Psalm 23:1-6
1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
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More and more as I read the psalms, I see a sublime level of faith that I long for. This psalm in particular talks describes a faith that I aspire to, but have not attained. If you rely completely on God, you lack nothing. He leads you to green pastures, and to safe waters. He restores your strength. He guides you along the right path. Even when the path is dark.
Your cup overflows -- grace and love in ABUNDANCE. More than you could ever expect, or even think you could handle.
This isn't a pipe dream. It can happen, and our Church's rich history is filled with people who have experienced it. We just celebrated them on All Saints Day, and we are all called to it, all of us. Lately, I've been increasingly conscious of it as a target, and I'm asking God to change my life -- my desires, my priorities, what I spend my time on -- so that my will inches closer to His. That means some things definitely have to change, including worldly things that I'm pretty attached to.
This Scripture gives me encouragement on that path. Sometimes Jesus slowly shows me something about myself that has to change if I'm to grow in my relationship with Him. As this psalm says, though, if he's my shepherd there is nothing that I lack. Even if it means giving up something that I really like, or am really attached to.
I ask God for the grace to walk down this road, and to persevere. It is one thing to get started, and quite another to finish.
Green pastures. Safe waters. Restored strength. An overflowing cup. That's what I want.
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Daily - 10/18/10
Psalm 121
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
3 God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.
4 Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.
5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.
6 By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
8 The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.
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This was the responsorial psalm at Sunday's mass, and it really struck me as a measuring stick for my own prayer life.
Do I truly depend on God? Does my help come from Him? Do I KNOW IN MY HEART that if I rely on Him, He will not allow my foot to slip? That he will be my guardian from evil? Both now and forever? These are the words of someone with a deep faith, the type of faith that can "move mountains."
This is the target. This is what I have set my sights on, for my own relationship with Christ. I want to rely on Him completely. I want to fully place my life in His hands. Just today at mass, I asked Him to grow this faith inside me.
I spent much of my life thinking of the Psalms as ancient prayers that really don't have anything to do with me. I was so wrong. The psalms are timeless, looking to the past and the future, and they tell the story of God's people throughout salvation history. Many of them, like this one, tell of a higher relationship with God that can be achieved on this earth if we strive for it. They tell the faith of David - the man God said was " a man after my own heart."
How can you not want to be like that?
PS - Don't take my word for it. Click the link for what the Catechism says.
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s1c1a1.htm#2585
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
3 God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.
4 Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.
5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.
6 By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
8 The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.
-------
This was the responsorial psalm at Sunday's mass, and it really struck me as a measuring stick for my own prayer life.
Do I truly depend on God? Does my help come from Him? Do I KNOW IN MY HEART that if I rely on Him, He will not allow my foot to slip? That he will be my guardian from evil? Both now and forever? These are the words of someone with a deep faith, the type of faith that can "move mountains."
This is the target. This is what I have set my sights on, for my own relationship with Christ. I want to rely on Him completely. I want to fully place my life in His hands. Just today at mass, I asked Him to grow this faith inside me.
I spent much of my life thinking of the Psalms as ancient prayers that really don't have anything to do with me. I was so wrong. The psalms are timeless, looking to the past and the future, and they tell the story of God's people throughout salvation history. Many of them, like this one, tell of a higher relationship with God that can be achieved on this earth if we strive for it. They tell the faith of David - the man God said was " a man after my own heart."
How can you not want to be like that?
PS - Don't take my word for it. Click the link for what the Catechism says.
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s1c1a1.htm#2585
Monday, June 28, 2010
Daily - 6/28/10
Psalm 16:7-11
7 I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me.
8 I keep the LORD always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure,
10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.
11 You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
------
This was the responsorial psalm at mass yesterday.
Have you ever wanted to talk to meet someone you've seen in the Scriptures? I have that feeling about David. God described him as "a man after my own heart," and exalted him to the point that he brought forth the Christ from David's line.
I would love to spend some time with a guy like that and learn from him. Imagine the stories - slaying Goliath, cool war blood and guts stuff, escaping from incredible adversit. Good man stuff.
