Encouragement for Running Our Race

 October 6, 2026

A compilation

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Imagine that you are a runner at the Olympic Games. Your coach is on the sidelines to watch you. The stands are full of friends and relatives cheering you on. You have trained, practiced, and are now ready to run the race. The Bible uses this picture to illustrate the life of a Christian.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Training for and running races are not easy. They are hard work. There is a great deal of effort in building up one’s strength in preparation, and the actual race is draining.

It is so easy to become discouraged and quit. The life of a Christian is also like that, with lots of hardships and difficulties along the way. … [Our] source of encouragement is our Savior. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:2–3).

Jesus is like our coach. Yes, He was and is the divine Son of God, but He did not come to earth as a superhuman being who walked a few feet above the ground on a cloud, or lived as a king in a palace with special privileges, but He came as one of us, “taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). … Thus, we need to consider what Jesus endured lest we become weary and discouraged. …

All of us are in a race from here to eternity. Either we are running down the broad way that leads to everlasting destruction or we are running the strait and narrow way that leads to everlasting life (Matthew 7:13–14). The strait and narrow way can be difficult at times with various hardships that discourage us; but God offers us encouragement through the great cloud of witnesses, the example of Jesus His Son, the comfort of the Scriptures, and the knowledge of His love. ...

With this kind of encouragement, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”—Wayne S. Walker¹

Running with endurance

The writer of Hebrews says that … we need to “run with endurance the race set before us.” Endurance implies that the Christian life is better compared to a marathon than a sprint. It is something that takes work, commitment, and fortitude. It can’t be completed without preparation or practice—otherwise we will burn out in no time at all. Think about it: you would not run a marathon without any preparation. You don’t just show up the day of the race and expect to do well. Rather, you sign up months ahead, sometimes a year ahead. You learn what kind of course it is, if it will be hilly or flat, hot or cold, and so on.

So too in the Christian life we must prepare ourselves for what lies ahead. This is what it means to “count the cost” of following Christ. There’s a price to be paid. It won’t be easy. Discipleship requires endurance. Following Jesus will mean trial and tribulations, but we can’t allow those hindrances to cause us to give up. And indeed, if we are expecting them and are prepared for them, by the Spirit’s power we won’t give up. Thus, Peter and John both exhort us: “do not be surprised” or “do not be caught off guard” at the race we must run (1 Peter 4:12, 1 John 3:13). When we see the course that is set before us, we will not be surprised. We will be ready to run, come what may.

In Luke 9, one eager would-be disciple approaches Jesus and proclaims, “I will follow you wherever you go” (Luke 9:57). But then Jesus explained to him the nature of the course before him: “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). Jesus was telling him this is the kind of life he would be signing up for if he wanted to follow the Son of Man. In other words, Jesus was explaining it wasn’t an easy stroll, nor a quick sprint. It was a grueling marathon that would take endurance. The implication in the passage is that, upon hearing this, the man gives up on Christ. He wasn’t ready to run with endurance.

Are you prepared for the race set before you? It will be a long one—indeed, a lifelong one. It will take endurance. But the good news is that the endurance comes from God himself. God strengthens us for whatever he calls us to do. Paul reminds us of this in Colossians. He says that we as Christians are “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11).—Jonathan Landry Cruse²

We don’t run alone

We often hear our life of faith compared to running a race or being on a journey. Countless songs, books, and sermons are based on those concepts. As a runner, I find inspiration in the verse “run with endurance the race that is set before us, … looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1–2). But recently it came alive to me from a whole new perspective.

I heard a story about a young boy who was paralyzed and unable to move, except for his head. Clearly, it was hopeless for him to try to do anything “sporty.” But he didn’t resign himself. When he heard of a 5 km run being hosted as a fundraiser for a friend who also had become paralyzed through a tragic accident, he had a bold idea. With the assistance of technology that enables him to type messages using his eyes and head, he told his father, “I want to run in that race.”

Instead of pointing out the impossibility of the plan, his father made a cart that his son could lie in and pulled it the entire 5 km. At the end of the race, his son typed another message: “This is the first time I don’t feel handicapped.” And so they did it again. And again. And again!

To date, this father has competed with his son in over 300 races—including marathons and triathlons. He runs, swims, and cycles, pulling, pushing, and carrying his son every single step of the way. Why? Simply because he loves his son and wants him to be happy. The son didn’t do anything particular to deserve such love. He’s the son, and that’s all that matters.

We’re the sons and daughters of our heavenly Father, which means we don’t have to push on alone when we’re weary. We can fall into His arms, and He will carry us. That’s what “I will never leave you nor forsake you”means (Hebrews 13:5).

No matter the mess we’re in, or the troubles we face, His love towards us never wavers. He is always there, ready to help us reach each goal, and one day, we’ll cross the ultimate finish line together.—Chris Mizrany

Going the distance

The Bible compares the Christian life to running in a long-distance race. At tough times, we may feel that we’ve been running a marathon. We feel tired, thirsty, and doubtful whether we can make it to the finish line.

