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)

Powerful and Steadfast Unmovable Source

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 62. Here is what I learned.

How long will you set upon a man that you may slay him, all of you, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? Psalm 62:3 (AMP)

How much longer will all of you attack someone who is no stronger than a broken-down fence? Psalm 62:3 (GNT)

How long will you attack a man? How long will all of you strive to crush your prey when he’s like a leaning fence or a wall on the verge of collapse? Psalm 62:3 (VOICE)

A bowing wall. A wall, when ill built, bulges out in the centre, presenting the appearance of nearly twice its actual breadth; but, as it is hollow within, it soon falls to ruins. The wicked, in like manner, are dilated with pride, and assume, in their consultations, a most formidable appearance; but David predicts that they would be brought to unexpected and utter destruction, like a wall badly constructed, and hollow in the interior, which falls with a sudden crash, and is broken by its own weight into a thousand pieces. John Calvin 

Comparing Psalm 62:3 to Psalm 62:2 there is a HUGE difference between the strength and steadfastness of God vs the frailty and weakness of man. 

He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved. Psalm 62:2 (AMP)

With this difference so great, why do I continually want to trust, or get the praise of man? Why would I want to lean upon a wall, ready to collapse? 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that my trust is in God, the powerful and steadfast unmovable source of truth and love. 

Echo

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 62. Here is what I learned.

God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God. Psalm 62:11 (AMP)

God has said this once, and I have heard it ·over and over [twice]: God is strong. Psalm 62:11 (EXB)

God said this once and for all; how many times Have I heard it repeated? “Strength comes Straight from God.” Psalm 62:11 (MSG)

"God hath spoken once." So immutable is God that he need not speak twice, as though he had changed; so infallible, that one utterance suffices, for he cannot err; so omnipotent, that his solitary word achieves all his designs. We speak often and say nothing; God speaks once and utters eternal verities. All our speaking may yet end in sound; but he speaks, and it is done; he commands, and it stands fast. "Twice have I heard this." Our meditative soul should hear the echo of God's voice again and again. What he speaks once in revelation, we should be always hearing. Creation and providence are evermore echoing the voice of God; "He that hath hears to hear, let him hear." We have two ears, that we may hear attentively, and the spiritual have inner ears with which they hear indeed. He hears twice in the best sense who hears with his heart as well as his ears. "That power belongeth unto God." He is the source of it, and in him it actually abides. This one voice of God we ought always to hear, so as to be preserved from putting our trust in creatures in whom there can be no power, since all power is in God. What reason for faith is here! It can never be unwise to rest upon the almighty arm. Out of all troubles he can release us, under all burdens sustain us, while men must fail us at the last, and may deceive us even now. May our souls hear the thunder of Jehovah's voice as he claims all power, and henceforth may we wait only upon God! The Treasury of David

Echoes. We like to hear good things over and over. “You look good.” “I love you.” We never tire of hearing praise and thanks. The echoes of God’s truth should be music to our ears, as it provides comfort and assurance. 

The echo of God’s never-ending supply of power and strength should ring loud and clear over and over. And that echo will provide encouragement knowing that God’s strength is exactly what I need to get through my day. 

To create a positive day, I need to listen to the echo of God’s truth ringing loud and clear as I go about my day. 

False Seekers

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 62. Here is what I learned.

They are planning to make that person ·fall [totter]. They enjoy telling lies. With their mouths they bless  but in their ·hearts [L innards] they curse. ·Selah [Interlude] Psalm 62:4 (EXB)

Their only purpose in life is to knock him down from his prominent position; they love deceit. When others are around, they speak a blessing on someone, but inwardly they are mumbling a curse. [pause] Psalm 62:4 (VOICE)

They plan to force him out of his high position. They are happy to lie. They bless with their mouths,  but in their hearts they curse. Selah Psalm 62:4 (GW)

"They only consult to cast him down from his excellency." The excellencies of the righteous are obnoxious to the wicked, and the main object of their fury. The elevation which God gives to the godly in Providence, or in repute, is also the envy of the baser sort, and they labour to pull them down to their own level. Observe the concentration of malice upon one point only, as here set in contrast with the sole reliance of the gracious one upon his Lord. If the wicked could but ruin the work of grace in us, they would be content; to crush our character, to overturn our influence, is the object of their consultation.

