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! 

Taking Pleasure And Going On Securely In It

  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.  

It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. Colossians 3:6-7 (AMP)

Sin is a road or path, in which sinners walk a way of their own, or of their own choosing and approving, though a dark and crooked one, and which leads to destruction: walking herein denotes a continued series of sinning, a persisting in it, a progress therein, a proceeding from evil to evil, taking pleasure, and going on securely in it. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

"which sinners . . . of their own choosing . . . proceeding from evil to evil, taking pleasure, and going on securely in it" — All in defiance of Holy Almighty God. 

God is a God of love, that's why He provided a way of salvation, but He is also a holy just God—that too is why He provided a way of salvation (sin had to be paid for). 

As I search my own heart and life, are there sins which I am choosing? Am I proceeding from evil to evil taking pleasure and going on securely in my sin? Remember to God—SIN is SIN, period. There are no "little sins" and "big sins"—just sin, against a Holy and Just God. 

It's often easy to justify that I am "good" since, well, I haven't murdered anyone. But I'm not the standard by which sin is measured. The Standard is God Almighty. So, I am not "good", rather I am a sinner, saved by God's almighty grace. 

Taking pleasure and going on securely in it. Instead of that being said about sin, I'd rather it be said about me living a godly life. Taking pleasure in obeying God and going on securely in living a life pleasing and honoring Him. 

Taking pleasure and going on securely living a godly life, is only possible when I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Always Accessible

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 11. Here is what I learned.

The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men. Psalm 11:4 (AMP)

But the Eternal has not moved; He remains in His holy temple. He sits squarely on His heavenly throne. He observes the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, examining us within and without, exploring every fiber of our beings. Psalm 11:4 (VOICE)

But the Lord is still in his holy temple; he still rules from heaven. He closely watches everything that happens here on earth. Psalm 11:4 (TLB)

The Lord is in his holy temple - Hebrew, "Jehovah is in the temple of his holiness." That is, he is in heaven, regarded as his temple or dwelling-place. This is the answer of the psalmist to the suggestions of his advisers that he should flee from danger. The answer is, in substance, that he had nothing to fear; that he had a protector in heaven; and that he might appeal to Him for defense. The idea is, that God, the protector of the righteous, is always in the heavens; that his throne is always accessible; and that to it the persecuted may come, and may always be safe.

The Lord's throne is in heaven - God is a king, ruling the universe. As such, the seat of his power or dominion is represented as in heaven, where he administers his government. That throne is fixed, and the affairs of his universe will be administered with justice. The righteous, therefore, may hope in his protection, and need not flee when the wicked assail them. The idea here is that of unwavering confidence in God as sitting upon the throne of the universe, and administering its affairs with justice and truth. Barnes' Notes on the Bible 

“The idea is, that God, the protector of the righteous, is always in the heavens; that his throne is always accessible; and that to it the persecuted may come, and may always be safe.” 

That sentence is an awesome ponder morsel for today! WOW!

To create a positive day, it’s all about remembering that God is always in the heavens, He’s always accessible and no matter what happens, I’ll be safe! 

Stay Put

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 91. Here is what I learned.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. Psalm 91:1 (AMP)

You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” Psalm 91:1 (EXB)

He who is dwelling In the secret place of the Most High, In the shade of the Mighty lodgeth habitually, Psalm 91:1 (YLT)

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High." Note, he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High is not he that conjures up one or two slight and fleeting acts of hope in him, but the man that places in him an assiduous and constant confidence. In this way he establishes for himself in God by that full trust, a home, a dwelling-place, a mansion,... The Hebrew for he that dwelleth, is ישׁן, that is, dwelling in quietude, and resting, enduring and remaining with constancy.  Le Blanc

The truth is that I need to be dwelling in that secret place long before “trouble” comes. How many times have I forgotten God in my daily life to remember Him when trouble appears? 

When I’m sitting down—staying put—in the secret place... during the “good times”, I not only enjoy God’s presence, but I learn more about God and am already safe when troubles come. 

Job, was a man who was dwelling in the secret place BEFORE he lost his family, riches, etc. He had already taken the time to know God BEFORE anything ‘bad’ happened. And since Job knew God was worthy of praise and honor, simply because HE was GOD—Job was confident that no matter what bad things happened, God would remain God! 

Resting, staying put, in the presence of God should be a  constant—during good times, so when the bad times come, I already am safe in secure knowing that God is still God, worthy of praise and honor. 

To create a positive day, I must first stay put in God’s presence, and take the time to get to know God—that will prepare me for whatever may come on any given day. 

Rest Contented

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 8. Here is what I learned.

I am already in the soft embrace of the Eternal, so why do you beckon me to leave, saying, “Fly like a bird to the mountains. Psalm 11:1 (VOICE)

I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of God. So why would I run away now? Psalm 11:1 (MSG)

I ·trust in the Lord for protection [find refuge in the Lord]. So why do you say to me, “·Fly [Flee] like a bird to your mountain. Psalm 11:1 (EXB)

Safety. Embrace. Happy. 

