I suppose I’ll always do what I can in my own way to make this a better place to live. If it means putting myself on the spot from time to time, then I’ll probably do it.”
–Lou Bradshaw (Blue)
“Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.”
–Isaiah 61:7 (NKJV)
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It’s time we get back into the Psalms. Vacation is over and I want to thank you for your prayers as we traveled. Let me tell you that I have missed the Psalms. We think of David as the giant-killer or a king, but he spent much of his life in the outdoors. He was a shepherd and a soldier. At times he was forced to run for his life. He had to rely upon his own skill, but in the direst of times he went to the Lord. Today, we look at the first part of Psalm 31 (HCSB).
1 – Lord, I seek refuge in You; let me never be disgraced. Save me by Your righteousness.
2 – Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mountain fortress to save me.
3 – For You are my rock and my fortress; You lead and guide me because of Your name.
4 – You will free me from the net that is secretly set for me, for You are my refuge.
5 – Into Your hand I entrust my spirit; You redeem me, Lord, God of truth.
Have you ever done something downright stupid? Something that made you hang your head; something where you wanted to find a deep cave and hide? In those times when we have brought shame down upon ourselves it is sure nice to feel the love of God as He reaches down and puts His arms around us.
Since we have traveled a few thousand miles I look back at the trip and wonder how the Lord may have been involved. How many times did He rescue me? I have asked that question countless times in my life and I believe there will be a day where He shows me the times He has intervened in my life. That includes the times that I have gotten myself into a mess. Those times when I’ve cried, “Get me out of this mess,” and the Lord does it. If you find yourself in that situation turn to Him and begin to honor His name. He will not let His child, one who bears His name, go down to the pit.
Run to Him, that in itself shows faith and trust. Our life should be one of trust, trust, and more trust. We need to trust Him, not only in times of adversity, but in every aspect of our life. Guess what? He knows what He is doing! Our life should be one of continual trust from the time we first recognize Him until the time of the final trust when we enter eternity.
Life can be unpleasant. Life may not seem fair. Life, because of our poor decisions or the decisions of others, may seem to be a mess. Don’t despair–God is working. Things by themselves may not be pleasant, but mixed together the final outcome and process may be good. Trust!
“My God! I love you, not to gain the bliss of your eternal reign,
Nor to escape the fiery lot reserved for those who love you not.
But you, my Jesus, on the tree did in your arms encompass me.
Most loving Jesus, God and King, you are my Source of everything.”
–Francis Xavier
Take time to read these verses then turn to Luke 23:46 and Acts 7:59.