My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. 110 The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. 111 Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. 112 I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.
Psalm 119:109-112 NLT
Today’s post is borrowed from Love God Greatly / written by Angela Perritt | Jul 15, 2015
“What a precious treasure is the Word of God! It is like a deep mine filled with gold, silver, and precious gems, and we must take time to ‘dig’ for these treasures. A mere surface reading of Scripture will not put spiritual treasure in our hearts. Mining treasure is hard work, but it is joyful work when we ‘mine’ the Bible, as the Spirit guides us into truth.” – Warren W. Wiersbe
I’ll be honest with you, I know NOTHING about mining… especially for treasures like precious gems. Unless that is, if you count me digging into my laundry pile of clean clothes for that one matching sock in the rush of the morning – then I totally get you. Ha. That one sock in the nick of time… a true gem!
“Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” ~ Psalm 119:111
Searching through Scripture, taking time to dig deeper and earnestly find that “gem” of truth takes hard work and dedication.
So let’s be honest, shall we? We don’t always feel like reading God’s Word, let alone digging into it. Yet God remains faithful to us and continues to reveal little “nuggets of manna” – just like He did for the Israelites thousands of years ago – as we choose to read His Word, giving us just what we are needing for the day.
Small “gems” of truth one at a time – morning after morning – yield a treasure chest of wisdom collected over a lifetime of digging.
The digging is worth the effort.
Friends, it’s time we get our hard hats on and shovels in hand. It’s time to start digging!
We need to choose depth over quantity.
Don’t skim Scripture. Dig into it.
Dig into Scripture verse by verse and word by word. Being committed and dedicated is key, and having that group of friends to help you do it?
Priceless.
God’s Word is alive and He speaks to us through it.
“’Living and active.’ The words of the Bible have life! Nouns with pulse rates. Muscular adjectives. Verbs darting back and forth across the page. God works through these words. The Bible is to God what a surgical glove is to the surgeon. He reaches through them to touch deep within you.”- Max Lucado
based on the LGG Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him with ALL our Hearts … / w5d2
Scripture For the Journey
Psalm 119:105-108 / SOAP verses 105-106
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. 106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. 107 I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised. 108 Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.
Psalm 119:105-108 NLT
Observation and Application for the Journey
Friends, God’s Word has a purpose, and for me, realizing this truth made the Word not just something read on Sunday morning or carried to Sunday school but something of value and desire. It became a resource of wisdom and light that guided my decisions and tempered my thoughts. For example, if I became angry, the Word’s light was a reminder that my anger wasn’t pleasing to God,(James 1:20-22). Or, when I ran across people that I just really didn’t like – perhaps because they had hurt me or someone I knew – the light of the Word illuminated Jesus’ words: “But I say, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”(Matt 5:44) – and when I tried to redefine what that love would look like, there was the light of the Savior’s love surrounding me and reminding me to love just as He had loved me, John 13:34. You see, when we live by the light of God’s Word we will find these reminders, and others like them, lighting up our path and guiding our decisions.
God’s Word doesn’t just have a purpose; it has power. Biblehub commentary explains that “The Word of God is a lamp or lantern to the feet by night; it is a light, as that of the sun, by day. It makes provision for the whole of life; it is the secret of life’s true sunshine; it is the guide when all around is dark.” We live in a dark and often foreboding world. We live and work among people who belong to the darkness – but we serve a God of love who sent His ONLY Son, a Savior, into the world – the Savior who has declared Himself to be the “Light of the World.” Or, as one source writes, “Jesus asserts his divine nature and his role in guiding humanity out of spiritual darkness and into the light of truth and eternal life.”
Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV
We are wise when we choose to follow the light that He sheds on our way. When we turn to His Word and follow its light to navigate our paths and the dark world we live in, we will not only please God but also reflect His light to the world around us—which is, after all, God’s call on our lives. For did Jesus not tell His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”? (Matthew 5:14-16)
The way is not always obvious, and the path is not always clear, but God’s Word is our guide, meant to shed light so that we can see in the darkness and live obediently by it. Why? All for the glory of God.
