“Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness."
Psalm 37:3
An Observation That Got My Attention
I’m a black and white concrete minded man. Therefore, this topic of Faith can sometimes feel intangible and difficult.
Faith can sometimes seem like a word with no action. But in Psalm 37 our Lord through King David tells us to “cultivate” faithfulness (NASB). Another version (NKJ) uses these words: “to feed on” His faithfulness.
These action words are helpful for me. I also like to define words when reading the Bible.
To cultivate means:
to prepare and work on (land) in order to raise crops; till.
to promote or improve the growth of (a plant, crop, etc.) by labor and attention.
A Simple Definition
Faith is the first F and most important (in my opinion). But what is this seemingly intangible item we call Faith? Hebrews 11:1 defines it for us.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Assurance and conviction. Hmm…assurance and conviction of what? Things hoped for and unseen. Well, we’re back to the intangible again.
But read this quote from Voddie Baucham:
"I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They reported supernatural events that took place to fulfill specific prophecies and claim that their writings are divine, rather than human in origin. Based on 2 Pet. 1:16-21."
The Truth and Why
Faith does have tangible elements. The Bible is real. There is historical evidence and eyewitnesses that Jesus lived, and died, and rose again.
But why is having Faith so important?
Hebrews 11:6 tells is why.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
We MUST have Faith in order to please God! It’s an essential part of our lives.
But it takes work…cultivation.
We must work at making and keeping a daily routine of Bible reading (and study and memorization).
We must cultivate our desire through prayer to know Him and make Him known to others.
We must nurture our spirit (unseen) and believe that Christ will return (things hoped for).
We must feed on the Words of Jesus continually lest our spirit starve.
Apply It
Once defined…I feel like the word Faith is more of a tangible action word that also leads to additional actions. A concept and action we must embrace to please God.
Have Faith in God and His Word. Have you read His Word today? Have you talked to Him today? Have your shared your Faith with Family, Friends, or others today?
Cultivating together,
Paul Hopp
MD5 Facilitator
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