Proverbs 12 holds quite a few juicy morsels about how to have successful relationships, and one of the most important topics is words. Verse 18 says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." It's the old saying that you can't take back words that you've said. And many times, we don't have malice in our hearts when we say something, but it is actually hurtful. Speaking thoughtlessly, without considering your words before you speak them is very dangerous. Verse 25 says, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Several of you wrote e-mails to me yesterday to cheer me up. I've been "weighed down" by several things recently, and you honored God by reaching out to me. Thank you. This heart ain't so anxious today!
Now what about when someone says something mean or thoughtless to you? This is a tought one, guys, but verse 16 says, "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." As one of my friends' pastors says, either say "amen" or say "ouch." When someone cuts you off on the highway, what is your first, immediate response? Yeah, I know. Honesty, even with yourself, can hurt. I am not the most peaceful person when it comes to reacting to others on the road. I'm better than I used to be, but it's not an area I've yet mastered. Verse 20b may help. It says, "There is...joy for those who promote peace." If I have pursuing joy in my life, I must promote peace. And that means weeding out even bad feelings in my heart. Just keeping your mouth shut isn't enough as a child of God.
A few other verses I found interesting...
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." (Prov. 12:1) Wow! Honestly, how many of us likes to be corrected? But if we hate it and rebel against correction, then we are stupid. It really makes sense when you think about it. If you are wrong, why would you want to remain being wrong?
"Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food." (Prov. 12:9) Our society encourages us to "keep up with the Joneses." Often this effort leads to financial ruin and can ultimately dissolve relationships. So, it's better to know your financial situation and live within your means than to present the facade of having tons of money and end up with nothing on which to survive.
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown." (Prov. 12:4a) My husband's first name means "crowned one," and I have teased him that without me, his name is meaningless! Seriously, though, we are to respect our spouses, and one of the ways to do that is through your own behavior in all areas of life. What others see of you is a reflection on your spouse.
May these little pearls of Scripture bless you today.
About Me
- Sunshine
- Learning to face life with a smile...and occasional hysterical laughter.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Keep Trusting
In the past few days I've been struggling with frustration in a few situations. Proverbs 11 contains some nuggets of wisdom that have given me renewed hope. Here are some highlights:
"The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them." (Prov. 11:5a) Life is full of confusion. But if you are following God's ways, life is less confusing and can sometimes be seen with complete clarity.
"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure." (Prov. 11:14) Makes sense for decisionmaking on a national level, but this verse also serves as a reminder to us everyday folk that we need to be very careful from whom we solicit advice.
"[H]e who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward." (Prov. 11:18b) The origin of my first name means "reaper," so I have always liked Galatians 6:7, which says, "A man reaps what he sows." And lately I haven't felt like I've been reaping much despite my efforts, but I will trust in God's faithfulness and timing to give me what I need when it is the right time.
"Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free." (Prov. 11:21) Whew, thank goodness! Injustices run rampant in our world, so it is wise to trust God that it will all "come out in the wash" in the end.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (Prov. 11:25) I have found that when I am feeling sorry for myself, the best remedy is to do something kind for someone else. Try it.
I pray these short sayings will be a blessing to you today.
"The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them." (Prov. 11:5a) Life is full of confusion. But if you are following God's ways, life is less confusing and can sometimes be seen with complete clarity.
"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure." (Prov. 11:14) Makes sense for decisionmaking on a national level, but this verse also serves as a reminder to us everyday folk that we need to be very careful from whom we solicit advice.
"[H]e who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward." (Prov. 11:18b) The origin of my first name means "reaper," so I have always liked Galatians 6:7, which says, "A man reaps what he sows." And lately I haven't felt like I've been reaping much despite my efforts, but I will trust in God's faithfulness and timing to give me what I need when it is the right time.
"Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free." (Prov. 11:21) Whew, thank goodness! Injustices run rampant in our world, so it is wise to trust God that it will all "come out in the wash" in the end.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (Prov. 11:25) I have found that when I am feeling sorry for myself, the best remedy is to do something kind for someone else. Try it.
I pray these short sayings will be a blessing to you today.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Wisdom Vs. Foolishness
Proverbs 10 is comprised of 32 verses, most of them a comparison between wisdom and foolishness, 0r the righteous and the wicked. I'll list a few that stood out when I read the chapter.
"A wise son bring joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." (Prov. 10:1) Although a selfish reason, that's a reason to invest in the upbringing of one's child. If you want joy in your life, you'd better pay attention to your kids. I know sometimes even attention, love, and discipline does not prevent a child from becoming foolish. But this verse can serve as a warning to parents of how vital it is to make their children's character development a priority. And if you're feeling sorry for yourself today but have amazing kids, take comfort in that blessing today.
"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs." (Prov. 10:12) I think this is my favorite verse in this chapter. It can apply to our human relationships as well as God's relationship with us. Hatred is not easily concealed. And where there is hatred, there is not peace. But when you love someone, in spite of their flaws, peace can grow. You may not love their actions, but didn't God love us even when we were sinners, before we accepted Him? And He will continue to love us, no matter what.
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." (Prov. 10:19) Not much to say about that, is there? Sometimes you just need to keep your mouth shut.
"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." (Prov. 10:25) Storms will come to believers. We live in a fallen world, so bad things will happen. But if the roots of your faith are deep, you will stand no matter what evil does.
"The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing." (Prov. 10:28) When your desires are to follow God and receive the blessings of his peace, comfort, and joy, you will receive them.
"A wise son bring joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." (Prov. 10:1) Although a selfish reason, that's a reason to invest in the upbringing of one's child. If you want joy in your life, you'd better pay attention to your kids. I know sometimes even attention, love, and discipline does not prevent a child from becoming foolish. But this verse can serve as a warning to parents of how vital it is to make their children's character development a priority. And if you're feeling sorry for yourself today but have amazing kids, take comfort in that blessing today.
"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs." (Prov. 10:12) I think this is my favorite verse in this chapter. It can apply to our human relationships as well as God's relationship with us. Hatred is not easily concealed. And where there is hatred, there is not peace. But when you love someone, in spite of their flaws, peace can grow. You may not love their actions, but didn't God love us even when we were sinners, before we accepted Him? And He will continue to love us, no matter what.
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." (Prov. 10:19) Not much to say about that, is there? Sometimes you just need to keep your mouth shut.
"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." (Prov. 10:25) Storms will come to believers. We live in a fallen world, so bad things will happen. But if the roots of your faith are deep, you will stand no matter what evil does.
"The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing." (Prov. 10:28) When your desires are to follow God and receive the blessings of his peace, comfort, and joy, you will receive them.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Like an Ox to the Slaughter
If one doesn't get it Proverbs 5, maybe Proverbs 7 will convince a reader to think twice before entering into a relationship with someone not his or her spouse. Remember in chapter 5, Solomon said not to even go near the house of another. In other words, do not put yourself in a compromising position.
In chapter 7, Solomon paints the picture of a young man who goes to the house of a woman. It is twilight, and darkness was coming. Interesting imagery, eh? He was not walking in the light of wisdom. The woman tells him that her husband is gone and won't be back till the full moon. What idiots. How many TV shows or movies have included a scene in which the absent spouse comes home early? And furthermore, how can one be so stupid to think no one will ever know. The Big Guy in the sky knows, and He's the only one that matters. For this and so many other reasons, we need to guard our hearts and our minds so that Satan cannot even get a foot in the door.
Listen to what Solomon says about adultery:
"[The young man] followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life...Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death" (Prov. 7:22-23, 26-27).
We have heard and experienced so many stories of marriages and families broken by violations of marital vows. The effects on the spouses (both spouses) and the children are detrimental and longlasting. Protecting one's marriage from violations, whether they are with flesh and blood or through cyberspace (tonight there will be a feature on Christianity and pornography on World News Tonight), is imperative and requires action. So do what you need to do.
