How can Psalm 116:10 guide us in sharing our faith with others? Glimpsing the verse “I believed, therefore I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’ ” (Psalm 116:10) Faith first, words second • The psalmist begins with “I believed,” underscoring that genuine witness grows out of personal, settled trust in the Lord. • What we truly believe shapes what we naturally say (Luke 6:45). • Before sharing, nurture your own walk—time in Scripture, confession, worship—so words flow from a living relationship, not mere duty. Speaking is an act of faith • “Therefore I said” shows that faith pushes us to open our mouths. Silence can imply unbelief; speech demonstrates confidence. • Paul applies this to evangelism: “It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13). • Evangelism is not a performance but a faith-response—trusting God to use our words (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Honest about affliction • The psalmist doesn’t gloss over pain: “I am greatly afflicted.” • Authenticity invites others to see how God meets real needs, not idealized lives (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). • Sharing both struggles and God’s deliverance mirrors the gospel’s honesty about sin and redemption. Guidelines for sharing drawn from Psalm 116:10 1. Start with personal conviction—be sure of what Christ has done for you. 2. Move from the heart to the lips—let belief prompt clear, verbal testimony. 3. Include your story of weakness and rescue—people relate to need and grace. 4. Keep the focus on God’s character—He answered the psalmist; He still answers today. 5. Trust God with the outcome—speaking is your role, saving is His (Romans 1:16). Practical ways to live it out • Tell a short “before/after” story when opportunities arise at work or school. • Use social situations to weave in how the Lord sustained you through specific hardships. • Write a note or text that combines Scripture with a brief personal experience of God’s help. • Invite someone to coffee and simply recount what God taught you in a recent trial. • Incorporate Scripture naturally—“This verse carried me when I was sick: ‘The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion’ (Psalm 116:5).” Reinforcing Scriptures • Romans 10:10 – “With your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.” • Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” Encouragement for the messenger • The God who heard the psalmist’s cry hears yours; that confidence fuels boldness. • Your transparency about affliction showcases His sufficiency. • As you believe, speak—He will use your witness to draw others to the same saving trust. |
    |