2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4; Psalm 35

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4
This section of Paul's letter contains a long explanation as to why he would not be visiting the believers at Corinth at this time as he had planned. The bottom line seems to be that he believes the problems in the church had not been resolved. Apparently some had questioned his honesty when he changed his plans so he assured them that was not the case just as "Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between 'yes' and 'no.'" v. 19 He goes on to emphasize that we can always be sure of God's promises. "...he (God) has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us." This comment is worth re-reading as we realize that the Holy Spirit living within us is a guarantee that God will indeed grant us everything He has promised!

But going on with the point of the letter, Paul explains that if he did visit, he would have to severely rebuke them, and he didn't want to do that at this point. v. 23  He hopes that their own faith will lead them to stand firm and be full of joy. 1:24-2:4  He ends the paragraph with his assurance that he loves them. (Remember that the chapter divisions were added later for our convenience in finding our place in the scripture, and this one happens to come in the middle of a paragraph.)

Psalm 35
David wrote this psalm asking God for help against his enemies against whom he had done nothing but good. They had lied about him and generally returned evil for his good. vv. 1-16 This kind of abuse is very hard to take! I'm sure we have all been misused in some way though I hope not to the extent that David suffered. After all, our lives are rarely (if ever) threatened!

But David wasn't too different from us, and we see in v. 17 that he complains to the Lord, "How long, O Lord, will  you look on and do nothing? Rescue me from their fierce attacks. Protect my life from these lions! Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly. I will praise you before all the people." Then in v. 22ff, "O Lord, you know all about his. Do not stay silent. Do not abandon me now, O Lord." We can see and identify with David's anguish and frustration. Just as he carried all his troubles and complaints and fears and frustrations to the Lord, we should exactly the same! After all, God is ultimately the only one who can come to our defense and meet our needs. "Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing his servant with peace!"