Today’s Reading: Psalm 94 & 127

Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones. – Psalm 127:1-2

When we became parents, we wanted to do everything right. We read the books and asked others for advice. Our love for our daughter and for God caused us to want to get this parenting thing right. We had prayed for so long for the opportunity to be parents, and it was the desire of our heart to please God in the way we raised our little girl. We wanted to be the perfect parents with the perfect family.

When our oldest daughter started to crawl, we began to babyproof the house. When she started walking, we quickly looked for every sharp corner that could be a danger to her and put gates up to keep her from falling down the stairs. As our family grew and our girls got older, our concerns for their safety multiplied. No matter how hard you try to push away the what-ifs of this world, they come crowding into the space of your heart that longs to protect your children.

ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A PARENT IS TRUSTING GOD WITH THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN.

It is easy to let the possibilities overwhelm you. The news of car accidents and school shootings bring you to your knees; the statistics of suicide, substance abuse, and mental illness leave you crying out to God for protection over your family. You want your children to have everything they need, so you work long hours to have the financial means to provide for your family. But consider these first two verses of Psalm 127 again — Unless the Lord builds the house, unless the Lord protects the city, and unless God gives rest to his loved ones, our efforts are in vain.

Who will protect me from the wicked?
Who will stand up for me against evildoers?
Unless the Lord had helped me,
I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.
I cried out, “I am slipping!”
but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. – Psalm 94:16-19

I am thankful today for a God who watches over us. I am grateful for a God who has me in His arms in both life and death. When fears press in, I can go to Him for comfort; when it seems evil is winning in this world, God reminds me that the victory is His! God is our Provider and our Protector, even in the most difficult of situations. The children we have been blessed with are a gift from Him, and we can trust the One who sees through the eyes of eternity. That’s worth repeating.

WE CAN TRUST THE ONE WHO SEES THROUGH THE EYES OF ETERNITY.

Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. – Psalm 127:3-5

Father God, we place our kids in your capable hand once again. We pray for you to work out your perfect plan for their lives. God, please place your hand of protection on our children and watch over them. May they sense your presence and trust in you through life’s hardest moments. Lord, we pray for those parents who are even now walking through a terminal diagnosis with their child, for those who are sitting by the bedside of their son or daughter, for those whose most treasured gift is now in heaven waiting for them. We ask that you give them the strength to trust you with each day, knowing that you see through the eyes of eternity. Unless you build the house; unless you protect the city. Father God, we are trusting in you. We love you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 4 – 6

Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge. — Proverbs 18:15

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. — Proverbs 19:20

I remember like it was yesterday bringing our daughter home from the hospital. I prayed God would teach me how to be a good parent. And then being a parent of a toddler was a whole new experience of calling on God for patience and wisdom. I learned a new level of trust when I dropped my daughter off for her first day of school, or when I let her go on her first date. Then there was the day I handed her the keys to the car, or later watched her drive off to college. Being a parent is an incredible experience, but definitely one that leaves us feeling unequipped and unprepared at times. I am so thankful for godly advice and words of wisdom.

Solomon, son of David, had quite a few words of wisdom for both parents and children in his book of Proverbs. He gave us great advice on both how to be the child and how to be the parent – words that never grow useless.

LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS

My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck. — Proverbs 1:8-9

My children, listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
Don’t turn back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will live a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life. — Proverbs 4:1-13

DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN

You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? – Proverbs 5:12-13

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
Keep their words always in your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you.
For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light;
their corrective discipline is the way to life. — Proverbs 6:20-23

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. — Proverbs 13:24

Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. — Proverbs 15:5

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding
than a hundred lashed on the back of a fool. — Proverbs 17:10

Discipline your children while there is hope.
Otherwise you will ruin their lives. — Proverbs 19:18

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. — Prov. 22:6

ENJOY BEING A PARENT

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy. — Proverbs 23:22-25

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. — Proverbs 29:17

Sometimes we feel unprepared for the new parenting situation before us. They say parenthood doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and that is true, but God has given us some great instruction in His word and He is offering to give us wisdom. God wants to bless us through our children while also using us to be a blessing to them. He has a plan for each life and He is molding them into the person He intends for them to be.

Lord, we are listening. Lord, we are asking for wisdom. Lord, we are sincerely willing to be taught by you. Please give us the courage to parent as you lead us. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 1-3

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. – Proverbs 1:1-6

This is quite an introduction to the book of Proverbs. Solomon had big shoes to fill as he stepped into his father’s position as king. He called on the Lord, offering 1000 burnt offerings at Gibeon. The Lord responded to Solomon, but not immediately. He made him wait for an answer.

