Monthly Archives: October 2010

Reflections in Psalms – Day 22 – My Barzillai

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Psalm 42

To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. 1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? 11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

In my research about this Psalm, I discovered that when David fled Jerusalem and had been abandoned by Shimei, Mephibosheth and Ahithophel, he was not forsaken. The Lord sent him an 80-year old man named Barzillai. This dear man brought David food and fellowship. Despite being abandoned by many, the Lord knew David’s frailty and did not allow him to be abandoned by all. I love the fact that God knows our each and every weakness.  He knows that we are nothing without Him!

I have felt this way at times. Supposed friends who have left my side because of misunderstanding. Rather than look back on my testimony, they were quick to judge and abandon our friendship. Granted, if I had sinned, I deserved a tongue lashing! But to not even give me the benefit of the doubt is unconscionable! Despite it all, the Lord was faithful – He placed a Barzillai in my life to feed me His Word and encourage my soul.

The Psalm opens with David acknowledging that he thirsted after God! Why is it that at times we only seek God’s face when we are abandoned by family and friends? Why is it that we seek Him after all else fails? There have been times that I’ve been in the flesh where I sought outside help rather than look to God. Through each of these times, I was taught that God alone is faithful. He knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it! He led me to the Rock that was higher than I.  He taught me to hope in Him and He was faithful!

God’s faithfulness and love is not sporadic. As David pointed out, His lovingkindness was present during the day as well as in the night. God is constant – He is consistent – He is continuous! His love for me never ends and, therefore, He is faithfully leading me and teaching me through each situation in my life!

I, too, can sing: “For I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Reflections in Psalms – Day 21 – God Thinks Upon Me

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Psalm 40

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. 4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. 9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. 10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. 11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. 12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. 13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. 14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. 15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. 16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. 17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

How can one read this Psalm without being moved with David’s love for His God? The entire Psalm is filled with what God’s love has done for David and David’s response to that love! I’m so totally overwhelmed by this communion! Within the verses of this beautiful Psalm, I see the entire plan of salvation blended in with a beautiful relationship with the Father because of His Son:

  • God hears my cries – (a) the one who is sincerely searching for God will be heard by God; (b) the Christian who is pleading with His God will be heard.
  • God brings me up out of the horrible pits (not out of it) – (a) the seed is planted in the unbeliever’s heart and God begins to raise him up; (b) the Christian is not promised that God will take him out of all his troubles but that God will raise him up and encourage him.
  • God places me upon a rock – (a) the unbeliever is now placed on the Rock, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 10:4); (b) the Christian is lifted up and placed on a solid surface, the Rock! He is not on a slippery surface but on a solid rock!
  • God establishes my goings – (a) the new Christian now has the Holy Spirit who will teach him in all things; (b) the seasoned believer rests upon this knowledge – he knows that God is faithful and will pave the way ahead.
  • God puts a new song in my mouth – (a) the new Christian has a different song to sing – he can rejoice in his salvation; (b) the seasoned Christian can sing new songs during each new trial knowing that His Lord and Saviour is right there!
  • God opens my ears – the believer’s ears are opened to the Word of God and to His preaching through His man. We are His children and we hear Him now that we are saved (John 10:27)
  • God thinks upon me – Just as I think about my children and pray for them, God thinks about me! I am on His mind – in fact, so much so, He died for me!
  • God is my help – There is salvation in no other! God desires to help us find Him. He presents us with ample opportunities to find Him.
  • God is my deliverer – When we find Him, He delivers us through His Son, Jesus Christ! There is no other that can take away our sin! There is no other who has paid the price for our sin! There is no other who can deliver us!

What a blessing I have received today! I’m sure David never dreamed that the words he penned would bless countless believers throughout the ages! Thank You, Lord!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 20 – Praise

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Psalm 33

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. 2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. 4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. 6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. 10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. 11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. 13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. 15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. 16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. 22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

It’s easy to praise God when things are going well in my life. But what about when things aren’t going so well?  Do my lips sing praises to Him or do I gripe and complain?  Do I call my closest friend and place my burdens upon her?

