Psalm - Psalm 9

Psalm 9:9, 10

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Refuge: a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible place, a secure height, retreat, stronghold

Oppressed: injured, afflicted, distressed, crushed

In times: now, when, long season, so long as

Trouble: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation

Know: acknowledge, acquaintance, be aware

Your name: as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Put their trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, put confidence, make to hope

Forsaken: forsake, fail, leave, leave destitute, refuse

Seek: usually to follow for pursuit, specifically to worship

The Lord ·defends [ is a refuge for] those who ·suffer [are oppressed/exploited]; ·he defends them [a refuge] in times of ·trouble [distress].  

Those who know ·the Lord [ your name] trust ·him [ you], because ·he [you] will not ·leave [abandon; forsake] those who ·come to him [ seek you]. Psalm 9:9, 10 EXB

Psalm 9 -

A secure retreat that provides hope

and reasons to worship of God Almighty! 

Overwhelmed? Need hope?

Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Psalm 25:20-21

Keep: to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to
Soul: a breathing creature, life itself
Deliver: to snatch away, defend, escape—without fail
Ashamed: to be disappointed or delayed, be put to confusion
Put my trust: to flee for protection, have hope, make refuge
Integrity: completeness, morally innocence
Preserve: guard from dangers, to protect, maintain
Wait: look eagerly, to expect, vigilantly

Watch over my soul, and let me face shame and defeat UNASHAMED because You are my refuge. May honor and strong character keep me safe. VIGILANTLY I wait for You, hoping, trusting. Psalm 25:20-21 (VOICE)

Ever feel overwhelmed, like you are drowning? Can't catch your breath? When you feel like that, it's easy to be all consumed with fear and all-consuming depression. 
The Psalmist understood that feeling. That utter helplessness. But he also knew where to turn his attention — to God Almighty! The Psalmist would FLEE, RUN to God for protection, refuge and yes, even HOPE! The Psalmist vigilantly and eagerly waited on God. 

If you find yourself overwhelmed, run to God Almighty! He is a safe place of refuge and hope. Take comfort in God's safe arms knowing that He loves you and knows exactly what you are going through. Take comfort in God's love. 

Refuge. Place of Hope.

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8

Trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, put confidence, make to hope

Times: continually, long, due season, so long as

Pour out: to spill forth,  gush out

Refuge: a shelter (literally or figuratively); place of hope

People, ·trust [have confidence in] God all the time. Tell him all your problems [ Pour out your heart before him], because God is our ·protection [refuge]. ·Selah [Interlude] Psalm 62:8 (EXB)

Seasick

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6

Let him ask: request for oneself

Faith: with the predominant idea of trust or confidence

Nothing: no, none, or absolutely nothing

Wavering: to be at variance with oneself, hesitate, doubt

For he: assuredly, verily the one

Like: to resemble

Wave: a surge, a violent agitation of the sea

Driven by the wind: to agitate or blown by the wind

Tossed:  to toss to and fro (it is used of a person whose mind wavers in uncertainty between hope and fear, between doing and not doing a thing)

Doubt. Hesitate. When I don't trust God for wisdom, then I allow doubt and mistrust to gain a foothold. And when that happens, I then will be "tossed to and fro" as I waver between hope and fear. 

Doubt and not fully trusting God, allows fear to take a hold. And fear will then create it's own reality and continue to cause me to be in a violent storm tossing about—talk about being "seasick". That is not what I want for my life! 

So, I have a choice to make. Ask God for wisdom, and TRUST him. OR. Allow doubt and fear to take hold and endure "seasickness". 

My choice—Ask in Faith! 

(To read an earlier blog post on "Fear Creates its Own Reality" here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2010/06/fear-creates-its-own-reality.html)

Proverbs 10:9-13: Trouble. With a capital "T".

He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall. The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. Proverbs 10:9-13

Walks: of moral and religious life

Integrity: (morally) innocence

Securely: assurance, boldly, without care, confidence, hope

Perverts: make crooked, distorts

Ways: of moral action and character

Become known: be revealed, discovered, of person

Winks: blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice)

Trouble: hurt, injury, pain

Fall: ruined, fail

Hatred: exceedingly hateful

Stirs up: awakens

Strife: discord

Covers: conceal

Sins: transgression against individuals

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Understanding: intelligent, discreet, discerning

Rod: staff for smiting

Back: body

Devoid: needy, lacking, in want of

Understanding: the will and even the intellect

Trouble. With a capital "T". And I'm not talking about "pool" (The Music Man). 