As I discovered this morning that Solomon was writing about adultery again, I began to wonder about this man that had numerous wives and more concubines. Who is he to write about the dangers of adultery, I thought with annoyance. Then I remembered that he also wrote Song of Solomon. Scholars have theorized that he really loved only one woman. Hmmmm. Could it be that Solomon could write about adultery because he had experienced himself the pain of disloyalty to one's love? I also remembered that Solomon was the second son of David and Bathsheba. Their first son was conceived in an act of adultery and died as a baby. Could Solomon be passing on these words about adultery because his father, David, warned him about the dangers of it? Sounds likely. The lessons of the Bible seem so much more significant when one realizes that these things happened to real people.
Guard your hearts, my friends, and be proactive about protecting your relationships.
In chapter 7, Solomon paints the picture of a young man who goes to the house of a woman. It is twilight, and darkness was coming. Interesting imagery, eh? He was not walking in the light of wisdom. The woman tells him that her husband is gone and won't be back till the full moon. What idiots. How many TV shows or movies have included a scene in which the absent spouse comes home early? And furthermore, how can one be so stupid to think no one will ever know. The Big Guy in the sky knows, and He's the only one that matters. For this and so many other reasons, we need to guard our hearts and our minds so that Satan cannot even get a foot in the door.
Listen to what Solomon says about adultery:
"[The young man] followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life...Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death" (Prov. 7:22-23, 26-27).
We have heard and experienced so many stories of marriages and families broken by violations of marital vows. The effects on the spouses (both spouses) and the children are detrimental and longlasting. Protecting one's marriage from violations, whether they are with flesh and blood or through cyberspace (tonight there will be a feature on Christianity and pornography on World News Tonight), is imperative and requires action. So do what you need to do.
As I discovered this morning that Solomon was writing about adultery again, I began to wonder about this man that had numerous wives and more concubines. Who is he to write about the dangers of adultery, I thought with annoyance. Then I remembered that he also wrote Song of Solomon. Scholars have theorized that he really loved only one woman. Hmmmm. Could it be that Solomon could write about adultery because he had experienced himself the pain of disloyalty to one's love? I also remembered that Solomon was the second son of David and Bathsheba. Their first son was conceived in an act of adultery and died as a baby. Could Solomon be passing on these words about adultery because his father, David, warned him about the dangers of it? Sounds likely. The lessons of the Bible seem so much more significant when one realizes that these things happened to real people.
Guard your hearts, my friends, and be proactive about protecting your relationships.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Ouch
Again and again I am amazed at how words that were written thousands of years ago in another culture can apply so easily to our lives today. Proverbs 6 contains several bits of wisdom that may inflict a bit of painful conviction when read.
One of the main concerns of a typical American is money. Money is a necessary evil, I like to say. We need it to pay for our housing, clothing, food, and other things that are basic needs. Unfortunately, many of us spend money as if we will never run out of it. There are 2,350 verses about money in the Bible (Crown Financial Ministries, 2003). Clearly, God thinks it is important how we view and deal with money. Solomon addresses the danger of laziness, but I think we can read the following passage in the context of being lazy about managing our finances. "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest...A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man" (Prov. 6:6-8, 10-11). Nothing is certain, so God wants us to be prepared financially. We must also be realistic and honest with ourselves about preparing for retirement. Solomon uses the example of the ant to show that even this little creature knows that winter is coming, so it prepares for it. Proverbs offers more advice on money management in later chapters, so I'll save those for later.
Verses 16 through 19 list seven things that are "detestable" to God. They are "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." It would be easy to read this passage and think, "That's right! That person at work did that to me. That neighbor of mine is that way!" As Joyce Meyer would say, "Come on now!" Jesus said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Luke 6:41). And it is undeniable that Jesus does not care for hypocrisy. Have you ever thought yourself better than someone else? Those are haughty eyes. Have you ever told a lie of any sort? (I hope none of your noses are growing in length when you answer that question!) You may not have ever killed anyone (I sure hope not), but have you ever allowed someone to take the blame for something you did? Have you ever manipulated a situation for your own benefit without considering others' desires or needs? Have you ever impulsively taken the easy way out of a difficult situation even though it was wrong? Have you ever presented things in a way that was not accurate? And as for stirring up dissension, you may not always instigate disagreements (and I know we even do that sometimes), but how much do you actively do to create peace? Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons (and daughters!) of God" (Matthew 5:9). There is more to creating peace than just keeping your mouth shut. It is speaking about yourself and others with grace. None of us is perfect. None. Therefore, watch your mouth and be aware of the messages that come out of it.
Before you run off with your tail between your legs to lick your wounds (I know I feel that way), remember what Solomon's desire is in dispensing wisdom. He says, "[T]hese commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..." (Prov. 6:23). Wisdom is to bring you life, abundant life. And God knew that we were imperfect, and He loved us so much, He made a way to redeem us. Wow. Okay, I just used BibleGateway.com to look for a verse about how Christ is our righteousness. Here's what came up: "It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (I Corinthians 1:30). I didn't even know about the bit about Christ's becoming our wisdom. God uses our weaknesses to His glory. The verses before verse 30 even talk about that. Pretty neat-o! I love it when God drops things like that in my lap! It's only 8:10 in the morning, and I've been given a super gift from heaven.
My prayer is that you keep your eyes peeled, ready for God's gift (okay, there are many, so it shouldn't be too hard) for you today.
One of the main concerns of a typical American is money. Money is a necessary evil, I like to say. We need it to pay for our housing, clothing, food, and other things that are basic needs. Unfortunately, many of us spend money as if we will never run out of it. There are 2,350 verses about money in the Bible (Crown Financial Ministries, 2003). Clearly, God thinks it is important how we view and deal with money. Solomon addresses the danger of laziness, but I think we can read the following passage in the context of being lazy about managing our finances. "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest...A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man" (Prov. 6:6-8, 10-11). Nothing is certain, so God wants us to be prepared financially. We must also be realistic and honest with ourselves about preparing for retirement. Solomon uses the example of the ant to show that even this little creature knows that winter is coming, so it prepares for it. Proverbs offers more advice on money management in later chapters, so I'll save those for later.
Verses 16 through 19 list seven things that are "detestable" to God. They are "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." It would be easy to read this passage and think, "That's right! That person at work did that to me. That neighbor of mine is that way!" As Joyce Meyer would say, "Come on now!" Jesus said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Luke 6:41). And it is undeniable that Jesus does not care for hypocrisy. Have you ever thought yourself better than someone else? Those are haughty eyes. Have you ever told a lie of any sort? (I hope none of your noses are growing in length when you answer that question!) You may not have ever killed anyone (I sure hope not), but have you ever allowed someone to take the blame for something you did? Have you ever manipulated a situation for your own benefit without considering others' desires or needs? Have you ever impulsively taken the easy way out of a difficult situation even though it was wrong? Have you ever presented things in a way that was not accurate? And as for stirring up dissension, you may not always instigate disagreements (and I know we even do that sometimes), but how much do you actively do to create peace? Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons (and daughters!) of God" (Matthew 5:9). There is more to creating peace than just keeping your mouth shut. It is speaking about yourself and others with grace. None of us is perfect. None. Therefore, watch your mouth and be aware of the messages that come out of it.
