He only is my rock and salvation

Psa 62:1  Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. Psa 62:2  He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

 There is only one source of help.  In all of our problems, in all of our difficulties, there is only one to whom we should look for our deliverance.  Our God is faithful and true.  He is a rock, solid, stable, unmoved by the storms of life.  He is our defender, He is our hope; therefore, we can stay steady, waiting and trusting.  He will deliver.

Keep sowing

Psa 126:5  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

 There is sowing before and reaping can be done.  Sowing involves work, but it also involves risk.  We are investing our lives in sowing for good, without the ability to bring a harvest.  I am thankful that we serve the God of the harvest who is faithful to bring the increase.  It is only after a period of faithful sowing that we will see the faithfulness of God, and our joy will be overflowing.

The good life

Pro 10:27  The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Satan will always tell us that we are the loser for living right.  The opposite is true.  A reverence and respect for God that results in an obedient life tends to a long and full life.  It tends to happiness, lower anxiety, health and prosperity.  The disobedient, the wicked, are the ones who really lose, both in this life and the life to come.

He will bless

Psa 115:13  He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.

 God is no respecter of persons.  It doesn’t matter how important we are, or how insignificant we feel, God will bless us if we show Him the proper respect and obey Him. Stay in a place God can bless you.

The Lord is my helper

Heb 13:6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

 There are many fearful things to be faced in life.  Yet, with God as our helper we need not fear.  Who can stand against God?  Who is a match for the mighty Creator of the universe?  We can say boldly, without fear “God is my helper”.

Pray for our country

Jer 29:7  And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

 We are just pilgrims passing through this land on the way to our home.  Yet, we are encouraged to seek the peace and well being of the land where we live, for in doing so, we also be able to experience that peace.   Pray for our country.

Cease from anger

Anger is a natural emotion in response to certain situations.  It is a natural emotion when we are wronged.  However, it is also very dangerous.  Evil is never far away when we are angry.  We should seek to calm our anger, cease and forsake our anger.  Don’t allow your anger to cause you to act or speak in a way that is not becoming of one who claims the name of Christ. 

Stay diligent

Ecc_9:10  Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

 We are to give effort to the opportunities that God in His providence provides for us.  This echoes Jesus admonition to work while it is day.  We are to give diligent effort to the affairs of this life, and especially to the work of the kingdom of God.  Discouraging times can cause us to slack in our efforts, but we need reminded to stay diligent in the affairs of this life while we have opportunity.  We only have this life to accomplish these things, and most importantly, we only have this life to accomplish the things which pertain to the kingdom of God. 

Be merciful

Mat 5:7  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

 It is easy to forget the great mercy and forgiveness we have received. When someone does us wrong, it is easy to want to “even the score”, to “make things right”, to take revenge. We are reminded that it is the merciful who will receive the blessing of mercy.  Let us ever keep this in mind as we deal with others.

Aware of His presence

Psa 16:8  I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

 An awareness of the presence of God can keep us steady.  The expression “at my right hand” reminds us that He is ever presence, close at hand.  We “set the Lord before” us by staying aware of His present.  In doing so, we will find the strength to remain steadfast.

A very present help

Psa 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 God is our hiding place, our refuge.  He is our strength and help.  His help is right at hand, never far away.  Let’s find our assurance and safety in Him.  His help is always near and readily available. 

Humility

1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

 We are reminded that the proper attitude toward God is humility.  God takes special note of the humble.  This passage alludes to the discipline and correction that God gives His children.  Sometimes we are tempted to lash out at the trials or difficulties that God may use to discipline or correct us. Humility, though, is the right response.  Accept the correction as from a loving heavenly Father.  In due time, God will lift us up.

The benediction

Num 6:22  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Num 6:23  Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, Num 6:24  The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: Num 6:25  The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Num 6:26  The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

 This is the benediction blessing that the priests were to pronounce on the people at the conclusion of worship.  As they left the worship ceremony, this was the thought that was to be on their minds.  Notice first that it was God who commanded this blessing.  This blessing expresses God’s intent and desire to bless His people.  The blessing expresses God’s promise to keep, to protect, and to bless.  His face shining on us has the idea of living with the smile of God’s approval on us.  His countenance is His ever watchful care.  How much God desires us to know His love and concern for us!  How great is His desire to bless His children!

Mat 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Mat 11:30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 Jesus extends an invitation to come to Him and find rest.  How much we need peace and rest.  Are you struggling under a heavy burden?  Then this invitation is for you.  Notice the meekness and kindness of Jesus. He is compassionate, He will restore the fire where just smoke remains. He will strengthen when it seems all strength is gone.  He is not a hard task master; His way is not hard and burdensome.  Come to Him and find the rest you long for.

Stay the course

Jos 1:7  Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

 It takes courage and strength to live as God has instructed us to live.  There are forces that try to pull us both to the right and to the left.  God’s blessing is on those who neither take away from His Word, nor add to it.  We prosper spiritually when we follow God and God alone. 

Oh we of little faith!

Mat 6:30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

 We are so very prone to fret and worry!  Jesus challenges us to consider how well God takes care of His creation.  If God is concerned about the grass and plants, how much more will He take care of His very own children!  (O we of little faith)  Let us look to the great Creator with the trust and faith that He so richly deserves.   

Live in love

Pro 15:17  Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

  Hatred, ill will and bitterness spoil everything.  Where love is, life is good.  Even the finest things of life are spoiled by ill will, hostility and hatred.  Many people chase many things they think will make their life good, while neglecting the most important ingredient.  Let’s make sure we pursue that which will make life good.  Live in love. 

The safe path

Pro 10:9  He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

 How often we are reminded that the only safe and sure path in life is the path of obedience and righteousness.  When we live our life in integrity, doing what is right, we live securely.  But, those who live dishonestly will be found out.

They that know Him

Psa 9:10  And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

 The better we know God, the more we will trust Him because He is altogether trustworthy.  God has not, does not and will not forsake those who seek and trust Him.  Determine to know Him better and trust Him more.

Compassion

Psa 41:1  Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

 We are prone to become self-centered, especially in times of difficulty.  Here is a promise to those that are considerate of the needy around them.  If we are compassionate to those in need, God has promised to be merciful and deliver us in our time of difficulty.