~James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Paul exhorts me to count it all joy if I go through various trials. The Greek work for temptation here means (prove, trial). Each trial that I go through has a direct affect on my spiritual growth, or it should. It is like a boomerang. My faith in action, as I experience this trial, will come back to me in the form of patience. I will be able to accept future trials without fear but with calm assurance because the Lord has seen me through them!  Our faith is like a muscle in need of exercise.  The more it is exercised, the easier it becomes.

~Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

I now have a calm assurance as I begin a trial – it is a direct product of the hope that is within me toward my God who has never let me down in previous trials. Again, each trial has produced within me an assurance that God would not leave me alone during those trials.

~James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James encourages me to continue and endure during these trials. There is a wonderful promise that awaits me when I meet my Heavenly Father! I will receive that crown of life. All of it will be worth it all when we stand before our Lord and Saviour and trials will be no more! Amen?

Some of us have ongoing trials, whether it is our health or finances, etc. But knowing that each situation does not catch God by surprise brings me much comfort. He knows my weaknesses and capabilities, He knows how much I can withstand. He loves me and will never give me more than I can handle. To do otherwise would be the actions of a cruel Father, which He is not. Yes, the Father may allow the trial for my benefit, but He will not allow more into that trial than I can possibly handle.  What a blessing – what comfort – what love!

~1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Do you think the Psalmist knew anything about trials? Absolutely! Yet, he could still sing Psalm 33! He rejoiced and glorified his Heavenly Father despite what was happening in his life.

So whether my trial is due to sin in my life (for which I have repented) or a trying of my faith, let my lips rejoice because my Father loves me and He does not sleep!  God’s faithfulness should have me screaming from the mountain top!

To God be the Glory!!!

If the Lord fails me at this time, it will be the first time. – George Muller

Reflections in Psalms – Day 19 – Well Pleased

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Psalm 51

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

What a blessing to be in this Psalm this morning! As I was studying what would be well pleasing to God, Psalm 51 just opened up with exactly that! I so want the Lord to be pleased with what I have done for Him! Just what does please Him?

~Isaiah 42:21 The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.

God is well pleased with righteousness!! His Word is righteous – His name is righteous – all that He has said and done is righteous!

~Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

God is well pleased with His Son. Christ’s sacrifice for us was a selfless act of love, mercy and grace.

~Matthew 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

Again, God is well pleased with Christ. Not only does God love Israel but He loves the Gentile as well!

~Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Once more, God demonstrates how pleased He is in His Son. He ends His statement with, “hear ye him.”

~2 Peter 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The Father honoured and glorified Christ because He was pleased with Him. Christ gave up everything to come to earth with nothing so that we could have salvation!

The first five refer to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Only God’s grace can provide a perfect salvation through His Son that is pleasing.

This sixth verse does not deal with Christ but with what man can do to be pleasing to God.

~Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The number six is man’s number in Bible numbers.  How appropriate :-) The only thing after receiving God’s grace that man can do to be pleasing to God is to do good and to communicate to others what God has done in the first five of our verses!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 18 – Changes

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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.

The seasons of my life are a beautiful lesson on spiritual growth. Fall is especially a pensive season with all of the colorful variations of changing trees. Today’s picture, taken in Northern Maine by my dearest friend, paints a beautiful depiction of the spiritual condition of our world.

Still mostly green, those trees represent the lost world. They are at the “prime” of their spiritually lost condition and waiting for something different. The colorful leaves are still a minority amongst the green. True Christianity is most certainly a minority in our lost world.  There are so many false religions that have led many astray.  I also see people who claim the title but their lives haven’t changed at all. They have been deceived by false doctrine and led astray.