Before you run off with your tail between your legs to lick your wounds (I know I feel that way), remember what Solomon's desire is in dispensing wisdom. He says, "[T]hese commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..." (Prov. 6:23). Wisdom is to bring you life, abundant life. And God knew that we were imperfect, and He loved us so much, He made a way to redeem us. Wow. Okay, I just used BibleGateway.com to look for a verse about how Christ is our righteousness. Here's what came up: "It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (I Corinthians 1:30). I didn't even know about the bit about Christ's becoming our wisdom. God uses our weaknesses to His glory. The verses before verse 30 even talk about that. Pretty neat-o! I love it when God drops things like that in my lap! It's only 8:10 in the morning, and I've been given a super gift from heaven.
My prayer is that you keep your eyes peeled, ready for God's gift (okay, there are many, so it shouldn't be too hard) for you today.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Don't Even Go There
The title in the NIV for Proverbs 5 is "Warning Against Adultery." Alrighty. Not a topic I can wax poetic about. But it's definitely something to consider when you are pursuing wisdom. Becoming intimately involved with someone who is not your spouse is not wise! Solomon spends much of the chapter talking about the repercussions of adultery. I'd like to focus on two passages that I think are the main points.
1) Just don't even go there. Don't put yourself in situations that could compromise your marital vows. I believe it was Billy Graham who has always refused to be in any room with a woman other than his wife with the door closed. I can't remember if it was also Billy Graham who ascribed to this or if I've just heard it as a suggestion, but I've also heard of a man refusing to eat dinner alone with a woman who was not his wife. In these days of extensive travel for business, making that resolution is a definite stand for one's marriage. Here's what Solomon said: "Keep to a path far from [an adulteress], do not go near the door of her house" (Prov. 5:8).
So if that's what we ought not do, what should we do? "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth...[M]ay you ever be captivated by her love" (Prov. 5:18, 19b). Do we always feel like rejoicing? No. But God calls us to rejoice and be thankful in all circumstances. All relationships need to be maintained. The other key is that we need to submit to one another. Marriages cannot be blessings when there is self-centeredness.
2) Solomon also reminds that "a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths" (Prov. 5:21). We may think that we are getting away with something, but we are fools to ever think that. God is always aware of what we are doing, thinking, and feeling. We cannot hide from God. As David said, "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me...[Y]ou perceive my thoughts from afar...Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:1, 2a, 7).
Furthermore, Solomon warns that "[t]he evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly" (Prov. 5:22-23). These words echo the earlier chapters. Wisdom gives life and even long life, whereas folly leads to withering death.
Ask God to protect and strengthen your relationships today and show you what you need to do to nurture them.
1) Just don't even go there. Don't put yourself in situations that could compromise your marital vows. I believe it was Billy Graham who has always refused to be in any room with a woman other than his wife with the door closed. I can't remember if it was also Billy Graham who ascribed to this or if I've just heard it as a suggestion, but I've also heard of a man refusing to eat dinner alone with a woman who was not his wife. In these days of extensive travel for business, making that resolution is a definite stand for one's marriage. Here's what Solomon said: "Keep to a path far from [an adulteress], do not go near the door of her house" (Prov. 5:8).
So if that's what we ought not do, what should we do? "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth...[M]ay you ever be captivated by her love" (Prov. 5:18, 19b). Do we always feel like rejoicing? No. But God calls us to rejoice and be thankful in all circumstances. All relationships need to be maintained. The other key is that we need to submit to one another. Marriages cannot be blessings when there is self-centeredness.
2) Solomon also reminds that "a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths" (Prov. 5:21). We may think that we are getting away with something, but we are fools to ever think that. God is always aware of what we are doing, thinking, and feeling. We cannot hide from God. As David said, "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me...[Y]ou perceive my thoughts from afar...Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:1, 2a, 7).
Furthermore, Solomon warns that "[t]he evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly" (Prov. 5:22-23). These words echo the earlier chapters. Wisdom gives life and even long life, whereas folly leads to withering death.
Ask God to protect and strengthen your relationships today and show you what you need to do to nurture them.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Walking in Wisdom
In Proverbs 3, we learned that the fear of God and knowledge can help us to lead long, healthy lives. This idea is presented again in Proverbs 4. However, in this chapter Solomon declares that cultivating knowledge and heeding instruction not only leads to longer life but is actually life itself. Listen to these verses.
"'[K]eep my commands and you will live'" (Prov. 4:4a).
"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life" (Prov. 4:13).
"[My words] are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body" (Prov. 4:22).
In times when you have stumbled around in your life, haven't you felt your spirit was withering? We don't feel alive in those seasons of confusion and frustration. We also feel as if we are wandering, even going around in circles. And it is dark. So what does it feel like to walk in wisdom?
"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble" (Prov. 4:11-12).
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (Prov. 4:18).
The road of wisdom is easy to walk. It does not wind in senseless circles or go down into valleys or uphill through difficult mountain passes. Do believers encounter valleys and uphill climbs? Of course! That is the way of life in our fallen world. But when you walk in God's ways, it's as if He has built bridges across the valleys and has cleared and leveled the land where there were mountains to climb. That is the work of wisdom.
So what is our responsibility? How can we seize the opportunity to take these easier roads? "'Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding'" (Prov. 4:6-7). Acquiring wisdom is a constant process. You can't decide one day to seek wisdom, then a week later, forget about it, then expect to pick up where you left off in another week. Sometimes pursuing wisdom means giving up other things to which you've been clinging. It may be control or material things or dependence on other people. Whatever it is, you may be called to relinquish those things in order to grasp the wisdom of God. In regard to seeking wisdom, James said, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). Just ask God! He wants to bless you with wisdom. When Solomon asked God for wisdom, God granted it to him.
God blessed Solomon with wealth and power in addition to wisdom. This may not happen to each of us, but not only will we be protected by wisdom, but we will be blessed by it further. "'Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor" (Prov. 4:8-9). Those blessings may not be riches, but you will be blessed.
"'[K]eep my commands and you will live'" (Prov. 4:4a).
"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life" (Prov. 4:13).
"[My words] are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body" (Prov. 4:22).
In times when you have stumbled around in your life, haven't you felt your spirit was withering? We don't feel alive in those seasons of confusion and frustration. We also feel as if we are wandering, even going around in circles. And it is dark. So what does it feel like to walk in wisdom?
"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble" (Prov. 4:11-12).
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (Prov. 4:18).
The road of wisdom is easy to walk. It does not wind in senseless circles or go down into valleys or uphill through difficult mountain passes. Do believers encounter valleys and uphill climbs? Of course! That is the way of life in our fallen world. But when you walk in God's ways, it's as if He has built bridges across the valleys and has cleared and leveled the land where there were mountains to climb. That is the work of wisdom.
So what is our responsibility? How can we seize the opportunity to take these easier roads? "'Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding'" (Prov. 4:6-7). Acquiring wisdom is a constant process. You can't decide one day to seek wisdom, then a week later, forget about it, then expect to pick up where you left off in another week. Sometimes pursuing wisdom means giving up other things to which you've been clinging. It may be control or material things or dependence on other people. Whatever it is, you may be called to relinquish those things in order to grasp the wisdom of God. In regard to seeking wisdom, James said, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). Just ask God! He wants to bless you with wisdom. When Solomon asked God for wisdom, God granted it to him.
God blessed Solomon with wealth and power in addition to wisdom. This may not happen to each of us, but not only will we be protected by wisdom, but we will be blessed by it further. "'Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor" (Prov. 4:8-9). Those blessings may not be riches, but you will be blessed.
Monday, October 03, 2005
How To Have a Long, Healthy Life
In the month of October, the members of my Bible class will be reading one chapter of Proverbs each day. So for the next month, I'll be passing along Solomon's words, which he graciously passed along from God.
