Yesterday I shared Jonathan Evans’ revelation that in Jesus, prayers are answered yes and yes. Some recover from illness or other difficulties and go on to more fruitful service, some don’t. The writer to the Hebrews was clear about this some…others:

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about [those] who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames… There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning… (Hebrews 11.32 – 37, NIV, emphasis mine)

I wanted to make that clear before sharing my own experience. We’re at a point in our lives where a lot of the promises have come true. I wrote back on May 16 from Psalm 74, one of the psalms of lament. Someone said about 30% of the psalms are laments. But that would mean about 70% of the psalms AREN’T laments! Here’s an example:

A song of the stairway How joyous are those who love the Lord and bow low before God, ready to obey him! Your reward will be prosperity, happiness, and well-being. Your wife will bless your heart and home. Your children will bring you joy as they gather around your table. Yes, this is God’s generous reward for those who love him. (Psalm 128.1 – 4, Passion Translation)

We have reached the point in our lives that this has come true in every way. Prosperity by any definition, happiness, and well-being. My wife does bless our heart and home. The children bring joy as they gather around the table. Perfect? No. The children aren’t, and neither are we. But for now everyone is living together in peace. Praise the Lord. 

There are things we’ve prayed for over the years that have been fulfilled: promotions, educational goals completed, overall excellent health, ministry contributions. At this stage it’s fun to look back (even while going forward!) and remember…

King David experienced this fulfillment and recorded it in Psalm 18, a very long psalm of specific victories. He opens:

Praises sung to the Pure and Shining One, by King David, his servant, composed when the Lord rescued David from all his many enemies, including from the brutality of Saul Lord, I passionately love you and I’m bonded to you! I want to embrace you, for now, you’ve become my power! You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet, like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress, my mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape, my tower of rescue where none can reach me. My secret strength and shield around me, you are salvation’s ray of brightness shining on the hillside, always the champion of my cause. (Psalm 18, introduction and verses 1 and 2, Passion Translation)

I’m enjoying reading some of the promises and saying, “Yes! God did do that!”

Don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy. But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way. (Hebrews 10.35 – 39, MSG)

¹  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
²  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
³  who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
⁴  who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
⁵  who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103.1 – 5, ESV)