This verse tells us that even in the midst of suffering…God’s love shines forth and His favor surrounds us as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12) Circumstances can still be dark around us, but people will notice something different…a light shining forth from us, as we steadfastly put our faith and trust in God. Situations may not change, for we live in a broken world…but what can change is our attitude and reaction to them.
Tag: psalm
Psalm 46:1 ” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
God is your helper. He is not indifferent to your plight. He is not just siting there watching you go through tough times, detached and uncaring about what’s happening. It tells us in Psalm 18 that when David cried out to God for help, He reached down from on high and rescued him. That’s called divine intervention by a ever-present, ever-loving God. Whatever you’re going through today, know that the Lord is actively involved and is keenly aware of every detail. Cry out to Him and He will respond.
Psalm 86:15 ” But You, O Lord, are compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
God is ever merciful and kind towards you…regardless of how badly you act towards Him. It tells us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We need to reflect the mercy God first showed us by forgiving others. Forgiveness is so very powerful…because it’s the starting point for both parties to begin the road towards healing. For without forgiveness, there will never be a release from all the negative and dark emotions of resentment, anger, and bitterness. For without forgiveness, you are never really set free from the past.
Psalm 77:13 ” Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?”
I Peter 1:15-16 tells us, “But just as He Who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy , because I am holy.’ ” In these Scriptures, Peter is quoting at least three different areas in Leviticus that all say the same thing…Be holy, because I am holy. The Lord is commanding us to reflect His holiness in our own lives, and as far as it’s possible…to live then a life with a pure heart and moral uprightness.
Psalm 119:148 ” My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promises.”
Sadly today, the Church has been lulled into this self-indulgent form of “quasi” Bible Study. We get all comfy on the couch, usually with a cup of coffee…Christian music playing in the background and a personal Journal on our lap and we wait. But what we’re jotting down is just our own thoughts, feelings, and emotions…for no where is found an open Bible. Bible Study is meditating on God’s Word… not on what we think. Sure, there’s a place for journaling what the Holy Spirit is showing you, but it needs to be grounded in the Word first.
Proverbs 28:1 “…the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
A Holy Spirit empowered ministry is bold and fearless. Psalm 138:3 says, “You made me bold and stout-hearted.” And this Scripture is so true…for under our own power we’re nothing but scaredy-cats. It’s the Holy Spirit that endows our soul, spirit, and self with confidence and courage. It’s the Holy Spirit that gives us the trust to place our total dependence and hope on God alone.
Psalm 107
I urge you to read this Psalm sometime today…for within the 43 verses, you’ll see yourself portrayed somewhere. For this passage tells of those who wander and are lost. It tells of being in desperate situations…places that invoke feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. There are the lost – those who are wandering alone in the wilderness. There are the guilty – those who are slaves to sin and full of shame and self-loathing. There are the fools – godless ones being deceived by the world. Finally, there are the tossed – those who have been battered by life’s storms. But in all these situations, when they cried out to God for help, He answered. So despite what you’re going through today… God is there, ready and willing to help you.
Hebrews 7:17 ” For it is declared: You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
There are many similarities that have been written about Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. From Psalm 110:4 it says, “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” This King Melchizedek of Salem (early Jerusalem) was also a High Priest…combining both the kingly and priestly duties and later gaining Jewish respect as an ideal Ruler. In Hebrews 5:6 it tells us that Jesus is the Great High Priest called of God…but He is also the King of kings and the Lord of lords…and Ruler over all. Jesus is the supreme King and Priest…ruling with justice and compassion.
Psalm 143:10 ” Teach me to do Your Will, for You are my God; may Your good spirit lead me on level ground.”
God is the source of all truth… and the starting point of gaining this knowledge is the fear of the Lord. And as we learn to trust God, the closer we are drawn to Him and His love. Finally, as He shepherds us, we are lead to safe ground…a stable and unchanging foundation where we can build our life and hope upon.