Have you ever felt stressed? Ha! I know, I know. We all feel stressed, some more than others. Research has shown that stress actually speeds up the aging process. Stress is not conducive to a long and healthy life. So what's God's remedy? Proverbs 3:1-2 says, "My son (or daughter!), do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." In looking back to the first and second chapters of Proverbs, you will find that fearing the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Also, if you accept God's words, store up His commands, and ask Him for insight and understanding, "then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God" (Prov. 2:5). We humans don't naturally have the knowledge of God (duh!). But He does offer His understanding to us. He sees the big picture, whereas we cannot. But fearing Him, in other words acknowledging Him as God and not ourselves, allows us to glimpse what life may look like from His perspective. When you begin to see as God sees, everyday stresses become trivial and melt away...or you will at least find it easier to cope with them. And less stress means longer, healthier, and more joyful lives. Verses 7 and 8 add to this idea: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
Do you know anyone who is a worry wart? (Maybe it's you.) He or she is always fearful of what may happen. Solomon says, "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared" (Prov. 3:25-26). God does not want you to worry. (See also Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25-34.)
So what do you do when disaster does strike? We live in a fallen world; therefore, bad things do happen. Let's go to Job and see what he did. Satan believed that if he took all of Job's possessions, from his flocks to his children to his health, that Job would curse God. But Job never did. He certainly ranted and raved about his suffering. But Job said, "Even now my witness is in heaven, my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend" (Job 16:19-21). He also said, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:15). Job lived well before Jesus did. And Israel did not know that Jesus was the Messiah when he was born and most did not ever believe he was the Christ. Yet Job somehow had access to the knowledge of God. Hmmmm. Have you ever had a thought that you know didn't come straight out of your head? That's God. Back to how to respond in times of trials and suffering. Will those situations make sense? Much of the time, no, they won't. But if you have practiced the habit of storing up God's words in your mind and heart and have accessed some of His understanding, it will be less difficult to cope in those times. If you have been following the steps given in Proverbs 2 and 3, it is much easier to follow the oft-quoted Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
So, here's to good habits, developed by the continual study of God's word, persistent pursuit of understanding and wisdom, and the resulting experience of the knowledge of God. And you know, it is said that it takes about 30 days to develop a new habit. If you're not reading the Bible daily, try reading a chapter of Proverbs a day. It just may be the beginning of real knowledge in your life.
Have you ever felt stressed? Ha! I know, I know. We all feel stressed, some more than others. Research has shown that stress actually speeds up the aging process. Stress is not conducive to a long and healthy life. So what's God's remedy? Proverbs 3:1-2 says, "My son (or daughter!), do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." In looking back to the first and second chapters of Proverbs, you will find that fearing the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Also, if you accept God's words, store up His commands, and ask Him for insight and understanding, "then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God" (Prov. 2:5). We humans don't naturally have the knowledge of God (duh!). But He does offer His understanding to us. He sees the big picture, whereas we cannot. But fearing Him, in other words acknowledging Him as God and not ourselves, allows us to glimpse what life may look like from His perspective. When you begin to see as God sees, everyday stresses become trivial and melt away...or you will at least find it easier to cope with them. And less stress means longer, healthier, and more joyful lives. Verses 7 and 8 add to this idea: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
Do you know anyone who is a worry wart? (Maybe it's you.) He or she is always fearful of what may happen. Solomon says, "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared" (Prov. 3:25-26). God does not want you to worry. (See also Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25-34.)
So what do you do when disaster does strike? We live in a fallen world; therefore, bad things do happen. Let's go to Job and see what he did. Satan believed that if he took all of Job's possessions, from his flocks to his children to his health, that Job would curse God. But Job never did. He certainly ranted and raved about his suffering. But Job said, "Even now my witness is in heaven, my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend" (Job 16:19-21). He also said, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:15). Job lived well before Jesus did. And Israel did not know that Jesus was the Messiah when he was born and most did not ever believe he was the Christ. Yet Job somehow had access to the knowledge of God. Hmmmm. Have you ever had a thought that you know didn't come straight out of your head? That's God. Back to how to respond in times of trials and suffering. Will those situations make sense? Much of the time, no, they won't. But if you have practiced the habit of storing up God's words in your mind and heart and have accessed some of His understanding, it will be less difficult to cope in those times. If you have been following the steps given in Proverbs 2 and 3, it is much easier to follow the oft-quoted Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
So, here's to good habits, developed by the continual study of God's word, persistent pursuit of understanding and wisdom, and the resulting experience of the knowledge of God. And you know, it is said that it takes about 30 days to develop a new habit. If you're not reading the Bible daily, try reading a chapter of Proverbs a day. It just may be the beginning of real knowledge in your life.
Friday, September 30, 2005
All Have Fallen Short
"LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken" (Psalm 15).
Okay, this passage makes me laugh. Who can live with God? Oh, you know, those who are blameless...yeah, right! We can try to be good, but we can never, never be perfect. We are selfish, jealous, greedy, miserly, malicious, and broken. So, that means none of us can live with God...without Christ. This is what I love about God. He has high standards. (Perfection is a pretty high standard, isn't it?) He is holy and cannot be contaminated by contact with anything or anyone that is sinful. But He is also loving, the ultimate lover, love itself. And He loved us so much, that He cast all the world's sin on His son for our sakes.
As straightforward as David is in Psalm 15 about what is expected of God's people, Paul is just as straightforward as he explains about this provision for all of us. "But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law (being perfect), has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:21-24).
When we truly realize that we are all in need of God's mercy (not getting what we deserve) and grace (getting what we didn't deserve), we ought to become more sympathetic and understanding of each other's flaws. Wasn't God patient and forgiving toward you? We ought to respond in kind to one another.
Okay, this passage makes me laugh. Who can live with God? Oh, you know, those who are blameless...yeah, right! We can try to be good, but we can never, never be perfect. We are selfish, jealous, greedy, miserly, malicious, and broken. So, that means none of us can live with God...without Christ. This is what I love about God. He has high standards. (Perfection is a pretty high standard, isn't it?) He is holy and cannot be contaminated by contact with anything or anyone that is sinful. But He is also loving, the ultimate lover, love itself. And He loved us so much, that He cast all the world's sin on His son for our sakes.
As straightforward as David is in Psalm 15 about what is expected of God's people, Paul is just as straightforward as he explains about this provision for all of us. "But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law (being perfect), has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:21-24).
When we truly realize that we are all in need of God's mercy (not getting what we deserve) and grace (getting what we didn't deserve), we ought to become more sympathetic and understanding of each other's flaws. Wasn't God patient and forgiving toward you? We ought to respond in kind to one another.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Where To Put Your Trust
This morning I read Psalm 14, and it's good, but it just didn't say much to me today. I am a creature of habit, and since God knows that about me (He made me, didn't He?), I think He sometimes nudges me to get out of my routine. So I flipped back over to Isaiah and read chapter 8.
God says that war will come to Judah and Israel in the form of the king of Assyria (Is. 8:6-8). Isaiah responds by saying, "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us" (Ps. 8:10). The plans of humankind may seem infallible, but they are not. A project may be worked on for decades, but they don't always succeed. As Robert Burns said, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."
The last phrase in verse 10, in the original Hebrew, is my favorite word that is used to describe Jesus--Immanuel. What power lies in the words themselves. Reminds me of Paul's words, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b).
God warns Isaiah, "with his strong hand upon [him]," not to follow the ways of his fellow men. God tells him, "'Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy (footnote says "Do not call for a treaty every time these people call for a treaty"); do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary'" (Is. 8:11-14a).
Making decisions, especially decisions that affect people across a nation and even the world, can be very difficult. But if your counsel is from God, decision-making becomes very different. What others think becomes less important and, sometimes, even trivial. We must put our trust in our Maker, the One who sees all and in fact controls all. God is the One we are to honor, not men. The opinions of our fellow human beings may sometimes have wisdom in them, but many times they are earthly thoughts. As I've said before, we must be careful from whom we receive advice. And even when all others agree on a certain idea or plan, we must not be afraid if we feel God is leading us another way. Hone your spiritual hearing so that you can easily perceive the Holy Spirit's prompting. And don't be afraid, for God is with you.