The Word says that when one professes salvation, his life will change. If there is no change, nor a desire to change, there’s your proof.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Even amongst the changed leaves in the colorful Fall foliage, I see different shades – some colors are dull, some are vibrant. What a beautiful depiction of spiritual growth!  I’m led to ask myself, “Have the seasons in my Christian walk produced brilliant colors or dull ones”?  What does my walk have to show for those colors? Are my leaves vibrant with color for Christ or are they dull due to a lack of yielding msyelf to Him? What have I done for Christ after my salvation?

~Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

As I deny the world’s temptations and ungodliness, I am reminded that I should replace those temptations with action:  live (1) soberly, (2) righteously, and (3) godly.

So where am I in the Fall colors of my life… right now? Am I more colorful than last year? Are my colors more vibrant?  Or have I become dulled by sin?

~2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

As I study and read His Word, and apply it to my life, it will produce change. Application produces life-changing results! This is yielding to the Holy Spirit’s teachings! After all, He wrote the Scriptures and desires to teach me in all things.

~John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

When I yield myself to the Lord as He teaches me, I become more sanctified – more set apart for His use.  Yielding myself means that I have read His word, understood what He was trying to teach me, and applied it to my life by doing!

~2 Chronicles 30:8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

My spiritual colors become more vibrant as I submit to Him. As I renew myself daily in the Word, separating myself from the world, I will be able to recognize what is of the world and what is God’s will for me.

~Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

What are my colors like today?  Are they lost amongst the green leaves, the world?  Or do they “pop” out and show up amongst the green?  May they be a vibrant picture for You to look at, dear God!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 17 – Storms

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Psalm 29

A Psalm of David.
1 Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. 7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. 10 The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever. 11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

There are days when I am overwhelmed by life’s storms. Each day flows into the next and I find no reprieve from the trial at hand. Today’s Psalm is such an encouragement to my heart because no matter how tumultuous my storm is, the Creator of all is right there beside me helping me to endure and overcome!

No matter what the trial, my spirit is lifted up when I begin to praise Him! David said that his Lord and Saviour was powerful and full of majesty! This is my Lord and Saviour! This is my Creator, my Shepherd, my God! The all powerful, the Almighty is also the One who has promised to never leave me or forsake me!

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

My God is not a man that He should forget about me and abandon me. When the Lord says that He will never leave me or forsake me, He means just that. I am His child now that I am born again. That means that I hold a special position with Him. His precious Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life so that I could have this position! It was a huge price to pay for my salvation. Therefore, I need to encourage myself in the Lord and know that no matter what I am going through, He will be there to help me through this storm.

~Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

As I meditate on today’s Psalm, my heart is overwhelmed by God’s power and might. I may feel small and insignificant, but I feel blessed that this same God loves me personally and will lift me up as I walk through this storm! Oh that He finds me praising His name through it all!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 16 – Find Me

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Psalm 105:1-5

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. 3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. 4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. 5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

I discovered that this Psalm is one of the Hallelujah Psalms. Toward the end of David’s life, more and more of his psalms praised the Lord. Did you know that the word hallelujah is the same word in every language? We may all have a different tongue but we can all sing hallelujah together! Amen?

I absolutely love this particular Psalm. Just in the first five verses, the Lord has taught me much! He has taught me how to worship and praise Him.

  • Give thanks – ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
  • Call upon His name – ~Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
  • Make known His deeds – ~Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
  • Sing unto Him – ~Isaiah 12:5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
  • Talk of His wondrous works – ~Job 37:14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
  • Glory in His name – ~1 Chronicles 16:10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
  • Rejoice – ~Psalms 70:4-5 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. 5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying.
  • Seek the Lord, His strength and His face – ~1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.
    1 Chron 16:11
  • Remember Remember Remember – Where do I find all my material to do the above? David says to “remember, remember, remember”!

    Remember His marvellous works, His wonders and the judgments of His mouth. Three things perfectly outline what I can meditate on so I do not forget.The Old Testament is a beautiful history book filled with wonderful and marvellous works that God has done for His chosen people. I think of the 10 plagues – the parting of the Red Sea – the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. My goodness, each of these accounts are packed with history, teaching and examples for me. And this is only three accounts!