But we are never alone in this struggle. Today I want to encourage you that we have “a great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on from the heavenly stadium—the great men and women who have already run their races and finished in triumph. These are our older brothers and sisters in Christ and they are very numerous!

Let’s consider the first two verses of Hebrews 12: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

When I first read this verse, it conjured up an image of saints walking on fluffy clouds up in the heavens, but then I read an interesting commentary by the Bible teacher Rick Renner. He is a Greek scholar and explained the true meaning of the reference to clouds in the original Greek language.

“The clouds” referred to the highest seats at the top of a sporting stadium. So the verse is referring to the grandstands of heaven. The saints who went before us are surrounding us on every side as we go into the arena and cheering us on. They are people just like us, who held on to their faith and are now glorified in Heaven! ...

The saints of old were people just like us, who made it through their trials and did what God had called them to do. They faced tasks that seemed impossible; they stood firm and made it through fire and water, arriving at their heavenly destination with their mission accomplished. They received resounding praise from God himself. …

The great cloud of witnesses is made up of both men and women who succeeded against all of the odds and finished their earthly assignments because they trusted in God’s power to carry them through. They fixed their eyes on Jesus rather than on the obstacles they encountered.

So, if you know that God has given you an assignment or a gifting to use for the building of his Kingdom here on earth, you can be inspired by these dazzling examples of faith. These great men and women traveled the same spiritual road that we walk today; they were pilgrims just like us. They faced attacks of fear and discouragement—even persecution—but pressed on to victory, drawing their strength from the Holy Spirit. ...

So, press on, royal sons and daughters of the Most-High God. Fix your eyes on Jesus and run towards the finish line. Use all of your talents for his glory. All of Heaven is cheering you on!—Lyn Alderson³

Published on Anchor October 2026. Read by Reuben Ruchevsky. Music by Michael Dooley.

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¹ Wayne S. Walker, “Encouragement in Running the Race,” www.bible.ca, November 2011, https://www.bible.ca/ef/expository-%20hebrews-12-1-11.htm

² Jonathan Landry Cruse, “4 Good Ways to Run the Christian Race Well,” beautifulchristianlife.com, April 29, 2024, https://beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/4-good-ways-to-run-the-christian-race-well

³ Lyn Alderson, “Heaven Is Cheering You On—So Run the Race of Your Life!” maryschildinchrist.org.uk, October 28, 2019, https://www.maryschildinchrist.org.uk/heaven-is-cheering-you-on42a8fdb0

Copyright © 2026 The Family International

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Salmo 4: ¿Estás ofreciendo sacrificios de justicia?

Salmo de David: Salmo 4 – Comentarios de Dennis Edwards 

Salmo 4:1 Escúchame cuando clamo, oh Dios de mi justicia: Tú me has dado alivio (o ensanchado mi camino) cuando estaba en angustia; ten misericordia de mí y escucha mi oración. 

David se recuerda a sí mismo que su justicia depende totalmente del Señor. Por nosotros mismos, no somos justos en comparación con Dios. Somos incapaces de alcanzar a Dios mediante nuestra propia justicia. Nuestra propia justicia es como trapos de inmundicia (Isaías 64:6). 

Dependemos de Dios mismo, quien vino al mundo como la Segunda Persona de la Trinidad y dio su vida por nosotros para reconciliarnos con Dios. Su sangre cubre nuestros pecados y ofrece el don de la vida eterna a todos los que creen, por medio de Jesucristo nuestro Señor. 

«Nos salvó, no por obras de justicia que nosotros hubiéramos hecho, sino por su misericordia, por el lavamiento de la regeneración y por la renovación en el Espíritu Santo» (Tito 3:5). Es la justicia de Jesús la que nos salva, mediante la misericordia de Dios. «Porque por gracia sois salvos por medio de la fe; y esto no de vosotros, pues es don de Dios; no por obras, para que nadie se gloríe» (Efesios 2:8-9). El don de Dios es Jesucristo para todos los que creen. 

El mensaje del evangelio —las buenas nuevas— es que Dios mismo ha abierto una vía de escape para nosotros de nuestra condición humana, derivada de la caída de Adán. «Por tanto, como el pecado entró en el mundo por un hombre, y por el pecado la muerte, así la muerte pasó a todos los hombres, por cuanto todos pecaron» (Romanos 5:12). 

La humanidad ha heredado de Adán una tendencia a rebelarse contra Dios. Sin embargo, Jesús es la puerta a la vida eterna y ofrece una salida del ciclo de pecado y muerte. Jesús dijo: «El que oye mi palabra, y cree al que me envió, tiene vida eterna; y no vendrá a condenación, mas ha pasado de muerte a vida» (Juan 5:24). 

El apóstol Pablo explica: «Así que, tal como por la transgresión de uno vino la condenación a todos los hombres, de la misma manera por la justicia de uno (Jesús) vino a todos los hombres la justificación que da vida. Porque así como por la desobediencia de un hombre muchos fueron constituidos pecadores, así también por la obediencia de uno muchos serán constituidos justos» (Romanos 5:18-19). 