Yes, TROUBLE! Where does trouble begin? It begins in the heart. When one ignores and has a hatred for wisdom, trouble takes root and begins to fester and grow. And then that leads to attitudes and those attitudes are then put into action. 

We see it and hear about it each and every day in the news. We see the results of ignoring God's moral laws and what happens when everyone is left to do what is right in their own eyes. Sin and lawlessness becomes the norm and with it the strife, discontentment, destruction and death. 

Wisdom and understanding will followed brings security and hope. What a contrast to the aftermath that foolishness leaves behind. 

Trouble. With a capital "T". It all begins in the heart! When a heart is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then wisdom will reign and bring security and hope!

Proverbs 1:28-33: Hate or Hear?

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,

They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.

Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.

For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:28-33 (NKJV)

Once we find ourselves in the midst of trouble, we then realize the mistake we made, and cry out for help. This is the position Wisdom is referring to regarding those who have ignored her warning. 

Wisdom has given many opportunities to avoid trouble and the consequences of choosing sin, but each was ignored. There comes a point, where Wisdom says, "Sorry, you have no more chances." 

Proverbs 1:29

Because: the end of

Knowledge: in the highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)

Fear: fear of God, reverence, piety

Lord: of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Notice the two verbs in this verse: HATED and CHOOSE. 

The later is a result of the first. When one hates knowledge (including obedience) that leads to the choices; in this case—not to fear God.

In Proverbs 1:30-32, Wisdom continues to describe how the sinners ended up where they are and the consequences. 

BUT— there is hope!

Listens: hears, hear with attention, interest

Dwell: settle down to abide

Safely: quietness and security

Secure: be at ease or at peace, rest securely

Fear: terrifying, dread

Evil: misery, distress

So, the choice is HATE or HEAR. The consequences of both actions are clearly explained. 

Hate Wisdom = fear, chaos, trouble, destruction

Hear Wisdom = a secure and safe place without terrifying fear or distress. 

Sadly, often it seems easier and more enticing to choose Hate. But, when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will easily Hear Wisdom and want to obey. 

Which verb will you choose: HATE or HEAR? 

Live a Life Alive

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

_______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

 

For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 (AMP) 

You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. Colossians 3:3 (TLB)

died: definite event 

hidden: locked together with; cannot be separated

And if we are dead to the earth, and have renounced it as our happiness, it is absurd for us to set our affections upon it, and seek it. We should be like a dead thing to it, unmoved and unaffected towards it. Our true life lies in the other world: You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

New perspective on things. I should not be seeking happiness or joy from things that .... well, are sin. Satan tries his best to make sin enjoyable and fun. But the problem is that—it's all short lived. There is no satisfaction. There is no joy. There is no contentment. 

Where as the joy and happiness that is pure from God, is everlasting. It's a hope that endures. 

I have a choice, live a life as a dead person—trying to find fulfillment in short-term sin, or live my life alive in Christ and enjoy all that God has to offer. 

How do I make the choice to live a life alive in Christ? 

Develop this spiritual life in practice.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Choose each day, each hour, to make choices that are God-honoring. The Bible isn't just a book to read. It's a book which teaches how to live a God-honoring life—so that I can develop a spiritual life and live it—in practice (do it)! 

In order to make the choice to live a life alive—I must permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

My Hope

To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory. Colossians 1:27 (AMP)

Christ is my hope. Not just for after I die, but rather my every day hope. A hope that should be very clearly manifested in my life. 

Manifested: readily perceived by the eye or the understanding; evident; obvious; apparent; plain. 

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (AMP)

[For] If you ·use your lives to do the wrong things your sinful selves want [ live according to the flesh], you will ·die spiritually [ die]. But if you ·use the Spirit’s help to [ by the Spirit] ·stop doing the wrong things you do with [put to death the deeds of] your body, you will ·have true life [ live]. Romans 8:13 (EXB)

Christ within me not only do I have Hope, but the power to live a godly life. But living a godly life manifesting the hope of Christ, is only possible if I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Grounded and Settled

And this He will do] provided that you continue to stay with andin the faith [in Christ], well-grounded and settled and steadfast, not shifting or moving away from the hope [which rests on and is inspired by] the glad tidings (the Gospel), which you heard and which has been preached [as being designed for and offered without restrictions] to every person under heaven, and of which [Gospel] I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:23 (AMP)

Grounded and settled not in me or what I have done, rather I am grounded and settled in the firm, steadfast, unmovable, unchangeable, rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ. 

