In what ways can we ensure our "backs" do not "bend forever"? The picture of a bent back “May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs forever bent.” (Psalm 69:23) David’s imprecation describes life under divine judgment—spiritual blindness, unrelieved burden, ongoing defeat. Paul links the same verse to hardened unbelief (Romans 11:9-10). The cure, therefore, begins where the curse began: our relationship with God. God’s remedy in Christ • Receive the gift of salvation. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) • Trust Christ to bear the weight. “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:4) • Stand in the liberty He provides. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free… do not be entangled again with a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) Daily habits that keep the back straight • Confession and repentance – “When I kept silent, my bones became brittle… then I acknowledged my sin to You.” (Psalm 32:3-5) • Humble dependence – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Casting every burden on the Lord – “Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22) – “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30) • Regular Sabbath rest—physical and spiritual – “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9-11) • Word-soaked obedience – Blessings follow obedience; burdens follow rebellion. (Deuteronomy 28:1-15) Community commitments • Mutual burden-bearing – “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) • Encouraging worship – “Let us encourage one another… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Restorative discipline – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him.” (Galatians 6:1) Enduring hope • Present afflictions are temporary. “Our light and momentary troubles are producing for us an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) • Future glory is certain. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4) By entering Christ’s freedom, practicing daily surrender, and living in covenant community, we refuse the posture of perpetual bondage. Instead of backs bent forever, we stand upright—unburdened, unblinded, and unashamed before the Lord. |
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