So Solomon called on God, offered 1000 burnt offerings, and then walked home having heard nothing from God. But waiting on God’s timing was worth it because GOD SHOWED UP with a very generous offer for Solomon. Later that night in a dream, God reached out to Him with these words, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” – 1 Kings 3:5

Solomon’s request was humble. He felt like a little child in this new position as king — unprepared and unequipped. He went to the Giver of all good gifts, offered his own gifts to the Lord, and then Solomon asked for God to make him into everything God might want him to be.

“…Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9

WHO BY HIMSELF IS ABLE?

That’s a great question: “Who, by himself, is able?” I know I am not. I know that I could use a generous outpouring of wisdom and understanding from God. So yes, Solomon, I take you up on this offer to be taught wisdom and to be given insight. I will listen to these proverbs in a desire to become wiser. Give me guidance, teach me discipline, and help me know what is right, just and fair. I come humbly to the giver of all good gifts, offering my gifts to Him, and asking for God to make me into everything He might want me to be. For who, by himself, is able?

I hear wisdom calling, do you?

“Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.” – Proverbs 1:23

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe. – Proverbs 2:3-11

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:1-6

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. – Proverbs 3:13-15

Sounds great! I’ll take as much as you would like to give me, Lord. And how can I obtain this wisdom? By asking and by seeking, by trusting and by submitting. It is in my relationship with You, God, that I will be blessed with all you have to teach me. I choose to come and listen. I cry out for insight and I ask for understanding. I will search for them as I would for silver, I will seek them like hidden treasure. I will store your commands in my heart, tie them around my neck as a reminder and write them deep within my heart. Lord, I seek your will. Show me which path to take. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 146, 148, 150

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1

This is a familiar phrase to most of us. We have heard it spoken among believers, written in correspondence and shouted in worship services. But I do not want the familiarity of these words to cause me to miss out on what God’s Word is calling me to do. If the psalmist is calling me to praise the Lord, what do I need to understand about this form of worship?

The word “praise” can be found 380 times in the Bible (NLT) and 187 times in the book of Psalms alone. As we finish up our study of this book of poetry, let us slow down to consider this familiar phrase that rolls off the tongue. Let us seek a new understanding of this command in scripture – the command to praise the Lord.

Google provides us with a few definitions: Praise is the expression of approval or admiration. Approval is the agreement that something is good, acceptable or satisfactory. The meaning of admiration adds respect to my approval. [google.com]

So when I say “Praise the Lord” what am I saying? I am expressing approval and admiration of God. I am agreeing that God is good and I can accept what He decides to do. SUBMISSION. I am showing respect for who God is and what He does. God does not need my approval in the sense of seeking my permission or favor, but He demands my respect and acceptance of His Lordship. SUBMISSION.

Can I now say “Praise the Lord” and really mean it? Can I accept Him for who He is and recognize that He is good, that all He does is acceptable and worthy of my admiration? Even in the most difficult of situations, can I rest submissively in His hands and say, “Praise the Lord!” Let’s worship with abandon, expressing unconditional passion for our God!

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord, I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. – Psalm 146:1-2

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all His creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. – Psalm 145:8-13

Praise the Lord!

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them by name.
How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:3-5

Praise the Lord!

Let all created things give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being…
Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, your men and young women, old men and children.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven. – Psalm 148:5-13

Let the praise of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands. – Psalm 149:6

Praise the Lord!

Praise him in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works; praise him for his unequaled greatness!…
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1-2,6

There is a video online of a 15-month old baby girl experiencing rain for the first time. She adorably stretches out her hands and tilts her face toward the sky. She giggles and smiles in approval of each raindrop that splashes on her face. Let’s worship God in the same way this little girl experienced the rain? Let’s turn our face towards God and lift up our hands in praise, showing how we agree with God that this life He has given us is good — that we admire His goodness and approve of His faithfulness. Praise the Lord!

Today’s Reading: Psalm 140-145

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:8

Has your morning ever taken off without you? The day starts at a fast pace and, before you know it, you are hours into your day and you have not spent any time in God’s word. These are my least favorite days. I know from experience how spending time in God’s presence can change me and refresh me. That is why I get up each morning and spend time in His presence before our home gets loud and the day picks up momentum. Me, my God and a hot cup of my morning coffee.

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES US.

Spending time with the Lord produces godliness in our lives. Spending time daily getting a fresh filling of the Spirit produces good fruit in our life. It changes what we do and what we say.

