This morning I keep reading through this psalm. I really want something to jump out at me and speak to me but it just doesn't. I have things on my mind and I want the psalm to just bring me answers, but it doesn't. I just feel like I miss the mark on the ideas of this psalm.
For instance, the situation on my mind gives me grief and I am struggling with the sadness, but when I read verses 9 and 10, I know my grief is not to that extent:
"Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.
Tears blur my eyes.
My body and soul are withering away.
I am dying from grief;
my years are shortened by sadness.
Sin has drained my strength;
I am wasting away from within."
If it were to that extent, I would know just what to do. When I read verse 7:
"I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
for you have seen my troubles,
and you care about the anguish of my soul."
I feel like God isn't quite touching me in my troubles and I just don't see God's hand guiding me. It is just short of the mark. Each verse that I read, just misses the mark for me.
So what do you do when you read scripture and it misses the mark? Well, like this morning, I have read it over and over again. But the truth is that I just want to hear one thing from God and I am not going to hear it through this psalm. I just want an answer that won't come through this passage. Truthfully. it may not come at all at this time. So what do I do...I pray. Sometimes the Word doesn't quite hit the mark, but God's spirit can. Spending time pouring my exact situation and waiting on God for an answer in prayer allows the Spirit to speak. Possible I will be led to a different passage or possible the answer will appear in my heart. It may not come today or it may, but I can rest assured that God hears me and that God cares and that God will provide help and guidance. I may just have to wait,
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Psalm 30 - Inspiration
I loved reading through this psalm because it brings to mind several different songs. Not all of them are inspired by this psalm but a couple are also inspired by similar psalms.
Let me share a couple with you:
Trading My Sorrows
Garments of Praise
One of the great things about this is that it reminds me how many of the themes of the psalms repeat throughout the different psalms. We also see how inspirational the psalms have been reaching out to all kinds of people in all kinds of time.
Do the psalms inspire you? Maybe they inspire song...or prayer...or just a new outlook. How are they inspiring you today?
If you aren't letting them inspire you, maybe it is time to start. We can see that it was always David's plan for thoughts of the Lord to be shared. In this psalm like so many other, David talks about praising God to others and helping others to hear of God's works. Maybe you will be a part of that plan and share God in song, prayer, writing, pictures, or a simple conversation. Be inspired and be a mouth for God!
Let me share a couple with you:
Trading My Sorrows
Garments of Praise
One of the great things about this is that it reminds me how many of the themes of the psalms repeat throughout the different psalms. We also see how inspirational the psalms have been reaching out to all kinds of people in all kinds of time.
Do the psalms inspire you? Maybe they inspire song...or prayer...or just a new outlook. How are they inspiring you today?
If you aren't letting them inspire you, maybe it is time to start. We can see that it was always David's plan for thoughts of the Lord to be shared. In this psalm like so many other, David talks about praising God to others and helping others to hear of God's works. Maybe you will be a part of that plan and share God in song, prayer, writing, pictures, or a simple conversation. Be inspired and be a mouth for God!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Psalm 29 - Who God Is
There is something about a psalm that is just talking about the greatness of God. As much as I appreciate David's humanity in the psalms, somedays it is good to focus just on God. I find this is most helpful when I am distracted by life, whether it be my sadness or my selfishness, this kind of psalm can help me get outside of myself and return my focus to God.
How about you? What are the situations that you need to be reminded of who God is?
How about you? What are the situations that you need to be reminded of who God is?
Friday, August 26, 2011
Psalm 28 - Before and After
Two things I love about this psalm....
First, when you look at verse 1:
"I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die."
David is recognizing his great need for God. He admits that without relationship with God, life is not conquerable. He might as well give up and die. We need God and David knows and respects that.
The other thing I love is this psalm seems to give us a before and after...not just of an attitude change for David, but of some event. The first part of the psalm starts as we read above and continues with verse 2:
"I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die."
David is clearly standing before a situation is which he feels overwhelmed and completely in need of the Lord's help. When we look at the first part of the second section, verses 6 & 7:
"Praise the Lord!
For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
We can see that whatever David needed, God provided and we see David at the other end, thanking and praising the Lord for God's intervention.
What a blessing it is to see both sides of this in the same psalm. Of course we see times in our our lives when we cry out to God and God answers, but one of the great things about David is that we can relate to him and when we read the psalms, we go on a journey with David. It is comforting to see his journey take many of the same turns (for good and bad) that our journey takes. We remember that David was referred to as a man after God's own heart...and clearly David is a real person with all the joys and sufferings that you and I experience.
As I said though, this psalm gives us the before and after. Are you as good as David at sharing your woes and praising God when God intervenes on your behalf? I know how easy it is to cry out to God and then when the cry is answered, to get caught up in the joy of being past the suffering and forget to praise God.
As we journey with David, I am trying to become more like him and give God glory, not just my shopping list of woes. How about you?
First, when you look at verse 1:
"I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die."
David is recognizing his great need for God. He admits that without relationship with God, life is not conquerable. He might as well give up and die. We need God and David knows and respects that.
The other thing I love is this psalm seems to give us a before and after...not just of an attitude change for David, but of some event. The first part of the psalm starts as we read above and continues with verse 2:
"I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die."
David is clearly standing before a situation is which he feels overwhelmed and completely in need of the Lord's help. When we look at the first part of the second section, verses 6 & 7:
"Praise the Lord!
For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
We can see that whatever David needed, God provided and we see David at the other end, thanking and praising the Lord for God's intervention.
What a blessing it is to see both sides of this in the same psalm. Of course we see times in our our lives when we cry out to God and God answers, but one of the great things about David is that we can relate to him and when we read the psalms, we go on a journey with David. It is comforting to see his journey take many of the same turns (for good and bad) that our journey takes. We remember that David was referred to as a man after God's own heart...and clearly David is a real person with all the joys and sufferings that you and I experience.
As I said though, this psalm gives us the before and after. Are you as good as David at sharing your woes and praising God when God intervenes on your behalf? I know how easy it is to cry out to God and then when the cry is answered, to get caught up in the joy of being past the suffering and forget to praise God.
As we journey with David, I am trying to become more like him and give God glory, not just my shopping list of woes. How about you?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Psalm 27 - Two Thoughts
So this morning I want to quickly comment on two thoughts I had from reading this psalm.
So what is your greatest desire? Take a moment and consider it. What do you seek after most? Where does your energy and attention lie? David gives us his in verse 4:
"The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple."
The Lord is David's focus. Actually this should come as no surprise since the Bible records so many songs David has written for the Lord. Certainly God is the focus of much of David's creative work.
Now how often is God operating on the time schedule that you want? Reading verse 14 reminded me that God created time, God is not bound by it.
"Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
I admit that often I want things to happen in my time frame. I want that new job right now, I want the trial to end and situations to be redeemed right now. But God is working for my good and that includes growing me in patience and faith. That means that things can not happen on my time schedule. Things happen when God knows it is best. For God these things happen in the blink of an eye...it is just us that our bound by time that feel the wait. But be patient on the Lord because God knows when is best and blessings work best when God is in control.