«Al que no conoció pecado, Él (Dios Padre) lo hizo pecado por nosotros, para que nosotros fuésemos hechos justicia de Dios en Él (Jesús)» (2 Corintios 5:21). «Y ser hallado en Él, no teniendo mi propia justicia, que es por la ley, sino la que es por la fe en Cristo, la justicia que es de Dios por la fe» (Filipenses 3:9). 

Nuestros pecados nos han separado de Dios, pero mediante la sumisión y obediencia de Jesús a Dios, y su disposición a ir a la cruz por nosotros, ahora podemos ser revestidos de la justicia de Jesús a través de nuestra fe y obediencia a Él. «Mas a todos los que le recibieron (a Jesús), a ellos (los nuevos creyentes) les dio potestad de ser hechos hijos de Dios, a los que creen en su nombre» (Juan 1:12). «Por lo cual Dios también le exaltó hasta lo sumo, y le dio un nombre que es sobre todo nombre, para que en el nombre de Jesús se doble toda rodilla de los que están en los cielos, y en la tierra, y debajo de la tierra; y toda lengua confiese que Jesucristo es el Señor, para gloria de Dios Padre» (Filipenses 2:9-11). 

En la segunda mitad del primer versículo, David le recuerda a Dios su fidelidad pasada al escuchar sus oraciones y le suplica que lo escuche una vez más. 

Salmo 4:2 ¡Oh hijos de los hombres! ¿Hasta cuándo convertiréis mi gloria en afrenta? ¿Hasta cuándo amaréis la vanidad y buscaréis la mentira (o el pecado)? Selah 

David se compara a sí mismo en contraste con los hombres del mundo que aman las cosas del mundo y siguen el pecado y la soberbia. El apóstol Juan escribió: «No améis al mundo, ni las cosas que están en el mundo. Si alguno ama al mundo, el amor del Padre no está en él. Porque todo lo que hay en el mundo —los deseos de la carne, los deseos de los ojos y la vanagloria de la vida— no proviene del Padre, sino del mundo. Y el mundo pasa, y sus deseos; pero el que hace la voluntad de Dios permanece para siempre» (1 Juan 2:15-17). 

Salmo 4:3 Sabed, pues, que el SEÑOR ha apartado para sí al piadoso; el SEÑOR oirá cuando yo a Él clame. 

La palabra santificar significa apartar o separar para un propósito sagrado o para uso religioso. Dios ha apartado a su pueblo para que sea un ejemplo ante el mundo. El apóstol Pedro explica: «Mas vosotros sois linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, nación santa, pueblo adquirido por Dios, para que anunciéis las virtudes de aquel que os llamó de las tinieblas a su luz admirable» (1 Pedro 2:9). 

El apóstol Pablo también escribió, citando el Antiguo Testamento: «Por lo cual, salid de en medio de ellos, y apartaos, dice el Señor, y no toquéis lo inmundo [el pecado, en cualquier forma que te tiente]; y yo os recibiré, y seré para vosotros Padre, y vosotros me seréis hijos e hijas, dice el Señor Todopoderoso» (2 Corintios 6:17-18). 

 Al apartarnos para Dios, Él traerá su presencia sobre nosotros. Jesús prometió: «El que me ama, mi palabra guardará; y mi Padre le amará, y vendremos a él, y haremos morada con él» (Juan 14:23). «Si algo pidiereis en mi nombre, yo lo haré» (Juan 14:14). Dios responderá a nuestras oraciones porque permanecemos en Él y le obedecemos. 

Salmo 4:4 Temblad, y no pequéis; meditad en vuestro corazón estando en vuestro lecho, y callad. Selah. 

Dios quiere que guardemos silencio ante Él. En los Salmos leemos: «Estad quietos, y conoced que yo soy Dios; seré exaltado entre las naciones; enaltecido seré en la tierra» (Salmo 46:10). Es en esos momentos de quietud con Dios cuando recibimos Su fortaleza. «En quietud y en confianza será vuestra fortaleza» (Isaías 30:15b). 

Si nos detenemos un momento para disfrutar de la creación de Dios —durante un amanecer o un atardecer, en un paseo bajo el cielo estrellado, sentados en una playa tranquila o en casi cualquier entorno natural—, podemos sentir Su presencia y escuchar Su voz. Antes de comenzar el día, también podemos comunicarnos con Dios mediante el don de la oración y permitir que Su presencia nos transmita la fortaleza y la sabiduría necesarias para la jornada. 

El apóstol Pablo nos exhorta: «Por nada estéis afanosos, sino sean conocidas vuestras peticiones delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con acción de gracias. Y la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará vuestros corazones y vuestros pensamientos en Cristo Jesús» (Filipenses 4:6-7). 

