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. 

Hitting the Bullseye

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 19. Here is what I learned.

The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the Lord are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it. Psalm 19:7 (GNT)

The ·teachings [laws; instructions] of the Lord are perfect; they ·give new strength [revive the soul].

The ·rules [testimonies] of the Lord ·can be trusted [are faithful/sure]; they make ·plain [simpleminded; immature] people wise. Psalm 19:7 (EXB)

Law: from the word for “archer”; teaching one to aim at the bullseye; teach, instructions, guidance.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Perfect: entire (literally, figuratively or morally), complete, full, sound.

Restoring (gives): to turn back, return.

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

Testimony (commands): specifically a recorder/a witness, the code of law—as a testimony of God.

Is sure: to build up or support, to be permanent or quiet, establish, faithful, be stout, strong, bold, alert.

Making wise (giving wisdom): to be wise (in mind, word or act), teach wisdom, deal wisely, make wiser. 

The simple: deceive, flatter, silly one, foolish, lack of wisdom.

In man’s search for wisdom and knowledge, often the last place he looks is to God. Sadly, I find this true in my own life. I “think I know it all”. “I can make decisions on my own.” Yet, the reality is, that I cannot. For without God, my decisions lack true wisdom. For often, I want what I think is best for the immediate, not taking in consideration to long-term consequences for my actions, thoughts, or decisions—I’ll miss the bulls-eye every time. 

However, when I look to God, accept His instructions and guidance, my desires, passions and aim will be centered, and as I follow God’s testimony I’ll be alert and much wiser knowing exactly how to hit the bullseye. 

To create a positive day, it’s best that I NOT rely on my own knowledge, but rather listen to and follow God’s guidance. After all, hitting the bullseye ensures a positive day!  

A few years ago, I attended a Bible study. I was to study, Psalm 25:8, 9 and write the meaning to me. It fits perfectly with Psalm 19:7. 

Because God is good.

God will provide intelligent instruction,

teaching me the exact information & direction

(so I hit a bullseye!),

so that on my journey, I’ll know continually

how to behave no matter where I go.

God gives guidance with a specific purpose

knowing what is the very best.

Ps. 25:8, 9 (Rhonda)