Through the Psalms #3

Through the Psalms #3

I encourage you to read the entire Psalm.

“Lord, how many are my foes!

How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me,

‘God will not deliver him.’

But you, Lord, are a shield around me,

My glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I call out to the Lord,

And he answers me from his holy mountain.”

Psalm 3: 1-4

David wrote this when he fled from his son Absalom. He was pursued by men who rose up against him and wanted him dead. Our enemies may not be seeking our death, yet, at times it can seem as though many foes around us.

Notice how quickly David acknowledges that God was a shield around him, how he allows God’s glory to lift his head up and not be downcast. When overwhelmed with enemies and fears, David called upon the Lord.

Shouldn’t we be doing the same? Shouldn’t we, whenever we’re surrounded by enemies or troubles, call upon God to be our shield? When we call on him he does answer from his holy mountain. Thank God!

My God, my shield and protector, thank you for answering my prayers for assistance. You are stronger than the evil one and more than capable of vanquishing him. Thank you for providing my protection.

Plans

Lord, how I love to plan my life. Forgive me for not trusting your plans for me, for not trusting in your faithfulness. Help me to turn those plans over to your wisdom and trust you for the outcome. May your will be done.

Hope

Hope is the thing

That pushes its head

through the earth,

Unfurling its pale green

For all to see.

It’s the expectation of blooms,

Unwinding from a tiny bud,

Blooms more vibrant and colorful

Than imagination.

Hope is the realization

that dead, shriveled things,

long buried in the ground,

Will one day rise again

to a glorious new world

with no more tears.

It’s the expectation of

that new world,

Far more glorious

than Spring.

It’s the realization that

Our Savior has risen from the dead

To wash away our sin,

To bring us abundant life,

And allow us to draw near to God.

Psalm 33: 20-22

“We wait in hope for the Lord;

he is our help and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,

even as we put our hope in you.”

Thank you, Lord, for giving us hope in you.

Be Still

.”My longings are best met when, in prayer, I simply let my heart beat in time with the Lord’s.”

-Joni Eareckson Tada.

Psalm 46:10a says, “Be still and know that I am God.” In the wisdom of the psalmist, we learn to quietly approach God, listen to him, and allow our heartbeats to beat in rhythm with the Almighty.

Father, thank you for those times of stillness when you bend down and touch my heart and draw me closer to you.

Through the Psalms–#2

User comments


Through the Psalms–#2

I encourage you to read the entire Psalm

“Why do the nations conspire

And the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth rise up

And the rulers band together

Against the LORD and his anointed, saying

‘Let us break their chains

And throw off their shackles.’”

Psalm 2:1-3

While Psalm 1 gives us a beautiful picture of one who follows the Lord and meditates on his word, Psalm 2 presents a stark contrast. In this Psalm we see the discontent and rebellion of those who refuse to serve the Lord. Our stubborn disobedience leads to our destruction. Instead of the tree flourishing by the waters, we see destruction.

Father God, squash any rebellious ways in me. Keep me reading and meditating on your word and on your glory. I long to serve you and take refuge in your grace.

A Box of Chocolates

Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates!  What is the first thing you do?  Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift.  Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to the person who gave you the whole box?  No, of course not, for the rest of the candy would be yours to enjoy—to eat, to save for another day, or to share with others. 

I think this is the attitude God had in mind when he commanded us to tithe.  He has created the world and all that is in it; everything is a gift from Him.  He has given us a gigantic box of chocolates.  He would be pleased if we would, with cheerful hearts, say Thank you, and offer Him the first piece.

Shouldn’t this also be the attitude we exhibit when we serve God and others?  All our gifts are God given:  intelligence, work, compassion.   Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual box is filled with delicious chocolates.  Let’s remember to graciously and humbly thank God for them and offer Him the first piece.

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Oh God, we thank you for giving us many good gifts.  May we cheerfully offer a portion back to you.

Remember

Taking a few moments this morning to contemplate some of God’s miracles. From creating the land and the seas to Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection and on to the personal miracles in my life. It’s a good way to start the day.

Thank you, Lord, for all the miracles you have performed. Thank you for reminding me of your great power and your great love.

A Thunderous Voice

The bible tells us that God speaks in a still, small voice.  But sometimes when I enter a still, small state, His voice shouts and thunders:  How can my people be so blind?  How can you be so deaf?  Open your eyes!  Open your ears!  My glory is all around you and you ignore it.

Look!  Behold my glory in the sky:  The brightness of the sun, the vastness of the blue dome overhead.  The moon and the host of stars glow at night; all these reveal my glory.  Open your eyes to see Me.  The majestic, snow-topped mountains and the heaving waters of the oceans, their waves crashing against the shore, are all shouting out my greatness.  The brilliant bolt of lightning electrifies the night sky.  How can you not see Me?  Look in the eyes of an infant, in the caress of a loved one. Look at your own skin and hair.   My glory is everywhere.  See it and glorify my name.

Listen!  You will hear my voice.  Listen to the laughter of a child.  Listen to the wind in the trees.   Listen!  Everywhere you hear testaments of my greatness:  Hear the rumbling thunder in the midst of a storm.  Hear the early morning songs of the birds and the rushing waters of a mountain stream.

Listen to music: the piano, guitar, violin, and saxophone all sing of my glory.  Hear the voices of those who love you.  Listen to your heartbeat.  Hear your breathing.  All these provide testimonies of my greatness.  Open your ears; glorify my name.

O my people, how can you be so blind?  O people, how can you be so deaf?  Open your eyes; open your ears.  My glory resides all around you!  See it.  Hear it.  After you finally see it and hear it, do not be mute.  Tell others how great I am.  Open your mouth and glorify Me. Proclaim My majesty. 

Father, forgive me.  Forgive me for the countless times I fail to notice your glory all around me.  Forgive me for not listening for your voice.  Keep my eyes and ears open that I may behold your glory.  Let my mouth open in praise of my almighty God.

Job 37:2-5 “Listen!  Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.  He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heavens and sends it to the ends of the earth.  After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice.  When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back.  God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.”