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AROUND THE CLOCK CHRISTIANITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Psalm 13 we see David’s emotions while being hunted as a fugitive by Saul. His endurance is almost gone. He feels that unless God acts quickly, his enemies will get the upper hand, and he will go down in defeat.

 

David expresses the common experiences of all Christians. David is seen as a fugitive and a conqueror - despairing and triumphing - weeping and singing. David shows the constant changes that happen in our lives. At times the changes are extreme and come all at once.

 

Rest in the fact that God never changes. God uses changes to purify and mature us. A fruit tree needs weather changes to bear fruit. God knows what the needed changes to perfect you so you can grow and produce fruit. 

 

At first as a Christian there is a sense of God's presence everywhere. After a few months the bubbles may evaporate and there seemed to be a distance between you and God. He seems silent now whereas before you felt wrapped in his love. You go through the highs of the mountaintop, and then you go through the lows of the valley. During the valley-lows God's presence is just as real as during the mountaintop experiences.

 

In these times learn to walk by faith, God is always there, you can live in his presence 24/7. Practicing the presence of God is not a feeling you depend on, it is a faith you live by. 

That is what "around the clock Christianity" really is.

 

 

 

 

AROUND THE CLOCK CHRISTIANITY
Psalm 13

There are many false opinions of God even after one comes to Christ.

 

What are we to do when God seems far away?

 

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1–2 NIV

 

I. ASSUME GOD’S PRESENCE

 

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 NIV

 

Do what you know you should do whether you like it or not.

 

Continue the habits of

• Getting up early and spending time alone with God
• Coming to church and serving
• Including Him in your business

 

II. CLING TO WHAT YOU KNOW IS TRUE

 

My heart rejoices in your salvation...I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5 – 6 NIV

 

Think of all the things you know to be true and offer thanks to God.

 

When you feel God is far away think about where your life would be if you had not become a Christian.

 

III. KEEP SINGING PRAISE TO GOD

 

…I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6 NIV

 

Praise and worship is not only a feeling - it is something you do.

 

God knows how you really feel.

 

He is pleased when we praise Him during those times we do not feel all bubbly.

 

Conclusion: Christianity is not a feeling we depend on - it is a faith we live by.