Category: Psalms

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Answer to Weariness

Didn’t sleep well last night? Too many dreams, noisy neighborhood, the dogs were barking or the coyotes howling?

You want to know how to turn the tide on fatigue and grumpiness this morning?

“Everyone, clap your hands. Shout with joy to God! 2 The Lord Most High is awesome.” Psalm 47:1-2 ERV

Don’t let the things that go bump in the night affect your day. Listen to the song of the birds – see the beauty in the sunrise and praise the Lord for the opportunity of the day ahead.

“I praise you, Lord God, with all my heart. You are glorious and majestic, dressed in royal robes 2 and surrounded by light. You spread out the sky like a tent, 3 and you built your home over the mighty ocean. The clouds are your chariot with the wind as its wings… 10 You provide streams of water in the hills and valleys, 11 so that the donkeys and other wild animals can satisfy their thirst.12 Birds build their nests nearby and sing in the trees…33 As long as I live, I will sing and praise you, the Lord God. 34 I hope my thoughts will please you, because you are the one who makes me glad.” Psalm 104: 1-3, 10-12, 33-34 CEV

I’m writing to myself this morning. It’s been a long week and my energy level is low. But I’ll be singing with the birds – as soon as they get up!

I know I have told you before but the birds are my morning reminder to praise. There was a time when Dave and I had very little money. My grocery budget was $20 a week for a family of 4. I know, it was definitely a struggle but that’s when I learned first-hand of the Lord’s faithfulness. He ministered these words to my heart and I’ve never forgotten the lesson.

“ I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Each morning the birds start their day with a song. In my imagination, I hear it as a song of praise. “Thank you Father for the bugs and the seeds. Thank you my nest in the trees. Thank you for the air that I fly in. Thank you for taking care of me”.

Find a reason to sing this morning and sing loudly! God loves you and He has a wonderful day planned for you!

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Mercy – A Life Changer

There’s an old song we used to sing and this morning it came to mind once again and has filled my morning quiet time.

“Mercy rewrote my life. Mercy rewrote my life. I could have fallen, my soul cast down But mercy rewrote my life”.

Oh yes, thank you heavenly Father for Your mercy!

“You know that the Lord your God is the only true God. So love him and obey his commands, and he will faithfully keep his agreement with you and your descendants for a thousand generations.” Deuteronomy 7:9 CEV

This is a promise from God’s heart to ours. He faithfully keeps His agreement with us.

Simply put, mercy can be defined as being protected from judgement for the things we have done that deserve punishment. One of my favorite “mercy” verses is found in the book of Lamentations.

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 24 Deep in my heart I say, ‘The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!’” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

If there’s anyone in the Bible that knows about mercy, it’s the Apostle Paul. He carried arrest warrants for Christians. He was responsible for their imprisonment and even their deaths.

But, mercy rewrote His life.

” In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2 You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. 3 Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God’s gift of undeserved grace is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven.” Ephesians 2:1-6 CEV

The worst of sinners became the man that God used to teach us all the message of grace and forgiveness.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. ‘This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all!‘ 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:15-16 CEV

When we fail, and we do. When we feel we are undeserving of forgiveness mercy steps in. God’s love covers our sins, completely!

“The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.” Psalm 103:8 CEV

That’s what makes my heart sing – “Mercy rewrote my life”!

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Oh Eeyore!

The Lord is still impressing me to stay on this subject of looking up. Maybe it’s not for you but maybe for someone close to you.

Do you ever have one of those days when you just feel down and you don’t know why? I am glad to say that really doesn’t happen much in my life but it used too. It was a real battle to stay “up” and see the blessings that surrounded me.

About 30 years ago the Lord began to use the characters in the Winnie the Pooh stories to help me identify people according to their personalities. Our son is definitely a Tigger; our oldest daughter is Rabbit; our youngest is Pooh; my husband is Owl and I’m, well, I’m Kanga. You get the picture. But then there are those who are Eeyore’s – always gloomy. An Eeyore is always walking around with their head down, eyes down, looking for the worst and finding it. Eeyore needs to change his focus – he needs to look up and consider Someone bigger than himself.

This morning, I really felt the Lord wanted me to share Psalm 42 with you and as I read it, I thought, “Lord, did I hear you right? This is a good Psalm but what does it have to do with “looking up”, with keeping our focus on you?” And there it was!! You can always trust God.

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Psalm 42:5

Why are we cast down, o my soul? Why is our focus downward and not looking up? Why are we discouraged? We aren’t putting our hope in God, we aren’t looking up. When we do, we will praise God and praising God will improve our countenance – both our inward and external appearance. God always knows what He’s talking about.

So, consider our soul today and ask it this question – are we looking up? Hope in God!

