Tag: hope

Daily Word

Psalm 33

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Read Psalm 33 – Eternity will not make sense without an understanding of God.  As humans, we want to feel some measure of control – yet it is a world we did not create.  As we allow for awe, reverence and fear of God, even the most difficult things of this life can be entrusted to Jesus.  

My heart is aching for a loved one today.  She is facing something I fear, yet here is God’s Word, waiting for me… as if knowing all along I would need this Psalm today.  Verse :1 seemed too hard at first look, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.”  But as I read on, my focus shifted to our Father’s glory, and the ache began to fade into trust, and my ability to sing joyfully came alive.

“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.” :6-7 That makes me feel small in the very best way – like the view of the world out of my airplane window, or the feeling of standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon.  This world is such a simple thing to God.

“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” :20-22

Daily Word

Psalm 31

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Read Psalm 31 – Beloved, I cannot begin to tell you what a strength this psalm has been to me.  I was in a season of trial a few years back.  It was a time so heavy from many directions that I did not know how I would survive. It was a time of my deepest despair.  Can you recall a time like this?  If not, be ready.  Trials come upon all of us.

God knows there is something about seeing the perseverance of another and the faithfulness of the LORD that gives us strength.  David cries out, “Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.”

This is a season, and David graphically pours it out to the LORD… sometimes we need to get it all out.  And then we see a shift beginning in verse :14, and these are the words that I hold close in my heart:

“But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’  My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.  Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” :14-16

And from there, beginning in verse :19 David can’t stop talking about the goodness of God.  When you feel yourself sinking, try shifting your focus from your troubles to the goodness of God, who he is, past answered prayers, his love, glory, faithfulness and so on.  

David closes with a call to action, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” :24

Daily Word

Mark 10

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Reflections on Mark 10 – Rafiki!  It means friend in Swahili, one of the languages of Africa.   When Jesus says,  “Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them,  for to such belongs the kingdom of God,” :14, I think of the precious children I met in Tanzania.  Their reality is one of poverty far beyond what we know in America, yet they have a pure joy that is utterly magnificent. They sang songs for us, greeting us with a joy that still warms my heart. They receive our simple gifts,  a piece of candy,  a pencil,  a ball, with more gratitude than one can put into words. 

When I return one day, I will bring even more to share. Their joy is what Jesus loves.   Their joy connects me to my Savior in a full and transforming fashion…and just recalling it now draws me back in to the childlike faith Jesus wants for me and you.  

Beloved, can you grab ahold of a verse from chapter 10 and ask Jesus to bring it to life for you? 

Daily Word

Psalm 119:113-128

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Monday!  Monday! – read Psalm 119:113-128 – These are words of rescue. 

I wonder if Elijah had access to them?  Could you imagine him in that cave, meditating on, “You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope…. Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!  Do not let my hope be crushed.” (119:114,116)  And maybe, these are just the words you need to receive this fine day. 

“My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.”  My friends, even if you are not in a trial today, you most certainly will be at some point.  Train yourself now to look for rescue.  Hold tightly to the truth of the Lord’s promises.  Prepare your heart to do what James instructs, “Consider it great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials,” James 1:2

Daily Word

Psalm 119:

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Monday!  Monday! – Read Psalm 119:97-112 – Current global/ local news events have my heart off balance.  Our Psalmist writes:  I HAVE SUFFERED MUCH, O LORD; RESTORE MY LIFE AGAIN AS YOU PROMISED. 116:107 And I thought of the hope it takes to endure suffering with rescue as a light at the end of the tunnel.  My friend, whatever you are going through, keep your eyes on Jesus.  This is not your forever.  He is your forever!  Though the wicked set traps, do not stray from the Lord’s commands(119:110).  God’s Word will keep you wiser than your enemies(119:98).  There is so much to hope for when we walk with the Lord.  Beloved, may your day be led with the goodness and love of Jesus Christ, our Savior.🏳🏳🙏🏻☝️🙏🏻🏳🏳