"They delight in lies;" hence they hate the truth and the truthful, and by falsehood endeavor to compass their overthrow. To lie is bad enough, but to delight in it is one of the blackest marks of infamy. "They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly." Flattery has ever been a favorite weapon with the enemies of good men; they can curse bitterly enough when it serves their turn; meanwhile, since it answers their purpose, they mask their wrath, and with smooth words pretend to bless those whom they would willingly tear in pieces. It was fortunate for David that he was well practised in silence, for to cozening deceivers there is no other safe reply. "Selah." Here pause, and consider with astonishment the futile rancour of unholy men, and the perfect security of such as rest themselves upon the Lord. The Treasury of David

"They delight in lies;" hence they hate the truth and the truthful, and by falsehood endeavor to compass their overthrow. 

There are many who hate the truth and will do everything they can to discredit or cause  harm to those who speak and live the truth. What is truth? Truth is based on absolute. And the only real absolute is God. Thus, those that despise truth, despise God and therefore, will do all they can do discredit anyone who believes God and obeys God’s Word. 

To create a positive day, I need to continue to believe the truth, and act about true knowledge and not be concerned with what the “false seekers” say. 

Knowledge and Experience!

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 62. Here is what I learned.

With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Psalm 62:7 (AMP)

My salvation and my significance depend ultimately on God; the core of my strength, my shelter, is in the True God. Psalm 62:7 (VOICE)

My help and glory are in God—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God— Psalm 62:7 (MSG)

In God is my salvation and my glory. Wherein should we glory but in him who saves us? Our honour may well be left with him who secures our souls. To find all in God, and to glory that it is so, is one of the sure, marks of an enlightened soul. "The rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God." He multiplies titles, for he would render much honour to the Lord, whom he had tried, and proved to be a faithful God under so many aspects; Ignorance needs but few words, but when experience brings a wealth of knowledge, we need varied expressions to serve as coffers for our treasure. God who is our rock when we flee for shelter, is also our strong rock when we stand firm and defy the foe; he is to be praised under both characters. 

Observe how the Psalmist brands his own initials upon every name which he rejoicingly gives to his God - my expectation, my rock, my salvation, my glory, my strength, my refuge; he is not content to know that the Lord is all these things; he acts faith towards him, and lays claim to him under every character.  

If our experience has not yet enabled us to realize the Lord under any of these consoling titles, we must seek grace that we may yet be partakers of their sweetness. The bees in some way or other penetrate the flowers and collect their juices; it must be hard for them to enter the closed cups and mouthless bags of some of the favorites of the garden, yet the honey-gatherers find or make a passage; and in this they are our instructors, for into each delightful name, character, and office of our covenant God our persevering faith must find an entrance, and from each it must draw delight. The Treasury of David

There is a difference between knowledge and experience. Knowing a fact is a good place to start, but there is something said for experiencing something. Knowing that God CAN do something is a great assurance, but EXPERIENCING God DOING something on your behalf is a blessing that exceeds explanation. 

To create a positive day, I start with getting to KNOW God, then enjoy the experiences of God working in my life. When I have both the knowledge and experience, my life is filled with gratitude. 

Shut Up!

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 62. Here is what I learned.

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. Psalm 62:5 (AMP)

God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? Psalm 62:5 (MSG)

I ·find rest [wait quietly] in God; ·only he gives me hope [for my hope is in him]. Psalm 62:5 (EXB)

Wait: be still (opposed to both speech and motion); be silent, hold peace, quiet self, rest, keep (put to) silence.

Wait, to put it in one term, “Shut Up!” 

Be still silent, O my soul! submit thyself completely, trust immovably, wait patiently. Let none of thy enemies' imaginings, consultings, flatteries, or maledictions cause thee to break the King's peace. Unmingled faith is undismayed. The Treasury of David

One definition of “wait” is to be available or in readiness. If I’m in a constant state of motion and noise (talking), than I am not available or in readiness. For, if I’m talking, I can’t hear the instructions from God! 

I’ve never really enjoyed silence. I like to have the radio on, or CDs playing, or the TV on... just for noise. Yet, in the silence I hear subtle sounds which I miss amidst the noise. If I really want to know what God wants me to do.... I need to “shut up” and listen! 

I’ve noticed that often when I’m nervous, I tend to talk, often faster and louder. Yet, God wants to give me peace, and that comes as I WAIT... yes, “shut up” just be still. 

Only when I “Shut Up”, will I be able to find peace and know what God wants me to do next. Trust in God, and what He is doing and stop making noises that are just jibber-jabber. 

To create a positive day, I need to “shut up” and listen to God, for then and only then will I enjoy the peace that calms my soul. 

Possession—it’s Mine, but do I keep it in Storage?

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 twenty-fifth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 62. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He is my rock and my ·salvation [victory]. He is my ·defender [fortress]; I will not be ·defeated [shaken]. Psalm 62:2 (EXB)

He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:2 (NLV)

Possession: custody, dominion, hold, occupancy, occupation, possessorship, proprietary, proprietary rights, proprietorship, retention, tenancy, tenure, title.