So what is your greatest desire? Take a moment and consider it. What do you seek after most? Where does your energy and attention lie? David gives us his in verse 4:
"The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple."
The Lord is David's focus. Actually this should come as no surprise since the Bible records so many songs David has written for the Lord. Certainly God is the focus of much of David's creative work.
Now how often is God operating on the time schedule that you want? Reading verse 14 reminded me that God created time, God is not bound by it.
"Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
I admit that often I want things to happen in my time frame. I want that new job right now, I want the trial to end and situations to be redeemed right now. But God is working for my good and that includes growing me in patience and faith. That means that things can not happen on my time schedule. Things happen when God knows it is best. For God these things happen in the blink of an eye...it is just us that our bound by time that feel the wait. But be patient on the Lord because God knows when is best and blessings work best when God is in control.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Psalm 26 - It's Not Me, Lord
When I read this psalm, I can't help but think of the child that gets caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, with other children who have done something disobedient, "It wasn't me! I'm innocent!"
It makes me wonder the circumstances under which David wrote this psalm, that he felt he needed to prove his innocence to God. He invites God to put his heart on trial to see how clean it is. The other thing he does which stands out to me is in verse 6, "I wash my hands to declare my innocence." Do you know anyone else who did that? You got it, good old Pontius Pilate.
Why do we feel the need to do these grand gestures or to convince others that we are innocent? Probably because there is a part of us that know we are not. Maybe we stood by and said nothing, maybe we had the power to stop it but were afraid, maybe we didn't want to stand out or be made fun of. For whatever the reason, we understand that there is no innocent bystander. Nonaction in the face of wrongdoing is wrong.
David goes on to plead with God to treat him differently that those who are doing wrong. Do we also want to be treated differently? Of course we do. We would like to be treated as innocent or at least that those who took wrong action are more wrong than us. I have to chuckle when I think about that because the Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. Notice that it doesn't list certain sins, or provide circumstances in which that is true. Therefore, in God's eyes, all sin is sin. It is not judged differently. If I am a liar, I am not seen differently than the murderer. Sin is sin. We both need to repent and become clean before God. The only difference between us might be our willingness to humble ourselves before God and receive God's grace.
Maybe because we know that sin is sin, we try to convince God and others that we are innocent...but shouldn't we just say, Lord, I screwed up, please forgive me. It may not be easier, but isn't it more honest. Are you currently in a situation where you are saying, "It's not me, Lord."? Maybe it is time to examine it and determine if you too, are the child on the playground proclaiming that you aren't involved in what just happened.
It makes me wonder the circumstances under which David wrote this psalm, that he felt he needed to prove his innocence to God. He invites God to put his heart on trial to see how clean it is. The other thing he does which stands out to me is in verse 6, "I wash my hands to declare my innocence." Do you know anyone else who did that? You got it, good old Pontius Pilate.
Why do we feel the need to do these grand gestures or to convince others that we are innocent? Probably because there is a part of us that know we are not. Maybe we stood by and said nothing, maybe we had the power to stop it but were afraid, maybe we didn't want to stand out or be made fun of. For whatever the reason, we understand that there is no innocent bystander. Nonaction in the face of wrongdoing is wrong.
David goes on to plead with God to treat him differently that those who are doing wrong. Do we also want to be treated differently? Of course we do. We would like to be treated as innocent or at least that those who took wrong action are more wrong than us. I have to chuckle when I think about that because the Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. Notice that it doesn't list certain sins, or provide circumstances in which that is true. Therefore, in God's eyes, all sin is sin. It is not judged differently. If I am a liar, I am not seen differently than the murderer. Sin is sin. We both need to repent and become clean before God. The only difference between us might be our willingness to humble ourselves before God and receive God's grace.
Maybe because we know that sin is sin, we try to convince God and others that we are innocent...but shouldn't we just say, Lord, I screwed up, please forgive me. It may not be easier, but isn't it more honest. Are you currently in a situation where you are saying, "It's not me, Lord."? Maybe it is time to examine it and determine if you too, are the child on the playground proclaiming that you aren't involved in what just happened.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Psalm 25 - Focus on God
Can you remember the last time you screwed up? Take a moment and think about what happened....where were your eyes looking? Were they on the pleasure of eating all those desserts....on the extra money that the cashier gave you in change...on the better reputation you would have if you didn't tell that it wasn't actually you that did that good deed? More important is where your eyes, weren't...on God.
Verse 15 reminds us where our focus needs to be, "My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies." It is amazing that when you focus on God, those other things seem less important. Those things which would open you up to your enemies, don't make sense.
Is your focus on God? I wish I could say, unequivocally, 100%, yes! But too many times I find myself thinking about my own pleasure, my own wants...me. God wants us to have joy...joy in knowing and being in relationship with God. God wants our needs to be met (notice that is needs, not wants)...in addition to the the needs of God's other children. God thinks your special and loves you and wants what is best for you. best for you in the eternal sense, not necessarily best for you in this moment.
So how do we focus our eyes more on God? Well, I am not sure the answer is the same for everyone, but here are some things that I use or have don't in the past:
Do you have some other suggestions? Post them and help us all grow!
God bless!
Verse 15 reminds us where our focus needs to be, "My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies." It is amazing that when you focus on God, those other things seem less important. Those things which would open you up to your enemies, don't make sense.
Is your focus on God? I wish I could say, unequivocally, 100%, yes! But too many times I find myself thinking about my own pleasure, my own wants...me. God wants us to have joy...joy in knowing and being in relationship with God. God wants our needs to be met (notice that is needs, not wants)...in addition to the the needs of God's other children. God thinks your special and loves you and wants what is best for you. best for you in the eternal sense, not necessarily best for you in this moment.
So how do we focus our eyes more on God? Well, I am not sure the answer is the same for everyone, but here are some things that I use or have don't in the past:
- Stay faithful to reading God's word every day! (this blog is a good accountability tool for me)
- Have scheduled times of prayer (maybe at meals. This will give you those little refocusing reminders throughout the day.
- Look for opportunities to share your relationship with God. If you are open to it, whether they come up or not, you will be holding some things in your mind to share and further meditating on them.
- Have friends of faith who like to discuss spirituality.
- Post scriptures in key places. I have used the bathroom mirror and next to the speedometer in my car.
Do you have some other suggestions? Post them and help us all grow!
God bless!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Psalm 25 - Submission
Well, this will be a little bit of a tangent, but I will get back to Psalm 25 again tomorrow...
So as I read Psalm 25, the first verse is, "O, Lord, I give my life to you." I couldn't help but think of the discussion I got into last night and the role submission (or giving everything to God played into it....