What I'd ask him the most about, though, is how he goes about his daily life with God. This psalm is THE answer. Simple and beautiful. Keep him in my sight always. Know in my heart that with the Lord I will always be safe. Have complete confidence that He will show me the path to life.
Abounding joy and delight in His presence.
This isn't the stuff of fairy tales. It is real. This life can be had while still on earth. David had it. Others have had it. It's worth it to stop and really consider what they tell us, and to put it into practice.
If we're willing to take that step, the Lord will give us everything we need.
7 I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me.
8 I keep the LORD always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure,
10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.
11 You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
------
This was the responsorial psalm at mass yesterday.
Have you ever wanted to talk to meet someone you've seen in the Scriptures? I have that feeling about David. God described him as "a man after my own heart," and exalted him to the point that he brought forth the Christ from David's line.
I would love to spend some time with a guy like that and learn from him. Imagine the stories - slaying Goliath, cool war blood and guts stuff, escaping from incredible adversit. Good man stuff.
What I'd ask him the most about, though, is how he goes about his daily life with God. This psalm is THE answer. Simple and beautiful. Keep him in my sight always. Know in my heart that with the Lord I will always be safe. Have complete confidence that He will show me the path to life.
Abounding joy and delight in His presence.
This isn't the stuff of fairy tales. It is real. This life can be had while still on earth. David had it. Others have had it. It's worth it to stop and really consider what they tell us, and to put it into practice.
If we're willing to take that step, the Lord will give us everything we need.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Daily - 2/10/10
Psalm 63
2 O God, you are my God-- for you I long! For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, Like a land parched, lifeless, and without water.
3 So I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory.
4 For your love is better than life; my lips offer you worship!
5 I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
6 My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!
7 When I think of you upon my bed, through the night watches I will recall
8 That you indeed are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
9 My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.
-------------------
This was part of my daily devotional this morning. Does this psalm describe you? Do you long for God? Does your body yearn for Him? What does that feel like?
Does your soul thirst for Him?
Do you have total confidence that the Lord is your help? Do you shout for joy in the shadow of His wings? Does your soul cling fast to the Lord?
Are these just words, or do people live their lives this way?
Do you want to be like this?
2 O God, you are my God-- for you I long! For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, Like a land parched, lifeless, and without water.
3 So I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory.
4 For your love is better than life; my lips offer you worship!
5 I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
6 My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!
7 When I think of you upon my bed, through the night watches I will recall
8 That you indeed are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
9 My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.
-------------------
This was part of my daily devotional this morning. Does this psalm describe you? Do you long for God? Does your body yearn for Him? What does that feel like?
Does your soul thirst for Him?
Do you have total confidence that the Lord is your help? Do you shout for joy in the shadow of His wings? Does your soul cling fast to the Lord?
Are these just words, or do people live their lives this way?
Do you want to be like this?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Daily - 9/15/09
Psalm 111
1 Hallelujah. I will praise the LORD with all my heart in the assembled congregation of the upright.
2 Great are the works of the LORD, to be treasured for all their delights.
3 Majestic and glorious is your work, your wise design endures forever.
4 You won renown for your wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.
5 You gave food to those who fear you, mindful of your covenant forever.
6 You showed powerful deeds to your people, giving them the lands of the nations.
7 The works of your hands are right and true, reliable all your decrees,
8 Established forever and ever, to be observed with loyalty and care.
9 You sent deliverance to your people, ratified your covenant forever; holy and awesome is your name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it. Your praise endures forever.
------------
This is the responsorial psalm from tomorrow's daily mass, and was written by David.
God called David a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Have you ever wondered why? What do we see in David that merits this praise from the almighty Lord?
One thing that always strikes me about David is shown in verses 7-10. David doesn't see the Lord's commands as onerous/painful/restrictive/whatever. He says the Lord's decrees are reliable, established forever, and are to be observed with loyalty and care.
Many have said such things. The difference with David is that he LIVED that way He put his faith in the Lord and did what the Lord told him to do. That's the model to follow. As it says in James 1:22, we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
PS - Psalm 111 gives just a taste of David's take on obedience. Read Psalm 119 for the full picture.
