There are many passages in Psalms that speak deeply to me. I shared some thoughts on Psalm 18, and we covered another one a couple of weeks ago - Psalm 27. It's one of those passages that my Dad spent a lot of time in and consequently, so did I. Over the years, portions of it have filled my desperate prayers, schooled my heart in worship, and taught me much about the God who has called me out of darkness and into His marvelous light. So, just briefly, I'll share some of my notes with you...
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
I praise you, oh Lord, for You are the One who dispels all the darkness. You calm my fears and give me a place of refuge - a place to rest in You and to take part in the victory I know You have already won!
When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet [in this] I will be confident.
Though circumstances look bleak and I see no way through them, I know You are trustworthy. I have no need for fear, but can be confident that You are my refuge, You will save me. You will carry me through. You are the victor! Teach me to trust You fully.
One thing have I asked [desired] of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
Lord, my heart wants to want You more than anything, but the truth is that I often fixate on the things of this earth - on people, on problems, on tasks, on myself... Still, I know You are faithful. I know You are worthy of praise. I see Your beauty in Your ways and Your Word. I believe You, Lord. Yet, I still gaze at things far less lovely than You. Teach me to want You most of all. Lead me by the light of Your Word into the shelter of Your love. I WILL give You praise - no matter what the cost! Remind me hourly of that determination! I WILL sing praise and shout for joy - no matter what my circumstances are. Because You hold me close. Because You lift up my head so I will look on You! Oh Lord, how beautiful You are!!
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to You, "Your face, Lord, do I seek." Hide not Your face from me. Turn not Your servant away in anger, O You who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
You do hear me - and You answer in Your infinite grace. You command my full attention! Help me to attend to that command! Lord, it is YOUR face I seek! You are my help, and Your salvation is enough - I need nothing more. And yet You give still more...
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
No one is faithful like You are faithful, my God! No one has power like You have power to keep all Your promises and to do all You say will do! Even my own father and mother will fail, but You, oh Lord, will forever welcome me. You teach me. You lead me. You set my feet on a sure path. When all the earth heaves and shakes beneath my feet, Your path is firm and level. You only ask me to stay the course. Oh Lord, do not abandon me in my failings. Don't allow the enemy to triumph over me, but remind me that I am YOURS, and teach me to walk with You steadfastly.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Lord, I do believe I will see You in all Your goodness, glory, and beauty... one day. But I also believe You will show Me Your glory, Your beauty, and Your goodness right here, right now - in Your Word and in Your works. Help me to see You clearly. I will not turn my eyes from watching for You, but will wait with courage for You to act. Lord, be my help. I will give honor to You!
How has the Lord ministered to your heart in the past couple of weeks? I know it's hard to be vulnerable when commenting on a public blog - You don't need to. Just tell us about the beauty you have seen in our precious Lord and Savior this week!
I love you and am praying for you always, sweet sisters!
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