Si buscamos el rostro de Dios temprano en la mañana o al atardecer, Su presencia irá con nosotros y nos dará paz. En Isaías encontramos: «Tú guardarás en completa paz a aquel cuyo pensamiento en ti persevera; porque en ti ha confiado» (Isaías 26:3). 

Salmo 4:5 Ofreced sacrificios de justicia, y confiad en Jehová. 

Como expresamos anteriormente, nuestra única justicia está en Jesús. Sin embargo, David escribió: «Los sacrificios de Dios son el espíritu quebrantado; al corazón contrito y humillado no despreciarás tú, oh Dios» (Salmo 51:17). Por tanto, Dios quiere que seamos humildes y tengamos un espíritu quebrantado ante Él. En otro pasaje, David escribió: «Cercano está Jehová a los quebrantados de corazón; y salva a los contritos de espíritu» (Salmo 34:18). 

El apóstol Santiago escribió: «Dios resiste a los soberbios, y da gracia a los humildes» (Santiago 4:6b). El Señor también ha hablado a través de Isaías: «Pero a aquel miraré que es pobre y humilde de espíritu, y que tiembla a mi palabra» (Isaías 66:2b). ¿Somos humildes y temerosos de Dios? Si es así, Dios atenderá nuestras oraciones. 

Por otra parte, el apóstol Pablo dice que nuestras vidas deben ser un sacrificio vivo para Dios. «Así que, hermanos, os ruego por las misericordias de Dios, que presentéis vuestros cuerpos en sacrificio vivo, santo, agradable a Dios, que es vuestro culto racional. No os conforméis a este siglo, sino transformaos por medio de la renovación de vuestro entendimiento, para que comprobéis cuál sea la buena voluntad de Dios, agradable y perfecta» (Romanos 12:1-2). 

Debemos vivir nuestras vidas en un servicio de sacrificio hacia Dios y hacia nuestro prójimo. Lo hacemos permitiendo que nuestras vidas sean transformadas por la Palabra de Dios y el Espíritu Santo. Amamos al Señor nuestro Dios con todo nuestro corazón, mente y alma; y amamos a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos (Mateo 22:37-39). 

Salmo 4:6 Muchos son los que dicen: ¿Quién nos mostrará el bien? ¡Alza sobre nosotros, oh Jehová, la luz de tu rostro (o presencia)!

Aunque haya escépticos e incrédulos a nuestro alrededor, el Señor pondrá su Espíritu —su presencia— sobre nosotros si le tememos y seguimos sus pasos. Su presencia irá con nosotros (Éxodo 33:14). 

Salmo 4:7 Has puesto alegría en mi corazón, mayor que la que tienen ellos cuando abundan su grano y su vino. 

La presencia de Dios es mejor que la riqueza y la abundancia. En los Salmos encontramos: «Mejor es para mí la ley de tu boca que millares de oro y plata» (Salmo 119:72). La Palabra de Dios es tal fuente de consuelo y fortaleza que sus efectos superan a los beneficios materiales. 

Habacuc dice: «Aunque la higuera no florezca, ni en las vides haya frutos; aunque falte el producto del olivo, y los campos no den mantenimiento; aunque las ovejas sean quitadas del redil, y no haya vacas en los corrales; con todo, yo me alegraré en el Señor, y me gozaré en el Dios de mi salvación. El Señor Dios es mi fortaleza, el cual hace mis pies como de ciervas, y en mis alturas me hace andar» (Habacuc 3:17-19). 

¿Alguna vez has visto a una cabra montés trepando por las laderas de una montaña, a veces en los lugares más precarios? Dios promete que, si caminamos en una actitud de alabanza suprema —ante cualquier dificultad que enfrentemos en la vida, ya sea de salud, familiar o financiera—, Él nos sostendrá y nos dará pies como los de la cabra montés; así, al igual que ella, podremos mantenernos firmes incluso en los lugares más difíciles y peligrosos. Si somos capaces de alabar a Dios en medio de nuestras pruebas y aflicciones, Él afirmará nuestros pasos, y podremos correr y mantener el equilibrio aun en medio de los vientos de la adversidad. 

Salmo 4:8 En paz me acostaré, y asimismo dormiré; porque tú, oh Señor, me haces vivir confiado.

Si permanecemos en Jesús, siguiendo Su palabra y escuchando y obedeciendo la voz de la Palabra y la voz del Espíritu Santo en nuestra conciencia, podemos tener la paz de Dios que sobrepasa todo entendimiento. Los Salmos nos dicen: «Mucha paz tienen los que aman tu ley, y no hay para ellos tropiezo» (Salmo 119:165). Jesús dijo: «Estas cosas os he hablado para que en mí tengáis paz. En el mundo tendréis aflicción; pero confiad, yo he vencido al mundo» (Juan 16:33). 

Nuestra paz está en Jesús; Él es nuestra paz. Él ha dicho: «La paz os dejo, mi paz os doy; yo no os la doy como el mundo la da. No se turbe vuestro corazón, ni tenga miedo» (Juan 14:27). Al mantener nuestra mente puesta en Él, Él nos da Su paz, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento. Podemos estar tranquilos porque confiamos en Él y en Sus promesas para nosotros. 