Yesterday, Max, my parakeet, accompanied me to my Doctor’s appointment. Throughout the office visit, Max sat on my shoulder talking and chatting. The Staff and Doctor went in and out of the door, and Max stayed contented on my shoulder. Why would he fly away, knowing that he was safe and secure on my shoulder? 

Throughout the office visit, Max talked and chatted. His favorite word was “happy”. My Doctored enjoyed Max’s visit, which was evident by her laughter. 

Max was so content and felt at ease on my shoulder, so much so, that he settled down and cleaned his feathers, walked around on my shoulder and chatted happily. Max’s actions displayed his contentment and security. 

I can think of no better place to be than in the arms of God. But there is a difference of being in the arms of God and fighting to be released, to resting and being content in the arms of God. 

Resting contented in the arms of God. I have to say that the past few months, I’ve been doing some fighting to get out of God’s soft embrace. Oh, I didn’t want to leave His embrace, but I was not content on where He “had placed me”. More pain, having to take more medications, struggling with the ‘whys’ of it all.... but thankfully, God didn’t let me break free of His embrace. Resting contented in the arms of God, knowing full well that He knows what He is doing and He has a well designed plan. I’m to simply rest and accept God’s hug. 

To create a positive day, I need to stop struggling and rest contented in the safe and secure arms of God. 

Kept by 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 121. Here is what I learned.

God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. Psalm 121:7 (MSG)

The Lord will ·protect [guard; watch] you from all ·dangers [trouble; evil]; he will ·guard [watch] your life. Psalm 121:7 (EXB)

"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil," or keep thee from all evil. It is a great pity that our admirable translation did not keep to the word keep all through the Psalm, for all along it is one. God not only keeps his own in all evil times but from all evil influences and operations, yea, from evils themselves. This is a far-reaching word of covering: it includes everything and excludes nothing: the wings of Jehovah amply guard his own from evils great and small, temporary and eternal. There is a most delightful double personality in this verse, Jehovah keeps the believer, not by agent, but by g; and the person protected is definitely pointed out by the word thee, - it is not our estate or name which is shielded, but the proper personal man. 

To make this even more intensely real and personal another sentence is added, "The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul," - or Jehovah will keep thy soul. Soul-keeping is the soul of keeping. If the soul be kept all is kept. The preservation of the greater includes that of the less so far as it is essential to the main design: the kernel shall be preserved, and in order thereto the shell shall be preserved also. God is the sole keeper of the soul. Our soul is kept from the dominion of sin, the infection of error, the crush of despondency, the puffing up of pride; kept from the world, the flesh and the devil; kept for holier and greater things; kept in the love of God; kept unto the eternal kingdom and glory. What can harm a soul that is kept of the Lord? The Treasury of David

Jehovah keeps the believer, not by an agent, but by himself! God is the sole keeper of the soul.

Kept by God. Wow.... that truth creates a positive day... nothing more needed! 

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) 

Certainty in Uncertain World

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 Eighth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 90. Here's what Treasure I found today. 

Psalm 90, written by Moses, and is similar to the Song of Moses in Exodus 15:1-21. Most commentators believe that Psalm 90 was written when the Israelites were released from Egypt. 

I found much comfort in Psalm 90:1. Taking a deeper look into this verse, this is what I learned.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Psalm 90:1 (NIV)

Lord: Adonay, spoken as a display of reverence

You: You and You alone

Have been/throughout all generations: displays the eternality of God. He was, He is, He always will be. Also shows that God never left His people. He was always present. 

Our dwelling place: the abode of His people. The dwelling place, habitation. A refuge. 

Think of the contrast of wandering the wilderness after leaving Egypt, to having a safe, secure place to rest. That’s what Moses is praying in Psalm 90. Just as Moses knew that God was the one constant unchanging factor in His life, I too can have that same relationship.  No matter what is happening in the World, my neighborhood, or my life, I have a God who is my dwelling place. A safe haven. A resting place. A place of security. 

Where am I dwelling? Am trying to create a safe dwelling place via the money I have in the bank? Am I trying to create a security to a good future, by making sure I have all the latest gadgets? If that is where I’m dwelling, than I am building a false security—a dwelling place built out of straws, so to speak—feeble and frail. 

God, You and You alone, are where I find ultimate rest and security. You’ve been around since BEFORE the Earth I live on was created-by You. You will be around LONG after the Earth disappears. Only in You can I have true security and true rest and safety. 

If I want to create a positive day, I cannot focus on the uncertainties of life. I need to remember that God is in control. He loves me. If I find myself fearful of what MAY happen, then I need to change my focus. To create a positive day as I live in this World, I need to remember that God is my refuge, my shelter, my sanctuary. He is a constant that never changes. God is my certainty in an uncertain world, and that is why I can create a positive day.