Wednesday, July 10, 2013

On a Whim


This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.



His precepts will continue year in and year out, performed by His people with honesty and truth. Psalm 111:8 (VOICE)

They stand fast and are established forever and ever and are done in [absolute] truth and uprightness. Psalm 111:8 (AMP)

They will ·continue [endure; be unshakeable] forever. They were made ·true [faithful] and ·right [virtuous; with integrity]. Psalm 111:8 (EXB)

They can never fail; for God's power supports his works, and his providence preserves the record of what he has done. Adam Clarke 

His doings were not the demand of an occasion, they were in unison with a great and extensive purpose, with respect to the people of Israel and the Messiah. Not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law of his mouth, till all be fulfilled.  W. Wilson 

"They stand last for ever and ever." That is to say, his purposes, commands, and courses of action. The Lord is not swayed by transient motives, or moved by the circumstances of the hour; immutable principles rule in the courts of Jehovah, and he pursues his eternal purposes without the shadow of a turning. Our works are too often as wood, hay, and stubble, but his doings are as gold, silver, and precious stones. We take up a purpose for a while and then exchange it for another, but he is of one mind, and none can turn him' he acts in eternity and for eternity, and hence what he works abides for ever. Much of this lasting character arises out of the fact which is next mentioned, namely, that they "are done in truth and uprightness." Nothing stands but that which is upright. Falsehood soon vanishes, for it is a mere show, but truth has salt in it which preserves it from decay. God always acts according to the glorious principles of truth and integrity, and hence there is no need of alteration or revocation; his works will endure to the end of time. The Treasury of David

Ever do or say something on a whim? Without any thought or plan? Sometimes that can be fun to be spontaneous. However, doing something without much thought can also have dire consequences. 

Thankfully, God does not act on a whim, or what may feel good at the moment. Rather His actions are based on solid truth of His plan and purpose.  God does not act on a whim to please us or to make our lives more comfortable, rather His actions are sure and steadfast taking into account the past and future. 

No matter what God is doing, I know with assurance that it’s not on a whim, but that He is acting to accomplish His perfect will... and that truth creates a  positive day! 


Update: Today, I went to an art display and lunch with some friends. I thought it was an just an outing "on a whim". But God had something greater in mind. While there I met the Chaplain and we started talking. After a while, he asked if I'd come and talk with the residents—sharing that there is hope and joy in the midst of pain.
Today, God once again demonstrated that He does have a plan and purpose for my pain—and that God doesn't do anything on a whim.

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