El apóstol Pablo también afirma: «Lo que aprendisteis y recibisteis y oísteis y visteis en mí, esto haced; y el Dios de paz estará con vosotros» (Filipenses 4:9). 

El salmista nos dice: «Porque has puesto al Señor, que es mi refugio, al Altísimo, por tu habitación, no te sobrevendrá mal, ni plaga tocará tu morada. Pues a sus ángeles mandará acerca de ti, que te guarden en todos tus caminos» (Salmo 91:9-11). 

Señor, guárdanos en Tus caminos. Permítenos habitar al abrigo del Altísimo, bajo la sombra de Tus alas (Salmo 91:1). 

Publicado originalmente el 5 de noviembre de 2024.

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Psalm 4 - Are You Offering the Sacrifices of Righteousness?

 

A Psalm of David: Psalm 4: Comments by Dennis Edwards

1 Here me when I call, O God of my righteousness: You have enlarged (or relieved) me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

David is reminding himself that his righteousness depends completely upon the Lord. We in ourselves are not righteous in comparison to God. We are incapable of reaching up to God in our own righteousness. Our own righteousness is stinking filthy rags, Isaiah 64:6. We are dependent upon God Himself, coming into the world as the Second Person of the Trinity, laying down His life for us, to reconcile us with God. His blood covers our sins, and offers to us the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord to all those who believe.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. It is Jesus’ righteousness that saves us, through God’s mercy. “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. The gift of God is Jesus Christ to all those that believe.

The gospel message, the good news, is that God Himself has made a way of escape for us from our human condition because of the fall of Adam. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered the world, and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for all have sinned,” Romans 5:12. Mankind has inherited a tendency to rebel against God from Adam. However, Jesus is the door to eternal life and offers an escape from the cycle of sin and death. Jesus said, “He that hears My word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death into life,” John 5:24.

Apostle Paul explains, “Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous,” Romans 5:18-19. “For He (God the Father) has made Him (God the Son) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus),” 2 Corinthians 5:21. “And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith,” Philippians 3:9.

Our sins have separated us from God, but through Jesus’ submission and obedience to God, through His willingness to go to the cross for our sake, we can now be clothed in Jesus’ righteousness through our faith and obedience to Him. “But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them (the new believers) gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name,” John 1:12. “Wherefore, God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” Philippians 2:9-11.

In the second half of the first verse, David is reminding God of His past faithfulness to hear David’s prayers and he implores God to hear him once again.

2 O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing (or sin)? Selah

David compares himself in contrast with the men of the world that love the things of the world and follow after sin and pride. Apostle John has written, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever,” 1 John 2:15-17.

3 But know that the LORD has set apart him that is godly for Himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto Him.

The word sanctify means to set apart or be separated for a sacred purpose or for religious use. God has set apart His people to be an example to the world. Apostle Peter explains, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light,” 1 Peter 2:9. Apostle Paul also wrote, quoting from the Old Testament: “Wherefore, come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing (sin, in whatever form it tempts you); and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord almighty,” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.

As we set apart ourselves for God, God will bring His presence upon us. Jesus promised, “If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him,” John 14:23. “If you shall ask anything in My name, I will do it,” John 14:14. God will answer our prayers because we are abiding in Him and being obedient to Him.

4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

God wants us to get quiet before Him. In the psalms we read, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10. It is in those quiet moments with God that we receive His strength. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength,” Isaiah 30:15b. If we stop for a moment to enjoy God’s creation during a sunrise, or sunset, or a walk under the stary sky at night, or by sitting on a quiet beach, or in almost any nature filled environment, we can feel His presence and hear His voice. Before we start the day, we can also commune with God through the gift of prayer, and let His presence commune to us the needed strength and wisdom for the day.

Apostle Paul admonishes, “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:6-7. If we seek the face of God early in the morning or in the evening, God’s presence will go with us and give us peace. In Isaiah we find, “I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Me, because he trusts in me,” Isaiah 26:3.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

As we expressed earlier, our only righteousness is in Jesus. However, David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise,” Psalm 51:17. Therefore, God wants us to be humble and broken before Him. Elsewhere David penned, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit,” Psalm 34:18. Apostle James wrote, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” James 4:6b. The Lord also has spoken through Isaiah, “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word,” Isaiah 66:2b. Are we humble and God fearing? If so, God will attend to our prayers.

Elsewhere, Apostle Paul says our lives should be a living sacrifice to God. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable with God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove (or demonstrate) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.

We should live our lives in sacrificial service to God and our fellow man. We do that by having our lives transformed by God’s word and Holy Spirit. We love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul; and we love our neighbour as ourselves, Matthew 22:37-39.

