Living In The Light

February 18, Lack Of Faith Dishonors God

Sing, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
—Zephaniah 3:14 LL 56.1

It is Satan’s work to talk of that which concerns himself, and he is delighted to have human beings talk of his power, of his working through them. Through indulgence in such conversation the mind becomes gloomy and sour and disagreeable. We may become channels of communication for Satan, through which flow words that bring no sunshine to any heart. But let us decide that this shall not be. Let us decide not to be channels through which Satan shall communicate gloomy, disagreeable thoughts. Let our words be not a savor of death unto death, but of life unto life. LL 56.2

In the words we speak to the people and in the prayers we offer, God desires us to give unmistakable evidence that we have spiritual life. We do not enjoy the fullness of blessing which the Lord has prepared for us, because we do not ask in faith. If we would exercise faith in the Word of the living God, we should have the richest blessings. We dishonor God by our lack of faith; therefore we cannot impart life to others by bearing a living, uplifting testimony. We cannot give that which we do not possess. LL 56.3

If we will walk humbly with God, if we will work in the spirit of Christ, none of us will carry heavy burdens. We shall lay them upon the great Burden Bearer. Then we may expect triumphs in the presence of God, in the communion of His love. . . . LL 56.4

All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against evil and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway? LL 56.5

The Lord Himself is our helper. “Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter ofJerusalem.” “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:14, 17). This is the testimony the Lord desires us to bear to the world. His praise should continually be in our hearts and upon our lips.— Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 62—64. LL 56.6

Further Reflection: Would someone observing you see you regularly praising God? LL 56.7