Be Still…

Read Psalm 97

Here again, we see a psalm that truly reveres the power and majesty of God. It is a good reminder to us of who exactly is in charge. If we have doubts in who to trust, it is clear from today’s psalm that our God is most high, every other god must bow down.

With all of the unrest in countries around the world, whether it be warfare, government issues or poverty, this psalm resonates with me. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of God’s throne. We are protected and rescued from evil by our powerful God. Me. You. By God! “Light shines on the godly” and “joy on those who do right” from verse 11. Or, our version (from link above), “joy  on those whose hearts are right.” That sounds so pleasant and reassuring, doesn’t it?

But what about those who are not godly, either by choice or by ignorance? What do I have to do to be godly?  And, a right heart –  what does that mean? The other version, “do right” — is that following rules? Even God’s rules can be hard to follow completely. What if we fall short? Suffice it to say, this promise of God does involve us and our loving, obedient response to his love and grace.

It’s all too true that some people pursue darkness or are comfortable in the shadows. I’m not sure I can understand that. A life with Jesus may not be all roses and trouble-free, but there is certainly joy in the morning. Why? Amidst any trial, the knowledge that you are not alone, and that the power of God is available to you–that is the truth that brings true joy!

This is a good psalm to help ground us. We all need a time to focus on God more deeply.  Some of us more than others!! But to keep evil at bay, we must stand strong in the Lord! We need to be mindful that society’s bias may move us from the truth, and we need to know the difference.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the faithfulness of my parents who had desire that I be raised with faith to know you. Thank you for my husband, such a pillar of strength, knowledge, integrity, and devotion to you. I yearn to know you more and be able to share with others my faith and the life story you have lived with me. Thank you for never leaving my side, guiding me to this moment. Help me empty myself of me so that you can more brightly shine through. May I rest in you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 96

I love this psalm. I love to sing praise to the Lord as some of you may know.  I’ve been singing in praise bands on Sunday morning for nearly 20 years and can’t imagine not lifting my voice in song. Like the trees, we need to sing for joy – we are loved by a King!

There is no lament here, nor fear or dread. The psalmist is not calling out for destruction of his enemies either. This is an example of pure praise. Adoration of our God at its finest. From start to finish the focus is on our most holy God.

If there was ever a question of how to worship God or why, this psalm is your answer. We are given a blueprint here to follow. For now, we can sing, tell, publish, bring offering, all great ways to honor a God who is savior, creator, strong, beautiful, glorious, amazing, holy, king, fair judge, truth! My heart beats just a little faster (in a good way) with the tone of this psalm.

Some great word pictures are found in this psalm, too. Do you have a favorite? What about “crops bursting forth with  joy!” or “All the earth trembles.” Are you trembling with expectation and awe? No fear here! Maybe you have your own picture of what joy looks like. Feel free to share in the comments below.

God is righteous and wants us all to be close to him. He offered us salvation through Jesus. Even MORE reason to rejoice and be glad. The psalmist had the right idea, and we need to be like him in mind and heart. Our hearts shall rejoice!

I am also reminded in verse 7 that there are many who do not know God. They don’t recognize him or his mighty works. Still others have turned away from God for some reason. This God loves and protects. It’s the world and people in it that have put sin between many and God. There are hurts and deep wounds keeping many from the saving grace of God. Oh, that they would recognize God in his splendor!

Let’s pray. Lord thank you for such a beautiful world. Your creation is astounding. To consider the intricacy of our bodies alone is mind boggling. When I look around at the blooming plants, grass, flowers, change of season, free will, and even flooding and devastation, I stand in awe. You are in it all, and your creation responds. Your peace is free to all amidst the chaos of society. I give you my life and look forward to walking with you each day. Protect my family. Help me help others, and may the focus always be on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 95

This is quite the invitation to worship! What a great God we have. He has given us such great gifts and how do we respond? It is good to give him thanks and praise. We need to continually remember God’s greatness and power.

I think verses 6-7 are my favorite. The act of bowing down, kneeling before our maker. That is an image, a pose we should take every day. We must humble ourselves before the Lord.

These words brought to mind a worship song from long ago. Listen to these children singing it here.

There are so many options in our day for allegiance. So many obstacles that are keeping us from having an obedient heart. What comes to mind is sports, video games, work, and money. Did you think of others? God should not be an afterthought. He should not be getting our leftovers.

I am as guilty as the next guy in this whole dilemma. While I’m thankful God gave us free will, I sometimes wish we had homing devices inside programming us for a required daily dose of time in God’s presence. Wouldn’t that be great? It’s too easy to let busyness or fatigue take over and fill up the time I should be, want to be spending with God.