6 There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance (or presence) upon us.

Though there may be doubters and unbelievers all around us, the Lord will put His spirit, His presence, upon us if we fear Him and follow in His steps. His presence shall go with us, Exodus 33:14.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

God presence is better than wealth and riches. In the psalms we find, “The law of Your mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver,” Psalm 119:72. God’s word is such a comfort and strength that its effects are better than material benefits. Habakkuk says, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon the high places,” Habakkuk 3:17-19.

Did ever see a mountain goat climbing on the sides of a mountain sometimes in the most precarious places? God promises that if we walk in extreme praise, in the face of whatever difficulty in life we may be facing, whether it be health, family, or finances; He will keep us and give us feet like a mountain goat, in that, like a mountain goat, we will be able to keep our feet even in the most difficult and dangerous places. If we are able to praise God through our testing’s and our afflictions, He will make our feet to stand, and we will run and keep our balance, even in the winds of adversity.

8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for You, LORD. Only make me to dwell in safety.

If we are abiding in Jesus, following His word, listening and obeying the voice of the word and the voice of the Holy Spirit in our conscience, we can have the peace of God that passes all understanding. The psalms tell us, “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing can offend them,” Psalm 119:165. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you shall have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, (be encouraged), I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.

Our peace is in Jesus, He is our peace. He has said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” John 14:27. As we keep our minds stayed on Him, He gives us His peace that passes all understanding. We can rest assured, because we trust in Him, and in His promises to us. 

Apostle Paul, also affirms, “Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you,” Philippians 4:9. The psalmist tell us, “Because you have made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation; there shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come nigh your dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways,” Psalm 91:9-11. Lord, keep us in Your ways. Let us dwell in the secret place of the most High, under the shadow of Your wings, Psalm 91:1.

Originally published 11-05-2024.

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Salmo 4 - Está a oferecer sacrifícios de justiça?

 

Um Salmo de David: Salmo 4        Comentários de Dennis Edwards

Salmo 4:1 Eis-me quando clamo, ó Deus da minha justiça: Tu me ampliaste (ou aliviaste) quando eu estava angustiado; tende piedade de mim e escutai a minha oração.

David está a lembrar-se de que a sua justiça depende completamente do Senhor. Nós em nós mesmos não somos justos em comparação com Deus. Somos incapazes de alcançar Deus na nossa própria justiça. A nossa própria justiça são trapos imundos e malcheirosos, Isaías 64:6. Dependemos do próprio Deus, vindo ao mundo como Segunda Pessoa da Trindade, dando a Sua vida por nós, para nos reconciliar com Deus. O seu sangue cobre os nossos pecados e oferece-nos o dom da vida eterna através de Jesus Cristo, nosso Senhor, a todos aqueles que crêem.

“Não pelas obras de justiça que praticámos, mas segundo a Sua misericórdia, Ele nos salvou pela lavagem da regeneração e da renovação do Espírito Santo”, Tito 3:5. É a justiça de Jesus que nos salva, através da misericórdia de Deus. “Pois pela graça sois salvos por meio da fé; e isto não vem de vós: é dom de Deus: não de obras, para que ninguém se glorie”, Efésios 2:8-9. O dom de Deus é Jesus Cristo para todos aqueles que crêem.

A mensagem do evangelho, as boas novas, é que o próprio Deus criou para nós uma forma de escapar à nossa condição humana por causa da queda de Adão. “Portanto, assim como por um só homem entrou o pecado no mundo, e pelo pecado a morte; e assim a morte passou a todos os homens, porque todos pecaram”, Romanos 5:12. A humanidade herdou de Adão a tendência para se rebelar contra Deus. No entanto, Jesus é a porta para a vida eterna e oferece uma fuga ao ciclo do pecado e da morte. Jesus disse: “Quem ouve a minha palavra e acredita naquele que me enviou tem a vida eterna e não entrará em condenação; mas passou da morte para a vida”, João 5:24.

O apóstolo Paulo explica: “Portanto, assim como pela ofensa de um só juízo veio sobre todos os homens para condenação; mesmo assim, pela justiça de um (Jesus), o dom gratuito veio sobre todos os homens para justificação de vida. Porque, assim como pela desobediência de um só homem muitos foram feitos pecadores, assim também pela obediência de um muitos serão feitos justos”, Romanos 5:18-19. “Porque Ele (Deus Pai) o fez (Deus Filho) pecado por nós, aquele que não conheceu pecado; para que n’Ele (Jesus) fôssemos feitos justiça de Deus”, 2 Coríntios 5:21. “E ser achado nele, não tendo a minha própria justiça, que vem da lei, mas a que vem pela fé em Cristo, a justiça que vem de Deus pela fé”, Filipenses 3:9.