So last night I went to an Episcopal church downtown and afterwards went out to have dinner with a few people. Somehow the conversation turned in a direction that one of the people made a comment about speaking in tongues and how that would be scary...and that she had never heard, seen, or participated in that in any way. This prompted me to quickly share the experience I had on my Tres Dias weekend when in the middle of group prayer a string of people broke out into tongues and I freaked out...but was led to a 10 years study to first better understand the spiritual gifts and then to desire them.
This was followed by a short conversation on what the experience was like to speak in tongues. One of the questions was why everyone isn't doing it. I explained that to receive that, it required submission to God and allowing God to use your tongue. But also reminded her that God does not force any gifts on us. Therefore, it we didn't desire to receive it, we wouldn't. I also differentiated between the speaking in other tongues that happened at Pentecost vs. the prayer language of speaking in tongues. All in all, it was a brief conversation but hopefully one that opened the door to a clearer understanding...and wherever God wants that to lead.
One of the things that I am reminded of is that it is importance to share our faith and our experiences with God because we all grow through that process. The other thing is that one small moment, one short conversation can make all the difference. So many years ago, that one prayer time started me on a journey that changed my understanding and the way I feel about spiritual gifts. Receive each moment God gives you and each experience, for you never know what hidden gem God might have in it for you...especially when someone is sharing God with you....and share God with others, for you never know when God is using that to help some one else grow.
So as I read Psalm 25, the first verse is, "O, Lord, I give my life to you." I couldn't help but think of the discussion I got into last night and the role submission (or giving everything to God played into it....
So last night I went to an Episcopal church downtown and afterwards went out to have dinner with a few people. Somehow the conversation turned in a direction that one of the people made a comment about speaking in tongues and how that would be scary...and that she had never heard, seen, or participated in that in any way. This prompted me to quickly share the experience I had on my Tres Dias weekend when in the middle of group prayer a string of people broke out into tongues and I freaked out...but was led to a 10 years study to first better understand the spiritual gifts and then to desire them.
This was followed by a short conversation on what the experience was like to speak in tongues. One of the questions was why everyone isn't doing it. I explained that to receive that, it required submission to God and allowing God to use your tongue. But also reminded her that God does not force any gifts on us. Therefore, it we didn't desire to receive it, we wouldn't. I also differentiated between the speaking in other tongues that happened at Pentecost vs. the prayer language of speaking in tongues. All in all, it was a brief conversation but hopefully one that opened the door to a clearer understanding...and wherever God wants that to lead.
One of the things that I am reminded of is that it is importance to share our faith and our experiences with God because we all grow through that process. The other thing is that one small moment, one short conversation can make all the difference. So many years ago, that one prayer time started me on a journey that changed my understanding and the way I feel about spiritual gifts. Receive each moment God gives you and each experience, for you never know what hidden gem God might have in it for you...especially when someone is sharing God with you....and share God with others, for you never know when God is using that to help some one else grow.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Psalm 24 - What is Your Response to Jesus?
Did you ever have one of those moments when you are completely grateful for Jesus? Actually, I hope you have them daily...
But, as I was reading Psalm 24 and came to verses 4-6:
"4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob."
I again had one of those moments. Each time I am reminded that on my own merit, I have no right to God. I am a sinner who can never deserve or be good enough for God, I am grateful that Jesus sacrificed that I may take on his righteousness and holiness so that I may be acceptable to God.
I can't imagine living in a time where I believed that I had to be good enough on my own, and sacrificing animals to make up for my shortfalls. I think that would be truly discouraging as I realized that I couldn't keep my accounts clean. I have a great deal of respect for many of the Old Testament believers who seemed to understand more that what was known at the time. Many understood that God has a redeemer planned and would reconcile Israel to God. They understood that although they were alive before this ultimate redemption, they would be covered by it. I would like to think that I would fall in to this belief, but I guess I can never know, since I am alive after the sacrifice of Jesus.
It sometimes amazes me that there are people who have trouble acknowledging Jesus at all. I can see that some not believing all the details of his actions, but how can you ignore a man who had such great influence over the world. No one can deny that Jesus' impact is alive in the world today. Few things and people have had the widespread impact that Jesus has had...arguably none have had a s great an impact.
How can you ignore Jesus. I sure can't. Instead, I find myself constantly feeling gratitude toward him. How about you? what response do you have toward Jesus? Leave a comment and let me know.
But, as I was reading Psalm 24 and came to verses 4-6:
"4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob."
I again had one of those moments. Each time I am reminded that on my own merit, I have no right to God. I am a sinner who can never deserve or be good enough for God, I am grateful that Jesus sacrificed that I may take on his righteousness and holiness so that I may be acceptable to God.
I can't imagine living in a time where I believed that I had to be good enough on my own, and sacrificing animals to make up for my shortfalls. I think that would be truly discouraging as I realized that I couldn't keep my accounts clean. I have a great deal of respect for many of the Old Testament believers who seemed to understand more that what was known at the time. Many understood that God has a redeemer planned and would reconcile Israel to God. They understood that although they were alive before this ultimate redemption, they would be covered by it. I would like to think that I would fall in to this belief, but I guess I can never know, since I am alive after the sacrifice of Jesus.
It sometimes amazes me that there are people who have trouble acknowledging Jesus at all. I can see that some not believing all the details of his actions, but how can you ignore a man who had such great influence over the world. No one can deny that Jesus' impact is alive in the world today. Few things and people have had the widespread impact that Jesus has had...arguably none have had a s great an impact.
How can you ignore Jesus. I sure can't. Instead, I find myself constantly feeling gratitude toward him. How about you? what response do you have toward Jesus? Leave a comment and let me know.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Psalm 23 - Comfort of God
Of course since yesterday was Psalm 22, today would be psalm 23...and yet it crept up on me and surprised me. But it comes at a wonderful time. This past week (plus) I have been struggling with strep, going through multiple antibiotics and just yesterday finally seeing the better side of the mountain. Also, I feel at a crossroads with some decision as to whether to give 100% to a particular opportunity. It will mean letting some other things go, but anything less than 100% is not embracing the opportunity...and of course it impacts other people as well.
So this morning I was doing a lot of thinking and praying, and then I turned to the Bible app on my iPod to read today's scripture and it was the 23rd Psalm.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Yes, this is the perfect day for the reminder that the Lord is my shepherd. God cares for me and will guide me to good places. Places where I can be nourished in body, mind, and spirit. That God will protect me, even from the scary places that I fear to go. Whether those places are physical or in my mind. And i love the last verse, "Surely your goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord, forever." (emphasis mine). To be pursued by God's goodness and love. I receive it through God's effort, not my own...through God's character, not my own.
The best part about this is that God isn't just my shepherd, God is YOUR shepherd. God is leading YOU to places of peace. God walks close beside YOU in all the difficult places that you are in. God overflows YOU will God's blessings and will bring YOU rest!
So, now I walk into my morning with God's comfort and peace. I hope you can too! Wherever life leads me, if I am true to God, than I will end up in the right places.
