hear – Judy in the Sky

Read Psalm 4 – Selah is a beautiful word. It sort of means ‘think about it’, but in a peaceful and reverent manner. Say it out loud… it even feels tranquil on the tongue.

Our David was in some kind of a jam when he called out to the LORD asking for mercy, relief and to be heard. My bible notes speculate it was either when his son, Absolom, was rising against him, or a time of natural calamity like drought…. It is interesting to speculate on the specifics, but when I read my heart is drawn to David’s heart. I find that I also cry out like he did, and am comforted to know that God hears these prayers.

David asks his men how long will they love delusions and seek false gods? Selah…. What do you discover when you ‘selah’ over this? Are there delusions or false gods in your life? Do you esteem career, money, or maybe a relationship over Jesus?

“Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.” (:3) Does your heart agree with this? Do you lean into Jesus or doubt he hears you?

“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your heart and be silent. Selah” (:4) Whoa – yes, anger will happen, handle it with care.

Our Psalm ends with a reset. It started out with the laying down of burdens and ends with a reminder of the joy, peace and security one has when they trust in the LORD. Selah, Beloved, selah.

Reflections on Mark 7 – The theme of our chapter is sincerity. It begins with condemnation against the Pharisees for their legalistic corruption of God’s laws, by putting their tradition of ceremonial (done so that others could see) handwashing over true, loving, God-honoring obedience. Jesus cares most of all about the condition of one’s heart. If it is reflecting evil, and :21 spells it out, that person has missed the mark.

Verse :24 “Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret.” Beloved, Jesus couldn’t keep his presence a secret; may your lesson be that YOU are not to hide Jesus. If He is truly in your heart, your home and your life, His presence should be evident.

Scripture goes on to say a woman, whose daughter was demon possessed, found him right away and begged him to cast the demon out. Jesus asks a question that would not only set her daughter free, but would also create a relationship of faith for this Gentile woman. Her response has been a power-verse in my life against insecurity… “She replied, ‘That’s true, Lord, bet even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.’” :28 Beloved, this is the kind of faith Jesus will bless! If you find yourself wrestling with your worth, your significance, or any level of self-loathing, remember these words. May you grab onto a crumb and know that it is more than enough.

Then Jesus is asked to heal a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, :32. He does some odd things, but look closer. Jesus led the man aside, giving him individual attention. Jesus put his fingers in the man’s ears, touch matters. Jesus used his own spit, okay gross, but also, saliva has medicinal properties in that it kills germs. Jesus looked up to heaven, all glory to God.

Beloved, I hope you were blessed by this chapter. May your heart be pure; may your faith carry you to Jesus, and may you use your god-given abilities to love those He brings to you.

Read Chapter 8.