    I must also remember His wonders. Just looking at His creation speaks volumes to me. I gaze into the night sky and feel very very small in comparison to the countless stars above me. Then I observe the inner ear and its intricate tiny structure! How amazing! I can go to the sidewinder snake and see how God provides its favorite food, the gecko. The gecko is much too fast for the snake so the snake buries himself in the desert sand and leaves only the tip of its tail sticking out. This attracts ants looking for grass. As the ants explore, the gecko shows up looking for his favorite food, the ant. Now the sidewinder snake gets his favorite meal at the hand of the Lord! There are countless other wonders, too many to document, but they are there for me to glean from and this prepares my heart for worship.

    Lastly, remember the spoken words of God. God spoke these words and they are penned in His Bible. We are without excuse as we have exactly what we need for every area of our lives given to us by a perfect God. His salvation is clearly outlined from the first pages of Genesis all the way to the last pages of Revelation. His mercy is great. His compassion fails not. He is the Mighty King and Lord of Lords!

    These three areas give us all that we need to worship and praise our Heavenly Father!

All we must do to start is to seek Him. He will take care of the rest! Praise Your Holy Name!

~Jeremiah 29:11-14a For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord:

Reflections in Psalms – Day 15 – Distress

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Psalm 18

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,
1 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. 5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. 10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. 13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. 15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. 16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. 19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. 20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 22 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. 23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. 24 Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. 25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; 26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. 27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. 28 For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. 29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. 30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. 31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? 32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. 33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. 34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. 35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. 36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. 37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. 38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. 39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. 40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. 41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not. 42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. 43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. 44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. 45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places. 46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. 47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. 48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. 49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. 50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

This particular Psalm can also be found in 2 Samuel 22. David had a way with words when he was praising the Lord for victories in his life, didn’t he? Today’s text was used by God’s people after He delivered them out of their trials, after battles and after illnesses. I imagine David writing this and thinking about his encounter with Goliath. This giant must have been frightening to David but yet he knew that his God would be with him.

I have faced some giants in my life – no, not actual people but extreme situations where I felt as though there was no solution and no hope! The best place to turn to is the Lord. He has all the answers and He has all the power to heal a broken heart. He can take an almost impossible situation and turn it around. I am His child and He desires to help me through all of my difficulties.

I once heard a story that puts this all into perspective. As a father walks beside his child, the child stumbles, falls and scrapes his knee. The father was right there but the child scraped his knee anyway. The father was not the cause of the child’s fall nor could he prevent it. However, the father picked up the child, comforted him, dried his tears and cleaned his wounds. So does our Heavenly Father!

~Psalm 18:19 :He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

My Father delights in me and is right there walking in the midst of each of my trials. No matter what I am going through, He has permitted it for a reason. Yes, He could prevent some of these trials from happening to me, but He doesn’t for a reason. It could be that I have sinned and I am being chastised. It could be that there is person that I am to help because I have been through this trial. Whatever the reason, He doesn’t leave me to go through it alone. Not at all!

~Psalm 23:4a Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer but we had not heard what stage he was in yet, I felt as though I was walking in that valley of the shadow of death. Granted it was not I who had the cancer but my beloved and I are one and it felt as though it was happening to me. The peace which the Lord placed in my heart at that moment was beyond words! I knew that no matter what happened, He was walking beside me.

Many a time I have marveled at the way a trial has ended knowing there could be no other explanation but the Lord’s intervention! I, too, can sing as David sang and give thanks to the Lord and sing praises unto His name!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 14 – Blessings

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Psalm 103

A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

Why is the Psalmist blessing the Lord in this Psalm? This beautiful song is filled with encouragement! As I read on, I see the list of blessings which the Lord has given to him. Each of these blessings applies to me as well. I thought it would make a great check list for my readers. I’ve listed the blessings below – just write down your own thoughts next to each one and how the benefit applies to you personally.