Being grounded and settled in the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ

provides SECURITY.

Being grounded and settled in the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ

provides STABILITY.

Being grounded and settled in the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ

provides SAFETY.

Being grounded and settled in the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ

provides SANCTUARY.

Being grounded and settled in the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ

provides all the SUPPLIES for needs.

Being grounded and settled in the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ

provides STEADFASTNESS.

"not shifting or moving away from the hope"

Not only am I to be grounded and settled... but set in stone, or cemented so that I will not shift or bend as the winds of inciting ungodly whims blow my way. 

Satan makes sin look enjoyable and fun, however, it's a short-lived and empty fun. Sin has consequences. And the biggest is that it hinders and destroys a personal relationship with God. 

Being grounded and settled in the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ begins with faith and trust in Him for salvation, and continues as I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

While Waiting

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 43. Here is what I learned.

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my [sad] countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:5 (AMP)

Why ·am I so sad [are you downcast, my soul]? Why ·am I so upset [are you groaning/in an uproar]? I ·should [or will] ·put my hope in [wait for] God and ·keep praising [or will again praise] him, my ·Savior [Victor] and my God. Psalm 43:5 (EXB)

"Hope in God," or "wait for God." There is need of patience, but there is ground for hope. The Lord cannot but avenge his own elect. The heavenly Father will not stand by and see his children trampled on for ever; as surely as the sun is in the heavens, light must arise for the people of God, though for awhile they may walk in darkness. Why, then, should we not be encouraged, and lift up our head with comfortable hope? "For I shall yet praise him." Times of complaint will soon end, and seasons of praise will begin. Come, my heart, look out of the window, borrow the telescopic glass, forecast a little, and sweeten thy chamber with sprigs of the sweet herb of hope. "Who is the health of my countenance, and my God." My God will clear the furrows from my brow, and the tear marks from my cheek; therefore will I lift up my head and smile in the face of the storm. The Psalm has a blessed ending, such as we would fain imitate when death puts an end to our mortal existence. Treasury of David

Wait (v)
1. to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens
2. (of things) to be available or in readiness.
3. to remain neglected for a time.
4. to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed.
5. to look forward to eagerly.

I find the definition of “wait” interesting. Remain in active until something expected happens. Yet, it also means look forward to eagerly. and in the middle.... remain neglected for a time. 

Yet, each aspect of the definition describes and “end” to the wait. It’s not an eternity.... although sometimes the wait can seem like that. 

Often as I’m in waiting mode, my focus changes from God and what He is doing to what can I do to hurry things along! I’m not a good waiter, as I’ve said before. But I’m trying to not waste the waiting time. One of the definitions for wait, says to remain inactive. As I read that I thought two things: 1) what a waste of time, I can get so much done! 2) Be Still and know that I am God. 

How many times during the waiting times, am I trying to hurry God along, or figure things out on my own, or get so busy doing things so I lose focus on the “waiting on God and being still getting to know God”? 

To create a positive day, I need to remember that while waiting, I need to be still and get to know my God better! 

Get My Head out of the Clouds

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 43. Here is what I learned.

Why ·am I so sad [L are you downcast, my soul]? Why ·am I so upset [are you groaning/in an uproar]? I ·should [or will] ·put my hope in [wait for] God and ·keep praising [or will again praise] him, my ·Savior [Victor] and my God. Psalm 43:5 (EXB)

O my soul, why are you so overwrought? Why are you so disturbed? Why can’t I just hope in God? Despite all my emotions, I will hope in God again. I will believe and praise the One who saves me and is my life, My Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5 (VOICE)

Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will praise Him again, my help and my God. Psalm 43:5 (NLV)

The heavenly Father will not stand by and see his children trampled on for ever; as surely as the sun is in the heavens, light must arise for the people of God, though for awhile they may walk in darkness. Why, then, should we not be encouraged, and lift up our head with comfortable hope? For I shall yet praise him. Times of complaint will soon end, and seasons of praise will begin. Come, my heart, look out of the window, borrow the telescopic glass, forecast a little, and sweeten thy chamber with sprigs of the sweet herb of hope. Who is the health of my countenance, and my God. My God will clear the furrows from my brow, and the tear marks from my cheek; therefore will I lift up my head and smile in the face of the storm. The Psalm has a blessed ending, such as we would fain imitate when death puts an end to our mortal existence. Treasury of David

Hope. Often that word conjures up a longing or a dream, a wish. However, the hope we find in God.... is not a dream or wish. It’s reality based on God Himself. 

