Today’s Reading: Daniel 10, Psalm 14 & 34
Psalm 34:1-4 “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (2) My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (3) O Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. (4) I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
I was just talking yesterday to my friend Tisra about this and other scriptures like it. Mom used to try to get us to put music to scriptures so that we would be able to memorize them better. This was one that we used to sing a lot. I don’t know if it was one my mom and aunt put music to, or if it was something everyone sang. I’m sure I could find out, but I love this scripture and I’m glad it plays in my head from time to time. Yesterday I was praying and felt the truth of verse 4 so perfectly. I felt like I was right there in the lap of my father, telling him what a great Dad he is and then just resting as He melted away all the questions, worries and doubts that come to unsettle me. The rest of the day, it was as if He just granted me peace whenever I had a concern. Owen was sick and I wasn’t sure what I should give him or if I needed to take him to a doctor. As soon as I asked for help…the phone rang and I got my answer. He just wanted me to feel safe, because I am safe. “I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” I think it’s so great that this verse doesn’t say He delivered me from all my enemies or all my pain…it’s fear that is our worst enemy. It’s fear that drags us through the pits of depression and the horrors of bitterness and unforgiveness. Fear is the root of so many emotional issues, revenge, rebellion, hate…they are all fear in the form of self righteousness. How much time do I waste on these things…self-pity is the one I deal with most…poor, poor, me.
Shine
Shine down on me Jesus
I want to see what you see around me
How many tears have I wasted on circumstance?
How many moments were stolen by fear; what’s it worth?
In the palm of your hand
Help me to stand
Shine down on me
Verse 5 of the same chapter “They looked unto him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed.”
that’s the answer. Look unto Him. Lightened? I’m tempted to look up what that is in the original text. That could mean so many things…maybe it means all of them. They were freed of their burden, glowed from the joy of His presence and felt light as a feather. And their faces were not ashamed. I wonder how much more often people would look each other in the eye and smile if they looked unto Him? Wouldn’t our world be different if our faces were not ashamed? Honesty and peace would be prevelant and we wouldn’t question the motives of those around us. Wow, I like that little world.
Verse 8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”