When I look around my apartment, I am thankful that God has supplied me with several nice things. Some, I was able to buy new, others I bought at yard sales. And each day I make good use of my possessions. Whether it’s reclining on the Daybed working on the laptop, or watching TV, or making a meal in the kitchen using pots and pans, I avail myself of my possessions. 

But every now and then, I need to get something out of my storage unit, and I’m reminded of things that I have stored away. Some of those stored items I use once a year, like the Christmas decorations. But there are other items that I haven’t used for years, but they are still mine, but I don’t avail myself of my possessions. 

Psalm 62:2 lists several characteristics of God, that ARE MINE, but do I avail myself of them, or do I keep them in storage? When I place my possessions in storage, they are not readily available, and often I forget what I own! Out of sight, out of mind is true. If I keep the truths about God in storage, and don’t actually believe them and act on them, I’m not availing myself of the possessions that God has given me. That’s pretty sad if I ignore the gifts God has given me and put them in storage. And it sure makes it harder to get through each day, when I don't use what God has given me. 

God is my rock. Security. 

God is my victory. Salvation.

God is my fortress. Strong place.

If I truly avail myself of my possessions, than I will not be defeated! I will have victory. It’s only a matter of getting the truths out of storage, and availing myself of God!

To create a positive day, I need to grasp the truth of my possession—it’s MINE, and make sure I’m not keeping it in storage and going it on my own. 

Mighty God One!

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 twenty-fifth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 62. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He is my rock and my ·salvation [victory]. He is my ·defender [fortress]; I will not be ·defeated [shaken]. Psalm 62:6 (EXB)

He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I’m set for life. Psalm 62:6 (MSG)

Rock: rock, cliff, mighty God one, strength, strong.

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong. Is that where I’ve placed my faith and trust? Or am I relying on a small pebble? Not sure about you, but my feet are too big to have a sure footing on a pebble. And a pebble may even crush beneath my weight. 

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong. My name means “strong, powerful one”. And at times, I think I am invincible. I often have this “I can do anything—myself” attitude. However, I’m learning that although I can do some things.... I am not invincible. 

Unlike me, God’s name is a very true and accurate description of Him. He is the solid cliff under my feet. He is might God one! He is my sure foundation. 

Mighty God One!

(by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

“I can do it myself” that attitude is really wrong.

Going it on my own, is not a wise choice at all—

And without God, I am just heading for a fall.

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

Trust in Him, should be easy, but I’m so headstrong.

But God is a sure foundation, waiting for me to stand,

And when I fall, He’ll make sure on my feet I’ll land. 

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

No matter my failures, doubts, and all I’ve done wrong.

God is patiently waiting—steadfast and true.

And no matter what I do, He simply says, “Trust me, I love you.”

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

A firm foundation, rock-solid my whole lifelong.

Rock-solid, steadfast, mighty God one, unshakable!

God is faithful and true and that is unmistakable.

When I’m relying on a firm foundation, rock-solid, faithful and true, my day is filled with positive blessings from Mighty God One!

He’s Got 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 62. Here is what I learned.

I am not a good “waiter”. Once I make a decision, I like to do things immediately. However, I am continually learning that waiting often has a better outcome. David, discusses waiting in Psalm 62:1. But he want not just “twiddling his thumbs” so to speak. David was resting in and observing God. 

I wait patiently for God to save me; I depend on him alone. Psalm 62:! (GNT)

God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Psalm 62:1 (MSG)

My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. Psalm 62:1 (NSAB)

My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. He is the One Who saves me. Psalm 62:1 (NLV)

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

Is silent: resting, expecting, reflecting, solicitous, and observing. 

God: “Elohim” very great, mighty

Only: surely, no doubt, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless

Salvation: deliverance, health, helping, saving health, welfare

Usually when I have to wait, I like to keep busy. Often the things I keep busy with, are minimal or trivial things. You could say that I like to keep occupied. But Psalm 62:1 teaches me that if I turn my attention to God, who I trust for my eternal salvation, my soul will then be able to rest in silence as I trust Him.

Being silent. Still. Having the confidence that God does not need my in put, I don’t need to “do it myself”, I don’t need to be busy, simply stop and relax knowing that God Almighty has everything in control—He’s got it! 

Waiting is nothing else

but hope and trust lengthened.

John Trapp

WOW! ... hope and trust lengthened. The more I am silent, wait upon God, my hope and trust in God will continue to grow. 

Be still, relax, wait with assurance, without any doubt that God Almighty has it all in control—He’s got it! 

To create a positive day, I need take a step back and be still and silent place my confidence in God knowing full-well that He’s got it all under control