So this morning I was doing a lot of thinking and praying, and then I turned to the Bible app on my iPod to read today's scripture and it was the 23rd Psalm.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Yes, this is the perfect day for the reminder that the Lord is my shepherd. God cares for me and will guide me to good places. Places where I can be nourished in body, mind, and spirit. That God will protect me, even from the scary places that I fear to go. Whether those places are physical or in my mind. And i love the last verse, "Surely your goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord, forever." (emphasis mine). To be pursued by God's goodness and love. I receive it through God's effort, not my own...through God's character, not my own.
The best part about this is that God isn't just my shepherd, God is YOUR shepherd. God is leading YOU to places of peace. God walks close beside YOU in all the difficult places that you are in. God overflows YOU will God's blessings and will bring YOU rest!
So, now I walk into my morning with God's comfort and peace. I hope you can too! Wherever life leads me, if I am true to God, than I will end up in the right places.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Psalm 22 - Grasping at Glimmers
Have you ever been struggling so much that you can't find your faith? Have you ever been so low? Obviously David was. In this psalm as he expresses how far away he feels from God, he initially can only point to the good God has done to his ancestors. Then after some more lament, he can point to some very basic things God has done, such as to bring David safely into the world. David's depression still cannot let him see any thing good that God is doing at the moment...all he can see is the distance between God and himself. So David falls back on what he will do if God rescues him...praise him and make him known to future generations. Have you ever been this low?
There are times when life has us feeling so depressed that we can't see God or God's presence. We have a choice though, to just let that separation be or to grasp at glimmers. David has chosen to grasp at glimmers. First he recalls the good God has done for others. This reminds him that God does work in the lives of people. Then he reminds himself of some basic goodness that God has done in David's life and he is reminded that God has worked in his life.
Sometimes all we can do is to grab at glimmers. I have experienced those moments. One of the things I have used to see me through is my spiritual journal. When I can't get past my struggles to see what God has done in my life, I can return to my journal and see the ways God has blessed me and changed my life circumstances for good. My journal can provide me glimmers to grasp and to hold on to as I start coming back to a place where I recognize that God is fully present in my current circumstances and fully working in my life.
Do you keep a spiritual journal? If not, perhaps you should...someday it could be the source of glimmers of hope that help you trust in God's faithfulness and presence.
There are times when life has us feeling so depressed that we can't see God or God's presence. We have a choice though, to just let that separation be or to grasp at glimmers. David has chosen to grasp at glimmers. First he recalls the good God has done for others. This reminds him that God does work in the lives of people. Then he reminds himself of some basic goodness that God has done in David's life and he is reminded that God has worked in his life.
Sometimes all we can do is to grab at glimmers. I have experienced those moments. One of the things I have used to see me through is my spiritual journal. When I can't get past my struggles to see what God has done in my life, I can return to my journal and see the ways God has blessed me and changed my life circumstances for good. My journal can provide me glimmers to grasp and to hold on to as I start coming back to a place where I recognize that God is fully present in my current circumstances and fully working in my life.
Do you keep a spiritual journal? If not, perhaps you should...someday it could be the source of glimmers of hope that help you trust in God's faithfulness and presence.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Psalm 21 - In God's Strength
In life, we will face many battles, those of this world, and those internal battles against sin, and spiritual battles that involve the heavenly realms. When we face battles, we can choose to face them on our own, or we can seek God's strength for the battle.
Have you been fighting battles in your own strength? Then you know it has limits and that you will fall. It is in God's strength that we can find victory in our struggles. And each time we do, we bring glory to God. I love verse 5, "Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty."
God doesn't need us, but when we serve God and fight in God's will and find victory, we lift God up. We show God to be great and mighty.
Just as our praises can lift up the Lord, so can our victories.
Trying to face battles alone, will just bring us failure. Rely on God and the Lord is glorified and you will find victory. Everyone wins. Remember that our strength is insufficient, but God's strength is more than enough for each battle!
Have you been fighting battles in your own strength? Then you know it has limits and that you will fall. It is in God's strength that we can find victory in our struggles. And each time we do, we bring glory to God. I love verse 5, "Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty."
God doesn't need us, but when we serve God and fight in God's will and find victory, we lift God up. We show God to be great and mighty.
Just as our praises can lift up the Lord, so can our victories.
Trying to face battles alone, will just bring us failure. Rely on God and the Lord is glorified and you will find victory. Everyone wins. Remember that our strength is insufficient, but God's strength is more than enough for each battle!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Psalm 20 - Prayer
Well I was having this nightmare last night. In the nightmare, I am being chased by an indestructible being that I can't outrun or damage. There is someone else in the room that I am trying to protect, and I am trying all kinds of unconventional methods....pencil lead, water, trying to determine what this creatures weakness is. As I am waking up, I start to think about God and the cross...sorry I didn't get to test it out.
So I open up Psalm 20 and read verse 1, "In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm."
Why didn't I turn to God first in my nightmare? Why didn't I cry out to God first? Instead, I was trying to solve my own problem with everything I could thing of. I know it was just a dream, but I have a feeling that if I was habitually turning to God first in my life for solutions, that my unconscious would follow that habit. Obviously this is something I need to work on.
Also, I am thinking the indestructible creature is the strep infection I have which is not responding to the antibiotic. Now I have had been tell me they are praying for my healing, but I realize that I have not requested that healing from God myself. I am relying on medicine. This is really stupid because my history with antibiotics is not stellar and I have had to go through multiple ones before to find that one that knocks out an infection.
But the bottom line is, I need to pray. Do you ever forget that step? Amazing that a nightmare could remind me of that and then have it conformed in my scripture reading....so although I have woken up late and need to get ready for work, I first need to pray.
Don't forget this step when you need healing or answers or help...nothing is indestructible and the name of the God of Jacob can protect you!
So I open up Psalm 20 and read verse 1, "In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm."
Why didn't I turn to God first in my nightmare? Why didn't I cry out to God first? Instead, I was trying to solve my own problem with everything I could thing of. I know it was just a dream, but I have a feeling that if I was habitually turning to God first in my life for solutions, that my unconscious would follow that habit. Obviously this is something I need to work on.
Also, I am thinking the indestructible creature is the strep infection I have which is not responding to the antibiotic. Now I have had been tell me they are praying for my healing, but I realize that I have not requested that healing from God myself. I am relying on medicine. This is really stupid because my history with antibiotics is not stellar and I have had to go through multiple ones before to find that one that knocks out an infection.
But the bottom line is, I need to pray. Do you ever forget that step? Amazing that a nightmare could remind me of that and then have it conformed in my scripture reading....so although I have woken up late and need to get ready for work, I first need to pray.
Don't forget this step when you need healing or answers or help...nothing is indestructible and the name of the God of Jacob can protect you!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Psalm 19 - Who is Your Rock?
