Jan 5, 2021

Thinking of the tumultuous times in 2020, and how such unrest, uncertainty and social upheaval tends to press us down into short-sighted and selfish thinking, even despair and hopelessness for some, while studying the Psalms, Chpt 19 today, the following verses helped me refocus on God’s perspective. Considering the Psalmist David, who’s life and times were even more troublesome than ours, consider what he said in Ps 19:7-14.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,  converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the  honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of  great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my  strength and my Redeemer.

King David, as recorded in the Holy Bible, lived 3,000 years ago; yet, God has preserved these powerful insights to strengthen the believer’s life in our day… hopefully, you will notice the focus has been removed from the external concerns David struggled with, and directs our attention to God’s provisions within His law, statutes, commandments, fear of the LORD, and His Judgments.

God know right where we are; although sometimes we feel forsaken and abandoned. Today, I think we get too caught up in the chaos of increasing political infighting, and concerns with the divisive rhetoric from all directions that presses us so relentlessly. These “external” influences can be used by the devil as a way of trying to separate us from the promises God has provided for us… remember, Yeshua (Jesus) answered the devil’s temptations with, “it is written.” That is extremely important for us to understand during times of trial, stress, and desperation.

If we take time to read the above scripture and concentrate on what it really means to us, we can be like King David and let faith in God be our refuge and strength, as well as peace in the midst of the storm… as it is written:

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Ps 46:1. I suggest you look at the link reference for even more encouragement.

Shalom… John