ME 🦋
Prayer for the Journey
Thank You, God, for shedding light on our path and for guiding our feet. Help us to walk faithfully and obediently by it. “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness. You opened our eyes and let us see;” now, I pray, shine through us that others may see Your beauty, adore You, and share in the hope and light of a life lived with You. – In the One who is the LIGHT – I pray – AMEN!
based on the LGG Study: Psalm 119, Seeking God With ALL Your Heart / w5d1
Scripture; Psalm 119:97-104
Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. 99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. 100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. 101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. 102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. 103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. 104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Psalm 119:97-104 NLT
Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the LGG Post
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ~ Psalm 119:103
My kids asked me a serious question: “How do you know that guy in the drive-thru?”
Ha. “I don’t really,” I said. Except for I do – sort of.
He’s eighteen, and he’s working almost every time I pull up to the window to get my dollar drink at the fast food joint three minutes from my house – which is on a pretty regular basis during the hot summer months.
I know that he was a senior in high school last year – except for he didn’t quite graduate, so now he’s working hard to get his GED. He’s working really hard, but it’s not always easy.
I know that he’s a dedicated worker, and that someday he’d like to do more with his life. He told me so once out of the blue as he smiled and handed me my drink.
He’s outgoing and friendly and always gives my daughter a hearty hello when she rolls down the back window of the van to make silly faces and say “hi” to him. And he lights up when we greet him by his first name. I really never thought much of it, but it sure seems to mean a lot to him… even if we shallowly learned it from his work name tag.
But as we pulled up to the drive-thru window last week, he wasn’t his usual smiley self. Before I could even ask, he offered that it had been a hard week. Something about relationship problems with a girl, and that he felt like his life had no purpose.
“I’ve been there,” I said. “Hey man, do you know God?”I quickly glanced in my rearview mirror and spotted my middle schoolers discreetly sinking down into their seats in the back of the ol’ minivan. Heh.
I shared Proverbs 3:5-6 with him and talked about how my life would be a mess without God and His Word. And instead of looking at me like I was some crazy middle-aged mom who doesn’t get out much (listen, my teenagers already had that look covered), tears filled his eyes and he whispered, “I think God is trying to tell me something. You’re the third person in line today who has talked about the Bible with me.” A smallsmile returned as his eyes drifted away and he slowly shook his head in disbelief.
“Wanna come to church with us on Sunday?” my spunky girlie yelled through her rolled-down back window without missing a beat. Aaahhh… that-a-girl. I felt a little bad for the poor people waiting in line behind us, but not that bad. “Hey lady, I know your burger’s important, but we’re talking about Jesus up here.”
Ok, so I didn’t really say that.
But I might have thought it. Because let’s face it: too often we save God’s Word for church services and weddings and funerals and for when we want to disagree with something the world just offended us with.
But God’s Word is also for the mundane. In fact, it’s especially for the mundane.
It’s hope in the workplace and at the kitchen sink. It’s encouragement over morning coffee and in late night phone conversations. It’s peace during toddler tantrums and in adult relationship struggles. It’s life during dry seasons and purpose in the laundry pile that never ends. It’s joy in the midst of teenage break-ups and in unpredictable vehicle break-downs. It’s confidence in the unseen moments and in life’s final days.
And it’s totally God revealing himself in the middle of the drive-thru line on some random Tuesday afternoon.
“If God doesn’t rule your mundane, then he doesn’t rule you. Because that’s where you live.” ~ Paul Tripp
God has given us this incredible Book packed full of hope, encouragement, peace, life, purpose, joy and confidence, and I cringe to think of the times that I have pulled my Bible out as a last resort – in life’s big moments and in my every day mundane. And I cringe when I think about the times that I knew I should have shared it with others and I didn’t. Why do we so often go to God’s Word as a last resort when it has been gifted to us as a priceless window in to the heart of our Savior?
A gift far too precious to keep to ourselves.
God, let it be your words that we run to in the mundane. Let it be your words that flow from our lips, ready and willing to bring life and hope to those around us.
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.” ~ Psalm 119:97-98
At His feet,
*LET’S TALK: How do YOU weave God’s Word into the mundane moments of your day?
{Week 5} Challenge: In addition to your regular Bible study, incorporate God’s Word into at least ONE “mundane” moment each day this week. For example: while you’re doing dishes, listen to one chapter of the Bible from an online audio Bible source, or include encouraging Scripture in a note to a friend.