Maybe because I talked about it yesterday or maybe I am just aware of my imperfections...but I find that what I saw in the passage today wAs David's plea for God's help to stay clean. A daily plea of mine. Let's look at this verse, Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. (Psalm 19:13 NLT)
David recognizes that our humanity makes us weak and we are prone to sin. He knows that left on our own, we will fail, so he is relying on God. How about you? Areyou relying on God or your own strength? Too often in my life, I have found myself relying on my strength...and I will you can guess how that turns out. Now lately I have been better at relying on God. Amen. It is amazing how much better that works out! How are you doing these days? Who is your rock? God? Yoursek? Another person? Turn your eyes to God and walk into God's strength and you won't regret it.
David recognizes that our humanity makes us weak and we are prone to sin. He knows that left on our own, we will fail, so he is relying on God. How about you? Areyou relying on God or your own strength? Too often in my life, I have found myself relying on my strength...and I will you can guess how that turns out. Now lately I have been better at relying on God. Amen. It is amazing how much better that works out! How are you doing these days? Who is your rock? God? Yoursek? Another person? Turn your eyes to God and walk into God's strength and you won't regret it.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Psalm 18 - Persistence
David is writing this psalm to praise the Lord after his victory over Saul. Amidst the many praises that David puts forth, he reminds us of his persistence and faithfulness. Let's look at verses 20-27:
This can actually be intimidating because we can start to compare ourselves to David and see the flaws in our righteous living. Of course you should keep in mind that not every detail of David's life is written of in the scriptures and the Word tells us that "Not one is righteous", so while David had patterns of righteous living, he was not perfect. He recognized his need for God, though and God counted that in his favor.
The point I want to make though, is that God's rescue is not instantaneous. God uses difficult circumstances to build our faith. God will let us learn to fall on God and build patience in the process of helping us. All circumstances lead us to growth if we are open to the lessons. Growing can hurt, but ultimately we are better people for it.
So, when things are rough, do you continue to trust and live a life that pleases God, or do you crumble into instantaneous please, and a life of sin? Next time, difficult circumstances come your way, use it as an opportunity to grow and build your faith and trust in the Lord. Live a life of persistence just as David modelled for us.
20 The Lord rewarded me for doing right;
he restored me because of my innocence.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord;
I have not turned from my God to follow evil.
22 I have followed all his regulations;
I have never abandoned his decrees.
23 I am blameless before God;
I have kept myself from sin.
24 The Lord rewarded me for doing right.
He has seen my innocence.
25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful;David reminds us that God did not provide him with a quick victory and it is not because David was good for a day. David reminds us that God's help is from a lifetime of striving for righteousness.
to those with integrity you show integrity.
26 To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.
27 You rescue the humble,
but you humiliate the proud.
This can actually be intimidating because we can start to compare ourselves to David and see the flaws in our righteous living. Of course you should keep in mind that not every detail of David's life is written of in the scriptures and the Word tells us that "Not one is righteous", so while David had patterns of righteous living, he was not perfect. He recognized his need for God, though and God counted that in his favor.
The point I want to make though, is that God's rescue is not instantaneous. God uses difficult circumstances to build our faith. God will let us learn to fall on God and build patience in the process of helping us. All circumstances lead us to growth if we are open to the lessons. Growing can hurt, but ultimately we are better people for it.
So, when things are rough, do you continue to trust and live a life that pleases God, or do you crumble into instantaneous please, and a life of sin? Next time, difficult circumstances come your way, use it as an opportunity to grow and build your faith and trust in the Lord. Live a life of persistence just as David modelled for us.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Psalm 17 - Is God enough?
So when you look around at the world today, do you see the wicked prosper? Do you see the good suffer? How do you feel about that?
Certainly David spent a great deal of his life running from Saul who wanted to kill David and on a number of occasions David questioned how long God would allow this to go on.
But what I love the most about this psalm is that David ends with, "Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied." (verse 15). He says that being face to face with God will satisfy. He doesn't know the course of his days or what outcomes will befall him, but David knows that God's presence is enough.
Is that enough for you? Are you willing to live with and deal with situations that feel unjust, knowing that in the end you will be face to face with God? Is that enough for you?
If we don't take a long-sighted interpretation of this, is it enough for you to wake up each morning to see God's face in creation around you? Is that enough? Can you actually see it?
I will be pondering this today and invite you to join me. For me, I know the answer is yes....at least 9 out of 10 days. I have my moments where I want to see only the good prosper and I question what God is doing, but I have definately lived through seasons where, yes, waking up to see God's face was enough!
Nothing can shake that!
Certainly David spent a great deal of his life running from Saul who wanted to kill David and on a number of occasions David questioned how long God would allow this to go on.
But what I love the most about this psalm is that David ends with, "Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied." (verse 15). He says that being face to face with God will satisfy. He doesn't know the course of his days or what outcomes will befall him, but David knows that God's presence is enough.
Is that enough for you? Are you willing to live with and deal with situations that feel unjust, knowing that in the end you will be face to face with God? Is that enough for you?
If we don't take a long-sighted interpretation of this, is it enough for you to wake up each morning to see God's face in creation around you? Is that enough? Can you actually see it?
I will be pondering this today and invite you to join me. For me, I know the answer is yes....at least 9 out of 10 days. I have my moments where I want to see only the good prosper and I question what God is doing, but I have definately lived through seasons where, yes, waking up to see God's face was enough!
Nothing can shake that!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Psalm 16 - David's Certainty
After yesterday's psalm, this one is a good sequel. We don't know if they were written in this order, but yesterday David leaves us with the impossible list, but today, David shouts out with certainty that he will be accepted by God into God's eternal presence.
Let's look at verses 9 - 11, "No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."
David knows that God will not let his soul die. God will grant David the joy of the Lord's presence. I think it is also notable that David acknowledges that this is something that God grants, not something David earns. As yesterday's psalm with the impossible list (and the 10 commandments) remind us, none is perfect and can earn this place in God's presence, we must all rely on a gift from God.
Do you have the certainty of David? If you don't, I recommend you search the scriptures for those verses that speak to you about your salvation. Write them on your heart so that you too may walk in the assurance that David walks in. Do you have a particular verse that assures you? Feel free to share it right here for everyone!
God bless you!
Let's look at verses 9 - 11, "No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."
David knows that God will not let his soul die. God will grant David the joy of the Lord's presence. I think it is also notable that David acknowledges that this is something that God grants, not something David earns. As yesterday's psalm with the impossible list (and the 10 commandments) remind us, none is perfect and can earn this place in God's presence, we must all rely on a gift from God.
Do you have the certainty of David? If you don't, I recommend you search the scriptures for those verses that speak to you about your salvation. Write them on your heart so that you too may walk in the assurance that David walks in. Do you have a particular verse that assures you? Feel free to share it right here for everyone!
God bless you!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Psalm 15 - The Impossible List
I think psalm 15 is interesting because it gives you the impossible list of qualifications for who can worship in God's sanctuary and be in God's presence, but then stops.
When I think about it, at that point, without Jesus' sacrifice, that is sort of what the situation was. You had to be perfect or...nothing. But we know that is not completely true because there were people that able to be in God's presence, for instance Abraham's faithfulness was counted as righteousness.