God says that war will come to Judah and Israel in the form of the king of Assyria (Is. 8:6-8). Isaiah responds by saying, "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us" (Ps. 8:10). The plans of humankind may seem infallible, but they are not. A project may be worked on for decades, but they don't always succeed. As Robert Burns said, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."
The last phrase in verse 10, in the original Hebrew, is my favorite word that is used to describe Jesus--Immanuel. What power lies in the words themselves. Reminds me of Paul's words, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b).
God warns Isaiah, "with his strong hand upon [him]," not to follow the ways of his fellow men. God tells him, "'Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy (footnote says "Do not call for a treaty every time these people call for a treaty"); do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary'" (Is. 8:11-14a).
Making decisions, especially decisions that affect people across a nation and even the world, can be very difficult. But if your counsel is from God, decision-making becomes very different. What others think becomes less important and, sometimes, even trivial. We must put our trust in our Maker, the One who sees all and in fact controls all. God is the One we are to honor, not men. The opinions of our fellow human beings may sometimes have wisdom in them, but many times they are earthly thoughts. As I've said before, we must be careful from whom we receive advice. And even when all others agree on a certain idea or plan, we must not be afraid if we feel God is leading us another way. Hone your spiritual hearing so that you can easily perceive the Holy Spirit's prompting. And don't be afraid, for God is with you.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Faith for the Long Haul
"How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" (Ps. 13:1-2).
How many of us can relate to David? All of us! We all have struggles, these "thorns in the flesh," as Paul put it. For some of us, it's a struggle with our thoughts. For others of us, it's a physical ailment. We have been hurt by others in the past, we are tormented by some in our lives today. Satan uses our frailties to bring us down. We feel as if our pain will never end. And sometimes it never will. In the second chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul asked God to remove his struggle. God refused. But God loves us; we are His children. He will not allow us to suffer more than we can bear. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13.) God knows what His children need, and He will provide what we need. It's up to us to recognize this and receive what He offers us.
So what then shall we do as we cope with these struggles? David and Paul offer examples. David said, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me" (Ps. 13:5-6). David did four things. He 1) determined that he would trust God, 2) reminded Himself that God is faithful, 3) praised God for saving him, and 4) remembered the good things with which God had blessed him. The next time you are feeling bombarded and brought low, follow David's example. And always keep a good worship music CD around. Praising God even in the midst of frustration and sadness will direct your eyes to heaven. Two songs that come to mind are "Blessed Be Your Name" and "Trading My Sorrows."
Back to Paul...God refused to remove his struggle, didn't he? Why? God said to Paul, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" (2 Cor. 12:9a). Did Paul say, "Oh, but God, I can't do it, I just can't do it." No, he didn't. If he had, he would have been focused on his limited human strength, not on God's power. Instead, he said, "Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (Ps. 13:9b-10). Remember that in all things, God is to be glorified. Our weaknesses reveal God's almighty strength.
We will have good days when we can actually feel God's hand supporting us. We will also have bad days when we feel like we're in a pit. The key is to remember what God has done for you in the past, recognize that it was He who saved you many times, praise Jesus for giving His life up for yours, and make a conscious decision to trust God to keep on keeping you.
How many of us can relate to David? All of us! We all have struggles, these "thorns in the flesh," as Paul put it. For some of us, it's a struggle with our thoughts. For others of us, it's a physical ailment. We have been hurt by others in the past, we are tormented by some in our lives today. Satan uses our frailties to bring us down. We feel as if our pain will never end. And sometimes it never will. In the second chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul asked God to remove his struggle. God refused. But God loves us; we are His children. He will not allow us to suffer more than we can bear. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13.) God knows what His children need, and He will provide what we need. It's up to us to recognize this and receive what He offers us.
So what then shall we do as we cope with these struggles? David and Paul offer examples. David said, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me" (Ps. 13:5-6). David did four things. He 1) determined that he would trust God, 2) reminded Himself that God is faithful, 3) praised God for saving him, and 4) remembered the good things with which God had blessed him. The next time you are feeling bombarded and brought low, follow David's example. And always keep a good worship music CD around. Praising God even in the midst of frustration and sadness will direct your eyes to heaven. Two songs that come to mind are "Blessed Be Your Name" and "Trading My Sorrows."
Back to Paul...God refused to remove his struggle, didn't he? Why? God said to Paul, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" (2 Cor. 12:9a). Did Paul say, "Oh, but God, I can't do it, I just can't do it." No, he didn't. If he had, he would have been focused on his limited human strength, not on God's power. Instead, he said, "Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (Ps. 13:9b-10). Remember that in all things, God is to be glorified. Our weaknesses reveal God's almighty strength.
We will have good days when we can actually feel God's hand supporting us. We will also have bad days when we feel like we're in a pit. The key is to remember what God has done for you in the past, recognize that it was He who saved you many times, praise Jesus for giving His life up for yours, and make a conscious decision to trust God to keep on keeping you.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
His Word Is As Good As Gold (Or Silver)
David beseeches God for help in Psalm 12, asks for help from his lying, deceptive society. He says, "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men" (Ps. 12:8). After watching some prime time television last night, my husband and I had a conversation about how bad TV has become. What is evil is being honored by the shows that are broadcast. It is not right. It seems that over time we just begin to accept it. We certainly need to ask God for help in this area. Verse 4 says that the wicked say, "'We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips--who is our master?'" I'm taking these verses a bit out of context perhaps, but this verse reminds me of how perverted the interpretation of the freedom of speech has become. Grrrr. Just makes my blood boil.
David reminds us that "(God) will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever" (Ps. 12:7). And God Himself says, "'Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise...'" (Ps. 12:5a). I don't know about you, but when God says He's gettin' up, well, it just sounds ominous. It's like a parent's saying, "Don't make me come over there!" God's gettin' up, and when that happens, you can bet it ain't gonna be pretty.
Here's the kicker of the chapter for me. David says, "And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times" (Ps. 12:7). His words are as good as gold. They are perfect. They are to be trusted completely. Humans may make promises, and oftentimes they break them. But we can rely on God's word.
David reminds us that "(God) will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever" (Ps. 12:7). And God Himself says, "'Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise...'" (Ps. 12:5a). I don't know about you, but when God says He's gettin' up, well, it just sounds ominous. It's like a parent's saying, "Don't make me come over there!" God's gettin' up, and when that happens, you can bet it ain't gonna be pretty.
Here's the kicker of the chapter for me. David says, "And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times" (Ps. 12:7). His words are as good as gold. They are perfect. They are to be trusted completely. Humans may make promises, and oftentimes they break them. But we can rely on God's word.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Peace in the Chaos
Psalm 11 seems very appropriate for the events that have taken place in the last few weeks. David begins by declaring, "In the LORD (Yahweh) I take refuge" (Ps. 11:1a). Clearly, others (or perhaps David himself?) want to know how David can say that when "the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart" (Ps. 11:2). We live in a dangerous world. Man attacks man. Within families, relatives turn on each other. And, in this world, we are vulnerable to Satan's schemes. And natural disasters, as we have seen recently, can decimate life as we know it. Verse 3 reminded me of the recent hurricanes as well as the tsunami earlier this year. "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps. 11:3).