PPS - I highly recommend diving into David's life in 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, the beginning of 1 Kings, and also reading his songs of praise in the Psalms. In those writings we can see what a man after God's own heart is really like.
1 Hallelujah. I will praise the LORD with all my heart in the assembled congregation of the upright.
2 Great are the works of the LORD, to be treasured for all their delights.
3 Majestic and glorious is your work, your wise design endures forever.
4 You won renown for your wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.
5 You gave food to those who fear you, mindful of your covenant forever.
6 You showed powerful deeds to your people, giving them the lands of the nations.
7 The works of your hands are right and true, reliable all your decrees,
8 Established forever and ever, to be observed with loyalty and care.
9 You sent deliverance to your people, ratified your covenant forever; holy and awesome is your name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it. Your praise endures forever.
------------
This is the responsorial psalm from tomorrow's daily mass, and was written by David.
God called David a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Have you ever wondered why? What do we see in David that merits this praise from the almighty Lord?
One thing that always strikes me about David is shown in verses 7-10. David doesn't see the Lord's commands as onerous/painful/restrictive/whatever. He says the Lord's decrees are reliable, established forever, and are to be observed with loyalty and care.
Many have said such things. The difference with David is that he LIVED that way He put his faith in the Lord and did what the Lord told him to do. That's the model to follow. As it says in James 1:22, we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
PS - Psalm 111 gives just a taste of David's take on obedience. Read Psalm 119 for the full picture.
PPS - I highly recommend diving into David's life in 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, the beginning of 1 Kings, and also reading his songs of praise in the Psalms. In those writings we can see what a man after God's own heart is really like.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Daily - 8/24/09
Psalm 139
1 For the leader. A psalm of David. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
7 Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
8 If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
9 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" --
12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
17 How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!
18 Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.
19 If only you would destroy the wicked, O God, and the bloodthirsty would depart from me!
20 Deceitfully they invoke your name; your foes swear faithless oaths.
21 Do I not hate, LORD, those who hate you? Those who rise against you, do I not loathe?
22 With fierce hatred I hate them, enemies I count as my own.
23 Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my concerns.
24 See if my way is crooked, then lead me in the ancient paths.
------------
Funny. I actually sent out tomroow's gospel last week by mistake. Didn't know what to do today, then I noticed that the responsorial for tomorrow is Psalm 139 -- my favorite psalm. I sent this out the first week that I had custody of this list, when there were 42 recipients. We now have 135 people on this list. On one hand that's great. On the other, it's just a small drop in the bucket in our parish of 17,000 + people.
Anyhow, I love this Psalm. God knows everything about us. He knew us from the moment he knit us in our mothers' wombs. He knows all of our thoughts. He forsees our actions. He, more than anyone -- including ourselves much of the time -- knows who we really are.
David's relationship with God was such that he was very much in tune with how tightly his life was intertwined with God's will. He submitted to being part of God's designs, even though the sum of them was so vast that he couldn't comprehend it.
Pretty good model for us to follow. Worked out OK for David.
1 For the leader. A psalm of David. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
7 Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
8 If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
9 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" --
12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
17 How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!
18 Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.
19 If only you would destroy the wicked, O God, and the bloodthirsty would depart from me!
20 Deceitfully they invoke your name; your foes swear faithless oaths.
21 Do I not hate, LORD, those who hate you? Those who rise against you, do I not loathe?
22 With fierce hatred I hate them, enemies I count as my own.
23 Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my concerns.
24 See if my way is crooked, then lead me in the ancient paths.
------------
Funny. I actually sent out tomroow's gospel last week by mistake. Didn't know what to do today, then I noticed that the responsorial for tomorrow is Psalm 139 -- my favorite psalm. I sent this out the first week that I had custody of this list, when there were 42 recipients. We now have 135 people on this list. On one hand that's great. On the other, it's just a small drop in the bucket in our parish of 17,000 + people.
Anyhow, I love this Psalm. God knows everything about us. He knew us from the moment he knit us in our mothers' wombs. He knows all of our thoughts. He forsees our actions. He, more than anyone -- including ourselves much of the time -- knows who we really are.