Os nossos pecados separaram-nos de Deus, mas através da submissão e obediência de Jesus a Deus, através da Sua vontade de ir à cruz por nossa causa, podemos agora ser revestidos da justiça de Jesus através da nossa fé e obediência a Ele. “Mas a todos quantos O receberam (Jesus), a eles (os novos crentes) deu-lhes o poder de se tornarem filhos de Deus, sim, aos que crêem no Seu nome”, João 1:12. “Portanto, Deus também O exaltou sobremaneira e Lhe deu um nome que está acima de todo o nome: para que ao nome de Jesus se dobre todo o joelho das coisas nos céus, e das coisas na terra, e das coisas debaixo da terra; e que toda a língua confesse que Jesus Cristo é Senhor, para glória de Deus Pai”, Filipenses 2:9-11.

Na segunda metade do primeiro versículo, David recorda a Deus a Sua fidelidade passada ao ouvir as orações de David e implora a Deus que o ouça mais uma vez.

Salmo 4:2 Ó filhos dos homens, até quando transformareis a minha glória em vergonha? Até quando amará a vaidade e procurará o arrendamento (ou o pecado)? Selá

David compara-se em contraste com os homens do mundo que amam as coisas do mundo e seguem o pecado e o orgulho. O Apóstolo João escreveu: “Não ameis o mundo, nem as coisas que há no mundo. Se alguém ama o mundo, o amor do Pai não está nele. Porque tudo o que há no mundo, a concupiscência da carne, e a concupiscência dos olhos, e a soberba da vida, não são do Pai, mas são do mundo. E o mundo passa e a sua concupiscência; O apóstolo Tiago escreveu ainda: “Não sabeis vós, adúlteros e adúlteras, que a amizade do mundo é inimizade com Deus? Portanto, todo aquele que quiser ser amigo do mundo é inimigo de Deus”, Tiago 4:4.

Salmo 4:3 Mas sabei que o Senhor separou para si aquele que é piedoso;

A palavra santificar significa separar ou separar para um fim sagrado ou para uso religioso. Deus separou o Seu povo para ser um exemplo para o mundo. O apóstolo Pedro explica: “Mas vós sois geração eleita, sacerdócio real, nação santa, povo adquirido; para que anuncieis as virtudes daquele que vos chamou das trevas para a Sua maravilhosa luz”, 1 Pedro 2:9. O apóstolo Paulo escreveu ainda, citando o Antigo Testamento: “Portanto, saí do meio deles e separai-vos, diz o Senhor, e não toqueis em coisa impura (ou pecado, seja qual for a forma que isso vos tente); e eu vos receberei e serei para vós Pai, e vós sereis para mim filhos e filhas, diz o Senhor Todo-poderoso”, 2 Coríntios 6:17-18.

Ao separarmo-nos para Deus, Deus trará a Sua presença sobre nós. Jesus prometeu: “Se alguém Me ama, guardará a minha palavra; e meu Pai o amará, e viremos para ele e faremos nele morada”, João 14:23. “Se pedirdes alguma coisa em meu nome, eu o farei”, João 14:14. Deus responderá às nossas orações porque estamos a permanecer n’Ele e a ser-Lhe obedientes.

Salmo 4:4 Fique admirado e não peque; Selá.

Deus quer que fiquemos quietos diante d’Ele. Nos salmos lemos: “Aquietai-vos e sabei que Eu sou Deus: serei exaltado entre as nações, serei exaltado na terra”, Salmo 46:10. É nestes momentos de silêncio com Deus que recebemos a Sua força. “No sossego e na confiança estará a vossa força”, Isaías 30:15b. Se pararmos por um momento para desfrutar da criação de Deus durante o nascer do sol ou o pôr do sol, ou durante um passeio sob o céu estrelado à noite, ou sentados numa praia tranquila, ou em quase qualquer ambiente repleto de natureza, podemos sentir a Sua presença e ouvir a Sua voz. Antes de iniciarmos o dia, podemos também comungar com Deus através do dom da oração e da leitura da Sua palavra. Se pararmos e O reconhecermos, o Seu Espírito transportará para nós a força e a sabedoria necessárias para o dia.

O apóstolo Paulo adverte: “Não andeis ansiosos por coisa alguma; mas em tudo, pela oração e súplica, com acção de graças, seja o seu pedido conhecido diante de Deus. E a paz de Deus, que excede todo o entendimento, guardará os vossos corações e mentes em Cristo Jesus”, Filipenses 4:6-7. Se procurarmos a face de Deus de manhã cedo ou à noite, a presença de Deus irá connosco e dar-nos-á paz. Em Isaías encontramos: “Conservarei em perfeita paz aquele cuja mente está firme em Mim, porque ele confia em Mim”, Isaías 26:3.

Salmo 4:5 Oferecei sacrifícios de justiça e confiai no Senhor.

Como já expressámos anteriormente, a nossa única justiça está em Jesus. No entanto, David escreveu: “Os sacrifícios de Deus são um espírito quebrantado; um coração quebrantado e contrito, ó Deus, não desprezarás”, Salmo 51:17. Por isso, Deus quer que sejamos humildes e quebrantados diante d’Ele. Noutro lugar, David escreveu: “Perto está o Senhor dos que têm o coração quebrantado; e salva os contritos de espírito”, Salmo 34:18. O Apóstolo Tiago escreveu: “Deus resiste aos soberbos, mas dá graça aos humildes”, Tiago 4:6b. O Senhor também falou através de Isaías: “Para este homem olharei, sim, para o pobre e abatido de espírito e que treme da Minha palavra”, Isaías 66:2b. Somos humildes e tementes a Deus? Se assim for, Deus atenderá às nossas orações.

