Psalm - Psalm 13

Psalm 13:5But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 

But I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5

But I trust in Your faithful love; my heart leaps at the thought of imminent deliverance by You. Psalm 13:5 (VOICE)

My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation; which God is the contriver, author, and giver of, and in which the glory of his perfections is so greatly displayed: and a true believer rejoices more on account that God is glorified by it than because of his own interest in it; and this joy is an inward one, it is joy in the heart, and is real and unfeigned, and is what continues, and will be felt and expressed both here and hereafter. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

What makes my heart leap? What raises my spirits? The truth is that nothing on earth can make my heart leap—for pure joy. Oh, there are things that make me smile, and happy, but true joy comes only from God. True joy provides a constant that allows my heart to leap no matter the situation or circumstance. 

When I realize that God’s faithful love is ever-present and available to me, no matter the circumstance, or situation! God’s love is the constant that should make my heart leap! 

Think of that for a moment. God, the Creator of all, the Amazing Almighty God loves us. Can you grasp that fact? God loves me! God loves you! 

Stop and reflect on God’s amazing constant, unconditional love and then your heart will leap and your spirits will soar! 

Psalm 13 - God’s amazing constant, unconditional love

Stop Acting like a Brat

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 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing to the Lord because he has blessed me so richly. Psalm 13:6 (TLB)

I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers. Psalm 13:6 (MSG)

So full of answered prayers..... yet, how often do I focus on the unanswered prayers—or unanswered in my mind? A parent does not give a child everything they ask for, nor do they respond immediately to each request. For a parent knows that a child will ask for things that are not in the best interest of the child. 

The same is true with my Heavenly Father. He knows what I need, and when I need it. God also knows that I will ask for things that are not the best for me. Therefore, God’s blessings are in accordance with His purpose, will and most importantly are given in love. 

On the days that I don’t feel like singing—I know exactly why the song doesn’t come. It’s because I’m pouting and focusing on the unanswered requests, and the blessings that I think I should have. In other words, I’m acting like a brat! Ungrateful for the amazing blessings that God has provided, I’d rather focus on what I didn’t get. Yes, that is acting like an ungrateful spoiled brat! 

To create a positive day, I need stop acting like a brat and change my focus on the fact that God in His love will bless me with only those blessings that are the best for me, and are in accordance with His will and purpose. 

“Fun-Good”

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 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6 (NIV) 

I sing to the Lord because he has ·taken care of [been good to] me. Psalm 13:6 (EXB)

Been Good: A primitive root; to treat a person (well), i.e. Benefit; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (specifically) to wean -- bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, + serve, mean, yield. 

I find that sometimes, my definition of “good” might not be the same as God’s definition. When I think of “good”, I think if joy, happy, exciting, ease, excellent, super... etc. I like it when all things go as I plan and are filled with fun! 

However, God in His wisdom, knows that sometimes “good” requires some hard, unpleasant things at least from my perspective. 

If life were always “good” by my definition, I’d always be having fun! I wouldn’t want to work to grow and learn. Remember your elementary days? Recess was the highlight of the day! Running around, swinging, playing kickball, etc. Who wanted to go back inside and study History, or English, or Math? Yet, those times of study were “good” in that it was needed to grow in knowledge and wisdom. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that I’m seeing defining “good” as God does, and not just expecting “fun-good” all the time.  

My Spirits Will Soar!

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 13. Here is what I learned.

But I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5

But I trust in Your faithful love; my heart leaps at the thought of imminent deliverance by You. Psalm 13:5 (VOICE)

My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation; which God is the contriver, author, and giver of, and in which the glory of his perfections is so greatly displayed: and a true believer rejoices more on account that God is glorified by it than because of his own interest in it; and this joy is an inward one, it is joy in the heart, and is real and unfeigned, and is what continues, and will be felt and expressed both here and hereafter. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

What makes my heart leap? What raises my spirits? The truth is that nothing on earth can make my heart leap—for pure joy. Oh, there are things that make me smile, and happy, but true joy comes only from God. True joy provides a constant that allows my heart to leap no matter the situation or circumstance. 

When I realize that God’s faithful love is ever-present and available to me, no matter how high my pain level, no matter how bad my headache is, no matter........ the circumstance, or situation! God’s love is the constant that should make my heart leap! 