David's relationship with God was such that he was very much in tune with how tightly his life was intertwined with God's will. He submitted to being part of God's designs, even though the sum of them was so vast that he couldn't comprehend it.
Pretty good model for us to follow. Worked out OK for David.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Daily - 7/17/09
Mark 6:30-34
30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.
31 He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.
32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.
34 When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
-----------
This passage occurs after the Twelve return from their mission of preaching, healing, and driving out demons. They must have come back pumped up beyond belief and excited. We aren't told details, but some pretty cool stuff must have happened.
Christ gives them instruction that resonates today. There is a need to get away from the cares of the world around you and find solitude and quiet with God. Many times in the gospels, we see Christ withdrawing to pray, to commune with the Father, and to get re-charged. Consider that. Christ is the mediator through which everything was created, and he needed to withdraw and pray.
We were just discussing this need in the Friday morning bible study. Today's world is so full of clutter, noise, and (in the end) meaningless activity, and all of those things are barriers between us and God. Satan has done a tremendous job of filling the world with distractions that we choose instead of seeking God. We need to withdraw to God and spend time with Him.
I've had moments in the past year where I've felt spiritually drained. One of our priests helped me to see something very important -- we cannot give away what we don't have. If I'm trying to help someone else grow spiritually and I haven't taken the time to allow God to feed me, then I'm not getting anywhere. When that happens, I need to get back to basics -- Scripture, prayer, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist. These are the elements of spiritual rest.
When I come to God in those moments, I'm trying to spend less time asking God for things, and more time "resting" in his presence. God knows what I need more than I do. There's nothing wrong with asking for things I think I need, but if I spend my time approaching Him with an agenda, it's entirely possible that I'm more focused on what I want to do than what He wants me to do.
Psalms 46:10 says this very succinctly: "Be still and know that I am God."
30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.
31 He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.
32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.
34 When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
-----------
This passage occurs after the Twelve return from their mission of preaching, healing, and driving out demons. They must have come back pumped up beyond belief and excited. We aren't told details, but some pretty cool stuff must have happened.
Christ gives them instruction that resonates today. There is a need to get away from the cares of the world around you and find solitude and quiet with God. Many times in the gospels, we see Christ withdrawing to pray, to commune with the Father, and to get re-charged. Consider that. Christ is the mediator through which everything was created, and he needed to withdraw and pray.
We were just discussing this need in the Friday morning bible study. Today's world is so full of clutter, noise, and (in the end) meaningless activity, and all of those things are barriers between us and God. Satan has done a tremendous job of filling the world with distractions that we choose instead of seeking God. We need to withdraw to God and spend time with Him.
I've had moments in the past year where I've felt spiritually drained. One of our priests helped me to see something very important -- we cannot give away what we don't have. If I'm trying to help someone else grow spiritually and I haven't taken the time to allow God to feed me, then I'm not getting anywhere. When that happens, I need to get back to basics -- Scripture, prayer, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist. These are the elements of spiritual rest.
When I come to God in those moments, I'm trying to spend less time asking God for things, and more time "resting" in his presence. God knows what I need more than I do. There's nothing wrong with asking for things I think I need, but if I spend my time approaching Him with an agenda, it's entirely possible that I'm more focused on what I want to do than what He wants me to do.
Psalms 46:10 says this very succinctly: "Be still and know that I am God."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Daily - 1/19/09
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
7 Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.
James 4:7-8
7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Psalm 46:8-11
9 Come and see the works of the LORD, who has done fearsome deeds on earth;
10 Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, breaks the bow, splinters the spear, and burns the shields with fire;
11 Who says: "Be still and confess that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."
---------------------------
In my opinion submitting to God is the ultimate fork in the road, particularly for men. We don’t want to give up control. But over and over and over again, throughout the old and new testament, God tells us to do exactly that. So … what does it mean to submit to God? It means a lot of things, but the first step is obedience. Submitting to God means saying that you will no longer make your rules, and that you will submit to His:
John 8:31-32
31 Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
When Christ calls us to remain in his word, he is calling us to obedience. Once we are faced with the Word, we have a choice to make – belief and submittal to it, or not. If we believe but we do not obey, we are caught in a kind of spiritual limbo. This happens to a lot of people. In my opinion, for men the reasons come from two places – either fear of the unknown (ie, what will happen to me, what do I have to do, what will be taken from me), or a prideful refusal to give up control.
