HOW DO I HANDLE THE HARD PLACE

[vin]

This is long but we get these handouts every Tuesday Night at Bible Study. This lesson really blessed me. Partly because I'm really working on (with the help of the Holy Ghost) maintaining my focus during this season.
Maybe I'll break the 5 pages up into posts.


Bible Study
Psalms 25:8-14, Hebrews 11:1-6
HOW DO I HANDLE THE HARD PLACE


INTRODUCTION

I am sure that you have heard the expression many times “I am between a rock and a hard place”. One might ask that may not be familiar with that kind of terminology, what does that really mean? The older generation would respond to that person by saying that means you are dealing with some situations, problems that produce pressures beyond your control. It is those issues that you don’t see any way out of that keep closing in on you, and you say to yourself, “I just don’t know”, that my friend is a hard place.

The list can go on and on. But only you and God really know that place that He has called you to that seems so hard right about now. All through the bible we see men and women just like you and I that were in places, seasons, and, stations of life where it was a hard place for them. Hebrews 11:1 gives us a list of some of them; Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Sarah. If you read on down in the other verses, you will see in verse 11, it says that “these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” In this Psalm David finds himself in a hard place but he remembers the promises of his God.

God's promises are here mixed with David's prayers. Many petitions there were in the former part of the psalm, and many we shall find in the latter; and here, in the middle of the psalm, he meditates upon the promises, and by a lively faith, draws from and is satisfied from these breasts of consolation; for the promises of God are not only the best foundation of prayer, telling us what to pray for and encouraging our faith and hope in prayer, but they are a present answer to prayer. The structure of the text simply suggest to us that we let our prayer be made according to the promise, and then the promise may be read as a return to the prayer; and we are to believe the prayer is heard because the promise will be performed.

But, in the midst of the promises, we find one petition which seems to come in somewhat abruptly, and should have followed upon v. 7. It is that (v. 11), Pardon my iniquity. But prayers for the pardon of sin are never impertinent (disrespectful, impolite); since we have tendency to mingle sin with all our actions, and therefore the Psalmist suggest to us that we should mingle such prayers with all our devotions.

[vin]

In other words I will be sure to ask the Father, son and Holy Spirit to forgive me of any offense to them, any form of disobedience, rebellion, pride, etc.


He enforces this petition with a double plea. The former is very natural: "For thy name's sake, pardon my iniquity, because thou hast proclaimed thy name gracious and merciful, pardoning iniquity, for thy glory-sake, for thy promise-sake, for thy own sake," Isa 43:25.

He surprises us in the latter by saying: "Pardon my iniquity, for it is great, and the greater it is the more will divine mercy be magnified in the forgiveness of it."

It is the glory of a great God to forgive great sins, to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin, Ex 34:7. "It is great, and therefore I am undone, for ever undone, if infinite mercy does not “step in” for the pardon of it. It is great; I see it to be so." The more we see of the heinousness of our sins the better qualified we are to find mercy with God. When we confess sin we must aggravate it, have deep regret for it, and show remorsefulness for it.

YOUR FOCUS WILL DECIDE YOUR FEELINGS

One of the tragic mistakes that many people make in their life is that they abort their future without really realizing it. My advice to all of you tonight is to not poison your future with the pain of your past. If you are not careful for the terrible comfort of your pain you will surround yourself with people who will encourage you in your pain that can lead to a venomous poison.

Look at where you have been and ask the Father what were you to learn from that experience? Many times we are disappointed and hurt because of our own pride and doubt in His promises and provision. But thank God for His Word that that assures us that God will hear our cry for help. Regardless of what happens to you make up your mind to overcome it!

Your focus whether or not you believe it has a lot to do with your feelings. You have often heard me say that the one across from you is not your worst problem nor the one living with you worst enemy. Sometimes, our conscience is at war against things we have done. I will tell you right now that an inner battle can be devastating if you let it. When you live in PEACE it is the absence of inner conflict.

If we could only grasp these simple truths that will set us free, more of God’s children will walk in the victory that has already been giving them. Your focus on things greatly influences your emotions. You have to be careful how you handle you handle a hard place. You need a coach, some one who has had experience, in other words been there and done that, or that can keep you from going there and doing that. Most of the time, we fail greatly because we try to handle a hard place on our own. I have always said, “Never be afraid to cry for help”.

[vin]

One of the dangers I have seen with believers is that, if you analyze, evaluate, and continually think about injustices done to you, your heart will become chaotic. Your mind will become fragmented. Your attitude will become critical.

What do you think we really have the Holy Spirit living with in us for? The Holy Spirit solves every inner turmoil. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace.

The Word of the God says; in Gal 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” KJV

Understand that the presence of God brings peace. When you obey His instructions, calmness, will enter your spirit. Sometimes others around you may be saying, “are you sure about that”? The greatest warfare of your life is The Holy Spirit versus your flesh and self.