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God…5 Why am I discouraged? (Why are you cast down) Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, 6 and you are my God. I am deeply discouraged (I am cast down) as I think about you from where the Jordan begins at Mount Hermon and from Mount Mizar. 7 Your vicious waves have swept over me like an angry ocean or a roaring waterfall. 8 Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the living LORD God. 9 You are my mighty rock. Why have you forgotten me? Why must enemies mistreat me and make me sad? 10 Even my bones are in pain, while all day long my enemies sneer and ask, “Where is your God?” 11 Why am I discouraged? (Why are you cast down) Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42 CEV

There is no condemnation in being discouraged. We can be honest with ourselves and with God. He can handle it. But don’t let discouragement rule! Praise the Lord again and again – He is our help!

Stay thirsty for the Lord!

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Sound Advice

No, I’m not talking about PA systems, surround sound, hearing aids or any other type of external amplification.

I’m talking about listening to the still, small voice that the Lord uses when He wants to get our attention.

Advice from a friend or an expert is good but direction from the Lord is better.

“Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

Jesus is the friend that is always with us. If we listen, we will hear His voice and when we follow Him, He will lead us.

“ My sheep hear My voice and I know them. They follow Me. 28 I give them life that lasts forever. They will never be punished. No one is able to take them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 NLV

“ The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:1-4 NLV

His leading is for our protection. We don’t ever need to fear when we are following Him. Even in a dangerous situation like the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. Even in the presence of our enemies, He provides for us.

“You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:5 NLV

The Lord is always speaking to our hearts. That’s how a shepherd calms His sheep, He speaks to them and His voice is soothing and calming. Giving them rest.

“23 The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand...39 But the saving of those who are right with God is from the Lord. He is their strength in time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and takes them out of trouble. He takes them away from the sinful, and saves them, because they go to Him for a safe place.” Psalm 37:23-40 NLV

Let me advise you to listen to the right voices. Some voices spread fear and distress. Some speak words of greed and selfishness. But there is a voice to follow that speaks peace.

“ So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. ” Isaish 55:11-12 NLV

Make sure you are listening to “sound advice”.

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A Place of Help & Hope

As a child I used to look up in amazement when planes flew over. They were a completely new phenomenon to me. I wondered where they were going and how they could possibly stay in the air. To a four-year-old it was a miracle.

We are told to lift up our heads in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean to turn our heads up, it is an attitude of the heart. This was an attitude that King David took. Turn our focus heavenward. Looking up is looking beyond ourselves and looking to someone higher, looking to God the Father.

“ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” Psalm 24:8-10

Are you looking up today? Are you looking beyond yourself and finding God’s directive on how you should function today? It’s easy to get discouraged and even depressed with all the world’s happenings and Jesus knew that these days and times we are living in would be taxing to our mental peace at the very least so He gave us this command.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28

So many things around us are in turmoil. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, weather disruptions, political unrest, bias, hatred, financial uncertainty, relationships failing. All of these things wear on us emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The prophet Isaiah had this vision from the Lord.

“I saw the Lord sitting on a very high and wonderful throne. His long robe filled the Temple. 2 Seraph angels stood around him. Each angel had six wings. They used two wings to cover their faces, two wings to cover their bodies, and two wings to fly. 3 The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.‘” Isaiah 6:1-3 ERV

The Lord is still on His throne. He is still in control and we can trust Him! God is not taken by surprise, and He has a plan for our good.

Don’t let your heart fail or become fearful – lift up your head for your Redeemer (redemption) draws near!

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Are You Weary?

” O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

This was the song on my heart when I got up this morning. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, written in 1922, just after World War I ended and the US was entering the “Roaring Twenties”.

But souls were weary and these words came as a refreshing reminder.

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the eternal God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured. 29 The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:28-31 CEV

Over the past few days I have talked with a number of people who are just “weary”. Not getting enough sleep, too much to do. Facing situations that don’t seem to be changing quickly enough. Financial difficulties and stress.

Weary.

“Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. 6 Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. 7 Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. 8 You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river. 9 The life-giving fountain belongs to you, and your light gives light to each of us. 10 Our Lord, keep showing love to everyone who knows you, and use your power to save all whose thoughts please you.” Psalm 36:5-10 CEV

So much in this Psalm reminds me of Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. Our Father is faithful and fair. His love is everlasting and we find shelter under His wings. He gives us a feast in the presence of our enemies and life-giving living Water for our refreshing. He gives us light for our path so we don’t stumble and fall and His loves gives us strength when we feel weary.

Oh yes, He is mighty God! Jesus said His mission was to tell the world about the Father.

“ My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so they can know him too. 28  If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29  Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:27-29 CEV

Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you worried? Come to Jesus and find rest!

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God’s Good Plans

Every building begins with a blueprint. From the smallest “tiny house” to the most intricate homes and palaces there is a plan to follow. A good plan.

And of course, in designing the construction of our lives God has a good plan.

“Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves. God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 NLV

“ For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLV

The Lord is the master designer and architect. He created the earth and all that’s in it. It is a synchronized, master design. The days, the seasons, the ebb and flow of the tides all work together to support the balance of life on earth.

His design work can be seen in His instruction for building the tabernacle in the desert. The floor plan, the gold work, the bronze, the dyed skins and woven linens. A massive design.

