Journey through the Psalms: God is our Fortress

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"God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble.  

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, 

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 

though its waters roar and foam, 

though the mountains tremble at its swelling.  

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 

the holy habitation of the Most High.  

God is in the midst of her, 

she shall not be moved; 

God will help her when morning dawns.  

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; 

he utters his voice, the earth melts.  

The LORD of hosts is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

 Come, behold the works of the LORD, 

how he has brought desolations on the earth.  

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; 

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; 

he burns the chariots with fire.  

'Be still, and know that I am God.  

I will be exalted in the earth!'

The LORD of hosts is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our fortress."

Psalm 46

Journey through the Psalms: The Goodness of God's Word

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Psalm 19: 7-11

"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."

I love looking through these verses and seeing all of the things that God's Word is and all of the things that God's Word does.  Lately, the Word of God has been powerful in reviving my weary soul. Oh, that I would always allow the truth of God's Word to penetrate my heart, transform my mind, and guide me to walk in righteousness.  

Journey through the Psalms: The LORD Deals Bountifully

Psalm 13

How long, O LORD?  Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?  How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?  Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.  But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.  I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me. 

There is no evidence in this particular Psalm that David had received victory over his enemies, just that they were prevailing over him.  And, yet, what is David's attitude?  He trusts in the steadfast love of the Lord.  He rejoices in God's salvation.  The part that struck me in this Psalm is that regardless of David's circumstances, which seem less than favorable here, he recognized that God had given bountifully to him. 

This week has been challenging for me in different ways, and I have to admit my attitude has not always been right.  It's so easy to allow myself to feel overwhelmed by unexpected troubles that I encounter, and yet, rather than complaining and grumbling, I should remember God's great bounty that He has so graciously given.  It's amazing how quickly a thankful spirit can cure a discontented or troubled heart.  

What ways has God dealt bountifully with you?

Journey through the Psalms

My goal over the next few months is to do something different on this blog and post something every Sunday.  These posts will be about the verses that have stood out to me during the previous week as I've read through the Psalms.  Sometimes I'll just share the verses, other times I might elaborate on them a bit, but either way, I hope it is an encouragement to those of you who read it.

Psalm 9:1-2

"I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.  I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

The Lord has indeed done wonderful deeds!  Even in the midst of troubling circumstances, heavy hearts, or difficult days, we are to give thanks.  Not just with a portion of our heart, but with our whole heart.  Today may we rejoice in the Lord, sing to Him, and give thanks because He is good.