é para o nosso bem, e embora por um momento possa não “parecer motivo de alegria, mas sim de tristeza, depois, contudo, produz fruto pacífico de justiça para aqueles que por ela têm sido exercitados”, Hebreus 12:11.

O Senhor admoesta-nos: “Portanto, levantai as mãos cansadas e os joelhos vacilantes;” Hebreus 12:12a. Ele não quer que caiamos no desânimo e na autocomiseração durante os nossos períodos de provação. É por isso que diz: “Em tudo dai graças”. Precisamos de usar a arma do louvor extremo e repreender o inimigo que é o autor da nuvem de negatividade sobre as nossas cabeças durante os momentos de provação.

O escritor de Hebreus continua a aconselhar-nos. “E faça caminhos direitos para os seus pés.” Por outras palavras, talvez os nossos pés estivessem no caminho errado, não de acordo com a palavra de Deus, que é lâmpada para os nossos pés e luz para o nosso caminho, Salmo 119:105. Deus quer que nos endireitemos e caminhemos no caminho reto e estreito que conduz à vida eterna, em vez do caminho largo que conduz à destruição.

“Para que o que é coxo (ou doente ou desanimado) não seja afastado do caminho; mas que seja curado (ou fortalecido ou encorajado). Segui a paz com todos (isto é, não guardeis rancor, mas perdoai de coração, e sede a paz entre vós), e a santificação, sem a qual ninguém verá o Senhor; para que nenhuma raiz de amargura, brotando, vos perturbe, e por ela muitos sejam contaminados”, Hebreus 12:13b-15.

Se deixarmos a amargura entrar nas nossas vidas, porque não podemos confiar em Deus para lidar com as coisas aparentemente más que nos acontecem; corremos o risco de ter pensamentos errados e, como resultado, de ter os nossos corações escurecidos, Romanos 1:21. Ou será melhor ou ficará amargo. Ou ficará grato ou amargurado, um ou outro. A amargura surge porque não acreditamos que Deus possa transformar aquele acontecimento horrível das nossas vidas em algo bom. Amargura é falta de fé e confiança em Deus. Combata a amargura através da oração, da ação de graças e do louvor.

Salmo 39:11 Quando com repreensões castigas o homem por causa da iniquidade, destróis, como traça, o que ele tem de precioso; na verdade todo homem é vaidade.

As correções de Deus, ou o que quer que Ele permita que aconteça nas nossas vidas, podem de facto fazer-nos coxear como Jacob/Israel que lutou com Deus. O nosso homem exterior pode estar a perecer, mas se formos gratos, o homem interior será renovado de dia para dia, 2 Coríntios 4:16.

O apóstolo Paulo continuou escrevendo: “Porque a nossa leve e momentânea tribulação (ou problema, ou doença), produz para nós cada vez mais abundantemente um eterno peso de glória; enquanto não atentarmos nas coisas que se vêem, mas nas que se não vêem; porque as coisas que se vêem são temporais; mas as coisas que se não vêem são eternas”, 2 Coríntios 4:17-18. Por outras palavras, mantenha os olhos no céu.

Salmo 39:12 Ouve, Senhor, a minha oração, e inclina os teus ouvidos ao meu clamor; não te cales perante as minhas lágrimas, porque sou para contigo como um estranho, um peregrino como todos os meus pais.

David, como os seus antepassados ​​sabiam, era um estrangeiro e um peregrino na terra. O apóstolo Pedro chamou aos primeiros seguidores de Cristo “estrangeiros e peregrinos”, 1 Pedro 2:11. O autor de Hebreus descreve os pais da fé da mesma forma. “Todos estes morreram na fé, sem terem alcançado as promessas; mas, vendo-as de longe, e crendo nelas, e abraçando-as, confessaram que eram estrangeiros e peregrinos na terra”, Hebreus 11:13.

Salmo 39:13 Desvia de mim o teu olhar, para que eu tome alento, antes que me vá e não exista mais.

Quando passamos por algo, seja doença, aflição ou perseguição, e caímos no desânimo por causa da nossa condição, sentimos que vamos morrer. Podemos rezar como David, pensando que estamos no fim e que a nossa vida acabou. No entanto, geralmente não é esse o caso e Deus envia alívio, cura, resgate e força renovada.

“O Senhor não retarda a sua promessa, ainda que alguns a tenham por tardia; mas é longânimo para convosco, não querendo que ninguém se perca, senão que todos cheguem ao arrependimento”, 2 Pedro 3:9. “Vós, pois, amados, sabendo isto de antemão, guardai-vos também de que, pelo erro dos homens perversos, sejais arrebatados e descaiais da vossa firmeza. Mas crescei na graça e no conhecimento do nosso Senhor e Salvador Jesus Cristo. A Ele a glória agora e para sempre. Amém”, 2 Pedro 3:17-18.

