By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

The Benefits Of Adoration (Cont)
We must steadfastly persevere in the faith, while waiting for God to bring about justice and to vindicate us (cf.v.1;73; Prov 3:31; 23:17; 24:1; Jer 12). Patience, while undergoing trouble or suffering is possible through the help of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22; Rom 8:3-4; cf. Eph 4:1-2; Col 1:11;3:12), who assures us that God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked (cf. Rom 8:28; Heb 12:1-2,5-13).

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Ps 27:13)

“Would have lost heart, unless I had believed.” Trusting in God and being confident in His love and goodness are indispensable for persevering in faith. As believers we may be severely tried, yet nothing can bring us to despair and defeat as long as we keep our eyes on God in faith and hope. Amid darkness, we must “wait on the Lord” (v.14; see 42:5,11;43:5; 62:5; Is 40:27-31; Mic 7:8), draw near to Him and remain steadfast through His Spirit (see Eph 6:10; 2Tim 2:1; Jas 5:11). We are rest assured that, in His own time, God will manifest His goodness to us.
(5.3)  Even In Old Age You Shall Still Be Productive

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper,” (Ps 1:3).

“The rivers of water.” The outcome of those who faithfully seek God and His Word is life in the Spirit. Since water often represents the Spirit of God (e.g., John 7:38-39), those who are instructed by God and who abide in His word will receive an unfailing source of life from the Spirit. The phrase “whatever he does shall prosper” does not mean that pr
oblems or failure will never occur, but rather that a godly person will know God’s will and favour (see 3John 2).

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. 8: For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit,” (Jer 17:7,8).

“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13: Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14: They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing,” (Ps 92:12-14).

Palm trees are known for their long life. To flourish like palm trees means to stand tall and to live long.

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