January 31, 1999, Sunday

What do you believe is the primary cause of oppression

and discouragement of people in the world today? If you

knew a way to beat and to overcome discouragement in your

own life, would you try it? Do you believe people get down

and discouraged because they trust someone and then are let

down by that person? Would you like to have enough strength

to face every daily trial without fear of discouragement?

The Psalmist knew that sin oppressed people but he knew

that he had to try to overcome it. Sin disappoints but if

one tries God's method to beat it, they will be satisfied-

"The oppressed look to Him and are glad; they will never

be disappointed" " (Psa 34:5). When any time of

temptation comes, don't forget that God will provide a

way of escape against it. Our first reaction to temptation

is to try to combat it by looking to Him. The encouragement

of God's promise is that if you try it, you will not ever be

disappointed! His method works and you will not be oppressed

by overcoming temptation and sin, but glad and encouraged!

The Psalmist knew that sin was a great danger and perilous

to those trapped by it. But as he looked to God, he called

to Him. He trusted the promise of God to escape the danger-

"They called to You and escaped from danger; they trusted

You and were not disappointed" (Psa 22:5). Be encouraged

that your safety is God's primary concern. Trust Him and

His promise to you, He knows and understands our frailty.

The Psalmist prayed for daily strength from God. He could

foresee the daily trial on the horizon and needed His help-

"Give me strength, as You promised, and I shall live;

don't let me be disappointed in my hope" (Psa 119:116)!

His trust continued to be that God is faithful and will not

permit our hope to be dashed. If you try God's method, if

you trust His method, you will find it true in the trial!

Let us remember who is the God that remembers all things.

God's Name is Jehová El Berith. He is the God that makes

promises to His people, and does not forget. He does not

have the frailty of our human frame, and He is mindful

that we are but dust. Lift your hands to Him and Praise

Him today for the fact that He is the faithful God that

remembers His promises to us! Make your promises to Him

today and see the difference!