Why should this be a comfort? Because no matter what happens--natural disasters, tornadoes, floods, crumbling homes, death, unstable relationships--through it all, God is over it all. He sees. The rest of verse 4 says, "He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them" (Ps. 11:4b). But He does not keep Himself from us. Believe me--God can make good come of evil. He will not let those who love Him fall. I am safe, knowing that the God who created the universe, who has sustained His people for millennia, who calmed the seas in Galilee, who created me as a unique child of His, this same God loves me and will not let me go. I also know that He doesn't want me to merely exist, but to live life abundantly.
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?...[I]n all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:31b-32, 37-39).
"The LORD (Yahweh) is in his holy temple; the LORD (Yahweh) is on his
heavenly throne." (Ps. 11:4a).
Why should this be a comfort? Because no matter what happens--natural disasters, tornadoes, floods, crumbling homes, death, unstable relationships--through it all, God is over it all. He sees. The rest of verse 4 says, "He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them" (Ps. 11:4b). But He does not keep Himself from us. Believe me--God can make good come of evil. He will not let those who love Him fall. I am safe, knowing that the God who created the universe, who has sustained His people for millennia, who calmed the seas in Galilee, who created me as a unique child of His, this same God loves me and will not let me go. I also know that He doesn't want me to merely exist, but to live life abundantly.
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?...[I]n all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:31b-32, 37-39).
Friday, September 23, 2005
Bullies
Earlier this week I read a children's story by Max Lucado. In the story, a group of bullies targets a small boy and his bike. The boy's parents remind him of Moses, who, though trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army, was calm and trusted in God to take care of him and the Israelites. In the end, one of the bullies falls and hurts himself, the little boy summons his father for help, the bully feels remorse, and the story concludes, leaving the reader feeling secure that the little boy will be safe.
Bullies are not limited to the elementary school playground. Even as adults, we sometimes find ourselves being tormented by co-workers, bosses, and other peers. It seems it is part of human nature to strive for power regardless of the cost. And let's not forget the ultimate bully, Satan. His strategies are to ambush and to persistently poke at our emotional, mental, and spiritual weaknesses until our defenses crack and we cave in. As David said of the wicked in general, "His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims" (Ps. 10:7-8).
David was the target of bullies. In Psalm 10, he records his thoughts. "In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises...His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and (God's) laws are far from him" (Ps. 10:2, 5a). Sometimes we feel that God is not watching or that He does not care. However, we also know of the wicked that "in his pride the wicked does not seek (God); in all his thoughts there is no room for God...He says to himself, 'Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble'" (Ps. 10:4, 6). What foolishness!
Remember that evil operates on lies. The wicked may think they have won, that they are in power. Their victims may believe it at times. But David reminds himself and us, "The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more" (Ps. 10:16-18). Remember also as you struggle in your dealings with other people, that "...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12). As I heard Joyce Meyer say on TV yesterday, we've got to stop being angry with other people and go to the source of evil. Remember what Jesus' main weapon was when He faced down Satan in the desert: God's Word. It is your sword to battle against evil (Eph. 6:17). Last weekend I watched Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Aragorn would never go into a battle without his sword--and neither should we. (I have to confess here that I love the character of Eowyn, the princess and warrior of Rohan. She's always got her sword with her! I hope to be like her when I'm in heaven. I don't think God would make me ride the bench just because I was a woman on earth. See the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge for more on that topic. I highly recommend it, as well as Wild at Heart.)
In the Max Lucado story, two angels reveal that they worked the wonders at the Red Sea. They also intervene in the suffering of the little boy. God sent angels to minister to Jesus after He was tempted by Satan. And God sends His angels to protect us. Psalm 91:11 reveals that "(God) will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
You are not alone in your daily battles. Ask God to intervene in your worries today.
Bullies are not limited to the elementary school playground. Even as adults, we sometimes find ourselves being tormented by co-workers, bosses, and other peers. It seems it is part of human nature to strive for power regardless of the cost. And let's not forget the ultimate bully, Satan. His strategies are to ambush and to persistently poke at our emotional, mental, and spiritual weaknesses until our defenses crack and we cave in. As David said of the wicked in general, "His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims" (Ps. 10:7-8).
David was the target of bullies. In Psalm 10, he records his thoughts. "In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises...His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and (God's) laws are far from him" (Ps. 10:2, 5a). Sometimes we feel that God is not watching or that He does not care. However, we also know of the wicked that "in his pride the wicked does not seek (God); in all his thoughts there is no room for God...He says to himself, 'Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble'" (Ps. 10:4, 6). What foolishness!
Remember that evil operates on lies. The wicked may think they have won, that they are in power. Their victims may believe it at times. But David reminds himself and us, "The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more" (Ps. 10:16-18). Remember also as you struggle in your dealings with other people, that "...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12). As I heard Joyce Meyer say on TV yesterday, we've got to stop being angry with other people and go to the source of evil. Remember what Jesus' main weapon was when He faced down Satan in the desert: God's Word. It is your sword to battle against evil (Eph. 6:17). Last weekend I watched Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Aragorn would never go into a battle without his sword--and neither should we. (I have to confess here that I love the character of Eowyn, the princess and warrior of Rohan. She's always got her sword with her! I hope to be like her when I'm in heaven. I don't think God would make me ride the bench just because I was a woman on earth. See the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge for more on that topic. I highly recommend it, as well as Wild at Heart.)
In the Max Lucado story, two angels reveal that they worked the wonders at the Red Sea. They also intervene in the suffering of the little boy. God sent angels to minister to Jesus after He was tempted by Satan. And God sends His angels to protect us. Psalm 91:11 reveals that "(God) will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
You are not alone in your daily battles. Ask God to intervene in your worries today.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Psalm 9
Psalm 9 is a song of praise to God for His protection. David knows that evil will continue to pursue him, so he also asks God for continued mercy and rescue.
Why do we ask God for help? Naturally, we want relief from the pains and trials that we encounter. But the mature believer will see the bigger picture, will see that ultimately everything is for God's glory. David says, "O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation" (Ps. 9:13-14).
Do we make a habit of proclaiming how God has been good to us? Unfortunately, oftentimes when a difficult situation works out well for us, we say a token "thank God" as we narrate the event to a friend. But we promptly become obsessed with some other struggle and wonder why God doesn't hurry up and fix it for us. Hmmm. A few tidbits about thanking God. Paul says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). We must be wary of what can happen if we do not give thanks. "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21). I think we often live as if God is here to serve us. Foolish humans. He created us. We are to serve Him and His purposes. That may seem oppressive, but the funny thing is, we are blessed when we do serve Him and live to glorify Him.
In the past few months, it has become a deep wish of mine to tell people about how God has saved me and protected me. I was world-weary. Frustrations about my job, relationships, and other situations had me in a pit. I was not reflecting light, but rather was crouching in darkness, wondering what to do. Then I began reading the psalms. Three months into my study of this book, my mother died, very tragically and suddenly. I told Satan and God both that my devotion to God would never change. God truly works good out of what Satan means for evil. God has given me strength in ways that I cannot explain. The key is to ask God to give you joy, even as you are weeping. He wants you to pour our your heart to Him. So many times we think that we have to "have it together" when we come to God. It was never intended to be that way! God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what is troubling you. Even if it is doubt in Him, tell Him about it.
Let's join David in praising our God.
"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High" (Ps. 9:1-2).
"My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause" (Ps. 9:3a).
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done" (Ps. 9:9-11).
"The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God. But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish" (Ps. 9:17-18).
I find that last verse interesting. It reiterates Paul's words in Romans 1:21. David ends the psalm this way: "[L]et the nations know they are but men" (Ps. 9:20b).
May God open the eyes of your heart, that you may see Him as the God who created the world and protects His people. I pray that you also develop the spirit of thankfulness.
Why do we ask God for help? Naturally, we want relief from the pains and trials that we encounter. But the mature believer will see the bigger picture, will see that ultimately everything is for God's glory. David says, "O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation" (Ps. 9:13-14).
