Let It Be Settled

He is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. Psalm 112:7b (TLB)

Is the question of God  being on your side settled in your mind?

Amongst all the turmoil that you have experienced or are experiencing in your life,  are you convinced that God will carry you through it?

Through the crooks, turns, valleys, caves, and rough terrain are you convinced that indeed the Father has a  plan for you life?

As I came across Psalm 112:7, those are the questions I’m asking myself. It’s easy to give off the expected answer of yes. But does my actions, my moods, my speech line up with that confession is the real question.

Got You Covered

I have never been to Jerusalem but I have seen mountains. They are massive and I pale in comparison to them. Same way with my God. He is bigger than me, can see farther than me, and He sits higher than me. 

I like The Message translation as well

Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
and God encircles his people—
always has and always will.

Happy Word-filled Wednesday!

And thanks so much for your prayers for my sister, she is doing better but still in the hospital.

Value in the Valley

© Copyright Keith Havercroft and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons License

Several years ago I read a book by Iyanla Vanzant entitled The Value in the Valley. Couldn’t put my hands on the book today but as I thought about today’s letter V valley was one of the words that stuck out in my mind.

We all have had experiences of walking along various valleys in our life. Some times our stay in the valley extends much longer than we would naturally volunteer to abide. But even the low, depressed places of life have significant value. However, I am not always able to see that at first glance but when I change my view and remember that I am always in God’s omniscient view.

Some of the most profound, life-changing revelations I received have been in the midst of the dark valley. It was in the valley that I caught new glimpses of God.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NLT

I am…

How would you finish that statement today? Would it be tired, weary, confused, scared or disappointed? Go away ahead and answer it honestly. It’s just between you and the Father and no matter if your I am statement is positive or negative, He’s not intimidated by your I am(s).

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is Him. Psalms 62:5 (NLT)

If I am weary

       am confused

       am sick

       am hurt

       am disappointed

I will not attempt to hide it but will bring it before Him.

Even if I am scornful

                 am lustful

                 am prideful

                 am bound

That too will I bring to Him.  Yes, it will wait with me. Why?  Because He is our only hope for true strength, peace, healing, deliverance or lasting change.

Do It Again

1 It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles. 2 We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations - "God was wonderful to them!" 3 God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. 4 And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives 5 So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, 6 So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. Psalms 126: 1-6 (The Message)

 

Have you ever had God do something so beyond your natural logic that it seemed like a dream? He moved you from a place of confinement or captivity into a place of a laughter, singing, and celebration.

 

But what do you do when you find yourself in another dry, forlorn place? Do you settle in at that place believing all hope has been lost? In those drought stricken, see nothing of God days, there has been times that I walked around in the normal day to day activities of life in despair. I went about the business of living with a heavy heart beneath the shrouds of consistency. Yep I showed up for work, attended church services, and maintained family responsibilities. Everything the same on the outside but inside bearing weighted sorrow.

 

What is it that brings one out of the dark abyss of hopelessness? Could it be the act of remembering? As I reflect on this scripture this morning, the value in remembering stands out to me. The psalmist takes a moment to reflect back on a former time when God had shown up and turned their situation around. Now having a fresh mental image of God’s goodness and faithfulness in times past, he has the courage to believe and ask God to do a repeat performance.  In essence he requests an encore from God.

 

Are you prepared for encore performance? Do you believe He is able to do it again? No, the situation you are faced with now does not have to look the same as the previous one. The fact remains that He did show up and bring an end to some things. He brought changes and even when the situation didn’t change, He changed you.

 

Wanda

Eyes on Him

 

        My eyes strain to see your rescue,

              to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.

                                                          Psalms 119:123 (NLT)

 

Despite what things may look like all around you, be determined to keep your eyes upon the Savior. Let looking unto Him be your aim. For those that hope in Him will not be disappointed.

 

 

Any time is a good time

In my distress, I prayed to the Lord,

  and the Lord answered me and

          set me free.  Psalms 118:5

Thank you Lord that I don’t have to wait till I’m in the perfect frame of mind. But you’re available to commune with at any time despite my condition.

        In frustration I can come.

        In joy I can come.

        In despair I can come.

        In pain I can come.

        In sickness I can come.

        In love I can come.

        In hopelessness I can come.

        In sorrow I can come.

You don’t ignore me. You are not too busy. Even with all the others calling upon your name, you have time to hear my cry.  You don’t leave me like I came but you set my mind free. You make an exchange with me so that I come out better, lighter, freer. Who but you Oh Lord, can set my soul free? Who can break the chains of oppression? There is none but you Lord!