Think of that for a moment. God, the Creator of all, the Amazing Almighty God loves us. Can you grasp that fact? God loves me! God loves you! 

To create a positive day, I only have to stop and reflect on God’s amazing constant, unconditional love and then my heart will leap and my spirits will soar! 

Unforgettable Forever

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 11 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 13. Here is what I learned.

How long, O Eternal One? How long will You forget me? Forever? How long will You look the other way? Psalm 13:1 (VOICE)

How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 13:1 (EXB)

Forever? - He had been forgotten so long, and there appeared to be so little prospect of deliverance, that it seemed as if God never would return and visit him with mercy. The expression denotes a state of mind on the verge of despair. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Forever is a long time. And when there is sense of despair, forever is even longer. Ok, so I know “forever” can’t really get “longer” but it sure feels like it. 

Remember when you were a kid, and you were traveling? Every few minutes we asked the question, “are we there.......yet?” 10 or 15 minutes seemed like “FOREVER” when you are anticipating a fun adventure. 

When one is the midst of despair, arriving at the  place of joy, seems like that unending car ride.... “are we there YET?” Just was it appears that the destination is close, there’s a detour and that adds time and frustration as the waiting time increases. 

Forever. Will the Lord really forget me forever? The answer is no. For I am His child. And there is nothing that can separate me from His love. 

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.[a] We can’t be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation. Romans 8:38-39 (GW)

Forgotten forever, is simply a feeling that Satan uses to discourage and cause fear and distrust. Forgotten forever is not a reality. Forgotten forever is not a truth. God remembers forever. He is ever present. He is watching, caring, and accomplishing His will. I have a choice, chose the falsehood of being forgotten forever, or chose the fact that I’m an unforgettable forever child of God. 

To create a positive day, I need to chose the fact that I’m an unforgettable forever child of God, traveling on the journey God designed headed to the destination of His choosing! 

Consult Wise Counsel

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 13. Here is what I learned.

How long must I make decisions alone with sorrow in my heart day after day? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:2 (GW)

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Psalm 13:2 (NASB)

How long - This refers to the third aspect of the case, or the third phase of the trouble, that is, that he was perplexed and embarrassed, having a deep and heavy sorrow in his heart, and he asks how long this was to continue. "Shall I take counsel in my soul." This refers to the methods which he endeavored to devise to escape from trouble. He was perplexed, persecuted, and apparently forsaken; and being thus apparently forsaken, he was constrained to attempt to devise some plan for his own deliverance, without interposition or help from on high. He was under a necessity of relying on himself; and he asks "how long" this was to continue, or when he might hope that God would interpose to aid him by his counsels, and thus to deliver him. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Make decisions alone. That can lead to wrong choices, wrong thoughts, and making wrong decisions. Thankfully, I don’t HAVE TO make choices alone. First and foremost, God provides wisdom and council throughout His Word. Secondly, if I listen, the Holy Spirit gives guidance. And lastly, God has provided some amazing godly friends whom I can ask for help. 

Most often the times I choose to make decisions alone, is when I have already decided the outcome I want. It’s easy to justify a decision when I want to control what I do. Yet, when I have to live with the consequences of that decision... I only have myself to blame. 

Make decisions alone... is a choice that can lead to disastrous results. To create a positive day, I need to consult wise counsel before making decisions starting first with God, then consulting the friends God has provided to help keep me on track!

His Generosity!

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 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6 (KJV)

I will sing to the Eternal, for He is always generous with me. Psalm 13:6 (VOICE)

I sing to the Lord because he has taken care of me. Psalm 13:6 (NCV)

I do sing to Jehovah, For He hath conferred benefits upon me! Psalm 13:6 (YLT)

I will sing unto the Lord,.... In prayer faith is encouraged, through believing the heart is filled with joy; and this joy is expressed by the lips, in songs of praise to the Lord, ascribing the glory of salvation to him, and giving him thanks for every mercy and blessing of life;

because he hath dealt bountifully with me; both in a way of providence and grace, granting life and preserving it, and supporting with the comforts of it; blessing with spiritual blessings, and crowning with loving kindness and tender mercies; all which is generous and bountiful dealing, and affords a just occasion of praise and thanksgiving. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Dealt bountifully, always generous, taken care of, conferred benefits upon me...... so often, when we hear those words, our minds toward the things we don’t have, rather than what we do have. 