Noutra passagem, o apóstolo Paulo diz que as nossas vidas devem ser um sacrifício vivo a Deus. “Rogo-vos, pois, irmãos, pela misericórdia de Deus, que apresenteis os vossos corpos em sacrifício vivo, santo e agradável a Deus, que é o vosso serviço racional. E não vos conformeis com este mundo, mas transformai-vos pela renovação da vossa mente, para que possais provar (ou demonstrar) qual é a boa, agradável, e perfeita vontade de Deus”, Romanos 12:1-2. Deveríamos viver as nossas vidas em serviço sacrificial a Deus e ao próximo. Fazemo-lo tendo as nossas vidas transformadas pela palavra de Deus e pelo Espírito Santo. Amamos o Senhor nosso Deus de todo o coração, mente e alma; e amamos o próximo como a nós mesmos, Mateus 22:37-39.

Salmos 4:6 Muitos dizem: Quem nos mostrará algum bem? SENHOR, levantai sobre nós a luz do Vosso semblante (ou presença).

Embora possa haver céticos e incrédulos à nossa volta, o Senhor colocará o Seu espírito, a Sua presença, sobre nós se O temermos e seguirmos os Seus passos. A Sua presença irá connosco e Ele dar-nos-á descanso (ou paz de coração). Êxodo 33:14.

Salmo 4:7 Puseste alegria no meu coração, mais do que no tempo em que cresceram o seu trigo e o seu vinho.

A presença de Deus é melhor do que as riquezas e as riquezas. Nos salmos encontramos: “Melhor é para mim a lei da tua boca do que milhares de ouro e de prata”, Salmo 119:72. A palavra de Deus é um conforto e uma força tão grandes que os seus efeitos são melhores do que os benefícios materiais. Habacuc diz: “Ainda que a figueira não floresça, nem haja fruto na vide; o produto da oliveira mintará e os campos não produzirão mantimento; as ovelhas serão extirpadas do redil, e nos currais não haverá gado; contudo, exultarei no Senhor, exultarei no Deus da minha salvação. O Senhor Deus é a minha fortaleza, e fará os meus pés como os da corça, e me fará andar sobre lugares altos”, Habacuque 3:17-19.

Já viu uma cabra-montês a subir as encostas de uma montanha, às vezes nos lugares mais precários? Deus promete que se andarmos em extremo louvor, perante qualquer dificuldade na vida que possamos estar a enfrentar, seja ela de saúde, família ou finanças; Ele nos guardará e nos dará pés como uma cabra montesa, para que, como uma cabra montesa, possamos manter os pés mesmo nos lugares mais difíceis e perigosos. Se formos capazes de louvar a Deus através das nossas provações e aflições, Ele fará com que os nossos pés se mantenham firmes, e nós correremos e manteremos o nosso equilíbrio, mesmo nos ventos da adversidade.

Salmo 4:8 Em paz me deitarei e dormirei por ti, Senhor. Faça-me apenas viver em segurança.

Se permanecermos em Jesus, seguindo a Sua palavra, ouvindo e obedecendo à voz da palavra e à voz do Espírito Santo na nossa consciência, podemos ter a paz de Deus que excede todo o entendimento. Os salmos dizem-nos: “Grande paz têm aqueles que amam a tua lei e nada os pode ofender”, Salmo 119:165. Jesus disse: “Tenho-vos dito estas coisas para que em Mim tenhais paz. No mundo tereis aflições, mas tende bom ânimo, (sede encorajados), Eu venci o mundo”, João 16:33.

A nossa paz está em Jesus, Ele é a nossa paz. Ele disse: “Deixo-vos a paz, a minha paz vos dou; Não se perturbe o vosso coração, nem se atemorize”, João 14:27. À medida que mantemos a nossa mente firme n’Ele, Ele dá-nos a Sua paz que excede todo o entendimento. Podemos estar tranquilos, porque confiamos n’Ele e nas Suas promessas para nós. O Apóstolo Paulo afirma ainda: “O que aprendestes, e recebestes, e ouvistes, e vistes em mim, fazei-o; Diz-nos o salmista: “Porque fizeste do Senhor, que é o meu refúgio, o Altíssimo, a tua habitação; nenhum mal te acontecerá, nem nenhuma praga chegará à tua habitação. Porque Ele dará ordens aos Seus anjos sobre ti, para te guardarem em todos os teus caminhos”, Salmo 91:9-11. Senhor, mantém-nos nos teus caminhos. Habitemos no lugar secreto do Altíssimo, à sombra das tuas asas, Salmo 91:1.

Originalmente publicado 04-01-2025.

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