Psalm 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

Recently I was asked to do a study on a common theme which seems to bother many people. I really had not given it much thought, but it seems to bother many, so it must be important. So I answered the call of my brethren and began the study.

The root word was only used twice in the bible, both in Deuteronomy. The adjective form was only used 4 times. Jesus only used that word once. Paul spoke on it only once. It did not totally shock me that so little of the subject was addressed in the bible. So if the bible has so little to say on the subject, why do we as believers seem to be fixated on the issue? I believe the answer is emotions.

Psalm 40:12 is telling us that our emotions about what is going on around us and our emotions about ourselves keep us from looking to Christ. We tend to place too much emotional attachment to issues that have been resolved by the Lord. He dealt with it, it is handled, it is over, but yet we do seem to be able to let go of it because of our emotions.

Rewrite the last line of Psalm 40:12, “therefore my emotions fail me.”

We have not placed our faith in our emotions, we have placed our faith in Christ. So why do we look for the answers to those things that trouble us anywhere except Christ?

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

2 Kings 2:15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

The spirit that rested upon Elijah was seen to rest upon Elisha. This is a witness, to display that which is NOT self.

So much effort has been placed into witnessing that I do sometimes wonder if too much effort is placed on effort. I as this because what did Elisha do to show forth the spirit that rested upon him? Nothing but show up.

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

The church will so often place emphasis on being the candle. We are not the candle, not the wax, not the wick and surely not the flame. We are the candlestick.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Here the candlestick was in danger of removal, not the candle. This is why I focus on the candle rather than the candlestick. I am but a vessel that gives place for the Spirit to rest. I am not the spirit, I am not the power and I am not the witness.

The witness is the one who can see the spirit resting upon me, as the candle rested upon the candlestick. My only responsibility in all this is the same as Elisha, who like many of us, just shows up.