Over the years I have been jealous of others who were more intentional in their quiet times. I always fell short of that ideal. Now in retirement, I have a new pattern. I am putting God first in my day. There is no replacing the quiet times communing with God, and those days I miss it I feel a bit emptier. I am certain I missed a message intended for me from my maker.

I don’t want to miss hearing my master’s voice. I want to live my life as a testimony to how God can take nothing and make it great. God will use me to further his kingdom if I just step out of the way.

Let’s pray. Forgive me for my inattentiveness and my wandering mind. I long to stay on the path you have for me. Thank you for always chasing after me on my bunny trails, rescuing me and resetting my course. Oh the plans you must have for me. Thank you for your love and faithfulness. Protect me from the evil one who is doing all possible to crowd my head. I want to listen to your voice alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 94

This psalm is packed with some great nuggets. At first I  was a bit taken aback with the plea for God’s vengeance. What tragedy must have come upon the psalmist to have such bold feelings. It is hard at times to sit back and watch corruption in the world and yet find peace.

God is also watching and he knows each of us. The psalmist takes a negative angle with  this, but that’s understandable. We are not perfect. Our thoughts can be worthless. We fall short and are not always focused on kingdom truths. I know my mind wanders on its own, even in the midst of my quiet time.

I always imagine that others do a much better job at being still in God’s presence. I suppose my writing this blog is part of my discipline to help me stay focused, and yet even still when my dog barks or the phone rings, my attention and concentration are compromised. It’s then that I cry out, “Forgive me, God!”

Does imagining God watching you change the way you want to live? What would he to say about what you’re doing right now? Are we merely rebels that will live as we want? Or are we people pleasers and want to do our best for others and for God? Are we selfish and seek only to further our own agenda? Wrestle with these images, and ask, “Who do I want God to see?”

My favorite line from the psalm today is found in verse 19. “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”  Notice the past tense. The psalmist has already experienced this comfort, the light at the end of the tunnel. We can stand on the truth he is proclaiming for our own times of weakness. In other translations, you’ll see “anxieties” in place of “doubts”. It’s a little different way to think about this passage, but the ending is still the same, God comforts.

Doubts about God can be horrendous on our faith, confidence and sense of well-being. We all have doubt from time to time, but doubting the goodness and provision of God should never happen. God is mighty. God is watching. He is our fortress in times of trouble. When anxiety overtakes and causes us fear or dread, we can be paralyzed. Likewise, God is mighty and he will bring us the hope we need.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for this new day. May all I say and do be to your glory. May I stay focused on you. I want to please you for I know you are watching me. Watch over my loved ones who are far from me. I know you have them securely in your hands, and I pray that they will know and acknowledge you are watching over them. Thank you for the hope you give to those who trust in you. All these things I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 93 

Holy is the Lord. King over all. This psalm will really ground you if you are wondering about God if you let the truths wash over you and sink in.  Take a listen to this, it’s a song that resonates with me when reflecting on a God who is HOLY.

The style of this psalm, to repeat a thought, is called synonymous parallelism. This example is one of the finest. This style is common in the psalms, and you might be watching for it!

Would you agree that it seems our society today seems to be falling away from this image of God? That is, seeing God as a king, majestic and mighty. I don’t know about you, but I have a bad habit of trying to do something all by myself. Not only do I neglect to ask others for help, I fail to ask God for his strength and help. It’s frightening. Tragic.

My heart breaks to see such a slide toward self (me included). We’re trying to do it all, to be gods. How much more the heart of God must be breaking. But how do we step aside and let go of our desire to be in control? Have you found a way?

If you’re like me, then you’ve experienced times when you’ve ventured out on your own, only to fail. Miserably at times. While my efforts are not always fruitful, I know that when I rely on God, truly rely on him, I experience success. When God is in control, when we allow God’s will to be done in our lives, there is a happy ending.

We need to remember we have the backing of a king! We have the power of the almighty God at our disposal! Who wouldn’t want to tap into that? Why do I so often forget?

Read this psalm again. It’s short. Did something new jump out at you this time your read it? For me, it is “the Lord is mightier.” I am going to let that little nugget sweep over me today. I am going to repeat that whenever I feel anxious, hurried, confused, overwhelmed, frustrated. I may just feel all of those things today, but I’m going to be ready.

Let’s pray. God you are mighty and your power will never end. There is no way we can  use it up, it just keeps coming. Like your love. Everlasting. Thank you for your provision. Help me to not let the world’s lies get in my head. Help me run to you first for help and not try to go it alone. Direct my paths this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.