A Response to Week Four’s Reading of Psalm 119-73-96 / from the LGG Study or Psalm 119
God’s word truly is a treasure that is more valuable than the most outrageous amount of earthly riches (vs. 72). I pray that, like the Psalmist, God’s word would also become our most prized possession… something we could never live without.
Jen Thorn/from the LGG Team
Today’s devotional is borrowed from the LGG online devo by Jen Thorn – may it richly bless you as she points us to the treasure we have been given in God’s Word –
I know all of us have had days, weeks, and months of hardship. I am talking about days when it is hard to focus on a task because of worry, and nights that rob us of sleep. Sometimes, these hard times seem to drag on and on. After some weeks we feel emotionally worn out, like we can’t possibly handle one more thing.
We read about such a time in the life of our Psalmist in verses 81-88. Spurgeon calls this section the midnight of the Psalm. It is dark and bleak, and yet “stars shine out.”
This poor Psalmist is in a bad way. There are people after him who want to ruin him (vs. 61), others mock him (vs. 51), and they are speaking lies about him (vs. 69). He even feels like his physical life is very much in danger (vs. 87).
We all have a breaking point and the Psalmist feels that he is reaching his. He comes to a point in his trials and sufferings where he is not sure he can handle one more thing (vs.83).
“For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke…”
When wineskins were left in a smoky area, they turned dark with soot and became dry and wrinkled. This is how the Psalmist felt. He was worn out, lined with worry, marked with sadness, frustration, and probably fear.
But as Spurgeon said, this dark and bleak time also had stars. His faith continued on. He continued to cling with all his might to the word of God, knowing that at some point, night would turn to day.
This is what trials should to do us. They should push us more deeply into God’s word and therefore more tightly into the arms of God. The hardest days can’t tear true believers away from their God.
Verse 89 begins the dawning of a new day and renewed hope for the author:
“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
When the Psalmist is thrown around by all of his troubles, he makes sure to find his footing on the solid rock of God’s word. It is unmovable, secure and steady. This must be our footing as well. When we stand on this rock, we will find strength to fight temptation and bear affliction, power to obey, and resolve to stand firm.
How is it possible for God’s word to do all of this for us? This word is the same word which spoke everything into existence (vs.91) and which sustains the earth today (Heb 1:3). And not just the earth, but us as well. This word is filled with power because it took on flesh and became a man (John 1).
The reason we can live through the toughest days is because we have been given new life through Christ and the Spirit has taken up residence in our hearts. We do not fight alone. We do not walk through hard days alone. We do not cry alone.
Can you imagine what it would be like if we did not have God’s word? We would not know true wisdom, we would not have a place to find real comfort or joy, we would not know God, and we would not have salvation.
God’s word truly is a treasure that is more valuable than the most outrageous amount of earthly riches (vs. 72). I pray that, like the Psalmist, God’s word would also become our most prized possession… something we could never live without.
based on the LGG Study, Psalm 119 – Seek Him With ALL Your Heart / w4d3
Scripture: Psalm 119:86-88 / SOAP verse 86-88
All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. 87 They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. 88 In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws.
Psalm 119:86-88 NLT
Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the original LGG Post for w4d3 of Psalm 119… May it be a rich blessing of encouragement and hope –
Seeking, longing, searching… this poor Psalmist is waiting on the Lord to deliver him from this affliction.
He is trying to remain strong, but he is growing weary, feeling as though he could faint. His eyes are tired from looking for glimpses of God.
Have you ever been there? I know I have.
The Psalmist knows that God loves him, but the questions are building in his mind: “How much longer, Lord?” “When will you comfort me?” (Psalm 119:82).
He is needing a break.
If his life was a football game, he’d be calling a time out.
Let’s just say that the path he is walking is no “walk in the park.” It may be the “straight and narrow,” but God never called it “easy.”
I love the honestly of this Psalmist. He’s just real with God. He’s over this affliction he has been going through, and he’s ready for God to move in and pronounce judgment over the men who have been causing him so much pain.
“Enough is enough,” you can almost hear him say.
“When will you punish my persecutors?” The question that has been taunting him in his mind finally breaks free (Psalm 119:84).
“How much more?”
God is building this man’s patience and faith.
As before, the Psalmist turns to God’s commands and declares them trustworthy… even in the midst of the unknown.
“Help me…” (vs. 86).