  1. Forgave my iniquities
  2. Healed my diseases
  3. Redeemed my life
  4. Crowned me with lovingkindness and tender mercies
  5. Satisfied my mouth with good things
  6. Executes righteousness and judgment
  7. Is merciful and gracious
  8. Is slow to anger
  9. Is plenteous in mercy
  10. He won’t stay angry forever
  11. He has not dealt with me according to my sins
  12. He has not rewarded me according to my sins
  13. His mercy toward me is as high as Heaven
  14. He has removed my sins from me as far as the east is from the west
  15. He pities me
  16. His mercy is everlasting
  17. He has prepared His throne in Heaven and His kingdom rules over all

Is it any wonder that the Psalmist is blessing the Lord? He started the Psalm blessing the Lord and ends it in the same manner! Should I not be doing exactly the same thing after reading all these blessings and how they are applied to me personally? Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Reflections in Psalms – Day 13 – Always There

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Psalm 14

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord. 5 There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. 6 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge. 7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

David’s motivation behind writing this Psalm was a sad and desperate one, to say the least! His son, Absalom, was chasing him and David had to flee from Jerusalem. This had to be one of David’s darkest moments, I would say. After all, his own flesh and blood was out to kill him. What a price David paid for his sin with Bathsheba! The repercussions of sin goes further than anyone can possibly foresee. It wasn’t enough that David lost the baby that was conceived in his adulterous act with Bathsheba. No, it went further than that. David brought death into his household the minute he plotted to have Uriah killed. Death followed him throughout his life despite his repentance. Oh how careful we must be!!

As I meditate on this Psalm today, I see a God that never left David’s side nor did He forsake David. David knew this. In Psalm 13 we saw how David started out in despair but ended his Psalm praising and singing to the Lord. This same God who saw David through the darkest hours of his life is the same God that is right there with me!

~Hebrews 13:5b I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

That’s a promise to me!! I have read that this phrase in Greek has five negatives. However, when it was translated into English, there were double negatives so they were removed because it is bad grammar. If I was to translate the verse verbatim, it would sound like “I will not never leave thee, nor not never forsake thee.” I love the double negatives because they are so much more emphatic!  Can you see someone adamantly pounding his fist on the table as he says, “I will NOT (pounding fist) … NEVER (pounding fist) leave thee, nor NOT (pounding fist) … NEVER (pounding fist) forsake thee!???  Wow, that sure does pack a punch (no pun intended), doesn’t it?

On a side note, there are other such instances, for example, the term “Verily, verily” which can be like saying today, “I’m serious, I’m serious” Another double type of emphasis and very emphatic. In fact, there are 24 occurrences of “Verily, verily” recorded in the King James Bible and all of them are in the Book of John! I’m merely speculating here but I find it interesting that there were 24 of these statements in John. John’s Gospel is known to be the clearest depiction of salvation spoken by Jesus Christ, Himself. Many have begun a trek trying to disprove the Bible and have reached John’s Gospel only to have been saved as a result. The number 24 can be found in Revelation 4:4 and 4:10. There were 24 elders who bowed down and worshipped our Lord and Saviour. It is said that these are representative of the 12 Tribes of Israel under the Old Covenant and the 12 Apostles under the New Covenant. Both combined, 24, are worshipping the Saviour. Twenty four times “Verily, verily” is found in John in the best possible depiction of salvation spoken by the Saviour Himself. How perfect is that? How much more could Christ emphasize the need for His redemption to both Jew and Gentile? I don’t know if I’m even close to being right on this – I just think it’s neat how these numbers just keep popping up :-)

So back to today’s text. The same God who was so concerned about David is concerned about you and me. He won’t leave us nor will He forsake us. No matter how dark the circumstances may be, He is there!

~Matthew 28:20b …and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.