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. – Psalm 141:3-4

Lord, I long to dwell in your presence and give you control of what I say and what I do. Lord, protect me from the urgings of my sinful nature and breathe into me the urgings of your Spirit. Guide what I say and what I do. Steer the direction of my life, O God.

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DIRECTION.

When I am overwhelmed, YOU ALONE KNOW THE WAY I SHOULD TURN.
Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought!
No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
YOU ARE ALL I REALLY WANT IN LIFE.” – Psalm 142:3-5

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DESIRES.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. – Psalm 143:8-10

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE BRINGS US JOY!

Yes, joyful are those who live like this!
Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 144:15

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE DRAWS US CLOSER TO HIM.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:18-19

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

Father God, that is where I long to spend my day – IN YOUR PRESENCE. Not just while I drink my morning coffee, but all day long. May your presence in my life today change me – change my desires, change my direction. May time in your presence bring me joy and draw me closer to you. Lord, refresh me and renew me for what lies ahead. I soak in your presence, Father God, and fix my eyes on you.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 139 & 117

The Lord will work out his plans for my life — for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:8

I love this verse because it speaks to the Lord’s active participation in our lives while also expressing our deep need for Him. There is a confidence that God is in control paired with a desperation for the Creator’s presence. It reminds me of one of my favorite verses in scripture, which is found in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

The God who created me knows everything there is to know about me and it is this God who holds my life in His hands. He is aware of what I am thinking and how I am feeling. He is omnipresent and omniscient; He is everywhere and He knows everything. I am so thankful this morning for the active presence of the Lord in my life!

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know EVERYTHING about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know EVERYTHING I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
I can never escape your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night —
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you. – Psalm 139:1-12

There is no pretending when it comes to our relationship with God. He knows our heart; God knows what we are feeling and where we are struggling. This God who created us understands us. He created us to need His hand to guide us and His strength to support us. He will not leave us alone. When we look back, He is there. When we look forward, He is there.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:13-18

God knows all — He will work out His plans for my life and never abandon me. I can rest in the knowledge that God loves me and thinks about me — that His faithful love will endure forever!

Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord. – Psalm 117

Lord, you know what this life holds for me. I ask you to guide me and strengthen me according to your plan for my life. Go before me and follow me. Place your hand of blessing on my head. I commit another day to you, Lord, trusting you with all the details. I choose to spend my time in your ever faithful presence. Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, and make today exactly what you want it to be as you make me exactly who you want me to be. Amen.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out everything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24

Today’s Reading: Psalms 8, 136, 138

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

God, my Creator, will love me with a love that will endure forever.

Soak in the meaning of just how incredible God is. He is a good God – a God who loves us with a love that will endure forever. His love will endure; it will suffer patiently. His love will bear…stand…suffer…tolerate…sustain…undergo.

Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights — His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:4-7

God, my Protector, will love with a love that will endure forever!

He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:12-14

God, my Provider, will love with a love that will endure forever!

Do you catch that? Are you letting that completely soak in and saturate your being this morning? Don’t let a phrase you have heard over and over again lose its meaning. Take hold of this promise – HIS FAITHFUL LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:23-26

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength…
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:3-8

God, my Beloved, suffers patiently for me.

The God who created me will not abandon me because He loves me. His love is strong and can bear with me through my struggles because it is a love that protects and provides. The Lord will work out HIS plans for my life. He will part the “Red Seas” and bring me out of my “Egypt”. He will remember me in my weakness and provide for me according to His plan. His faithful love endures forever. I do not deserve this faithful God.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers –
the moon and the stars you set in place –
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them? – Psalm 8:3-4

God, my Designer, will love with a love that will endure forever!

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the fact that the God of Creation loves me and cares about me! The Psalms do not just tell us about God, they describe man’s relationship with God. As we read through this book, we do not simply increase what WE KNOW ABOUT GOD, we come face to face with the fact that WE ARE KNOWN BY GOD. We walk away with evidence that God loves us with a love that will endure forever!

Father God, we thank you for the blessings you bestow on us each day. We are grateful for the opportunity to live in a relationship with you. God of Miracles, we praise you for how you have acted on our behalf over and over again. Thank you for your protection and your provision; thank you for being a God who created us, designed us, and knows everything about us. You are a good God, and we make the decision once more to put our trust in you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalms 32, 33, 34, 36, 37

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

There are times in our lives when we wonder if God is watching — if He is going to respond to what is happening around us. The psalmist felt that way at times – times when he was struggling and needed desperately to hear from God. But this same psalmist, David, used his songs to celebrate the wonder of His God. This morning I choose to join David in simply sitting back and relaxing in who our God is.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. – Psalm 33:6-9

He is our Creator. He made us and, therefore, He understands us (33:15). He is our help and our shield, surrounding us with His unfailing love. In Him alone we can put our trust (33:20-22).