It’s not a fancy prayer, but it’s genuine and comes straight from the Psalmist’s heart. God will take simple and heartfelt prayers over fancy and routine any day.
And so we find our Psalmist friend waiting on the Lord to intervene. To be his Deliverer, his Redeemer, his Savior.
But in the waiting, he doesn’t lose hope. And neither should we.
I’m not sure why God is waiting so long to deliver this poor man from this difficult situation, but I do know this: God is good and what He does is good. And so we continue to seek the Lord, placing our trust and hope in Him.
One of the many beautiful aspects of being a Christian is that no matter how dark our life is right now, we always have heaven to look forward to.
Our best is yet to come.
And so like the Psalmist, we find ourselves in the waiting.
Waiting for God to move.
Waiting for “doors” to open.
Waiting for a break in our “storms.”
And in the waiting God is there.
Though we may feel like we are being torn down, He is building strength into us. As we dig into His Word and ponder Scripture – holding His promises closer to our hearts than ever before – we cling to His truth. What Satan may have tried to hurt us with, God uses to bring us closer to Him, strengthening us in our faith and increasing our capacity for greater patience.
Like the Psalmist, maybe you too feel weak, like you are ready to “tap out” of the battle. It’s just getting too hard.
Know this… you are not alone.
“Rest on His promises and rely on His love. When the Father allows His children to go into the furnace of affliction, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. He knows how long and how much. To walk by faith will bring unrest and weakness, but to meditate on the Word will bring peace and power.” –Warren W. Wiersbe
No matter what you are facing today, remember that God is strengthening you and purifying you for a greater purpose.
Keep your eyes focused on Him. He will not forsake you.
Let’s Talk:How is God using your time of “waiting” to strengthen you in your faith?
I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. 82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? 83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. 84 How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? 85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me.
Psalm 119:81-85 NLT
At first glance, this psalm may seem like a complaint, and perhaps it was. However, for me, it offers encouragement and a bit of a boost in the relationship I see between the Psalmist and God – as well as the determination and commitment of the Psalmist to stay faithful even when the waiting seems like it will never end. The Psalmist is tired of waiting, asking again and again – “When will You …?” or “How long …” Yet, even in the waiting, he remained hopeful, he kept his eyes fixed on God and His promises, and he continued to obey God’s decrees and trust Him to act on his behalf. Oh, that I might be so faithful in the times of waiting.
I just returned from Disney with my daughters and my 2-year-old grandson, and I couldn’t help but think of them as I observed the words and actions of the Psalmist. If you’ve never been to Disney, you may not be able to picture the amount of waiting that is required, and when you stay on the property, the waiting is compounded. I don’t know that waiting comes easy for anyone, but it certainly doesn’t come easy for a 2-year-old.
We waited in line to check in at the airport, we waited in security, we waited through two delays to board the plane, we waited to take off, we waited on our bus to the resort, and for four wonderful days, we waited in line after line for rides and food and characters and transportation … over and over, we waited and over and over we heard the 2-year-old version of the Psalmist’s questions of “how long?” or “when?” – which typically sounded like, “my turn?” or “I’m ready, go.”
Each day and each waiting experience brought more confidence that the ride, food, transportation, or character would eventually come. As that confidence grew, so too did his patience. Like the Psalmist, our little guy learned that even when he was worn out with waiting, the line we were in was leading to the promised adventure. He would strain to see the ‘promised’ ride and found hope in what he could see ahead – or when he couldn’t see it, he found hope in our reminders of what was coming.
This is the encouragement I see in the Psalmist in today’s passage. The waiting wasn’t easy—it left him weary and worn, but he remembered God’s promises. He kept his eyes on the prize, and he did not lose hope or forget to obey.
Living out the Journey (Application)
Waiting isn’t easy, but learning to wait well is important in the Christian life. The key is to keep our eyes on the Lord, remembering His promises, knowing that He is trustworthy and putting our hope in Him. Waiting is not an excuse to go off on our own or do things our own way. Though we may grow weary in the wait, we must not forget to live as God has called us to. Like my grandson, we must learn to expect what God has promised – be it His presence, His protection or provision, His comfort, or the new heaven and earth – what He has promised – He will do! And the wait will be worth it all!