If God is so generous, why don’t I have more... money, nicer things, etc? If God is so generous, why am I in pain, or sick, or ......? The lists continue. 

But I think that often we forget that God does not owe us anything. God in His mercy and grace first gave us the greatest gift, and that was His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. God gave us the gift of salvation, we only have to accept it. 

Secondly, God does give us many blessings, but with a specific purpose and plan in mind. He created us that we would bring Him glory and honor. And we each do that in different ways. Some sing, some preach, some through friendships, some.... yes, even because of their pain and illness. 

I know that in my own life, God has used my pain to introduce me to people I never would have met otherwise. And I have met many because I use crutches. God in His goodness, has provided me with a ministry to encourage others who live with chronic pain or illness. Now, I would not have chosen this ministry on my own...but God chose it for me. He knew that for me to serve Him best, I’d need to be in pain. Now, just because I am in pain, doesn’t mean that God has forgotten me, for He continues to bless me beyond measure! I am amazed daily at God’s generosity and love. 

To create a positive day, I only need to start counting the blessings God has generously given me, for in counting the blessings, I praise God for His generosity!

What type of day would it be....

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 13. Here is what I learned.

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms— I’m celebrating your rescue. Psalm 13:5 (MSG)

But I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5 (AMP)

But I trust in Your faithful love; my heart leaps at the thought of imminent deliverance by You. Psalm 13:5 (VOICE)

As I read Psalm 13:5 this morning.. wow what a picture. Throwing myself headlong into the arms of God, leaning on Him, my heart leaps..... kind of reminds me of the pictures we seen when our Military Heroes return from their deployment. The men and women RUN toward their families, and grab hold of each other... never wanting to let go. 

As I think of Psalm 13:5, I’m so thankful first of all, that God’s arms are waiting for me! Secondly, that because of God’s love and mercy I can run to Him at anytime. Thirdly, that He will hold me tight and love me with an ever-lasting love. And lastly, this is great reason to rejoice and be glad! 

Since I can lean on God and throw myself headlong into His arms anytime.... I should do it everyday! Not just when I’m in trouble, or when things around me look bad. God is not just a God for the bad times, He’s a God for the great times too! Yet when things are going well, we often forget about God. Then something tragic happens, such as the bombing in Boston, then we turn to God— and He’s there waiting. 

What type of day would it be

if I’d begin it by “throwing myself headlong into the arms of God”?

What type of day would it be

if I leaned on God throughout the entire day? 

What type of day would it be

if my heart was leaping all the time

because I remembered that God is a loving and merciful God?

What type of day would it be.......

I think it would be a pretty amazing and a most positive day!  

My Eyes Will Sparkle

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The seventeenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 13. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Psalm 13:3 (NLT)

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; lighten the eyes [of my faith to behold Your face in the pitchlike darkness], lest I sleep the sleep of death. Psalm 13:3 (AMB)

When a person is sick, or unhappy, the eyes are dull and lack luster. Depression causes they eyes to “be in a fog”. Eyes sparkle when they see something they like, approve of, or are happy with. Eyes that sparkle are radiating the joy from within.

The old saying, “The eyes are windows to our souls.” has some truth to it. When we are happy and at peace, our eyes sparkle, they “smile”. When we are sad, depressed, and yes, sinning and ignoring God, our eyes are dim and lifeless. 

How do I keep that sparkle? Simply, “keep the soul clean”, meaning that first when I sin, I repent and ask God for forgiveness; and secondly, I remember who God is and what He is doing. 

In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul! Psalm 94:19 (AMP)

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits— Psalm 103:2 (AMP)

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great! You are clothed with honor and majesty— Psalm 104:1 (AMP)

For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good. Psalm 107:9 (AMP)

My soul yearns for You [O Lord] in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly; for [only] when Your judgments are in the earth will the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God). Isaiah 26:9 (AMP)

When my soul fainted upon me [crushing me], I earnestly and seriously remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple. Jonah 2:7 (AMP)

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 (AMP)

When my soul is right with God, when my “soul is clean”, my eyes will sparkle because of God’s amazing love, and that will create a positive day!

