GREAT OBSTACLES FOR MAN ARE NO PROBLEM FOR GOD

Proclamation:

“When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when all the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.”  Joshua 6:20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of God which were written by Joshua under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After they crossed the Jordan River, the Israelites proceeded to Jericho.  The walls of Jericho were a formidable obstacle. (Joshua 6:1)  However, Joshua listened to The Lord God, (Joshua 6:2-5) and he obeyed Him and the walls collapsed. (Joshua 6:6-20)   The Israelites entered the city and destroyed every living thing within the city (Joshua 6:21) except for Rahab and her family who were in her house. (Joshua 6:22-23)  Rahab’s house, which was built into part of the wall around the city, (Jericho 2:15) was left standing when the walls collapsed. (Joshua 6:22-23)

Application:

In our lives today, everything is not always smooth sailing.  At times we run into obstacles, or road blocks, or mountains too steep for us to climb.  Whatever the problem is that hinders us, it is not a problem for The Lord God.  He is omnipotent, and with Him all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27)   We just need to pray, listen to The Lord, and then obey Him and do what He says for us to do.  If we believe in Him, and have faith in Him, He will take care of our obstacles.  Trust in The Lord, and He will give us something to shout about.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD

Proclamation:

“Come, let us sing for joy to The Lord; let us shout aloud to The Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.  For The Lord is a great God …” Psalm 95:1-3 (NIV)

Explanation:

According to most Bible scholars, this psalm was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  The purpose was to tell the people of God that they should sing songs of joy to The Lord and that their praise and worship should be done with a loud voice.

Application:

As believers we should not only attend worship services regularly but we should actively participate in the praise and worship of The Lord.  We should sing the congregational hymns and we should do so loudly and with enthusiasm.  The worship service at church is not a spectator sport, it requires our active participation.  Unfortunately, most of us make more noise at sporting events than we do in our worship services.  It is okay to shout “Amen” when we hear The Word of God being preached accurately, truthfully, and appropriately.  We should not have to be asked to say “Amen”, “Praise The Lord”, or “Hallelujah.”   By saying “Amen” we are attesting to the truth of what was said.  By saying “Hallelujah” we are giving God the highest form of praise.  Throughout His Holy Word we are repeatedly exhorted to give God praise.  The Bible also encourages us to "... make a joyful noise ..." unto The Lord.”  Even if you sing off key, like I do, make some noise in church.  “Shout for joy to The Lord, all the earth.” (Psalm 100:1)  Don’t let The Lord have to make the rocks cry out and praise Him because we kept quiet. (Luke 19:40)

Dancing For The Glory Of God

"David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before The LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of The LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.  As the ark of The LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window.  And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before The LORD, she despised him in her heart." 2 Samuel 6:14-16 (NIV)

As King David was bringing the ark of The LORD into Jerusalem, He danced before The LORD with all of his might.  He rejoiced and offered a sacrifice when the ark of The LORD left Obed-Edom. (2 Samuel 6:12-13)  He also rejoiced and offered a sacrifice when the ark of The LORD reached its final resting place in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 6:17)  As He rejoiced and danced, one of his wives, Michal daughter of Saul, was not pleased with him.

Just because you are doing something to glorify The Lord, whether it be dancing, singing, shouting, or whatever, do not expect that every one will be pleased with you.  In fact, some people will actually despise you. (2 Samuel 6:16)  Be advised that God knows our thought, intentions, and motives. (Proverbs 16:2  & 1 Corinthians 4:5)  So, let us be sincere when we praise God and when we do things to give Him glory.   

My Prayer For You Today

"May The Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May He remember all your sacrifices ... May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May The Lord grant all your requests." Psalms 20:1-5 (NIV)

This Psalm of David is a ceremonial song that was sung before a battle. According to John MacArthur it offered a prayer, confirmed their confidence in God, and reaffirmed their dependence upon God.

As we are in a battle with the devil today this seems appropriate for us now. I know that Satan is attacking you, so I pray that The Lord will answer you in your distress, and protect you from all hurt, harm, and danger. I pray that He will remember all of your previous and current sacrifices, and that He will grant you the desires of your heart. Know that I will be happy for you and will shout for joy with you when you are victorious.