Response to the Journey (Prayer)
Father, You are God—faithful and true to Your Word. You are worthy of our trust no matter the wait—worthy even when we can’t see You anywhere. Even when we are in danger or weary and worn, we can trust You. Help us to wait with hope—our eyes straining and fixed on Your promises—our resolve to obey You unshaken! In Jesus’ name—amen and amen!
I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. 26 I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. 27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. 28 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. 29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. 30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. 31 I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame! 32 I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.
He
33 Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. 34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. 35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. 36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! 37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.[a] 38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. 39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. 40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.
Waw
41 Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. 42 Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. 43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. 44 I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. 45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. 46 I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed. 47 How I delight in your commands! How I love them! 48 I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.
It stirs up strong feelings of desire for me. In Psalm 119:25, it says, “My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to your Word.” In other versions, it uses words like “quicken” and “give me life,” but revive brings about a beautiful word picture.
Revive means making alive, keeping alive, and giving more life.
I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty good to me right about now!
Here in Uganda, we really have only two seasons: rainy and dry. But since the kids’ school schedule lines up with the US, we still call the school break “summer.” So we are on summer break. And there is no better time to sit before the Lord than when schedules are just a bit slower. So this summer, I am asking the Lord, “Revive Me! Revive me according to Your Word!”
Why do we need reviving?
In verse 37, David reminds us to “turn our eyes from looking at vanity.” I don’t know about you, but my eyes could use a turning back to His Word.
Two things in my life cause me to turn my eyes:
One is my own sin…
Chasing after things of this world that do not satisfy and turning to them rather than to God and His Word. Oh yes, these things are small – like certain television shows or engaging in gossip with a friend, but as the Ugandans say, “slowly by slowly” my eyes are turned toward the vanity of the world instead of loving and feeding on God’s Word.
Then there are the stories of the world’s vanity…
They bombard me, worry me, sicken me, and turn my focus away from trusting God. When I look at the world getting caught up in its own vanity, I get discouraged – rather than encouraged – by God’s story.
As Charles Spurgeon says, “We have nothing to do with this vain world! We are not citizens of this land!”
So let me ask you: Do you and I live this way? Do we live as citizens of another land? Or instead, do we keep our eyes turned toward the vanity of this world, telling ourselves that it is okay; it’s just a little bit; it’s no big deal? Yes, we are in the world, but we are not to be of it.
It is time to be revived, sisters!
Let this be our prayer:
-Revive me according to Your Word. v.25
-Revive me in Your ways. v.37
-Revive me in Your righteousness. v.40
-May Your lovingkindness also come to me, O Lord. v.41
-I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. v.48
O Lord, we pray that you would revive us, your daughters. Thank you for Your Word, which is living and active. We are sorry for turning our eyes toward vanity. Forgive us, and turn our eyes back to You and Your Word. We want to love Your Word. Give us fervent love for Your Word. Give us love for Your commandments. Help us to meditate on Your statutes. Let this summer be a time of reviving our hearts. Amen.
I want to hear from you in the comments. What has been turning your eyes toward vanity? And are you going to join me and ask the Lord to be revived?
You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. 66 I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. 67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. 68 You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. 69 Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. 70 Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. 71 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. 72 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
Psalm 119:65-72 NLT
I love how the Psalmist doesn’t just acknowledge that God is good but specifically declares that God is good to him personally. This was a game changer in my relationship with God 30+ years ago—not only seeing His goodness but experiencing it personally. I can tell you that when this happens, we find ourselves wanting to know God more, wanting to experience Him more, following Him faithfully, and finding Him more valuable to us than all of the other things in our lives.
This personal relationship is a two-way street. Notice how the Psalmist requests that God teach him His decrees. Yet even more, he is able to declare that he obeys God’s commandments with all of his heart, delights in God’s instructions, and even realizes the benefit of his suffering. It becomes clear to the Psalmist, as it should to us, that God’s Word is more valuable than any other earthly treasure.
Encouragement for the journey
Don’t just look for God’s goodness, look for His personal goodness to you. Seek good judgment and knowledge from Him. Ask Him to teach you His decrees, learn from His discipline, pay attention to His instructions, and treasure them as costly gold and silver.
Prayer for the journey
Father, indeed, You’re not only good – You are good to us. It is true that You keep Your promises. As the Psalmist said. I, too, believe in Your commands and ask that You will teach us good judgment and grace us with knowledge of You and Your Word. Thank You for the discipline we have known through the course of our lives – may it lead us to follow closely in Your Word – and enhance our desire to continually know You more – Amen.
Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. 62 I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. 63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. 64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.
The generator had been shut down hours before. Funny how many things you can hear in the middle of the night without the hum of electricity drowning out the sounds of the earth. I was twenty-one and wide awake in a foreign land, and God had met me there.
Of course he was there. He’s everywhere.
But somehow less noise, less stuff, less of me had helped me see him more clearly than I had in a very long time.
To my shame, I had uttered a lot of telling words in the weeks leading up to the trip…
Words of doubt as I struggled to make solid plans for my future.
Words of envy as I saw others prospering around me while I floundered.
Words of strife as I worked hard to take one step forward, only to end up two steps back.
Words of emptiness as I secretly chased worldly acceptance over God’s ways.
Words of frustration as I questioned the lack of peace my life.
My heart had been so consumed with all that was going wrong that – sadly – I was stuck wallowing in the negative instead of joyfully pursuing God and his Word.
“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.” ~ Psalm 119:59
But in the quiet of that night, when everything else had been stripped away, God’s Word came alive.
I was reminded that my future is in God’s hands (Jeremiah 29:11).
I rejoiced over the fact that God is for me, and that his ways are intended for my good (Romans 8:31-32).
Peace flooded my soul as I once again found delight in God’s commands (Psalm 119:35).
And instead of sleep evading me due to the usual stress and overthinking, I was kept awake by a profound gratefulness for God’s unmerited grace in my life.
It was high time that I uttered new words…
I used to resent how often my desperation drives me to the feet of Jesus, but now I know that very place is often where I find even more reasons to celebrate the goodness of God.
Why?
Because his grace is simply more beautiful in my need.
When little ones won’t settle down for the night, I will rise up and give you thanks.
When relationships are strained, I will rise up and give you thanks.
When my health is compromised, I will rise up and give you thanks.
When my future is unknown, I will rise up and give you thanks.
When I am persecuted for my faith, I will rise up and give you thanks.
When nations turn their backs on you God, I will still rise up and give you thanks.
“Whatever else may happen in this world, whoever else may turn their back on you when the chips are down, of this you may be sure: he whose trust and hope and confidence is in the unfailing love of God will never be put to shame.” ~ Sam Storms
Father, because of your righteous laws and your steadfast love – no matter what trials come our way – we can rise up and give you thanks.
And just like that, thanksgiving turns night into day…
At His feet,
*LET’S TALK: What kinds of words are you uttering in your trials? Whatever is going on in your life right now, together, let’s flood heaven with prayers of thankfulness to God for his righteous laws and steadfast love. Would you share your prayer in the comments today?
For me it is people. If I am sad or scared or worried or discouraged I go to my husband or friends.
But people are not the only source of comfort, right? Some seek comfort in their money, retail therapy, food, work, or sleep. Others try to escape through fiction books or movies. And sadly, some pick really dangerous ways of coping by using drugs and alcohol.
There is nothing wrong with seeking comfort from others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us that we are to encourage each other. It is also fine to watch a funny movie to make us laugh when we are feeling a bit down. But we can’t rely on earthly things to bring real lasting comfort.
Once the friends leave or the movie is over we are right back in the midst of our suffering. Earthly things can only comfort us in part, but the Psalmist tells us that there is a place we can go to find real lasting comfort.
Each eight verse section in Psalm 119 has a theme, and today Psalm 119:49-56 deals with God’s word as our comforter. Verse 50, in particular, is a key verse for us:
This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me.
If we accept them by faith then these words become personal. These words are not from some God, but from our God. They are words to us from our Father and from our Redeemer. We belong to him, and he cares for us.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction ~ 2 Cor. 1:3-4
God’s word can give us peace while we are in the midst of a wild storm. It can bring comfort while we are afraid, tired, and worn out. We can have hope that he will see us through to the other side.
Romans 15 tells us that “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
The best comfort we find in Scripture is that Christ died for us. It puts everything else into perspective. We have something far better waiting for us. These hard times – while they are difficult – will only last for awhile.
God’s word has the ability to give us life in the midst of any circumstance… life that is made up of hope, joy, praise and strength.
Me From the Inside Out 