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Warren Wiersbe
Warren Wendell Wiersbe (1929 - 2019). American pastor, author, and Bible teacher born in East Chicago, Indiana. Converted at 16 during a Youth for Christ rally, he studied at Indiana University, Northern Baptist Seminary, and earned a D.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ordained in 1951, he pastored Central Baptist Church in Indiana (1951-1957), Calvary Baptist in Kentucky (1961-1971), and Moody Church in Chicago (1971-1978). Joining Back to the Bible in 1980, he broadcasted globally, reaching millions. Wiersbe authored over 150 books, including the Be Series commentaries, notably Be Joyful (1974), with over 5 million copies sold. Known as the “pastor’s pastor,” his expository preaching emphasized practical application of Scripture. Married to Betty Warren since 1953, they had four children. His teaching tours spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, mentoring thousands of pastors. Wiersbe’s words, “Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy,” guided his balanced ministry. His writings, translated into 20 languages, continue to shape evangelical Bible study and pastoral training worldwide.
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Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the reality that even faithful believers like David faced troubles and felt distant from God at times, highlighting that challenges are not an indication of God's absence. He encourages the congregation to base their lives on faith rather than feelings, trusting in God's omnipresence and promise to never forsake them. Despite facing persecution and taunts from the proud, David chose to turn to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and care.
How Near Is God?
Read Psalm 10:1-11 As we read the Book of Psalms, we find that David was constantly in and out of trouble. Some people say that Christians who really love the Lord will never be in difficult places. But that wasn't true of Moses; it wasn't true of David; and it certainly wasn't true of our Lord Jesus Christ! Our Lord ended up in the most difficult place of all--crucified on a Roman cross. Listen to David: "Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?" (v. 1). Here are those questions once again: "Why, Lord? Where are You?" Why do we think God is far away from us? What makes us think God has deserted us? First, we know that God is everywhere. Second, He has promised not to forsake us (Heb. 13:5). David only felt as if God were far away. That's a good lesson for us to learn. Don't base your judgments only on your feelings. Build your life on faith. Faith says, "I'm going to trust God no matter what I see, no matter what I think and no matter how I feel." Faith does not mean we are ignorant. It means we are walking in the will of God because we know the Word of God. Yes, David was in trouble. The proud and self-sufficient were after him. They were persecuting and taunting him, "I shall not be moved." They were also saying, "God won't see it" and "God will not judge." But David came to the Lord and said, "Lord, You know all about this, and You are going to take care of it." When it seems as if God is far away, remind yourself that He is near. Nearness is not a matter of geography. God is everywhere. Nearness is likeness. The more we become like the Lord, the nearer He is to us. Do you desire to be nearer to God today? Fill your mind with the truth of the Word and your heart with prayer and trust God to take care of you.
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Warren Wendell Wiersbe (1929 - 2019). American pastor, author, and Bible teacher born in East Chicago, Indiana. Converted at 16 during a Youth for Christ rally, he studied at Indiana University, Northern Baptist Seminary, and earned a D.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ordained in 1951, he pastored Central Baptist Church in Indiana (1951-1957), Calvary Baptist in Kentucky (1961-1971), and Moody Church in Chicago (1971-1978). Joining Back to the Bible in 1980, he broadcasted globally, reaching millions. Wiersbe authored over 150 books, including the Be Series commentaries, notably Be Joyful (1974), with over 5 million copies sold. Known as the “pastor’s pastor,” his expository preaching emphasized practical application of Scripture. Married to Betty Warren since 1953, they had four children. His teaching tours spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, mentoring thousands of pastors. Wiersbe’s words, “Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy,” guided his balanced ministry. His writings, translated into 20 languages, continue to shape evangelical Bible study and pastoral training worldwide.