Gal 5:17 reminds us that, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” KJV

When you permit the leadership of the Holy Spirit in your life, you will enter the most remarkable and unforgettable season of calm and inner peace you could imagine.

One of the attacks of the enemy in this time is to attempt to take the “peace” from the saints. The enemy knows that your peace is a weapon against him. It is a mighty fortress against his voice speaking into your ear gate. If he can steal that from you, he has set you up for all kinds of demonic attacks.

For the record, man cannot give you peace, popularity does not create this kind of peace, wealth cannot produce peace, counselors cannot produce peace, and a loving mate cannot produce this kind of peace. Uncommon peace is a gift from an uncommon God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:7). I often say if a person is not at peace within themselves they surely will not be at peace with others around them.

When you focus on the Holy Spirit, your mind begins to grow and become the mind of Christ. (See Romans 8:6).

When the Holy Spirit becomes your focus, the storm begins to settle in your mind. You enter into the rest he promised. (See Isaiah 28:12).

The Holy Spirit must become your focus in the “HARD PLACE” before you can ever experience total and continuous peace. (Isaiah 26:3).

Every one cannot deal with you in a hard place. Neither can they go there with you. The Holy Spirit will give you discernment regarding your friendships.

[vin]

Sometimes the people that we have been with for so long are contentious. Their fault finding words create a climate of conflict, anger and cynicism (very sarcastic, scornful). Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:5, “From such turn away”. You need to mark people who carry a spirit of debate and strife. When the Holy Spirit is in leadership, you will discern such people quickly.

Their attitude stands out, their behavior is obvious, and they want to make a statement. And they do only to their own chagrin. “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes,” (2 Timothy 2:23).

IN THE HARD PLACE THE HOLY SPIRIT INCREASES YOUR PATIENCE WHICH WILL ALWAYS BRING PEACE

Unfortunately, most people blame everyone around us for the climate of battle. But a battle requires two or more. If you refuse to fight, the war cannot continue. The enemy is using the most vulnerable places in our lives for his entrance to keep us frustrated, upset, and constantly having anxiety attacks. He will seek those places where you spend most of your time. That is your job and your house. He will constantly be starting fires to get you to engage him. You have to know what battles you are to engage in and what battles you are to leave to the Lord to fight, and that can be confusing at times if you are leaning to your own understanding most of the time.

There are some things on the job that you do not even have to engage in. You can know that the enemy is trying to set you up, but if you give that thing to God, I guarantee you, He has a track record and He will work it for your good. (See Romans 8:28)

2 Timothy 2:24 says; “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; (attempt, go all out, struggle) but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient”. Proverbs 26:20-21; Prov 26:20-21
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife”. KJV

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL GIVE YOU THE COURAGE TO AND STRENGTH TO WITHDRAW FROM FOOLISH PEOPLE

Sometimes the kinds of people we are keeping company with, or hanging around are sometimes more of a hindrance than they are a help. You have to be real careful about this even in the church. Sometimes after a great service, a great move of God, you can be in the company of some people and they will begin to act as if nothing ever happened. They go from a glorious mood to a complaining, negative spirit. That can happen in a matter of minutes. In the foyer of the church, on the parking lot, on your way home in the car. You will be saying to yourself; “weren’t you just in the same presence that I was in”? This will increase your peace. “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge,” (Proverbs 14:7) someone is probably saying but what if you live with them everyday? I suggest that you keep praying for them and when they go there don’t you go there. Just simply saying; “I am not going there with you this time.” What if you work with them everyday? What if you go to the same church with them every week? If they choose to act foolishly you don’t have to go there with them.

Infection can be passed on by one person in a group. You either are a door or a wall. You can become a Wall against discouragement, cynicism, and pessimism. Or, you can be a Door for others to walk through and continue in the presence of God.

There are times it is wonderful to be a door that the presence of God can walk through, but it is sometimes necessary to become a wall against things that are unholy, unrighteous, and that bring unhappiness. The Word of God is the instrument of peace for The Holy Spirit to use. (See Psalm 119:165).

When someone approaches you in a hard place with great emotional havoc and disturbance, know that The Word of God is not dominating their life. When you discuss your battles instead of the One who is fighting for you, the enemy will play on.

When you are in a hard place;
The enemy will have you discussing the warfare, instead of the promised victory.
The enemy will have you discussing your doubts, instead of your faith in God.
Your focus becomes the enemy instead of your comforter.
If the Word of God is dominating your MOUTH, it will dominate your MIND.
If the Word of God is dominating your MIND, it will influence your conduct and behavior.

It is imperative that when you are in a hard place you must embrace The Word of God as the most effective instrument for change. That’s why Paul wrote Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures.
The Holy Spirit affects your words.
The Holy Spirit uses The Word of God to bring peace into your heart. Don’t throw it away. Don’t treat it lightly.