Often we dream of better days, a time when everything is perfect—perfect according to our imaginations. However, our perfection is flawed by sin, by our small visions—we don’t look at the big picture, nor do we know what the future holds. 

We we place our hope in God. That is a “know-so” hope based on the solid foundation of God Himself. Hope in God is sure and a true reality, not some wishful dream. 

To create a positive day, I need to get my head out of the clouds and allow my heart to grasp onto the solid hope found in God, Himself. 

The Walls Closing In

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 4. Here is what I learned.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness (uprightness, justice, and right standing with You)! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 (AMP)

Answer my prayers, O True God, the righteous, who makes me right. I was hopelessly surrounded, and You rescued me. Once again hear me; hide me in Your favor; bring victory in defeat and hope in hopelessness. Psalm 4:1 (VOICE)

Answer me when I ·pray [call] to you,  my God who ·does what is right [is righteous; or who vindicates me]. ·Make things easier for me [Give me room; Widen my way] when I am in trouble. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 (EXB)

Ever have that “overwhelmed” feeling? You are hemmed in, surrounded? You just want some one to give you room, widen your way? 

There are many reasons why we filled hemmed in. It could be due to our own actions, we’ve backed ourselves into a corner so to speak. Or it could be that we feel overwhelmed by the stress of life. Or maybe the words and actions of others have you feeling surrounded and defeated.

God can provide the room needed.... if we stop and talk with Him, and then step back and allow God to first, change us and our perspectives. Then allow God to accomplish His work and plan. God provides hope in hopelessness, it’s up to us to accept it.

To create a positive day, I need to stop looking at the walls closing in, rather change my perspective and attention to God and accept His hope! 

Wait

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 27. Here is what I learned.

·Wait for [Hope in] the Lord’s help. Be strong and let your heart be brave, and ·wait for [hope in] the Lord’s help. Psalm 27:14 (EXB)

Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. Psalm 27:14 (MSG)

Please answer me: Don’t give up. Wait for the Eternal in expectation, and be strong. Again, wait for the Eternal. Psalm 27:14 (VOICE)

Wait, I say, on the Lord; this is repeated, to express the importance of this duty, and to encourage to it. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible 

Wait on the Lord - This is the sum of all the instruction in the psalm; the main lesson which the psalm is designed to convey. The object is to induce others, from the experience of the psalmist, to trust in the Lord; to rely upon Him; to come to Him in trouble and danger; to wait for His interposition when all other resources fail.

Wait, I say, on the Lord - Repeating an idea with which the heart was full; a lesson resulting from his own rich experience. He dwells upon it as a lesson which he would fix deeply in the mind, that in all times of danger and difficulty, instead of despondency, instead of sinking down in despair, instead of giving up all effort, we should go forward in the discharge of duty, putting our trust solely in the Lord. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

When something is worth repeating.... it’s worth paying attention to, and worth doing. Wait on the Lord. No matter the circumstances you may find yourself, wait on the Lord. If you are seeking answers, wait on the Lord. If you want to know what direction to go, wait on the Lord. 

Wait on the Lord. Don’t move ahead without Him. Wait on the Lord, trust in Him and what He is doing. 

To create a positive day, I need to wait on the Lord and that means fully trusting in what He is doing, where He is leading, and His timing for it all. 

Shelter in the Rain

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 61. Here is what I learned.

For You are my protection, an impenetrable fortress from my enemies. Psalm 61:3 (VOICE)

For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary. Psalm 61:3 (AMP)

Refuge: to flee for protection; to confide in—have hope, make refuge, (put) trust.

