David

February 12th – Psalm 139

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Psalm 139

There is no one who knows you better than God. As our Creator and Father, He has perfect knowledge of every aspect about us. From the number of hairs on our head, to every thought, sin, and word we speak. He knows our dreams, hopes, and fears. And as such, He is the perfect One to go to when searching our hearts. David loved God deeply. So he turned to the Lord asking Him to show David any way in which God was displeased with him. We should do the same. Because if we want to grow closer to God, we need to rid our lives of anything that keeps us distanced from Him. So ask God to search your heart and mind. Pray to be open to any areas in your life that need work. And out of His great love, God will lovingly guide, instruct, and lead us on a closer path to Him.

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February 8th – Psalm 69:13-15

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Psalm 69:13-15

The phrase, ” in an acceptable time” grabbed my attention today. David is very aware of what’s going on. He senses the rising tide around him. The floodwaters of trouble are beginning to engulf him and he feels like he’s being swallowed up. Can you think of a time in your life where you felt like David? I can. But David offers us a lifeline. For in the midst of his troubles, David stops to renew his commitment to the Lord once more, and so should we.

I remember as a new Christian this desire to run out ahead of God, (not that I still don’t do that today at times.) Just as soon as I got what I thought was a perfect idea, I took off and ran with it! And God would let me go as though He was waiting for me to spend all my energy, grow weary, and fall on my face. For only then I’d look up! Only then was I ready to sit quietly and listen to God’s plan. I honestly can’t count the times God picked me up, brushed me off and set me on my feet once more so that then we could do it together. I sense this is what is happening here with David.

“In your great love and mercy, O God, answer me”

David appeals to the rich mercy of God. Where would we be without His mercy and love? And how blessed are we that we can appeal to these incredible attributes at any time, knowing He will hear and show us His mercy? O beloved, I pray we never take that for granted. For with misery, no attribute is more sweet than mercy. And when coming under attack, the multitude of mercy is a treasure.

“With Your sure salvation”

Beloved, here’s the key! Our salvation that was paid for by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and given to us freely as a gift is not factitious, nor a changeable thing- here today and gone tomorrow, but SURE, dependable, steady; the rock in which to stand firm on!

As I meditated on these verses I began to see that God is using these to teach us. He’s teaching us the art of wrestling in prayer. Of taking hold of what we are sure of , and setting it before our Father when we and our flesh and abilities are exhausted. I’d love to know your thoughts.

Blessings, Sue

February 8th – Psalm 69:13-15 Read More »

The Fear Of The Lord Is A Blessing – Psalm 34 

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Psalm 34 

Referring to the fear of the Lord, preacher John Bunyan said, “Christian, let God’s distinguishing love be a motive to you to fear Him greatly. He has put fear in your heart, and may not have given that blessing to your neighbor, perhaps not to your husband, your wife, your child, or your parent. Oh, what an obligation should this thought lay upon your heart to greatly fear the Lord! Remember also that this fear of the Lord is His treasure, a choice jewel, given only to favorites, and to those who are greatly beloved.” …

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The Fear Of The Lord Is A Blessing – Psalm 34  Read More »

January 27th – Psalm 23:2-3

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Psalm 23:2-3

The duties of a shepherd involve more that just the physical care of the sheep. Living among the flock, the shepherd is everything to it; guide, physician, protector, and pastor. David, a former shepherd himself, knew how to care for his sheep because he personally experienced the loving care of his heavenly Shepherd, God. And the same loving care God gave to David, He gives to us as well. His blessings redeem the days of our affliction, fears, insecurities, etc. And when we look back over our past, we see how His precious love covered and healed the painful experiences. For as Psalm 30:5 reminds us,  “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. Our heavenly Shepherd quenches our thirst from the cool, still waters of His Holy Spirit! And by these blessings to which our Father leads us, we will find our souls restored; our whole being invigorated, and our spiritual life reborn.