WE CAN TRUST THE LORD.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy…
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles…
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help…
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. – Psalm 34:4-6,15-19

There are so many scriptures that warn us that we will experience troubles and difficult times. Consider John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” There is no promise that our heart will never hurt or that we will never face disappointments or persecution in this life. But we serve a God of unfailing love who never leaves us. He is bigger than any difficulty we are facing.

WE CAN TRUST IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity find shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. – Psalm 36:5-9

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So rejoice and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! – Psalm 32:10-11

Lord, we praise you for being our fortress in times of trouble. You are the God who rescues the godly from the hands of the wicked. You are our help in times of uncertainty. Today we choose to find our shelter in you and you alone (Psalm 37:39-40). Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalms 64, 121, 124, 126, 130

Life is very much like a fresh snowfall. It is absolutely beautiful and full of the potential for fun, but with it comes fear. Just like driving on an icy surface, there is fear when we feel out of control — when life seems to be spinning the wrong direction no matter which way we steer. It is in these moments that we turn our eyes to the Lord. We cry out for His help and we place our family and our life in His hands.

MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD

I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. – Psalm 121

WHAT IF THE LORD DID NOT HELP ME?

I love this picture of God watching over me, providing a protective shade. But what if He did sleep? What if He did not watch over us protectively? As a mother, I can drive myself crazy in a matter of a few minutes if I let my mind go to the “what if’s” in life. It is better for me to relax in the reality that I serve a God I can count on — a God I can trust. It does not mean that there will never be a moment when I need His help or when I cry out for help, but it does mean that He will be with me on the hardest days this life throws at me. I cannot imagine how I could survive my darkest moments without the Lord by my side.

What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat:
What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?
They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.

Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 124

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! – Psalm 126:3

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness that we might learn to fear you.

I AM COUNTING ON HIM.

I have put my hope in his word.
I long for the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in the Lord.
I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn.

O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin. – Psalm 130

Father God, I am counting on you today. I intentionally take all of my fears and concerns, and I choose to place them in your capable hands. I will put my trust in you; I will place my hope in you alone. Thank you for your unfailing love and for your generous overflowing redemption that gives me the opportunity to experience freedom from my sins. Teach me how to stop holding on to the weight of my list of sins, recognizing that you keep no record — that what is forgiven is forgotten. This morning, I look to the mountains and proclaim that my help comes from the Lord! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 101, 103, 105, 106

The Lord gives righteousness… – Psalm 103:6a

I could just stop right there. I love the powerful message contained in those four words. I cannot in a million years be holy or righteous on my own, but I serve a generous God who GIVES righteousness. I can never be good enough but He is enough. His righteousness can look at this ungodly heart and call me godly.

When I consider that it is HIS righteousness that makes a godly life possible, I can join in with the psalmist in this prayer of commitment to living a godly life. If I think for one minute I can do it on my own, this prayer is said with uncertainty. I HOPE I can live a blameless life, I THINK I can lead a life of integrity.

But, if the foundation of my prayer starts with “The Lord gives righteousness…”, then I can join in this prayer with confidence that it is all about my WILLING heart and God’s CAPABLE hands. It’s not about what I HOPE I can do but what I KNOW God can do! If I am willing to commit to living a holy life, He will give me His righteousness.

THE LORD GIVES RIGHTEOUSNESS.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life – when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. – Psalm 101:1-2

Give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. – Psalm 106:1-3

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. – Psalm 105:4

SEEK THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LORD.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:33-34

Lord, I search this morning for you and for your strength. I am seeking you and asking you for a fresh outpouring of YOUR righteousness into my life. Fill me with your Spirit so I can submit to your plan for my life. Every word I say, every action I take today, may it be evidence of your righteousness at work in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. I desire to sing your praises all day long! Amen.

I have another song suggestion for you today. I pray the lyrics wash over you in such a way that the Spirit meets you where you are at and encourages you with the truth of the powerful righteousness of Jesus.

My hope is built on nothing less / Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness / I dare not trust the sweetest frame / But wholly trust in Jesus’ name / Christ alone, Cornerstone / Weak made strong in the Savior’s love / Through the storm / He is Lord / Lord of all / When darkness seems to hide His face / I rest on His unchanging grace / In every high and stormy gale / My anchor holds within the veil / My anchor holds within the veil [Cornerstone, Hillsong Worship, 2012]