September 17, 2017 Psalm 88:9b, 13-14 NKJV Sanctification and Spiritual Warfare

This sanctification is throughout the whole man, yet imperfect in this life: there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh

The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XIII.II

LORD, I have called daily upon You...

But to You I have cried out, O LORD,

And in the morning my prayer comes before You.

LORD, why do You cast off my soul?

Why do You hide Your face from me?

Psalm 88:9b, 13-14 NKJV

The wrestling of our soul against the will of God and the things of God is evidence of the great warfare the still takes place. Jesus, the Captain of our Salvation, has sent His Spirit to make war against the lingering, sinful corruption of our minds, our hearts, and our lives. We have read to the end of the Bible, we know that those Whom God has called, He also adopts as His Own, He pities and He protects, He makes holy and He preserves. Do not be discouraged by the warfare raging in your mind and soul-trust that God is working out His salvation and His holiness in every part of your being.

Join with other Christians this day. Sing together. Pray together. Encourage one another. Know that all of us face the same battle in Jesus' Name which is waged against our flesh. All of us who believe and worship serve the King of Glory Who will not let defeat rule the story of our lives, but has given His holy victory in Jesus Christ and this is now being fully work-out in every part of our lives and will be perfected in the world to come.

With the Psalm-writer, Father in heaven, I cry out: "Conquer whatever waywardness lingers within me!" Send Your Spirit to reaffirm the rule of Christ. When in battle-weariness I cry out, as did the writer of Psalm 88, feeling discouraged and faltering in strength, do not reject my cries. Do not interpret pleas as a lack of faith. Keep me in the grip of Your great grace so that Your purifying work will burn out of me whatever would block a deep and true relationship with You~My God and my Captain and my King. Amen.