Do we make a habit of proclaiming how God has been good to us? Unfortunately, oftentimes when a difficult situation works out well for us, we say a token "thank God" as we narrate the event to a friend. But we promptly become obsessed with some other struggle and wonder why God doesn't hurry up and fix it for us. Hmmm. A few tidbits about thanking God. Paul says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). We must be wary of what can happen if we do not give thanks. "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21). I think we often live as if God is here to serve us. Foolish humans. He created us. We are to serve Him and His purposes. That may seem oppressive, but the funny thing is, we are blessed when we do serve Him and live to glorify Him.
In the past few months, it has become a deep wish of mine to tell people about how God has saved me and protected me. I was world-weary. Frustrations about my job, relationships, and other situations had me in a pit. I was not reflecting light, but rather was crouching in darkness, wondering what to do. Then I began reading the psalms. Three months into my study of this book, my mother died, very tragically and suddenly. I told Satan and God both that my devotion to God would never change. God truly works good out of what Satan means for evil. God has given me strength in ways that I cannot explain. The key is to ask God to give you joy, even as you are weeping. He wants you to pour our your heart to Him. So many times we think that we have to "have it together" when we come to God. It was never intended to be that way! God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what is troubling you. Even if it is doubt in Him, tell Him about it.
Let's join David in praising our God.
"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High" (Ps. 9:1-2).
"My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause" (Ps. 9:3a).
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done" (Ps. 9:9-11).
"The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God. But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish" (Ps. 9:17-18).
I find that last verse interesting. It reiterates Paul's words in Romans 1:21. David ends the psalm this way: "[L]et the nations know they are but men" (Ps. 9:20b).
May God open the eyes of your heart, that you may see Him as the God who created the world and protects His people. I pray that you also develop the spirit of thankfulness.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Psalm 8
Occasionally, there is a psalm about which I feel it unnecessary to comment. Today's psalm is one. So, I present Psalm 8.
May we all consider today the beautiful earth that God created, first, for His enjoyment and take to heart the awesome responsibility and honor He has given us by putting it in our keeping.
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory about the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" (Ps. 8).
May we all consider today the beautiful earth that God created, first, for His enjoyment and take to heart the awesome responsibility and honor He has given us by putting it in our keeping.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Psalm 7
David seeks God's help as he faces adversity from those who wish him harm. "O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me" (Ps. 7:1-2). We may not have people waiting to do our physical lives in. But we do encounter people in our lives who do not wish the best for us, who do not want to see us succeed. Satan, of course, is another example.
David further asks, "O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure" (Ps. 7:9). David acknowledges that God knows the motives that lie in one's heart, and he asks God to stop the evil that people do to one another. He also asks God to protect those who desire to live to honor Him.
"My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart" (Ps. 7:10). David acknowledges that God is faithful to His people. And he does something that I have been thinking about lately, something that I do not do anywhere as often as I ought to. He thanks God. "I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High" (Ps. 7:17). I have been asking God for many things lately. Even if I am praying on the behalf of others, I am not focused much on thanking God for taking care of me and the others for whom I pray.
Begin taking time each day to thank God for who He is and how He has been good to you.
David further asks, "O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure" (Ps. 7:9). David acknowledges that God knows the motives that lie in one's heart, and he asks God to stop the evil that people do to one another. He also asks God to protect those who desire to live to honor Him.
"My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart" (Ps. 7:10). David acknowledges that God is faithful to His people. And he does something that I have been thinking about lately, something that I do not do anywhere as often as I ought to. He thanks God. "I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High" (Ps. 7:17). I have been asking God for many things lately. Even if I am praying on the behalf of others, I am not focused much on thanking God for taking care of me and the others for whom I pray.
Begin taking time each day to thank God for who He is and how He has been good to you.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Psalm 6
This psalm is one to read when you have failed God, but you are eager to turn back to Him for mercy and healing.
"Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?" (Ps. 6:2-3). There are seasons in our lives that seem to be neverending. We want to know how long they will last. Our responsibility in these times is to lean on God wholely and ask Him to use the circumstance to work good.
"My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes" (Ps. 6:7). When I first read this verse, I imagine David's eyes are weak because he has been weeping. (See verse 6.) I don't really pay attention to the second part of the verse. But upon reading it again, I see a common frailty in humankind. We feel surrounded by evil, by the pressures of the world, so much that our vision begins to deteriorate. The solution is to get our vision checked every day. My suggestion is to make it part of your morning routine. For those of you that wear contacts or glasses, ask God to correct your spiritual vision as you are correcting your physical vision. We know that we can't make it through the day if we can't see. So why do we tolerate spiritual blindness?
I love David's response to his tendency to submit to evil powers. He tells them to go away because God's on his side! "Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer" (Ps. 6:8-9). While David may have been speaking specifically about other human beings, we can stretch the application further. We do need to accept responsibility for our actions. But we must also be aware of our surroundings. God tells us to shun evil. Jesus Himself told Satan, "'Away from me, Satan!'" (Matthew 4:10a). And you know what? Satan then left Him, and angels came to minister to Him (Matt. 4:11). If we are to follow Jesus' example, doesn't it make sense to tell Satan to leave you alone when you are thinking bad thoughts about someone, feeling depressed, or being tempted to act in ways you know are destructive? I have used this strategy, and I've never felt so empowered as a child of God as when I'm telling Satan what not to do and where to go. We have access to God's power because we belong to God.
I pray that today you may experience the power that God provides His children as you face struggles with the assurance that you are His child.
"Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?" (Ps. 6:2-3). There are seasons in our lives that seem to be neverending. We want to know how long they will last. Our responsibility in these times is to lean on God wholely and ask Him to use the circumstance to work good.
"My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes" (Ps. 6:7). When I first read this verse, I imagine David's eyes are weak because he has been weeping. (See verse 6.) I don't really pay attention to the second part of the verse. But upon reading it again, I see a common frailty in humankind. We feel surrounded by evil, by the pressures of the world, so much that our vision begins to deteriorate. The solution is to get our vision checked every day. My suggestion is to make it part of your morning routine. For those of you that wear contacts or glasses, ask God to correct your spiritual vision as you are correcting your physical vision. We know that we can't make it through the day if we can't see. So why do we tolerate spiritual blindness?
I love David's response to his tendency to submit to evil powers. He tells them to go away because God's on his side! "Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer" (Ps. 6:8-9). While David may have been speaking specifically about other human beings, we can stretch the application further. We do need to accept responsibility for our actions. But we must also be aware of our surroundings. God tells us to shun evil. Jesus Himself told Satan, "'Away from me, Satan!'" (Matthew 4:10a). And you know what? Satan then left Him, and angels came to minister to Him (Matt. 4:11). If we are to follow Jesus' example, doesn't it make sense to tell Satan to leave you alone when you are thinking bad thoughts about someone, feeling depressed, or being tempted to act in ways you know are destructive? I have used this strategy, and I've never felt so empowered as a child of God as when I'm telling Satan what not to do and where to go. We have access to God's power because we belong to God.
I pray that today you may experience the power that God provides His children as you face struggles with the assurance that you are His child.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Psalm 5
Sometimes it seems that the people least deserving of it achieve success and its rewards in our world. It's not fair. We work hard, we try to put our trust in God, we try to live godly lives. And yet these unbelieving icons in our culture and even in our workplaces live "the good life." Or so it seems.
David must have had similar feelings. But he knew how to deal with his struggles. "Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies--make straight your way before me" (Ps. 5:8). He knew that God's way was the right way. And he knew how easy it is to get caught up in the strategies of the world in the pursuit of success, wealth, and so on. The key is to keep focused on God.
