Galatians 4:8-31
Paul had a long relationship with the Galatian believers. They had cared for him when he was sick and miserable, and they had gladly received the Gospel. Now Paul has to warn them about false teachers, and he (Paul) earnestly wishes for them to be mature in the Lord. vv. 8-20
In vv. 21-31, Paul uses an Old Testament illustration to show God's relationship with people. Hagar and her son Ishmael represent the law, and Sarah and Isaac represent God's promise--His grace. We who are believers are children of the promise. Christ has set us free! Once we've known freedom, why would we ever want to go back into "slavery"?
Psalm 62
"I wait quietly before God..." This is how David begins this psalm. Two things in that little phrase are two of the hardest things for us--waiting and being quiet! What a lesson this is if we could just learn it. Placing ALL our hope in God, knowing and remembering that He is in control will help us to "wait quietly." And David does just that. "...for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken." vv.1, 5-7
David's challenges are indeed great. But really, once one crisis is over, another is very possibly on the way. And so we shouldn't focus so much on getting relief from the present troubles. We should follow David's advice in v. 8, "O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." And also vv. 11-12, "God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you; unfailing love, O Lord, is yours."
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