Reflections in Psalms – Day 32 – Thirst

Psalm 63

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. 1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. 9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. 11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Have you ever been so thirsty that you just couldn’t stand it? I think we all have! The inside of my mouth felt like a desert land. Or if I had eaten something that was too salty, I couldn’t get enough water to drink! Today’s Psalm led me beside the still waters (Psalm 23) and fed my soul!

Can you imagine thirsting after God’s Word as much as thirsting after a salty meal? Salt has so many uses, not just for flavoring food! Salt was even used in Christ’s teachings.

~Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

As Christians, we are to be like salt to the unsaved world. What can we glean from this? As I meditated on the effects and uses of salt, I was blessed! After eating a handful of potato chips, the first thing I need is a good drink of water! Too much salt causes one to be thirsty! The heart that is prepared is thirsting for a Christian to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel seed has been planted into that heart and the Water of Life received from that Christian will cause salvation to spring forth. Unbelievers should see our lives and hear our testimonies and thirst after what we have.

~John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Salt can also have healing powers. When it’s sprinkled on a small wound, it burns like the dickens but it helps the wound to heal. When an unbeliever hears the Gospel and is wooed by the Holy Spirit, he becomes convicted of his sin. His sin grieves him and he is led to repentance. Just as salt stings on a wound, God’s Word stings the heart and conscience and draws one to repentance. The water of the Words of Life cleans the heart.

~Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Salt is also a preservative. In early America, before refrigeration, meats were salted to keep them from spoiling. The new believer who thirsted after salvation and repented of his sins now has a salvation which is preserved for all eternity.

~John 3:16-18, 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

So next time you pick up the salt shaker, think about what Christ was trying to teach us.

Reflections in Psalms – Day 31 – Insignificant

Psalm 139

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. 19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. 21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Today’s reading is an absolute blessing. When one feels abandoned by God, he can read through this beautiful Psalm and discover for himself just how much God loves us! When you love someone, you learn all about them – you want to know every detail. Wow, think about this … God must love us an awful lot if He knows everything about us – from the moment we step out of bed God knows our thoughts, the words that are about to come out of our mouths and the actions we are about to take!

Nothing is hidden from the Lord! He has known me since I was in my mother’s womb (verse 16). The Hebrew word for unperfect here is “golem.” It means unformed (as in an embryo). God knew me from the beginning … and each member of my body was fashioned with God taking care of each detail. I think about each cell that divides into more cells and producing those cells which go to the brain, to the liver, to the nervous system, to the hair, etc. God stands by and oversees each one and has each hair numbered!

~Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

On a side note, I can’t read this Psalm without tearing up for all those aborted babies! My word, all of their parts are written in God’s book! Oh the judgment that will take place for those who have taken part in aborting these precious souls!

So as I sat this morning feeling quite insignificant, I am encouraged by today’s reading! I’m not insignificant at all. God knows me inside out! His will for me is always best because He knows me best – better than my own spouse or my own parents! His perfect love cannot mete out anything for me that is not good for me! What a blessing! Leave it to the Lord to encourage His child!

Praise be to my Creator!!! My King of Kings and Lord of Lords! I glorify Thy Name!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 30 – Thought Life

Psalm 89 (1-14)

Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. 1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. 3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. 5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. 8 O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? 9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. 10 Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. 11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. 12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name. 13 Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. 14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

What a beautiful Psalm to read first thing in the morning! Starting our day rejoicing and praising our Heavenly Father lays the groundwork for the rest of the day, doesn’t it? I love to sing the song with the words from verse 1. It prepares my heart and puts me in the right frame of mind? When I am singing about God’s mercies, I simply cannot run out of material! His mercy for me is so great! My salvation alone is sufficient to sing about until the Lord’s return. However, He did not stop there! On top of my salvation, my Father has showered me with blessings that are so undeserved!

Creation brings forth countless blessings for the child of God. We only have to look around us and keep our ears open and we will see God’s hand! As I sit writing this, I hear the roaring of the ocean in the distance. I hear the birds singing as the day is breaking. As I make my way from the outside of my house to the inside, I see my beloved, a roof over my head and food in my refrigerator. God’s blessings are all around me. I can only see those blessings if my heart has been prepared with praises as the Psalmist teaches. A thankful heart does not have room for complaining, amen?