Shelter in the Rain (4 Him)

How long have you been

Waiting on a little sun to shine

To take away the night

Hold on for you are never alone

Through the darkest skies

There is a guiding light

For our God is a refuge

Where the weary can run and hide

in times of trouble

He’ll be the calm in the midst of the storm

‘Till it passes by

Oh, you need to know

CHORUS

There’s a shelter in the rain

There’s a hope for your tomorrow

There’s a cover through the pain

When you’re underneath the weather

Jesus is the shelter in the rain

Sometimes when hope is hard to find

We’ve got to walk by faith

Until we see the way

Hold tight for we are promised in time

Those who patiently wait

Will never wait in vain

For we know God is faithful

He’s a fortress to run into

In times of trouble

He’ll cover us with the wings of his love

‘Till we make it through

Oh, we got to know

REPEAT CHORUS

So tell me why

Why could you ever run away

From the cover out into the storm

Just know in time

The rain’s gonna bring a brighter day

And the clouds will be gone

But while you wait on the Lord

Just knowing that I have a shelter—no matter how stormy it looks, or how strong the storm may be—my God is a strong and secure shelter!

What a joy to place my hope and trust in the Almighty God! And being in the God’s protection turns any stormy day into a positive one! 

Shelter in the Rain (4 Him) 

Short-sighted

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 thirteen of each month, I'm studying Psalm 146. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Do not trust influential people, mortals who cannot help you. Psalm 146:3 (GW)

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. Psalm 146:3 (NLT)

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. Psalm 146:3 (NIV)

Not: nay, neither, never, no, nor, not, nothing.

Trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, careless one, put confidence, make to hope.

Princes (powerful people): Generous; hence, magnanimous; willing hearted.

Help: deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory,rescue.

Looking to people to help me, give me security is short-sighted! Why rely on people, when I can look to Almighty God? Why trust in mere mortals, when I can trust the Creator? Why put my hope in people who although may have money, will someday die, when I can place my security in an eternal God? 

Looking to people for happiness, security, hope is being very short-sighted! 

Short-sighted: stupid, not thought through, backward, batty, birdbrained, blockheaded, boneheaded, brainless, crazy, dumb, feeble-minded, foolish, harebrained, idiotic, ignorant, ill-conceived, imbecilic, impractical, indiscreet, moronic, poorly planned, retarded, senseless, short-sighted, silly, slow, sophomoric, underdeveloped, unformed, witless.

No matter how you phrase it—short-sighted is just plain DUMB! So why do I do it? Because I begin to look around for how I can fix things. I want to “do it myself”. I want to prove that I know best. But time and time again, God patiently teaches me that trusting in people is futile—short-sighted, just plain dumb! 

I need to “just say no” to looking for security, hope in people, and simply trust God Almighty—He is very trustworthy and provides eternal hope! 

To create a positive day, I need to stop being short-sighted and place my hope and trust in the God of eternity!

Why the “Therefore” is There For

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 first of each month, I'm studying Psalm 16. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety. Psalm 16:9 (AMP)

Therefore: according to such conditions, that being so.

Heart: seat of the emotions and passions of joy and gladness.

Glad: cheer up, be make glad, have, make joyful, be make merry, cause to, make to rejoice.

Glory: my honour, seat of honour in the inner man, the noblest part of man.

Rejoices: be glad, joy, be joyful, to spin round under the influence of any violent emotion—rejoice!

Body: flesh, person.

Also: especially as introducing emphatically a new thought.

Rest (dwell): not to be removed, especially at rest, peace, in security.

Safety (hope): assurance, boldly, without care, confidence, hope, safely secure, surely.

Psalm 16:9 begins with “Therefore”. So, we must first learn why the “therefore” is there for. Looking back at Psalm 16:8, we learn that “the Lord is always with me”. According to the condition—the Lord is always with me..... the following are available to me: gladness, rejoicing, rest, confidence of hope!

Notice also that the gladness, rejoicing, rest and confidence of hope all come from WITHIN me! They are not based on outward situations, outward physical traits, outward circumstances. Each one is from within... based on the solid fact that the Lord is always with me. 

Since October 2000, I’ve lived with chronic pain. It’s always present. I’m often asked, “How can you smile, when you are in pain?”  This verse explains it. The joy and gladness that I have is from within and based on the “therefore”—the Lord is always with me. 

Gladness, rejoicing, rest, confidence of hope—are all present, it’s up to be to let them shine forth.  No matter my pain, no matter my circumstances, no matter what is happening around me..... the Lord is always with me, THEREFORE, gladness, rejoicing, rest, confidence of hope are mine! 

