In today’s situation, many people feel isolated, empty and hopeless. We may ask God the same questions on Psalm 42:9 and Psalm 43:2. In this week’s insights we will be discussing the book of Numbers 7, Psalm 42 and 43. Our topic will be revolving on the emotions of isolation, emptiness and hopelessness.
Scriptures
Numbers 7:1-89 / Psalm 42:1-11 / Psalm 43:1-5
Brief Overview
Numbers 7
This chapter is one of the four chapters where it is shown how God talk to Moses and led Israel. Additionally, it is expressed how Israelites was generous on their offerings of dedication. The chapter is a bit long because it detailed what were the gifts of each tribe and the Levites, being the recipient of the presents, since they were in charge of the temple.
Psalm 42
Entitled: Seek After the Lord. Theme: A thirst for God. When you feel lonely or depressed, meditate on God’s kindness and love. Author: Sons of Korah, temple musicians and assistants. (Chronological Life Application Study Bible, 2012)
Psalm 43
Entitled: Hope in God. Theme: Hope in a time of discouragement. In the face of discouragement, our only hope is in God. (Epilogue of Psalm 42) Author: Sons of Korah, temple musicians and assistants. (Chronological Life Application Study Bible, 2012)
Observation
(The verses I would like to focus on)
Numbers 7:5 KJV “Take it off them, that they be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation...”
Psalm 42:1 ESV “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”
Psalm 43:2 KJV “For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy.”
Application
The verses on our observations shows some of the many usual situation in our day to day life.
Emptiness
for non-believers (Psalm 42:1)
Have you ever felt that despite how “okay” your life is there is a nagging voice in your head that tells you there is someone/something missing? Because I have. And this EMPTINESS cannot be filled by any human beings or earthly possessions. Moreover, one might think that his/her life is “complete”. But is it really? This reminds me of J.D. Rockefeller. He was asked by a reporter on “how much money is enough”, he answered “Just a little bit more”. Does this mean we can never be contented? We are never contented on the things we currently have. As the saying goes “The grass is always greener on the other side”. Likewise, society does not help with this issue of contentment. Every year new models of gadgets are on the market, new trends of clothes, shiny jewelries, latest fashion, etc.
The hollowness that I am pertaining to is Your personal relationship with God. Furthermore, Psalm 42:1 depict how our souls are created to long for God. But sin created a gap between men and God (Note: Genesis 3).
For the unbelievers, reflect on these questions: How long will you starve your soul from having a connection with God? How long will you stay away from the One that will fill the emptiness? I urge you to surrender your life to God and know Him.
Isolation
for Christians (Psalm 43:2)
We know and acknowledge that God is our refuge and strength. But there are times, when our faith is going to be tested (Luke 15). Like unanswered prayers, when life is going wrong and everything seems so problematic. These instances can cause a believer to ask “why?” to Him. We feel that we are ISOLATED from God and that he cannot hear us. I have asked this question more than a couple of times as I care to admit.
Is this His rejection? Before we answer this, let us reflect on our actions. Are we being faithful to God? He has been faithful to us! It is written in 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (ESV). Remember the gap that sin made is not only for the unbelievers but to the believers as well. With this said, have we confessed our sins to God and repented? In 1 John 1:9 it is written that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (KJV).
Now, we can answer that God does not reject us but He rejects our sins and unless we confess and repent there is barrier between us (Isaiah 59:2).
But why do we feel dejection? Our individual works come into play here. Do activities that will make you closer to God. Study the Bible, pray as often as you can, and share God’s Gospel are some examples you can do.
Hopelessness
for everyone (Numbers 7:5)
The Israelites thought they were helpless in the hands of the Egyptians. All of them were slaves and even their rights to commune and worship God was cut off (Seems familiar?). Moreover, the continuous plea of Moses to Pharaoh to release them caused additional burden. We may feel what they are feeling now, HOPELESS. Whether you are a believer or not you cannot deny that in your lifetime you have felt this emotion.
But what I have learned in reading the scriptures is that our HOPE is found in God, and that hope became Man. He lived a sinless life and physically died on the cross for the salvation of men. Then, He physically resurrected to fulfill the covenant and ascended to heaven and ignited the hope of the people. As it is written in 1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for actions, and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (ESV). Jesus Christ is our hope and He bridges that gap between us and God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we adore You! We acknowledge that we are sinners and always fall short in Your glory. We turn our eyes to You Abba, because You are our hope. Our sins caused a lot of heartaches not only to us but most especially to You. May You forgive us for our trespasses. Send Your Holy Spirit to protect us and strengthen us from the temptation of the evil ones. We ask these through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
References:
2012. Chronological Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
1989. King James Bible. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
2010. The MacArthur Study Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Publishing.