 

Psalms {Life Change Series}

Could David have been the first blogger?

It's GREAT that we have David's words to read... he experienced and wrote about so many different feelings that we experience. Hey, now that I think about it, David was like the first blogger, wasn't he?!

 Michelle made this comment to a post I wrote on Psalms 142:4-5.

I never had thought about him in that way. He might not have been a blogger in today’s sense of the word but He certainly had a good rapport with God. A myriad of emotions are freely expressed throughout the book of Psalms.

In the latest edition of the LifeChange series Bible studies, the Navigators takes readers on a journey of prayer through the book of Psalms. Not just prayers of praise and worship but it also includes prayers of intercession and supplication, renewal and restoration, vindication and forgiveness among several others. The study contains 10 lessons that are designed to be used as a group study but can be done individually as well.

Each lesson contains a lesson objective, desired action, Psalms for the lesson, and study questions. Participants are encouraged to delve deeper into the lesson’s theme through the use of additional application activities and further study assignments.

What I like about the study:

• It’s not just a read the scripture and fill in the blank study. Questions are designed for you to study the scripture and discover for oneself how it applies to their lives.
• Perfect size to carry along with you.
• Provides a listing of additional study aides
• Includes a basic group leader’s guide for each lesson

One thing to note is that the study does not proceed through the book of Psalms by chapters but based upon themes. Each lesson discusses several Psalms passages. It’s simple design and layout provides little visual appeal but offers a good starter map for anyone wanting a fresh view of Psalms.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Victory Through Him

Psalm 62

For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ I wait quietly before God,
      for my victory comes from him.
² He alone is my rock and my salvation,
      my fortress where I will never be shaken.

³ So many enemies against one man—
      all of them trying to kill me.
   To them I’m just a broken-down wall
      or a tottering fence.
⁴ They plan to topple me from my high position.
      They delight in telling lies about me.
   They praise me to my face
      but curse me in their hearts.
Interlude

⁵ Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
      for my hope is in him.
⁶ He alone is my rock and my salvation,
      my fortress where I will not be shaken.
⁷ My victory and honor come from God alone.
      He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
⁸ O my people, trust in him at all times.
      Pour out your heart to him,
      for God is our refuge.
Interlude

⁹ Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,
      and the powerful are not what they appear to be.
   If you weigh them on the scales,
      together they are lighter than a breath of air.

¹⁰ Don’t make your living by extortion
      or put your hope in stealing.
   And if your wealth increases,
      don’t make it the center of your life.

¹¹ God has spoken plainly,
      and I have heard it many times:
   Power, O God, belongs to you;
¹² unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
   Surely you repay all people
      according to what they have done.

source: Bible Gateway

This psalm was a part of my Bible reading this morning. As I read it, I was reminded of the beautiful, praise-stirring prayer of VICTORY by MJT I read on yesterday.  Like David, I have those times when it seems there is so much against me. It looks to others and sometimes EVEN to me that this time I’m not going to make it out.  But this psalm and his prayer reminds me that victory IS my predetermined end. Not because there’s anything so great or good about me or what I can do but because who God is and what He already established for my life. I’m so grateful that God was so wise and mindful to leave written records such as this psalm that I can read and reflect upon in times of adversity. Or He causes my path to cross with another one of His children that speaks or writes a word that refuels my hope and confidence in God.

Nobody Likes Me

Nobody likes me, everybody hates me. Think I’ll go eat worms!
Those are the lines of a children’s nursery rhyme or song my younger sister would sing when she wasn’t getting her way or she felt like she was being left out. The other day I was reading a passage in Psalm where David was expressing  similar sentiments.

I look for someone to come and help me but no one gives me a  passing thought!

No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.

Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say,  You are my place of refuge.

You are all I really want in life.

Psalm 142:4-5

There has been times I’ve felt alone and it’s comforting to know that even King David, a man after God’s own heart found himself in the same position. Live long enough and you’re bound to find yourself disappointed by another human.  (Not to mention how we disappoint others) Somebody, some where didn’t show up at some time or in some way you expected but there is One who is always available.

You’re never alone or without help!

Hide & Seek

Photo by SashaW

No point in HIDING from a God that knows how to SEEK you out, SURRENDER instead.

Psalm 139: 7-8 Where can I go to get away from your Spirit? Where can I run from you? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the grave, you are there. (NCV)

Thanks be unto you Lord for finding me when I didn't even realize I was lost.