The Apostle Paul’s encouraging words in Philippians teach us just what our thoughts should consist of:

~Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This is a beautiful recipe on keeping our thought life in order! God’s Word is the only thing on this earth that is true, honest, just and pure!  In His Word, we learn from His example in each of these areas.  Aren’t we blessed to have His Word to open every day so we can receive His words for the day?  Many have several Bibles in their home and yet they never open it.

As if the blessings He gives us from His Word aren’t enough, He has given us His lovely creation to enjoy. In every part of creation, we see His hand!  We can start with the beautiful heavens as we gaze into the night sky.  Looking at the variety of shells on the seashore then seeing the countless wildlife in the forest and on the forest floor is mind boggling!  Stepping back from life’s hustle and bustle to look upon God’s handiwork will work on any believer’s heart.

And what good report is not enjoyed by the child of God when he hears of missionaries’ hard work producing fruit! Souls that have been won for the Kingdom are a wonderful report and encourage the believer’s spirit!

Today’s Psalm and verse from Philippians are a sure cure for stinking thinking!  Look around – recognize God’s blessings and rejoice today!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 29 – Joyful Song

Psalm 84

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. 1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. 6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. 8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

The sons of Korah were the choir in David’s day. Their “specials” were these Psalms. Take a moment and re-read this Psalm. I found this extremely touching! Do I desire to be in God’s courts the way this Psalmist did? I put my name in each verse that “my or I” and I was immediately under conviction. Granted, I enjoy going to church – that is not the point here.

My daily meetings with God are my entrance into His courts. I do not have to go to a tabernacle made with hands because my body is a temple and the Holy Spirit resides within.

~1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own.

I am in the presence of God each second of every day! I am not saying that going to church is not necessary because it mostly certain is. What I am saying is that I can daily be in the presence of God in fellowship and worship through reading His Word, meditating upon it, and prayer! As I re-read today’s text and placed my name in all the personal references, my eyes were opened and the Lord taught me. Isn’t that what our daily reading should be … us seeking and God revealing?

What beautiful words of worship to sing to our God in the morning! “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God! O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee!”

The heart that thirsts after God with such intensity will be filled with His goodness! God’s pleasure is to bless us – our only task is to seek after Him. The unsaved are not able to do this – the wicked do not seek after the things of God. But to the child of the King, we are able to enter into His courts daily – any time we want! Praise the Lord!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 28 – Wisdom

Psalm 72

1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. 2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. 3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. 4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. 5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. 6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. 7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. 9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. 12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. 13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. 14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight. 15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. 16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. 17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. 20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

History says that the Israelites read this Psalm when facing a new task in their lives. David petitions the Lord for His judgments and righteousness. The King needed much wisdom in leading his people in righteousness. Even his son, Solomon, asked for wisdom when God granted him whatever he wanted (1 Kings 3:5-12). Wisdom is such an important part of life for the believer. Without it, we cannot apply the Scriptures to our lives, we cannot properly discern what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us, nor do we have understanding.

~Psalms 49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

As I searched the Word for the word “wisdom,” I came across a beautiful verse in Job:

~Job 28:18 No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.

What is the cost of wisdom?  Job says it’s above rubies.  Rubies are still the most precious stone today – even above diamonds!  What is the cost of wisdom to the believer? The only cost that I can see is time spent in God’s precious Word.  I can’t put a price on time.  Each second that goes by can never be regained.  I cannot grasp that moment in time ever again!  So why not utilize those precious moments by investing them in God’s Word?

I remembered reading the phrase “above rubies” elsewhere in God’s Word.  I find it interesting that the only time the value of rubies is mentioned in the Bible is here in Job and, again, in Proverbs referring to one of the characteristics of a virtuous woman.

~Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

What a blessing this is to me. When I am confused and bewildered, my prayer should be as Solomon. Give me wisdom, dear Lord! Wisdom guides us and leads us down the paths of righteousness. As I read God’s Word, His Spirit leads and teaches me.   I can’t gain wisdom without first meeting the Lord in His Word every day.  It’s a priceless investment!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 27 – Meditate

Psalm 71

1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. 2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. 3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5 For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. 6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. 7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. 8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. 9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. 10 For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, 11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. 12 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. 13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt. 14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. 15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. 16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. 19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! 20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. 22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

As I read this Psalm this morning, I saw a man who walked with the Lord for many years. David reflected on his walk with God and saw how faithful God had been throughout.  In my research, I discovered the history behind this Psalm revealed David wrote this in his old age when his son, Adonijah, rebelled. Poor David – he reaped a whirlwind in his family because of his sin with Bathsheba, didn’t he? Yes, he repented of his sin but the repercussions of sin are like rippling water when a stone is cast into a calm lake. Yet, despite it all, David saw God’s faithfulness.

David saw the hand of God throughout all his life.   Like the Psalmist, we should have pensive moments like this to reflect on what God has done for us. We humans have a tendency to forget all that God has done for us. Our nature is to complain about the circumstances at hand. But David knew how to remember – he thought on God’s goodness daily.

~Psalm 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

Meditating on all the twists in life and curve balls that have been thrown my way, I clearly see that the Lord was right there like a faithful Friend! The child of God is not a stranger to God. God knows every detail about us – the very hairs on our head are numbered! We are called His friend!

~James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

The Lord may not have resolved my issues immediately, but I believed that He would work through the details – and He did! In fact, He did so with such meticulous love for me! I can praise Him more and more because I can look back and see His faithfulness. Even more so, I can praise Him more because of His mercy and forgiveness for all my sins! Like David, I should lay on my bed in the night time hours and reflect on the day’s blessings. Not only do these reflections strengthen my faith, they give me assurance that the Lord will be just as faithful with whatever lies in my future! What a blessed way to fall asleep!

~Psalm 4:6-8 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Whether you are a new believer or a seasoned believer reading this blog post today, take time to reflect, as David did, and rejoice in God’s faithfulness! Our God does not sleep and is ever vigilant in caring for us. His love never ends and He is ever faithful! As we meditate on His goodness, our doubts and worries are replaced with assuredness. God’s resume in our lives is proof of His ability, His love, and His faithfulness!

Why not encourage a young believer in the Lord today!  Rejoice and praise the Lord your God and share His goodness with them!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 26 – Wronged?

Psalm 62

To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. 1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. 9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. 10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. 11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. 12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Today’s Psalm really spoke to my heart. I’ve underlined the verses that especially moved me. The history behind this Psalm repeats itself over and over in people’s lives. Absalom (David’s own son) was speaking lies (gossip) about his father. How hurt David must have been to hear snippets of gossip coming from his own son. David wrote today’s Psalm as this gossip was making its way around his circle of friends, enemies, and his people.

How many times have you been spoken ill of by your own family members just because of your stand for Christ? Better yet, how many times have you been wrongfully spoken of by family members and their statements weren’t even true?

I’ve felt the pain of gossip in my own family as well as horrible accusations of wrong doing by church family which were not even true. How very sad to go through situations like this – the pain at times was overwhelming! What did I do with that pain? Sadly, I did not do as David did.

Ironically, David starts out his Psalm by acknowledging God and the fact that God is his rock, salvation and defense. Notice after that, David said that he “shall not be greatly moved.”  Then he goes to start his list of concerns/complaints. After he does his complaining (verses 3-4), we find the word Selah, which is a pause or a rest. It’s as if David caught himself complaining about his lot in life, stopped to think about his complaining, and then starts to meditate on his God.

The effects of meditation produce praise and worship in the believer’s heart! I loved the fact that after David praised his God, he went from saying that he shall not be greatly moved to “I shall not be moved.” Praising God, worshipping God, and meditating on His goodness puts sets us straight in our thinking. Our stinking thinking becomes assured thinking – resting on God’s abilities and not our own!

When I complain about the circumstances in my life, I’m not edifying myself nor am I edifying the people who are listening. I’m not helping those listening one bit – in fact, I’m affecting their thinking, aren’t I? My stinking thinking wreaks and permeates. You can’t hang around a skunk without eventually smelling like one.

~Ephesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

The Lord spoke to my heart today as I was complaining to Him about my circumstances in life at the moment. The Holy Spirit impressed upon me the verse above and that I was grieving Him. I was doubting God with my lack of faith. I was complaining to Him rather than trusting Him. It was time for me to praise, worship and honor Him with my lips and experience my own “Selah”: Stop, rest in Him, and wait.

~Psalms 37:7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:

While I rest and wait on Him, He will provide the calm assurance that all is well. There can be a storm outside, but I calm seas on the inside!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 25 – Not Forsaken

Psalm 55

16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. 19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. 21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

The first 15 verses of this Psalm deal with David’s enemies and his struggles. The next eight verses show how David encouraged himself throughout the trials he faced. What a blessing for this Christian to read!

As I read this Psalm today, I was able to feel David’s passion in his dialogue with God. It’s as if David was saying, “I know what I’m going to do! I’m going to call upon God and He’ll save me out of my troubles! I’ll cry out loud and speak my needs to Him and He’ll hear me!” David didn’t take matters into his own hands. Quite the opposite! Verse 19 tells me that he left it up to God because God heard David’s prayer and God would afflict his enemies.

So many times my battles in life have left me in a place where there was nothing more I could do. It had to be left to God otherwise I would go crazy! I can almost feel the passion in David’s words in verses 16 through 21!

Then David blesses me with a solution to all my problems in the next verse! In the midst of turmoil, the Lord places an absolutely beautiful and comforting verse just for me!

~Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

It’s God who sustains me in all of my trials and tribulations. Whether they are a result of sin or of testing, it does not matter. Yes, unrepented sin brings manifold judgment. However, I’m speaking of repented sin when I make this statement. God will sustain me and He won’t allow me to fall as He will see me through my trials.

~Hebrews 13:5b for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

How blessed I am to have a Father who loves me so much that no matter what He will be there for me! What comfort today’s text is to me!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 24 – Bewildered

Psalm 49

To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.
1 Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: 2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together. 3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. 4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. 5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? 6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. 10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. 12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. 14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. 16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. 18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. 19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. 20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

How many times I have watched the “world” sin and actually prosper and yet believers are suffering – some for the cause of Christ. The headlines in Christian news report believers being killed in Pakistan and persecuted all over the world. Yet unbelievers prosper and seem unaffected by their sin!

This is a discouraging thought for me and I try “not to go there” in my head because I get discouraged. My current unemployment situation is one of those areas that bewilders me when unbelievers are getting the jobs for which I have applied. I know that God has a plan and that He loves me – of this I have no doubt. But these thoughts still pop up in my head and I am bewildered.

Verse 17 reminds that no one can take anything with him when he leaves this earth. However, I can take my salvation and stand face-to-face with my Saviour knowing that I will be spending eternity with Him. Whatever trials I have gone through, they will be worth it all when I meet my Maker. The unbeliever does not have this advantage. His blessings were here on earth but eternal punishment in Hell awaits him for eternity. My hardships were here on earth but blessings in Heaven await me for all eternity!

The next time I think of life not being fair, I must remind myself to come to today’s text and encourage my spirit in the Lord. Judgment will be meted out, whether here on earth or when we step into eternity!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 23 – Crossing Through

Psalm 46

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Moses wrote this beautiful Psalm after he and the Israelites had crossed through the Red Sea. Knowing this, re-read the Psalm with that in mind. What a blessing! This same God that was with Moses and his people crossing the Red Sea is with me as I cross my tumultuous seas of life!

I also learned that God’s people would sing this beautiful Psalm on the anniversary of the crossing of the Red Sea. What a wonderful way to remember what God has done! As well, it’s a beautiful reminder of how He is still ever present, willing and ready to help us when we are feeling defeated!  Jewish history says this Psalm was sung at the resurrection of Christ from the dead because Christ arose on that anniversary! I get goosebumps reading this!

Our Saviour’s death allows us an opportunity to cross over from death to life! Every time I go through an unsurmountable trial, I can read this Psalm and be encouraged that the Lord will help me through just as He did the Israelites!

Praise the Lord for the Book of Psalms! What encouraging words we are able to read day after day!  It’s a wonderful reminder for us to think back on God’s faithfulness!