"The Distinguishment"

"We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions." (Psalms 20:5) When it comes to living a life that is dedicated to serving God and putting forth a image of what it means to trust in the salvation of the Lord, we must realize the impact that we have on those that are around us. This is not something that we should ever take for granted, because those that are watching our life, are hoping to see a proof of God's existence in us, and in the manner in which we respond to trials and tribulations that come upon us. David was not a perfect man, but he was a man that believed in the great love that God has for His people, His forgiveness which He provides for sin, and His offer of everlasting life; the three basic principles to settle in our hearts that nothing here can ultimately harm us, as long as we are abiding in the Lord. Therefore, no matter what it is that sets itself against us; whether it be a sickness, a false accusation, the end of employment, the destruction of all worldly possessions; nothing that can come against us can take us from those three basic principles of God's assurances: He loves us, He has forgiven us, and He has given us eternal life with Him! Sadly, these three principles are always being challenged by the enemy of our souls; as he tries to get us to doubt one of the other, he makes us question God's love for us as individuals, whether or not God has actually forgiven us our sins, or even if we have been assured of receiving eternal life. The banners that are set up are basically praise reports of God's workings in the king's life; as the people have distinguished David to be a man who has rested in the salvation of his God, they have set up their banners of praise for him and themselves, as those that are ruled by such a king who puts his trust in God. Again, they proclaim that God would fulfill all of his petitions, because they have confidence in his ability to rule as a man of God; making the right choices and taking the right petitions before the Lord. As we pray for God's victory to be demonstrated in our lives, may we pray that we are distinguished as people who trust God in the process of bringing about the victory; no matter how hard to gets, or how difficult things look to overcome; we put our complete confidence in God's ability to make things happen for the good, and to bring us safely to the other side... "And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and said unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish? And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:35-40)