We Can Count On God

The world is changing, and more rapidly now then before.

• We find ourselves running with the times, and keeping up with the trends and advancements

• In computer science, half of what you learn today will be obsolete in less than 5 years.

• In Singapore, if you are in the map-making business – road names and buildings change so fast that you’ve to reprint the maps every year.

These changes give us an uneasy feeling, we wonder if you can cope well. We have to hold on to two unchanging truths – God’s Word and God’s Plan.

That’s why the Psalmist ends with the emphasis that we are to hope in Him and trust Him.

Verses 6-9: GOD’S WORD IS DEPENDABLE

(1) Firstly the power of His Word – in creation (v.6)

If we consider the greatest of the universe, not just this world, then the power of His Word is really great!

(2) Secondly, the certainty of His Word (v.9) – His promises are certain.

When we say we believe – we are saying we believe His Word!

Why are we able to trust Him? His Word is true. Matt 24:35 says Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

• Almost 4000 years since the OT scriptures were written, and over 2000 years after Jesus, the Bible is still being read today. Its teachings and values still apply.

• In science we are learning new things even today. Technology has been changing. In maths, new formulas are derived. But the Bible remains relevant.

It’s that remarkable? Because it is the very Word from God. Sometimes we go through a dry spell – feeling hopeless, weak, struggling. Understand that God has already provided answers to life - the Word of God has been given – that’s our answer.

LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD

I witnessed something similar to this on an airplane once. I kept hearing outbursts of laughter. The flight was turbulent and bumpy, hardly a reason for humour. But some fellow behind me was cracking up. No one else, just him.

Finally I turned to see what was so funny. He was wearing headphones and apparently listening to a comedian. Because he could hear what I couldn’t, he acted differently than I did. (Lucado, Max. Just Like Jesus. Nashville: Word Publishing. 1998).

Matt 4:4 Jesus said, "It is written: ’Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

NEED NOT GO ON WITH THIRST

It is said that some years ago a vessel sailing on the northern coast of the South American continent was observed to make signals of distress. When hailed by another vessel, they reported themselves as "Dying for water!"

"Dip it up then," was the response. "You are in the mouth of the Amazon river."

There was fresh water all around them, and they had nothing to do but to dip it up, and yet they were dying of thirst because they thought themselves surrounded by sea water.

People are often ignorant of God and without His Word. How sad that they should perish for lack of knowledge!

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable Spurgeon, (Wheaton: Harold Shaw Pub Inc, 1990)

Verses 10-15: GOD’S PLANS (WORKS) ARE DEPENDABLE

God is in control. What does it mean when He is in control?

(1) His plan cannot be changed, and (2) He is watching everything!

The boss, who runs the factory, will have a business plan, and he will make sure everything runs according to his plan. He may walk the factory floor to see that workers are doing their jobs well.

Ps 33:10-15

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;

he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down

and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches

all who live on earth--

15 he who forms the hearts of all,

who considers everything they do.

This world is not moving without control – God has not lost control.

• He can frustrates the plans of the evil people

• He can accomplish His own plan – forever; no one can change.

He can change their plans, but no one can change His plans!

Matt 10:29 says even a sparrow cannot fall to the ground if it is not God’s will.

Man cannot ensure their plan will be done.

The Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I planned for himself a colossal mausoleum to be erected in Innsbruck, Austria. He once said, "The man who makes no memory of himself in his lifetime will enjoy no memory after his death and will be forgotten as soon as the bells cease to toll." They had some problems and contractors change one after another. Finally the tomb in Innsbruck was completed 63 years after his death - and Maximilian was buried miles and miles away.