Then take a look at our human bodies. The cells, the immune system that fights disease, the organs, our master computer – the brain, our circulatory and digestive systems, none of these occurred by happenstance. There was and is a master designer who has good plans.

So, why do we think that, if our heavenly Father went through all the thought and design to make things work so well, He would leave us to figure out our daily living and purpose without instruction? That’s foolish thinking.

I found myself reading and rereading two different chapters this morning, Psalm 34 and Proverbs 4. There is so much to absorb and apply in these verses. Please take time to read them.

“ I looked for the Lord, and He answered me. And He took away all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and their faces shined with joy. Their faces will never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him. And He saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord stays close around those who fear Him, and He takes them out of trouble. 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who trusts in Him! ” Psalm 34:4-8 NLV

“10 The young lions suffer want and hunger. But they who look for the Lord will not be without any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. ” Psalm 34:10-11 NLV

“My son, listen to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them leave your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life...  26 Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NLV

God, our Father and master designer, has grand plans for our lives!

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The Heavens Declare

I went out this morning to see the blood moon and the eclipse. My little camera didn’t capture it adequately…but my heart did.

People worldwide are looking up and the heavens are speaking.

“Wisdom and victory come when we listen to the Lord’s instruction. The heavens are telling of the greatness of God and the great open spaces above show the work of His hands. 2 Day to day they speak. And night to night they show much learning. 3 There is no speaking and no words where their voice is not heard. 4 Their sound has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun. 5 It is as a man soon to be married coming out of his room and as a strong man who is happy to run his race. 6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and it makes its way to the other end. Nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The Law of the Lord is perfect, giving new strength to the soul. The Law He has made known is sure, making the child-like wise. 8 The Laws of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The Word of the Lord is pure, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The Lord is always true and right in how He judges. 10 The Word of the Lord is worth more than gold, even more than much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey straight from the comb. 11 And by them Your servant is told to be careful. In obeying them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:1-11 NLV

The earth tells of God’s greatness, the heavens declare His glory, His word gives wisdom and great reward!

Before I even stepped out on my porch my heart was singing. I am full of praise. The Creator of the sun, moon and stars sees me each day. He knows the number of hairs on my head. He protects me from harm. He calls me by name and has made me His child.

“I lift up my eyes to You, O You Whose throne is in the heavens.” Psalm 123:1 NLV

I call Him “Father”.

“All my words fall short
I got nothing new
How could I express
All my gratitude?

I could sing these songs
As I often do
But every song must end
And You never do

So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
‘Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it’s not much
But I’ve nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah

I’ve got one response
I’ve got just one move
With my arm stretched wide
I will worship You” Gratitude by Brandon Lake

My heart sings praise to the Father. I hope yours does too!!

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Good Things

This morning I want to bring you some good things from the Scriptures – things like peace, joy, protection, healing, forgiveness, strength and wisdom.

Yes, all these things are brought to you by God from His word.

Peace:

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. 4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ERV

Joy:

“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV

Protection:

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. 2 Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.” 3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.” Psalm 91:1-4 CEV

Healing and Forgiveness:

“My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise his holy name! 2 My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is! 3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses. 4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion. 5 He gives us plenty of good things. He makes us young again, like an eagle that grows new feathers.” Psalm 103:1-5 ERV

Strength:

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

Wisdom:

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. 6 But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. ” James 1:5-6 CEV

Each day the Lord’s blessings and mercy are new. Let Him show you how good He is and how much He desires to carry your burdens.

“Praise the Lord! Every day he helps us with the loads we must carry. He is the God who saves us. Selah 20 He is our God, the God who saves us. My Lord God saves us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 ERV

Now, I hope you will sit and savor the “Good Things” our Father has given you!

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A Gnarly Tree…

or as the prophet Isaiah put it, “oaks of righteousness” or the planting of the Lord.

Can you even imagine what this tree has experienced in its life cycle? The winds, the rains, the hurricanes, the drought, the fight to survive and thrive!

I think of trees like this as well as the giant redwoods, the sequoias, massive olive trees and cedars groves when I read what Isaiah, David and the other Old Testament writers refer to when they write about those who are righteous.

The term “righteous” isn’t some unattainable religious goal. No. Simply put it means to be in right standing with God. Righteous is a term that can be applied to all of us who have placed our faith in God.

“ Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 NLV

“But he finds joy in the Law of the Lord and thinks about His Law day and night. 3 This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him.” Psalm 1:2-3 NLV

Isaiah, the prophet, wrote these words about Jesus hundreds of years before He was born.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

Jesus spoke these words in a synagogue and it made them so angry they tried to throw Jesus off a cliff. (Luke 4:17-30, read it)

Some people still get angry today when they are told that we have received right standing with God because of what Jesus did.

A life lived in Christ is a life of thriving in the storms. Our roots go deep into His word, our branches sway in the wind, we provide shelter to those in need, comfort to those who are weary.

We become gnarly old trees who have been planted by the Lord and we stand grounded on His word.

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