Peace in the Midst of Pain

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The seventeenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 13. Here's what Treasure I found today.

How long must I ·worry [or bear pain; [hold counsels] and ·feel sad [hold sorrow] in my heart all day? How long will my enemy ·win [rise up] over me? Psalm 13:2 (EXB)

How: of time to what point ?

Long: as far (or long, or much) as.

How long? Like that proverbial question, “Are we there yet?”. How much longer? Will it ever end? 

Sorrow: affliction -- grief

Heart: inner man, mind, will, specifically of seat of the emotions and passions.

Daily: always, continually, each day.

Each day when I awake I hope to find the sorrow, grief, pain gone, but it remains. 

Having sorrow in my heart daily - Every day; constantly. That is, there was no intermission to his troubles. The sorrow in his heart seems to have been not merely that which was caused by troubles from without, but also that which sprang from the painful necessity of attempting to form plans for his own relief - plans which seemed to be in vain. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

In October 2000, I injured my back. I figured in a few days that pain would be gone. However, it remains. Each day when I wake up, the pain greets me. At times it’s overwhelming. I wonder, how long will the pain remain. Will it ever go away? 

Yet, greater than physical pain, is the grief and sorrow that is present when the soul is in pain. What causes ‘soul pain’? Several things. First, and foremost, I can cause ‘soul pain’ when I’m not right with God. When I allow sin to come between me and God. Secondly, ‘soul pain’ can be caused by Satan trying to rob me of God’s peace. Doubts and fears take place of God’s peace and comfort. And lastly, ‘soul pain’ can be growing pains. As God stretches my faith and teaches me more about Him, the soul can grieve knowing what an amazing God I have, and what a small being I am, yet He loves me. 

How long? Will it ever end? Although the pain may not end while on earth, knowing that God is still God does allows my soul to have peace—even in the midst of pain. God is still at work. He remains faithful to His promises. He will not forsake His children. God is still God! 

I don’t have to be ‘pain-free’ to create a positive day. I only need to rest in God’s goodness and watch Him work, then I can have peace in the midst of pain. And the peace that God gives, creates a positive day!

Change of Perspective

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 13. Here is what I learned.

Ever have one of the days, months, weeks, when life becomes overwhelming? When you wonder, “if God loves me, why does He let this ‘bad’ stuff happen to me?” Feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you are caring it alone? 

This is how David felt in Psalm 13:1-4 (EXB).

1 How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I worry [or bear pain; hold counsels] and feel sad [hold sorrow] in my heart all day? How long will my enemy ·win [rise up] over me?

3 Lord, look at me. Answer me, my God; tell me [light up my eyes], or I will die [sleep the sleep of death].

4 Otherwise my enemy will say, “I have won [finished him off]!” Those against me [My foes] will rejoice that I’ve been defeated [shaken; moved].

To be honest, I’ve have days like this. Chronic pain and headaches can become overwhelming, especially when it becomes my focus. And there are times the pain is screaming so loud, that I can’t focus on anything else. 

Forgotten. Alone. Fearful. Hurting. Unheard. All are emotions that are very real and can rob us of hope. 

Thankfully, Psalm 13 doesn’t end with despair and hopelessness. David gives us the “remedy” for those overwhelming times in our lives.

5 I trust [have confidence] in your love [loyalty; covenant love]. My heart is happy [rejoices] because ·you saved me [of your victory/salvation].

6 I sing to the Lord because he has taken care of [been good to] me.

Psalm 13:5, 6 (EXB)

David was overwhelmed with hopelessness, so He turned His attention to the source of hope—God. David turned his attention and thoughts to the one “constant” in his life—God. David changed his attention from his situation and feelings to the facts about God Almighty. 

Facts:

1. God’s love is unconditional.
2. God keeps His promises.
3. God is salvation.  
4. God has proven Himself in the past—has taken care and been good to me. If He’s done it before, He can do it again. 

On those days I feel overwhelmed by pain, life, emotions, I need to stop and re-focus on the facts of God. Changing my perspective begins with a change of focus from emotions to facts. But just any random facts; rather facts about God Almighty! 

To create a positive day, I must change my perspective from me to God. Then and only then, can I rise above my situation and enjoy a positive hope-filled day!