Yet if we remain in the word (ie, obey), Christ promises us the truth, and that the truth will set us free. Some people spend years studying the word before finally coming to this point. I was one of those people. Finally I woke up and realized that the call to obedience was firm. Once I responded to this call and submitted to Christ’s authority, I was able to understand a lot more about the concept of the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the surpassing joy that can come from that pursuit.
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
7 Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.
James 4:7-8
7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Psalm 46:8-11
9 Come and see the works of the LORD, who has done fearsome deeds on earth;
10 Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, breaks the bow, splinters the spear, and burns the shields with fire;
11 Who says: "Be still and confess that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."
---------------------------
In my opinion submitting to God is the ultimate fork in the road, particularly for men. We don’t want to give up control. But over and over and over again, throughout the old and new testament, God tells us to do exactly that. So … what does it mean to submit to God? It means a lot of things, but the first step is obedience. Submitting to God means saying that you will no longer make your rules, and that you will submit to His:
John 8:31-32
31 Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
When Christ calls us to remain in his word, he is calling us to obedience. Once we are faced with the Word, we have a choice to make – belief and submittal to it, or not. If we believe but we do not obey, we are caught in a kind of spiritual limbo. This happens to a lot of people. In my opinion, for men the reasons come from two places – either fear of the unknown (ie, what will happen to me, what do I have to do, what will be taken from me), or a prideful refusal to give up control.
Yet if we remain in the word (ie, obey), Christ promises us the truth, and that the truth will set us free. Some people spend years studying the word before finally coming to this point. I was one of those people. Finally I woke up and realized that the call to obedience was firm. Once I responded to this call and submitted to Christ’s authority, I was able to understand a lot more about the concept of the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the surpassing joy that can come from that pursuit.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Daily - 1/14/09
Psalm 142
1 A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.
2 With full voice I cry to the LORD; with full voice I beseech the LORD.
3 Before God I pour out my complaint, lay bare my distress.
4 My spirit is faint within me, but you know my path. Along the way I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
5 I look to my right hand, but no friend is there. There is no escape for me; no one cares for me.
6 I cry out to you, LORD, I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
7 Listen to my cry for help, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.
8 Lead me out of my prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Then the just shall gather around me because you have been good to me.
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That’s a pretty powerful prayer life.
Here we have the King of Israel pouring out his heart and laying it bare before God. David feels that his spirit is faint, but he knows that the Lord knows his path. God is David’s refuge, his “portion in the land of the living.” He asks God for deliverance – to rescue him from his pursuers because they are too strong for him.
It’s one thing to ask for help. It’s quite another thing to submit completely to God, lay yourself bare, and pour out your heart to Him. David does this with the confidence that Lord is indeed his refuge, and with the Lord on his side, he will not be defeated.
What a great example for all of us.
1 A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.
2 With full voice I cry to the LORD; with full voice I beseech the LORD.
3 Before God I pour out my complaint, lay bare my distress.
4 My spirit is faint within me, but you know my path. Along the way I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
5 I look to my right hand, but no friend is there. There is no escape for me; no one cares for me.
6 I cry out to you, LORD, I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
7 Listen to my cry for help, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.
8 Lead me out of my prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Then the just shall gather around me because you have been good to me.
-----------------------
That’s a pretty powerful prayer life.
Here we have the King of Israel pouring out his heart and laying it bare before God. David feels that his spirit is faint, but he knows that the Lord knows his path. God is David’s refuge, his “portion in the land of the living.” He asks God for deliverance – to rescue him from his pursuers because they are too strong for him.
It’s one thing to ask for help. It’s quite another thing to submit completely to God, lay yourself bare, and pour out your heart to Him. David does this with the confidence that Lord is indeed his refuge, and with the Lord on his side, he will not be defeated.