But in general, there was the law and you either fulfilled it or not. Of course there was the practice of sacrifice for atonement, but this psalm doesn't even spell that out. It just provides a list of qualities and stops. I think this is interesting because I have to believe that David thought he, himself did not meet these qualifications. So why does David leave it off here?
Possibly David was feeling very picked on when he wrote this psalm and this was a way for him to list all the ways he was feeling injured by someone (or multiple someones) and he hoped this song would reach them and cause them to think about their behavior. Or possibly, he saw these as his areas of stength and he was highlighting them.
I do think it is interesting to consider this list and the ten commandments...but here is my question, if you were to be writing this psalm about the qualifications of a person who could enter God's presence (beyond faith in Christ), what would you list? Take a minute today to consider that. Does you list challenge you? Does it highlight your strengths?
Then praise God for Jesus' sacrifice which makes it possible for us, sinners that we are, to enter God's presence.
When I think about it, at that point, without Jesus' sacrifice, that is sort of what the situation was. You had to be perfect or...nothing. But we know that is not completely true because there were people that able to be in God's presence, for instance Abraham's faithfulness was counted as righteousness.
But in general, there was the law and you either fulfilled it or not. Of course there was the practice of sacrifice for atonement, but this psalm doesn't even spell that out. It just provides a list of qualities and stops. I think this is interesting because I have to believe that David thought he, himself did not meet these qualifications. So why does David leave it off here?
Possibly David was feeling very picked on when he wrote this psalm and this was a way for him to list all the ways he was feeling injured by someone (or multiple someones) and he hoped this song would reach them and cause them to think about their behavior. Or possibly, he saw these as his areas of stength and he was highlighting them.
I do think it is interesting to consider this list and the ten commandments...but here is my question, if you were to be writing this psalm about the qualifications of a person who could enter God's presence (beyond faith in Christ), what would you list? Take a minute today to consider that. Does you list challenge you? Does it highlight your strengths?
Then praise God for Jesus' sacrifice which makes it possible for us, sinners that we are, to enter God's presence.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Psalm 14 - Intelligent Design
The first line of this Psalm reminded me of a conversation I was having with a friend on the way to Provincetown Friday evening. "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.'”
In this particular conversation, the topic quickly turned to faith and sharing our moment of recognizing God for ourselves. For this friend, the experience had been while reading a physiology book and seeing the intricacies of the human body and recognizing that this level of intricacy required a higher power, more intelligent and powerful to create. The conversation moved to the patterns in nature and the the fact that we see the same patterns repeating. Creation isn't random, it is a series of intricate patters, many of which we weren't even able to recognize until the last century.
This does beg the question for me, if you don't believe in a creator that is greater than ourselves, how do you think all this came about. Do you think chance developed the intricacies and the patterns? I am at a loss for what other reasonable explanation there is. Therefore, there is truth in David's words.
I know intelligent design is more of a head argument that a spirit argument. I think it is important to understand all sides of the arguments for God because we are called to make disciples of all people and you need to be able to reach out to some one in the place that they are. So , if you are a person of the Spirit and haven't considered some of the logical arguments for God, I encourage you to do some research so that you might become a stronger tool for the Lord.
In this particular conversation, the topic quickly turned to faith and sharing our moment of recognizing God for ourselves. For this friend, the experience had been while reading a physiology book and seeing the intricacies of the human body and recognizing that this level of intricacy required a higher power, more intelligent and powerful to create. The conversation moved to the patterns in nature and the the fact that we see the same patterns repeating. Creation isn't random, it is a series of intricate patters, many of which we weren't even able to recognize until the last century.
This does beg the question for me, if you don't believe in a creator that is greater than ourselves, how do you think all this came about. Do you think chance developed the intricacies and the patterns? I am at a loss for what other reasonable explanation there is. Therefore, there is truth in David's words.
I know intelligent design is more of a head argument that a spirit argument. I think it is important to understand all sides of the arguments for God because we are called to make disciples of all people and you need to be able to reach out to some one in the place that they are. So , if you are a person of the Spirit and haven't considered some of the logical arguments for God, I encourage you to do some research so that you might become a stronger tool for the Lord.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Psalm 13 - Struggle with Self
This is an interesting psalm, and one that I really connected to for many years, when I was in the midst of one of the greatest struggles of my life. But what jumps out at me today is the beginnings of verse 2, "How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?"
What I notice is that this is really a struggle with self. When you think about it, anguish is self-produced. It is caused by our reaction to extreme circumstances, but WE get to choose how we react. I am reminded of people who live in extreme poverty situations and yet have great joy. Often this is found in other countries...and with people who love Christ a great deal that their circumstances are unimportant to them. On the other side, when trouble befalls, some people fall into great anguish and we know that David struggles with a lot of emotions.
So it is interesting that he asks how long will he deal with anguish and sadness, when we know David has such a heart for God...but of course, by the end of the psalm David has returned to praising a good God.
I think one of the things that attracted me to this psalm during that period of life was that I could relate to the idea of life's circumstances overwhelming me and at moments, not being able to push through that with my faith and praise of God, but that it was just moments and not a permanent thing. As David would push through, he would also help me.
Do you ever find that David helps you to move from one set of emotions to another? That is one of the greatest things about sharing emotions with another, is that each can help the other find a way to a higher place. If you have never experienced this with the psalms before, give it a try next time life has knocked you down. Walk with David in his sorrtow and rise with him in his praise of the Lord!
What I notice is that this is really a struggle with self. When you think about it, anguish is self-produced. It is caused by our reaction to extreme circumstances, but WE get to choose how we react. I am reminded of people who live in extreme poverty situations and yet have great joy. Often this is found in other countries...and with people who love Christ a great deal that their circumstances are unimportant to them. On the other side, when trouble befalls, some people fall into great anguish and we know that David struggles with a lot of emotions.
So it is interesting that he asks how long will he deal with anguish and sadness, when we know David has such a heart for God...but of course, by the end of the psalm David has returned to praising a good God.
I think one of the things that attracted me to this psalm during that period of life was that I could relate to the idea of life's circumstances overwhelming me and at moments, not being able to push through that with my faith and praise of God, but that it was just moments and not a permanent thing. As David would push through, he would also help me.
Do you ever find that David helps you to move from one set of emotions to another? That is one of the greatest things about sharing emotions with another, is that each can help the other find a way to a higher place. If you have never experienced this with the psalms before, give it a try next time life has knocked you down. Walk with David in his sorrtow and rise with him in his praise of the Lord!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Psalm 12 - Are the Good Disappearing
This psalm poses an interesting question...as David comments on growing evil among people. It is interesting to hear David talk about that since it today's times I hear a lot of the same talk. So, what do you think? Is evil multiplying while the good are disappearing?
I am not sure...in some ways when I lookat society I can see that, but I also recognize that our population is growing. I wonder if it all proportional...or if that even matters. But then I think about all the good that is also going on. Maybe the intensity of evil is growing..and maybe the intensity of good is also growing.
