Quicksand of Trouble

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, ·even when I have trouble all around me [if I walk in the midst of distress], you will keep me alive. When my enemies are angry, you will ·reach down [send out your hand] and save me by your ·power [right hand]. Psalm 138:7 (EXB)

When I am surrounded by troubles, you keep me safe. You oppose my angry enemies and save me by your power. Psalm 138:7 (GNT)

Even though I walk into the middle of trouble, you guard my life against the anger of my enemies. You stretch out your hand, and your right hand saves me. Psalm 138:7 (GW)

Midst: the center, surrounded. 

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

Synonyms for Trouble: agitation, anxiety, bad news, bind, bother, commotion, concern, danger, difficulty, dilemma, dire straits, discontent, discord, disorder, disquiet, dissatisfaction, distress, disturbance, grief, hang-up, heartache, hindrance, hot water, inconvenience, irritation, mess, misfortune, nuisance, pain, pest, pickle, predicament, problem, puzzle, row, scrape, sorrow, spot, strain, stress, strife, struggle, suffering, task, torment, tribulation, tumult, unrest, vexation, woe.

No matter the word, when we find ourselves in trouble, often it’s hard to find the way out. Joy and happiness quickly become despair and discouragement. Being surrounded by trouble, there is choice. Look at the troubles surrounding you and sink deeper into despair and discouragement (which by the way will only cause you to sink deeper... like quicksand). OR look up and see God at work, knowing that He is present and that God can lift you out of the trouble and restore joy and happiness. 

Oh, God may leave you in the midst of the trouble for a time, to teach you, to teach others, or simply to bring glory to Himself... but even when surrounded by trouble, you don’t have to be discouraged, knowing that God will keep you safe. 

When  surrounded by troubles don’t fret and continue to struggle, for like quicksand the more you struggle, the deeper you’ll sink. Rather, stand tall and look up.... God is present and will restore the joy and happiness—even while still in trouble. It’s about recognizing that God is always present and that He is the one  who will save you. 

If I find myself surrounded by quicksand of trouble, to create a positive day, I need to stop trying to get out on my own, stand tall, look up and relax, knowing that God is present and will save me. 

Take Refuge

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 will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. Psalm 91:4 (GW)

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you. Psalm 91:4 (VOICE)

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you ·can hide [will find refuge]. His ·truth [faithfulness] will be your shield and ·protection [buckler; a small shield]. Psalm 91:4 (EXB)

The word rendered "buckler" is derived from the verb "to surround," and is given to the defensive armor here referred to, because it "surrounds," and thus "protects" a person. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Max, my parakeet, has taught me many things over the years. One thing, I’ve noticed that there are times he wants to sit on my shoulder and snuggle as close as he can to my neck, and hide under my hair. Sometimes, it’s when something scares him, such as a thunderstorm or the hawk. Sometimes, when people who he doesn’t know visit. Sometime, he just wants to snuggle to snuggle. 

Psalm 91:4 describes God’s love and protection for us. 

Sometimes we want a refuge because of a storm. Sometimes we want a refuge because of the unknown. Sometimes we want a refuge because we simply want security. Sometimes we want a refuge because we want to feel loved. 

And God is there surrounding us with His steadfast and loving arms... whatever the reason we need His protection. 

To create a positive day, I only need to take refuge under the wings of the Almighty God and rest in His protection and love.