What a great example for all of us.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Daily - 10/20/08
Psalm 69:1-6
1 In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2 In your justice rescue and deliver me; listen to me and save me!
3 Be my rock and refuge, my secure stronghold; for you are my rock and fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of the violent.
5 You are my hope, Lord; my trust, GOD, from my youth.
6 On you I depend since birth; from my mother's womb you are my strength; my hope in you never wavers.
What a relationship David had with God. He wasn’t perfect, but he was always faithful. He gave praise to God in good times and bad. God was his strength, his refuge, and his friend. In my opinion, truly seeing God as your refuge and protector is a result of spiritual maturity, of completely giving control over to God, and completely trusting in him.
Guys by nature are fixers. We want to “be the man,” be the protector and ruler of our own kingdoms. It’s difficult for us to completely trust God and turn over control to Him. And yet that’s exactly what God wants us to do. For me, giving over control to God doesn’t come natural at all.
One thing that has worked with me is to begin with little things. If something is bothering you, and if it’s something you truly can’t control, just give it over to God and stop worrying about it. Keep track of it, then after a while take a look and see what happened. The times I’ve done this, I’ve demonstrated to myself that I’ve lost nothing, and in many cases have gained, by giving up control to God. I’m a scientist, and I need to see the data.
In the last few months I’ve been doing this more and more, with bigger and bigger issues. And my experience is that when I give up control to God, I am always protected, and I am usually rewarded – often in a way that I couldn’t have expected.
1 In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2 In your justice rescue and deliver me; listen to me and save me!
3 Be my rock and refuge, my secure stronghold; for you are my rock and fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of the violent.
5 You are my hope, Lord; my trust, GOD, from my youth.
6 On you I depend since birth; from my mother's womb you are my strength; my hope in you never wavers.
What a relationship David had with God. He wasn’t perfect, but he was always faithful. He gave praise to God in good times and bad. God was his strength, his refuge, and his friend. In my opinion, truly seeing God as your refuge and protector is a result of spiritual maturity, of completely giving control over to God, and completely trusting in him.
Guys by nature are fixers. We want to “be the man,” be the protector and ruler of our own kingdoms. It’s difficult for us to completely trust God and turn over control to Him. And yet that’s exactly what God wants us to do. For me, giving over control to God doesn’t come natural at all.
One thing that has worked with me is to begin with little things. If something is bothering you, and if it’s something you truly can’t control, just give it over to God and stop worrying about it. Keep track of it, then after a while take a look and see what happened. The times I’ve done this, I’ve demonstrated to myself that I’ve lost nothing, and in many cases have gained, by giving up control to God. I’m a scientist, and I need to see the data.
In the last few months I’ve been doing this more and more, with bigger and bigger issues. And my experience is that when I give up control to God, I am always protected, and I am usually rewarded – often in a way that I couldn’t have expected.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Daily - 10/14/08
Psalm 23:1-6
1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
David saw God as a guide, a refuge, a provider, a protector, a father, and so many other things. We’re all familiar with these words, but it pays to take the time to really think about them. Look what God will do for us, if we could only let him. Imagine what things can be like if we truly remained with Christ, every day, 24-7. I’ve had short stretches of feeling this way, but I don’t come close to all day, every day. That’s the goal I’m pushing toward.
1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
David saw God as a guide, a refuge, a provider, a protector, a father, and so many other things. We’re all familiar with these words, but it pays to take the time to really think about them. Look what God will do for us, if we could only let him. Imagine what things can be like if we truly remained with Christ, every day, 24-7. I’ve had short stretches of feeling this way, but I don’t come close to all day, every day. That’s the goal I’m pushing toward.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Daily - 9/10/08
Psalm 139:1-16
1 For the leader. A psalm of David. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
7 Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
8 If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
9 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" --
12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
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This is my favorite psalm!
God knows us down to our core. He knows everything about us, and he sees everything that we’re doing. The first time I read this, it was scary to me. The thought of God knowing me completely and fully filled me with guilt and fear.