It is an interesting question to me, but in the end I know that I need to focus on what God is calling me to do. And what God is calling us to do? Are you on God's plan? I will pray that you are and stay on it and please pray that I also stay on it!
I am not sure...in some ways when I lookat society I can see that, but I also recognize that our population is growing. I wonder if it all proportional...or if that even matters. But then I think about all the good that is also going on. Maybe the intensity of evil is growing..and maybe the intensity of good is also growing.
It is an interesting question to me, but in the end I know that I need to focus on what God is calling me to do. And what God is calling us to do? Are you on God's plan? I will pray that you are and stay on it and please pray that I also stay on it!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Psalm 11 - Trust in the Lord
"I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!" verse 1.
There are two things that I love about this verse. The first is the strong statement, I trust in the Lord for protection. There is no provisions attached, just trust. Can you say that today, with no reservations? Hopefully you can, but I know that there are some days when I might be able to say the words but my heart isn't fully there. Others days, I mean those words more than anything else and occasionally, I can even get myself to say them. It is a part of my human weakness that at times vacillates from full trust in the Lord, but fortunately God loves me in the middle of my weakness.
The other thing I love about this verse is the reminder of the importance of advisers that know the Lord. Here David questions the advice of someone near to him who is telling him to run to the hills for protection. David is reminding this person that he trusts in the Lord for protection. Man is not who David takes direction from, and his goal is to follow the Lords counsel. For this reason, I am reminded that it is important to have counselors that will rely on the Lord.
I am actually having trouble writing beyond that idea because, while I know I have counselors who are tight with God, I also have those who aren't. I guess I need to pray about that one a little bit...
On a Honduras note, things are going well with the team and they were able to minister with the seniors but ask for your prayers for the seniors health.
God bless!
There are two things that I love about this verse. The first is the strong statement, I trust in the Lord for protection. There is no provisions attached, just trust. Can you say that today, with no reservations? Hopefully you can, but I know that there are some days when I might be able to say the words but my heart isn't fully there. Others days, I mean those words more than anything else and occasionally, I can even get myself to say them. It is a part of my human weakness that at times vacillates from full trust in the Lord, but fortunately God loves me in the middle of my weakness.
The other thing I love about this verse is the reminder of the importance of advisers that know the Lord. Here David questions the advice of someone near to him who is telling him to run to the hills for protection. David is reminding this person that he trusts in the Lord for protection. Man is not who David takes direction from, and his goal is to follow the Lords counsel. For this reason, I am reminded that it is important to have counselors that will rely on the Lord.
I am actually having trouble writing beyond that idea because, while I know I have counselors who are tight with God, I also have those who aren't. I guess I need to pray about that one a little bit...
On a Honduras note, things are going well with the team and they were able to minister with the seniors but ask for your prayers for the seniors health.
God bless!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Psalm 10 - Closing the Distance
Have you ever felt like God was far away? Or hiding from you? The truth is that God is always near and never moves away from us. That distance is about us moving from God...or separating ourselves.
In this case, David is allowing his fears, anxieties, and anger and what he sees around him depress him. This is actually one of the things I really love about the psalms. David experiences the full range of emotions that we all face and he writes about them. He expresses them in a way that we know that he has experienced everything we have. David is easy to relate to. The beauty of it is, that we always see David turn to God and give him glory. No matter how the psalm starts, it ends acknowledging God. Let's look at this one. Verse 1 reads, "O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?" David is feeling separated from God's presence and yet, let's look at the final verses of this psalm, 16-18, "The Lord is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them." David honors God and expresses his trust in the Lord.
This is a beautiful model for us. There are times when we are experiencing worry, anxiety, fear., anger, sadness.or a host of other emotions that cause us to not feel God's presence around us, but we, too, need to be like David and return our thoughts andour hearts back to God.
I have a feeling though, that even for David, this started with his thoughts. We can't know for sure, but I suspect that sometimes David said the words so that his thoughts would return to God, hoping that his heart would follow. Even if you don't feel the trust or find it hard to believe that God will be victorious over the difficulties of life, speak the words so that your heart can follow!
On the Honduras front: They have arrived and are already being reminded of the privileges we take for granted in this country...thanks for praying and press on on in prayer for them with me!
In this case, David is allowing his fears, anxieties, and anger and what he sees around him depress him. This is actually one of the things I really love about the psalms. David experiences the full range of emotions that we all face and he writes about them. He expresses them in a way that we know that he has experienced everything we have. David is easy to relate to. The beauty of it is, that we always see David turn to God and give him glory. No matter how the psalm starts, it ends acknowledging God. Let's look at this one. Verse 1 reads, "O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?" David is feeling separated from God's presence and yet, let's look at the final verses of this psalm, 16-18, "The Lord is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them." David honors God and expresses his trust in the Lord.
This is a beautiful model for us. There are times when we are experiencing worry, anxiety, fear., anger, sadness.or a host of other emotions that cause us to not feel God's presence around us, but we, too, need to be like David and return our thoughts andour hearts back to God.
I have a feeling though, that even for David, this started with his thoughts. We can't know for sure, but I suspect that sometimes David said the words so that his thoughts would return to God, hoping that his heart would follow. Even if you don't feel the trust or find it hard to believe that God will be victorious over the difficulties of life, speak the words so that your heart can follow!
On the Honduras front: They have arrived and are already being reminded of the privileges we take for granted in this country...thanks for praying and press on on in prayer for them with me!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Psalm 9 - Filled with Joy
So when was the last time you were so excited about something, that you couldn't keep quiet about it? When was the last time that something was God's work?
I guess on the positive side, I can remember when that was...on the negative side, it was over a month ago. Not to say that God hasn't done great things for me lately, because God has, it is more a comment on whether I have been able to capture the joy and let it bubble through. The first two verses of this chapter is a good reminder that we should respond to God's goodness with that level of joy. Each day we are blessed beyond what we deserve and often beyond what we could have hopes for. So why don't we capture that joy?
Are we complacent about God's work in our lives because we expect God's goodness? We do often take those we are closest to and care about the most for granted. This is wrong though and a habit that we should all be working to break (unless we are one of those who has already broken it).
Look around your life today and think about what God is doing in the world around you. What can you capture the joy about? Find it, hold on to it, and share God's goodness with those around you!
On another note, my mom's team that she is leading on the short term mission trip to Honduras left yesterday morning. Please be praying for them this week as they minister and are ministered to. I have a feeling that they will capture the joy and many stories will be heard about God's goodness on their return!
I guess on the positive side, I can remember when that was...on the negative side, it was over a month ago. Not to say that God hasn't done great things for me lately, because God has, it is more a comment on whether I have been able to capture the joy and let it bubble through. The first two verses of this chapter is a good reminder that we should respond to God's goodness with that level of joy. Each day we are blessed beyond what we deserve and often beyond what we could have hopes for. So why don't we capture that joy?
