Hebrews 12:1-4; Psalm 131

Hebrews 12:1-4
We have just read in Hebrews 11 about all those people of faith. They are likely the "huge crowd of witnesses" mentioned in v. 1. They provide scriptural encouragement to us to continue strong in our own faith. We are not the first to face our struggles; many who have come before us have trusted God and found Him faithful. They show us that God can be trusted.

With the believers of old encouraging us on, let's lay aside every weight that would slow us down (especially the sin), and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Now let's think about runners for a bit. Usually they pick light-weight clothes and shoes. They train faithfully; they eat healthy food and stay hydrated; they get plenty of rest; and they often enjoy a community of other runners. So it is with the "Christian race." We should put aside habits and behaviors which hinder our Christian life. We should "feed" on God's Word, and we should be part of a community of believers. v. 2 goes on to tell us to keep "our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." If we remember that He endured the cross and its shame and that today he is seated in the "place of honor beside God's throne," we won't become weary and give up.

Psalm 131
We live in a society that is largely unsatisfied or discontented with their lives. I'm afraid we're all subject to the temptation to always want more or something new and different. This is a psalm about contentment through trusting God. What advice does it give?

• Don't be proud. The truth is that none of us has anything to be proud of! We humbly trust God and His grace.
• Don't be concerned about things you can't control. If we could just learn this lesson! These are the things we put in God's hands and let Him handle.
• Practice calm and quiet. We need more prayer and meditation and less hysteria!
• Keep maturing. It's traumatic for a baby to be weaned, but he or she cannot become all that God wants without this step toward maturity and the many steps that follow. Childishness is not attractive in adults--neither is it pleasing to God.
• Put our hope and trust in God.