Of course now I know that the true analysis of self and the conviction that comes with it is the beginning of obedience, and of the transformation from life in the flesh to life in the spirit. Over time, the thought of God knowing me completely changed from scary to comforting, and eventually became a rock for me to stand on.
1 For the leader. A psalm of David. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
7 Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
8 If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
9 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" --
12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
--------------------
This is my favorite psalm!
God knows us down to our core. He knows everything about us, and he sees everything that we’re doing. The first time I read this, it was scary to me. The thought of God knowing me completely and fully filled me with guilt and fear.
Of course now I know that the true analysis of self and the conviction that comes with it is the beginning of obedience, and of the transformation from life in the flesh to life in the spirit. Over time, the thought of God knowing me completely changed from scary to comforting, and eventually became a rock for me to stand on.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Daily - 8/5/08
Psalm 145:13-21
13 Your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work.
14 The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season.
16 You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 You, LORD, are just in all your ways, faithful in all your works.
18 You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth.
19 You satisfy the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them.
20 You, LORD, watch over all who love you, but all the wicked you destroy.
21 My mouth will speak your praises, LORD; all flesh will bless your holy name forever.
--------------------
To me, this is a great description of how the Lord works with the faithful. All of these great things can happen to those eyes look hopefully to God (v. 15), who call upon Him in truth (v. 18), who fear Him (v. 19), and love him (v. 20).
It amazes me that it has taken me so long to see this. It’s all about faith in the Lord. Loving Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, and having confidence in Him. The further you go down this road, the greater your relationship with God is, and (I believe) the more He calls you to do His work.
Lord, please increase our faith. Help us to grow in our knowledge of you, and to begin to feel that peace that transcends all understanding. Help us to know the length and width and breadth of your love. Help us have the faith to make ourselves available to you, so that we let you build us into what you want us to be.
13 Your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work.
14 The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season.
16 You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 You, LORD, are just in all your ways, faithful in all your works.
18 You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth.
19 You satisfy the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them.
20 You, LORD, watch over all who love you, but all the wicked you destroy.
21 My mouth will speak your praises, LORD; all flesh will bless your holy name forever.
--------------------
To me, this is a great description of how the Lord works with the faithful. All of these great things can happen to those eyes look hopefully to God (v. 15), who call upon Him in truth (v. 18), who fear Him (v. 19), and love him (v. 20).
It amazes me that it has taken me so long to see this. It’s all about faith in the Lord. Loving Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, and having confidence in Him. The further you go down this road, the greater your relationship with God is, and (I believe) the more He calls you to do His work.
Lord, please increase our faith. Help us to grow in our knowledge of you, and to begin to feel that peace that transcends all understanding. Help us to know the length and width and breadth of your love. Help us have the faith to make ourselves available to you, so that we let you build us into what you want us to be.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Daily - 4/25/08
Psalm 31:1-6
1 For the leader. A psalm of David.
2 In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice deliver me;
3 incline your ear to me; make haste to rescue me! Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me.
4 You are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead and guide me.
5 Free me from the net they have set for me, for you are my refuge.
6 Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God.
1 For the leader. A psalm of David.
2 In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice deliver me;
3 incline your ear to me; make haste to rescue me! Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me.
4 You are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead and guide me.
5 Free me from the net they have set for me, for you are my refuge.
6 Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God.
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FYI - In Luke’s gospel, Jesus repeats verse 6 with his dying words (Luke 23:46).
In my opinion, truly seeing God as your refuge and protector is a result of spiritual maturity, of completely giving control over to God, and completely trusting in him. I’d love to say that I have reached that level of maturity, but I’m definitely not there yet. Mostly I put my trust in myself or other men. Sometimes that works out, and sometimes it doesn’t.
The most faithful people I know -- they guys that I want to be like -- have full trust in God. I want to be like that. It's hard though. Guys by nature are fixers. We want to "be the man," be the protector and ruler of our own kingdoms. It’s difficult for me to completely trust God and turn over control to Him. And yet that’s exactly what God wants me to do. I’ve found that in this case, it doesn’t come natural at all. I’ve had to just do it. I need to do it more.
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