(Read Romans 18)
In late December, a close friend suggested we do a Bible reading plan together in the new year. I’m always up for new ways to inject God’s word into my life. The plan features the entire New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in one year. Here we are in the middle of February, and I’m already a few days behind. My friend is not. I’ll leave it there.
Bible reading is unlike reading anything else digital or in print. You can read a passage 49 times, but for the 50th time, you’ll encounter something you’ve never seen before. Psalm 20 this week had the same effect on me. I usually read Scripture two or three times during my quiet time to let it seep into my heart. The significance and memories from the Psalm hit me on the first pass. The verses were so new that it was as if the ink was still wet.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.May the Lord grant all your requests.
Psalm 20:5
King David most likely wrote this Psalm before a significant battle. What’s most helpful is the hope David expressed before the battle even ensued. David recognized that God’s victory, not his own, brought him joy. We should see the same level of joy from Christ’s victory over death.
Psalm 20 isn’t merely a promise; it’s a heartfelt reaction to the certainty of God’s unwavering presence and love. David’s words convey the exuberance of being rescued from a conflict that hadn’t even unfolded. We’re urged to loudly proclaim the goodness of God, as David himself does in the Psalm, highlighting that our relationship with God is to be embraced and celebrated with joy.
Way back in the dark ages of 2005, I was first introduced to what was once considered contemporary Christian music. It’s now categorized as classical Christian. Our worship director took a chance to introduce it to our older, somewhat traditional congregation. The upbeat and catchy song was well-received, and slowly became part of the ensemble.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Shout to the Lord – Darlene Zschech
Zschech, one of Hillsong’s most well-known musicians, wrote the song during a period of personal and financial difficulties. The now popular testimony serves as a personal expression of faith and a means to find strength and joy even in her most challenging times. While reading Psalm 20, I was abruptly reminded about the power of this song the first time I heard it. Unfortunately for my wife, I walked around the house all day long, singing it. Both the Psalm and the song emphasize the importance of praising God and acknowledging His unwavering love and presence.
Despite the non-hymn sound of the song, it has a very Old Testament vibe, speaking to our proper recognition of the grandeur and greatness of God. It is no accident that reading the Psalm pointed me directly to the song. That’s how God works. He connects one seemingly random thing with another, weaving His perfect tapestry.
After church last Sunday, I conversed with (T), a good friend who sings in our worship band. His family is experiencing many hardships, his sister most of all. She has endured years of health struggles, and most recently more severe problems including a massive stroke.
Throughout (T)’s description of his sister’s condition, the most inspiring thing to me was the peaceful calm that flowed from him. He obviously wasn’t happy, but he was smiling. He was at peace with her situation. My friend shared many details about her journey, but the most beautiful news was that she was a believer. “Yes, she’s a Christian – my whole family is,” my friend said.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7
We can rely on many things in our lives for joy and safety, but somewhere along the line, they will leave us. As children, we put all our trust and hopes in our parents, but sadly they leave us. Married people put their trust in their spouses, siblings trust siblings, and friends trust friends. Every living thing we depend on in this life will still end up the same way, so as a substitute for chariots and horses, God is the rock we can trust.
In “Utmost for His Highest,” Scottish Baptist evangelist and teacher Oswald Chambers wrote, “My assurance is to be built upon God’s assurance to me. God says, ‘I will never leave you.’ In other words, I will not be obsessed with apprehension. This does not mean that I will not be tempted to fear, but I will remember God’s words of assurance.”
Building relationships with other gods requires various boxes to check off, otherwise known as works, to be fulfilled by their followers. The relationship Christians have with Jesus is based on works fulfilled by God. In our faith, trust is a two-way relationship. Other faiths trust in their gods because of cultural obligations, orders, or outright fear. We have assurance in our God because He first assured us “He will never leave” us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 18:38-39
The verse employs a powerful literary technique, repeating “nor” nine times and critically emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of God’s love. Paul dissected the verse into two categories: time and space (“neither death nor life… nor things present nor things to come… nor height nor depth”) and spiritual forces (“nor angels nor rulers… nor anything else in all creation”). Paul covered every conceivable realm in these divisions, leaving no room for doubt. The verse culminating with the powerful statement, “nothing else in all creation,” highlights the absolute nature of God’s love.
Romans 18:38-39 is the absolute assurance of salvation etched in stone. Once someone truly believes in Christ, nothing can separate them from God’s love and the promise of salvation. The verse also offers comfort in suffering in times of hardship, reminding followers of Christ that God’s love remains constant despite death, trials, or spiritual challenges.
My friend’s sister joined Jesus in His glory later that night. The news deeply saddened us, and yet we were still encouraged that she is in no more pain with no more tears. She is now under Jesus’ wing and living in His presence for eternity. A handful of times in my life, I have been blown away by overpowering displays of blessed assurance of God’s peace in people I know. My friend (T) was no exception. These sincere expressions weren’t forced – they were simple, authentic, and hugely influential pictures of God’s grace. None were easy to share, but their impact will last a lifetime.
In 1873, blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby and her composer friend Phoebe Knapp collaborated to develop an actual classical Christian song. Its Gospel roots and theologically rich message make Blessed Assurance one of the most well-loved hymns of all time. I can’t read Romans 8 or Psalm 20 without hearing the soulful echoes of this tune. By the end of the day, my wife and I were joyfully singing both of these songs!
If we’re assured of Christ’s victory, do we shout the good news to our world? Do we let our assurance teach others how to live and love? If we trust in His promise, we cannot help but live with the utmost assurance of His saving grace. My friend is assured of reconciliation with his sister not because of their blood relationship but because of their faith in the blood of their Savior. With trust and faith in Christ, nothing is more sure than our place in His presence.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood
Blessed Assurance – Fanny Crosby and Phoebe Knapp
Key Applications:
- Pray this week on the eternal security we have from God. Instead of getting overwhelmed by challenges, focus on the assuredness of God’s love.
- Always trust in God for His ultimate victory. Success comes from remaining faithful to God and His purposes, not outward achievements. Remember God’s past faithfulness and focus this week on past times when God helped you overcome difficulties.