Publicado originalmente 22/02/2025

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Sobre la decisión aparentemente equivocada de un hijo adulto - La Voz Diaria

Jesús habla:

"No puedes decidir por tu hijo o hija. Deben decidir por sí mismos y vivir sus propias vidas. Aprenderán lecciones importantes de sus decisiones. Cada persona debe rendir cuentas ante Dios. Confía en Mí. Intentaste inculcar Mi Palabra en el corazón de tus hijos cuando eran pequeños. Esa palabra no volverá vacía. Les llegará en esos momentos de profunda introspección que todos debemos afrontar. Ora. Ora por cada uno mientras deciden qué camino tomar. Ora para que Mi Espíritu los guíe y guíe, y que incluso cualquier decisión aparentemente "equivocada" obre para bien. Recuerda: Mis caminos no son tus caminos, ni tus pensamientos son míos. Tan altos como los cielos sobre la tierra, así son Mis pensamientos y Mis caminos sobre los tuyos. Confía en Mí para tus hijos. Bautízalos con tus oraciones diarias. Tus oraciones no volverán vacías, sino que cosecharán lo que deseo lograr en la vida de tus hijos, según su propia entrega.

"La oración no es lo menos importante" Puedes hacer, pero lo máximo. La oración mueve Mi mano. Hablaré a tus hijos de maneras que solo Yo puedo. Has hecho lo que podías. Ahora, sé el ejemplo amoroso que quiero que seas. Sé comprensivo. Sé compasivo. Sé amigo. Llegará el momento en que buscarán tu consejo. Hasta entonces, mantén una comunicación abierta mostrando tu aprobación hacia cada uno de ellos. Sé servicial. Sé generoso y, al hacer esto, mantendrás una comunicación fluida. Recuerda, el amor nunca falla. Sé amoroso. En momentos como el actual, cuando quizás no estén abiertos a tus consejos, sé paciente y confía en que, en última instancia, Yo tengo el control. Apóyalos en cada uno de ellos, pero no intentes imponerles tus "sabias" opiniones. Deben aprender en el presente, a través de su propia búsqueda, el camino que deben tomar. Ora. Esa es la esencia de Mi mensaje para ti: Ora. Si supieras cuánto depende de tus oraciones o de la falta de ellas el resultado de cada situación, serías más fiel en la oración; por lo tanto, ¡ORA!

Publicado originalmente el 17 de enero de 2012.

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Sobre a Decisão Aparentemente Errada de um Filho Adulto - A Voz Diária

Jesus a falar:

"Não podem decidir pelos vossos filhos. Eles devem decidir por si mesmos e viver as suas próprias vidas. Eles aprenderão lições importantes com as suas decisões. Cada pessoa deve prestar contas a Deus. Confiem em Mim. Vocês tentaram implantar a Minha Palavra no coração dos vossos filhos quando eles eram pequenos. Essa palavra não voltará vazia. Ela virá até eles naqueles momentos de profunda busca interior que todos devem enfrentar. Orem. Orem por cada um deles enquanto decidem qual o caminho a seguir. Orem para que o Meu Espírito os guie e os conduza e que até decisões aparentemente "erradas" contribuem para o bem. Lembrem-se: os Meus caminhos não são os vossos caminhos, nem os vossos pensamentos são os Meus.

"A oração não é o menos importante". Pode fazer o que puder, mas o máximo. A oração move a Minha mão. Falarei com os vossos filhos de formas que só Eu posso. Fez o que pôde. Agora, seja o exemplo de amor que Eu gostaria que fosse. Seja compreensivo. Seja compassivo. Seja um amigo. Chegará o momento em que procurarão os seus conselhos. Até lá, mantenha a comunicação aberta, demonstrando a sua aprovação por cada um deles. Seja prestável. Seja generoso e, ao fazê-lo, manterá os canais de comunicação a fluir. Lembre-se, o amor nunca falha. Faça o que está certo. Em momentos como o presente, quando podem não estar abertos aos seus conselhos, seja paciente e confie que, em última análise, Eu estou no controlo. Esteja presente para cada um deles, mas não tente impor-lhes as suas opiniões "sábias". Devem aprender, neste momento, através da sua própria procura e pesquisa, o caminho que precisam de seguir. Ore. Esta é a essência da Minha mensagem para si: Ore. Se soubesse o quanto o resultado de cada situação é determinado pelas suas orações, ou pela falta delas, oraria com mais frequência. Portanto, ORE!

Publicado originalmente a 17 de janeiro de 2012.

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What is Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost?

 

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Tucker on the Epstein Files

 

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