Seeing unbelievers living lives of comfort and power can lead one to think that God is rewarding their behaviors. Not so. David knew better, too. He reminded himself, "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell" (Ps. 5:4). Some day, it will all come out in the wash.
But how do you make it through each day in this world? Most of us have a bad case of world-weariness. Here are two passages that give some insight into what we should do.
"...[C]onsider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Ps. 5:1b-3). God is our Father. He wants us to bring our troubles to Him. He wants us to lean on Him for support. And we ought to expect Him to take care of us. How much it must hurt God when we think that He is not working for our good. What should our attitude be then? "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you" (Ps. 5:11).
Do not become disheartened by this world. Learn to take refuge in God.
David must have had similar feelings. But he knew how to deal with his struggles. "Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies--make straight your way before me" (Ps. 5:8). He knew that God's way was the right way. And he knew how easy it is to get caught up in the strategies of the world in the pursuit of success, wealth, and so on. The key is to keep focused on God.
Seeing unbelievers living lives of comfort and power can lead one to think that God is rewarding their behaviors. Not so. David knew better, too. He reminded himself, "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell" (Ps. 5:4). Some day, it will all come out in the wash.
But how do you make it through each day in this world? Most of us have a bad case of world-weariness. Here are two passages that give some insight into what we should do.
"...[C]onsider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Ps. 5:1b-3). God is our Father. He wants us to bring our troubles to Him. He wants us to lean on Him for support. And we ought to expect Him to take care of us. How much it must hurt God when we think that He is not working for our good. What should our attitude be then? "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you" (Ps. 5:11).
Do not become disheartened by this world. Learn to take refuge in God.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
We interrupt this broadcast...for an old favorite
As most of you know, this blog began as daily e-mails about my thoughts on the scripture I'd read that morning. I grew up going to church but didn't have a strong relationship with God Himself. In January, having been frustrated and miserable for a variety of reasons, I began reading the Psalms. I met God there--or rather, God met me there. The Psalms ministered to my heart in special ways and supported me in ways that I can describe only as divine. Their solace continued through the weeks that followed my mother's death in March. After I read the Psalms, I moved on to the books of the prophets. I've enjoying reading these passages that are rarely read or discussed in typical church settings. But due to some circumstances of others in my life as well as some of my own emotions, I feel we need to revisit an old friend--the book of Psalms. It may be just for today. It may be for a week. I don't know. Guess I'll just tune in to God's guidance and follow where He leads me. Last night I read over Psalms 1-13. Verses I found encouraging and comforting are given below.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither" (Ps. 1:1-3a). To put a little spin on the first part of this passage, let's consider who the "wicked" and "sinners" are. Most of us don't hang out with a "rough crowd." But we do know unbelievers. And they may even give some good advice sometimes. But the advice of someone who is not pursuing God's truth is not to be trusted. Their perspective is off. So choose wisely those from whom you seek counsel.
"O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.' But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side...From the LORD comes deliverance" (Ps. 3:1-6, 8a). David, the author of this psalm, had men after him. They wanted him dead. Most of us aren't on the run in that way. But aren't we running from Satan's powers every day? He throws temptations at us constantly--temptations to dishonor God, to say horrible things about people, to continue destructive behaviors. And unfortunately, we do fall. But God can deliver us. But we have to come to God and ask Him to be our rescue when we fall and our shield for future attempts on our lives by the Evil One. (Oh, Satan makes me so mad! I can't wait to help kick his butt in heaven...or at least watch.)
"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD" (Ps. 4:4). This world is a difficult and dangerous place to live in. Life is hard. Horrible things happen. We are justifiably angry. Anger is not a sin. God gets angry. But we must learn to handle our anger appropriately. The first response should be to ask God to help you with it. We love to indulge in good bouts of being mad, ranting about the person who has done us wrong, and feeling sorry for ourselves. But what good can come of that? Does it change the circumstances? And after a time, don't you feel worse? Instead, keep silent, explore your feelings, tell God about them, and ask Him for His guidance. This process, if truly followed, will give you peace, and you will find the fierce emotions of anger have passed or have at least lessened.
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Ps. 4:8). Here is a very possible result of asking God to deal with your anger, your frustrations, your misery.
"Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound" (Ps. 4:7). Don't you know someone who is negative about everything? Nothing is good enough to make them happy, nothing is going their way, nothing good has happened to them in years or ever, no one is on their side. Maybe that person is you. I have been in that place. I still struggle with those thoughts and attitudes. But I've learned the alternative to living life that way. So please--draw near to God. There are two main ways to do that. First, pray. Ask God to make you very aware of His presence. Ask Him to show you what you need to see and understand and internalize. Second, read what He has said. The Bible is living, in that it has power all the time. It doesn't matter that it is a collection of ancient texts. God does not change. The Bible is His word. He wants to talk to you. It's available. You've just got to read it. Another important task is to develop your spiritual hearing. In other words, learn to tune in to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us to be our counselor. Focus on that steady voice that you hear and feel deep in the core of your being.
I've gone over only four of the chapters I read last night. I suspect there are more messages from the Psalms to come. I hope that these words have encouraged you and given you some hope. And as always, I wish you...JOY!
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither" (Ps. 1:1-3a). To put a little spin on the first part of this passage, let's consider who the "wicked" and "sinners" are. Most of us don't hang out with a "rough crowd." But we do know unbelievers. And they may even give some good advice sometimes. But the advice of someone who is not pursuing God's truth is not to be trusted. Their perspective is off. So choose wisely those from whom you seek counsel.
"O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.' But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side...From the LORD comes deliverance" (Ps. 3:1-6, 8a). David, the author of this psalm, had men after him. They wanted him dead. Most of us aren't on the run in that way. But aren't we running from Satan's powers every day? He throws temptations at us constantly--temptations to dishonor God, to say horrible things about people, to continue destructive behaviors. And unfortunately, we do fall. But God can deliver us. But we have to come to God and ask Him to be our rescue when we fall and our shield for future attempts on our lives by the Evil One. (Oh, Satan makes me so mad! I can't wait to help kick his butt in heaven...or at least watch.)
"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD" (Ps. 4:4). This world is a difficult and dangerous place to live in. Life is hard. Horrible things happen. We are justifiably angry. Anger is not a sin. God gets angry. But we must learn to handle our anger appropriately. The first response should be to ask God to help you with it. We love to indulge in good bouts of being mad, ranting about the person who has done us wrong, and feeling sorry for ourselves. But what good can come of that? Does it change the circumstances? And after a time, don't you feel worse? Instead, keep silent, explore your feelings, tell God about them, and ask Him for His guidance. This process, if truly followed, will give you peace, and you will find the fierce emotions of anger have passed or have at least lessened.
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Ps. 4:8). Here is a very possible result of asking God to deal with your anger, your frustrations, your misery.
"Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound" (Ps. 4:7). Don't you know someone who is negative about everything? Nothing is good enough to make them happy, nothing is going their way, nothing good has happened to them in years or ever, no one is on their side. Maybe that person is you. I have been in that place. I still struggle with those thoughts and attitudes. But I've learned the alternative to living life that way. So please--draw near to God. There are two main ways to do that. First, pray. Ask God to make you very aware of His presence. Ask Him to show you what you need to see and understand and internalize. Second, read what He has said. The Bible is living, in that it has power all the time. It doesn't matter that it is a collection of ancient texts. God does not change. The Bible is His word. He wants to talk to you. It's available. You've just got to read it. Another important task is to develop your spiritual hearing. In other words, learn to tune in to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us to be our counselor. Focus on that steady voice that you hear and feel deep in the core of your being.
I've gone over only four of the chapters I read last night. I suspect there are more messages from the Psalms to come. I hope that these words have encouraged you and given you some hope. And as always, I wish you...JOY!
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