To create a positive day, I only have to remember why the “therefore” is there for— the Lord is always with me—and gladness, rejoicing, rest, confidence of hope are mine!

Thing Joy

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 27. Here is what I learned.

I truly believe I will see the Lord’s goodness ·during my life [in the land of the living]. Psalm 27:13 (EXB)

Believe: assurance, believe, bring up, establish, steadfast, be firm or faithful, to trust to be permanent or quiet.

See: advise self, appear, approve, behold, consider, discern, have experience, gaze, take heed, perceive.

Lord: deity Yahweh.

Goodness: good things of/as given by God, thing joy, beauty, gladness, welfare.

Land: country, earth, field, world nations.

Living: age, alive, appetite, wild beast, company, congregation, lifetime, lively.

Thing Joy

by Rhonda Sawtelle

As I look around what do I see?

Sadness, despair, pain, and calamity.

As I look up what do I see?

Happiness, hope, comfort and prosperity.

Perception changes seeing as God’s sees.

And trusting that God has perfect strategies,

To accomplish His will through me and teach me,

In the midst of pain will come amazing beauty.

As I look around what do I see?

God is at work—and working mightily.

God’s ‘Thing Joy’ is surrounding me—

As through His eyes the world I perceive.

“Thing Joy”—goodness beyond reality.

Given by God, it can be an actuality.

“Thing Joy” produces life full of vitality.

Sadness or joy—the choice is up to me.

As I look around what do I see?

The choice is mine, to see God’s goodness and  hope and see Him accomplishing His plan, or see the world through my eyes without hope. To create a positive day, I have to see as God sees and understand that God provides “Thing Joy”—even in a world that seems to be full of despair.

Abandonment vs An Ever-Present God

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 138. Here is what I learned.

Lord, you ·do everything [fulfill/accomplish your plan] for me. Lord, your ·love [loyalty] continues forever. Do not ·leave [abandon; forsake] us, ·whom you made [L the work of your hands]. Psalm 138:8 (EXB)

Jehovah will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, endureth for ever; Forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138:8 (ASV)

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Will perfect: complete, accomplish, in the sense of completion, come to an end.

That which concerneth: on behalf of, at by means of, for.

Lovingkindness: Beauty -- favor, good deed, mercy.

Forever: indefinite futurity, continuous existence, indefinite, unending future.

Forsake: to slacken, abate, cease, be slothful, idle, leave, let alone.

Not: nay, neither, never, no, nothing, nought.

Works: business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, possession, accomplishments, achievements.

Of thine hands: indicating power, means, direction.

Forsaken. Abandoned. Left alone. Ever feel that way? I know that living with chronic pain can cause isolation. Can’t leave the apartment, because it hurts to much to move. No one stops by, because they are busy, or are embarrassed because they can’t make it better. Abandoned. 

Satan likes us to focus on “being abandoned”. When we think we are abandoned, that opens the door for Satan to turn our thoughts from God and what God is doing, to doubts, fears, and self-pity. 

But the truth is—God will not abandon His children. Because His lovingkindness is indefinite—an unending future. Plus, we are God’s business! He created us. He loves us. He provided a way of salvation for us. We are His children. He will not abandon us. We might walk away from Him and do our own thing, but God is waiting for us. He will not, no never, leave us. 

Abandonment vs An Ever-Present God.

Which will I chose? 

  

God is concerned in all that concerns his servants. He will see to it that none of their precious things shall fail of completion; their life, their strength, their hopes, their graces, their pilgrimage, shall each and all be perfected. The Treasury of David

I have a choice to make. I can allow Satan to fill my mind with a sense of abandonment, fears, doubts and self-pity, or I can claim God’s lovingkindness and rest assured that He has not and will not abandon me and rest in that truth.

To create a positive day, I must chose God’s lovingkindness knowing full-well that God is at work in my life and that He is EVER-PRESENT!

Smile just waiting—Grab it!

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 43. Here is what I learned.

Why am I discouraged. Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5 (NLT)

Why ·am I so sad [are you downcast, my soul]? Why ·am I so upset [are you groaning/in an uproar]? I ·should [or will] ·put my hope in [wait for] God and ·keep praising [or will again praise] him, my ·Savior [Victor] and my God. Psalm 43:5 (EXB)

Why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted within me hope in God for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God. Psalm 43:5 (KJV w/Strongs) 

Why: interrogative what? (including how? Why? When?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!).