Blessings,

Mari

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January 22nd – Psalm 27:3

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Psalm 27:3

With the days growing darker and the enemies of Christians closing in on all sides, how can we not fear? King David felt that same type of fear. In the over 20 years after being anointed to actually taking the throne, he too faced enemies from every side. Yet with confidence David declared, “Whom shall I fear?” How could David be so fearless? Because he knew that neither his own strength, nor his cleverness could save him. No the king of Israel knew his deliverance would only come from the Lord. And David trusted that as he followed in obedience, the Lord would defend him at every turn. For David knew the love God had for him, and put his security in that love. God also loves us with the same intensity. And we can rest securely in the knowledge that God’s love will protect us no matter what. So we too can boldly say, “Though my enemies surround me, my heart will not fear!”

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November 17th – Psalm 30:12

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Psalm 30:12

We all suffer heartbreak. And sometimes the sorrow is so deep and painful, we feel like we can’t take another step. It’s often during these times of trials that we wonder where God is. If He loves us, why does He let us suffer? King David knew these feelings well. He was God’s beloved, but he still faced many tribulations throughout his life. Yet David sings with gladness and thankfulness to the Lord. When we are hurting the last thing we want to do is give thanks. But God calls us to do just that. Not because it’s an ego boost for the Lord, but because it’s the best therapy for our pain. When our eyes and hearts are focused on God and all He does for us, our sorrow will be drowned out by His goodness. Our mourning will turn into dancing and our sorrow into rejoicing. God never lets us suffer anything without a purpose. So we can give thanks knowing all things are in His hands and all things are used for our good, even our greatest heartaches. (Romans 8:28)

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Hear My cry O God – Psalm 61

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Psalm 61

What a week it has been for our country.  I’m sure that like me, your heats have been heavy over the tragedies that have unfolded. We look around at the world today so filled with hate violence, and suffering, and our hearts cry out to God for deliverance. In Psalm 61 David too cries out, “Hear my cry O God.” Even though he was a great king, David knew that he desperately needed God. …

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Hear My cry O God – Psalm 61 Read More »

August 19th – Psalm 4:7

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Psalm 4:7

The end of summer brings with it harvest time. The time when farmers, and home gardeners finally get to see the bountiful results of all of their hard work. They rejoice in the abundance of grain and wine. Yet David, who suffered great hardships, says the joy they feel is nothing compared to the abundance of the joy of the Lord. More often than not, David found himself surrounded by peril. Yet no matter the circumstance, his joy remained strong. Because David knew that great, lasting happiness doesn’t come from the world. It comes from having a close, personal relationship with the Lord. For hope placed in earthly circumstances is hope misplaced. True and lasting joy is only found in Jesus. For through Him we have hope of the resurrection to eternal life in heaven. A joy and hope that nothing in this world can ever take away!

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August 11th – Psalm 3:3

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Psalm 3:3

We all know the pain of betrayal. And when that betrayal comes from a loved one, the sting is that much more painful. David knew this well. When his own son, Absalom rose up against him and seized the throne of Israel, David was forced to flee for his life. Many thought David had no chance of escape and that God had turned against him. Yet in his despair, David never lost faith that God would deliver him. Though his enemies surrounded him, David could sleep in peace at night knowing he was resting safely in God’s protection. And each morning he woke up with renewed confidence to face the dangers ahead. Just like David, when the wolves are howling at the door, God promises to sustain us both in sleeping and waking up. And no matter how stacked the deck is against us, we can rejoice knowing whatever the storm, God has already given us the victory!

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August 3rd – Psalm 34:8

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Psalm 34:8

My son has always been a finicky eater. And getting him to try anything new is a challenge. So in encouraging him to take at least take one bite I say the familiar phrase, “Try it you might like it.” And more often than not, he finds himself enjoying the goodness of what he’s tasting. David knew firsthand the goodness of the Lord. In all of his trials, David took refuge in God. He tasted God’s protection, love, forgiveness, and blessing. And he wants the same for us. But David doesn’t want us to take his word for it. Instead he wants to taste for ourselves how good God is. To experience the peace, love, and security that can be found in Him alone. To rejoice in all circumstances because God is our refuge. So try God. You might like Him! And as Matthew Henry says, “Let God’s goodness be rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel.”

August 3rd – Psalm 34:8 Read More »