The Safety of the Faithful
This is an excellent Facebook public post by Pastor Hart Ramsey in Dothan, Alabama (used by permission). Because it corresponded to my devotional reading on the same day, I wanted to share his insight followed by Psalms 4:1-8:
Be encouraged!
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PROCESSING HURT IN CHURCH
There is not a Christian in the world who hasn't been hurt in church. I've been saved for 36 years, serving in ministry for 30 plus years, & Pastoring for 24 years.
Over the years I’ve been used, betrayed, lied on, falsely accused, attacked, slandered, rejected, mocked, discarded, abandoned, & told I was nothing. As a result:
• My will has been broken.
• My faith has been stretched.
• My emotions have stabilized.
• My mind has expanded.
• My love has matured.
(Hart Ramsey)
I refuse to blame people for what I went through. They may have meant it for evil, but GOD meant it for my good.
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Psalms 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in mydistress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How longwill you love worthlessness
Andseek falsehood? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord.
6 There aremany who say, “Who will show us anygood?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