Are we complacent about God's work in our lives because we expect God's goodness? We do often take those we are closest to and care about the most for granted. This is wrong though and a habit that we should all be working to break (unless we are one of those who has already broken it).
Look around your life today and think about what God is doing in the world around you. What can you capture the joy about? Find it, hold on to it, and share God's goodness with those around you!
On another note, my mom's team that she is leading on the short term mission trip to Honduras left yesterday morning. Please be praying for them this week as they minister and are ministered to. I have a feeling that they will capture the joy and many stories will be heard about God's goodness on their return!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Psalm 8 - Chosen Special
I am reminded of a line from Leeanne Wolmac's song, "I Hope You Dance" as I read through this psalm. She sings, "I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean..." She is acknowledging that the ocean is so much bigger and we should recognize the majesty of God's creation.
David also sends that message when he asks, "What are mere mortals that you should think of them, human beings that you should care for them?" (verse 4). David uses the stars and the heavens as a point of comparison, but both of them are reminding us to recognize the greatness of God's creation and to see that we are not created biggest, more beautiful...etc. We are however created most loved. It is amazing that in all God made, we are chosen to be lifted up. We are given free will and we are given the opportunity to be in relationship with God.
And why are we so blessed? Just because God loves us and chose us. And God, who is majestic, amazing, and powerful, spends the time to care about each piece of God's creation. Quite an amazing thing, if you ask me. I only have to consider the number of people in my environment...the people that I see each day...and then realize that God knows the details of each of their lives to be amazed. Most days, I am luck to keep up with everything going on in the lives of just 3 or 4 people, let alone the thousands that I see each day or the billions that live on the earth.
So yes, I do still feel small when I stand beside the ocean and I am in awe at night when I see the work of God's fingers in the heavens. I must admit though, that there are times when I don't take the time to just look and think about that. Today would be a good day to take the time, Observe God's creation and think about all that God has accomplished. Take a moment and see how great God is and how special you must be to God that God knows you intimately.
David also sends that message when he asks, "What are mere mortals that you should think of them, human beings that you should care for them?" (verse 4). David uses the stars and the heavens as a point of comparison, but both of them are reminding us to recognize the greatness of God's creation and to see that we are not created biggest, more beautiful...etc. We are however created most loved. It is amazing that in all God made, we are chosen to be lifted up. We are given free will and we are given the opportunity to be in relationship with God.
And why are we so blessed? Just because God loves us and chose us. And God, who is majestic, amazing, and powerful, spends the time to care about each piece of God's creation. Quite an amazing thing, if you ask me. I only have to consider the number of people in my environment...the people that I see each day...and then realize that God knows the details of each of their lives to be amazed. Most days, I am luck to keep up with everything going on in the lives of just 3 or 4 people, let alone the thousands that I see each day or the billions that live on the earth.
So yes, I do still feel small when I stand beside the ocean and I am in awe at night when I see the work of God's fingers in the heavens. I must admit though, that there are times when I don't take the time to just look and think about that. Today would be a good day to take the time, Observe God's creation and think about all that God has accomplished. Take a moment and see how great God is and how special you must be to God that God knows you intimately.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Psalm 7 - Keeping Clean with God
We have another psalm where David is looking for deliverance from his enemies. This one has a string of interesting things, which I think are interesting.
The first is David saying that if he had done wrong, allow his enemies to capture him (verse 3). Then in 9 he is is calling God to defend the righteous and in 12, David comments that if a person doesn't repent, God will prepare weapons against that person.
I think this is interesting because it points out a few things. First, it speaks to the importance of living righteously. It is good if you are not living a life where others can point to your wrongdoing. Living a clean and healthy life before God is important. It presents you before God in a way that makes it easier for God to defend you. For God brings glory and honor to God and is working for righteousness to be restored to God's creation. The peace about repentance is also important because no one is perfect except for God and therefore we will mess up. But when we mess up, we must repent (turn away from our sin and go the other direction). Keeping a clean slate through repentance and seeking forgiveness also keeps us on the righteous side of the scale.
One of the reasons that I thought of all these things is the idea that some people talk about, that if God is forgiving, a person could sin all their life and turn to God in the last moments and repent and be saved. We know this is true because of the the their that was on the cross next to Jesus, but that their didn't plan his life to be one of sin and then at the last minute repent and be saved. That is just what happened. The act of planning a life that way, does not leave a person with a heart that easily repents and becomes righteous. I think many people after making that plan and living that life would not be sincerely repentant.
I may not be explaining this in the clearest manner, but hopefully you are following my train of thinking. Ultimately, living a righteous life and staying clean with God and others is God's plan for each of us and allows for us to receive Gods protection and blessing. David understood this and spoke that truth as he was crying out for deliverance. He didn't need to say it for God's purpose, but for his own, to ensure that he (David) was encouraged and strong of heart. Reminding himself about those things which keep one connected to God and knowing that you are doing them, reminds you that God will be working in your life and will be bringing glory to God through your life and through lifting you up so that all can see God's blessing in your life.
Are you living a clean life and keeping a clean slate with God? Take some time to reflect on your life and see if their is some improvement needed.
The first is David saying that if he had done wrong, allow his enemies to capture him (verse 3). Then in 9 he is is calling God to defend the righteous and in 12, David comments that if a person doesn't repent, God will prepare weapons against that person.
I think this is interesting because it points out a few things. First, it speaks to the importance of living righteously. It is good if you are not living a life where others can point to your wrongdoing. Living a clean and healthy life before God is important. It presents you before God in a way that makes it easier for God to defend you. For God brings glory and honor to God and is working for righteousness to be restored to God's creation. The peace about repentance is also important because no one is perfect except for God and therefore we will mess up. But when we mess up, we must repent (turn away from our sin and go the other direction). Keeping a clean slate through repentance and seeking forgiveness also keeps us on the righteous side of the scale.
One of the reasons that I thought of all these things is the idea that some people talk about, that if God is forgiving, a person could sin all their life and turn to God in the last moments and repent and be saved. We know this is true because of the the their that was on the cross next to Jesus, but that their didn't plan his life to be one of sin and then at the last minute repent and be saved. That is just what happened. The act of planning a life that way, does not leave a person with a heart that easily repents and becomes righteous. I think many people after making that plan and living that life would not be sincerely repentant.
I may not be explaining this in the clearest manner, but hopefully you are following my train of thinking. Ultimately, living a righteous life and staying clean with God and others is God's plan for each of us and allows for us to receive Gods protection and blessing. David understood this and spoke that truth as he was crying out for deliverance. He didn't need to say it for God's purpose, but for his own, to ensure that he (David) was encouraged and strong of heart. Reminding himself about those things which keep one connected to God and knowing that you are doing them, reminds you that God will be working in your life and will be bringing glory to God through your life and through lifting you up so that all can see God's blessing in your life.
Are you living a clean life and keeping a clean slate with God? Take some time to reflect on your life and see if their is some improvement needed.
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