Discouraged: be cast down, despairing, to sink or be depressed, be (bring) low.

Sad: to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor, be disquieted, tumultuous, be in an uproar.

Soul: living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion.

Hope: to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope -- (cause to, have, make to) hope, stay, tarry, trust, wait. 

God: Eelohim- very great, mighty.

For: assuredly, but, certainly, doubtless.

Again: a going around, continuance, still, yet, again, beside, repeatedly, still, more -- again all life long, repeat.

Praise: yield yourselves, acknowledge, give thanks, to revere or worship (with extended hands).

God: the supreme God

As his hope, his never-failing hope, v. 5. Here, as before, David quarrels with himself for his dejections and despondencies, and owns he did ill to yield to them, and that he had no reason to do so: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? He then quiets himself in the believing expectation he had of giving glory to God (Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him) and of enjoying glory with God: He is the health of my countenance and my God. That is what we cannot too much insist upon, for it is what we must live and die by. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

It’s so easy to be discouraged and depressed. But there is a solution—praise, worship God the very source of HOPE! There’s an old saying, “Turn that frown upside down.” This verse isn’t about putting on a fake smile, but rather there is a true REASON to smile—HOPE from God.

To be honest, I don’t feel much like smiling today. I’m recovering from the spinal implant stimulator trial, my back hurts, my headache is severe, and I have more questions than answers on how to move forward. But I have a choice to make—I can wallow in my situation and have  a pity-party, or I can change my focus to God and the Hope and Joy He provides. 

Today seems like a very hard day to create a positive day, but actually, it’s easy if I change my focus to God and the hope He provides. He has a SMILE just waiting for me—and I choose to GRAB it!

Look Beyond the Steadfast Mountain

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 121. Here is what I learned.

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? Psalm 121:1 (NLT)

Look up: be content, to lift, carry.

Mountains: to loom up hillside, massive mountain, unmovable hill.

Where: how, what, which way.

Help: the one who will give aid, assistance, one who helps.

Come: abide, associate with, bring near.

Often when in trouble, pain, or fearful, we look to the strongest and most steadfast person or object we can find. That’s what Psalm 121:1 is describing. 

I contently focus my attention to the looming strength and power of the unmovable mountain. Where is the one who will help me staying and abiding? 

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:2 (NLT)

Help: the one who will give aid, assistance, one who helps.

From: accompanying, part of

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Made: accomplish, fulfill, furnish.

Heavens: highest, horizon, sky.

Earth: land, countryside, world. 

God Himself is help, 

and consider the help He can provide 

considering He created and sustains

the far-reaching expanse of Heaven

and the World itself.

Looking to the things God created for help is futile. No matter how strong and powerful the person or object may be... God created it; therefore, God is the all-powerful One who is the true source of help. 

I must not put my hope in things around me or people, or the government for those will all fail. My hope and help is God Himself. I must contently focus my attention to God Almighty for He and He alone can give me the help I need.  

To create a positive day, I need to look beyond the steadfast mountain of earth, and focus my attention on God the only true source of help and hope. 

Personal Note: Thought I'd share an example of just how detailed God is at meeting my needs. Today's Ponder Morsel was so "on point" for me today. "Look beyond the steadfast mountain" Yesterday, the online news headlines were all about how Social Security Disability will run out before the next 4 years. (I'm on SS Disability due to a back injury that has resulted in permanent nerve/muscle damage in my lower back and left leg.) When I first read the reports yesterday, my head said, "My God shall supply all my needs", but since I continued to think about the "what ifs", I knew that I hadn't really given it over to God.
This morning as I read and studied Psalm 121 the truths surely hit home. Why was I looking to a mountain (government) to take care of me? God has USED it to provide so far—but as He has proven time and time again—God is NOT LIMITED by ANYTHING! God has resources and ways of meeting my needs that are BEYOND my comprehension.
So, I need to look beyond the steadfast mountain, and look to the true source of my help and hope—God Almighty Himself. Even today the example of supplying the TRUTH that I needed today to turn my focus back to HIM, show's a way God supplies all my needs! God is so good! Rhonda