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Posts Tagged ‘psalms’

Thankful You Clear Which Path to Choose

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, June 24, 2024

Lord, this broken world offers only two life-paths to follow. Depending on which road we follow determines our destiny. God’s way, or the world’s way? Eternal life, or a dead end?

Following your path, Lord God, leads to contentment and peace in life here. From your love, you desire a personal relationship with us through your Son Jesus.  Many ignore this path for it seems too restrictive, burdened with outdated rules.

The opposite path appears exciting and promising. Our destiny lies within our hands. We make our own rules. We establish our truths, without your input. We’re told that’s the ticket for a fulfilling life.  

God offers his way, but he allows you and I the right to choose which path we will follow.

We face the same choices as the psalmist. Because he’d previously traveled on the wrong road, he was determined not to repeat those mistakes. Lord, that I should follow the psalmist’s advice:

“Make [direct] me to walk along the path of your commands [God’s way of living], for that is where my happiness is found” (Psalm 119:35 NLT).

The psalmist’s earthly resources never ran dry. He could have anything and anybody he wanted. To his dismay, when he lived for himself, pleasure quickly fled, leaving him still empty and wanting more. Surely, he must have questioned: Is this all there is?

The psalmist tells his readers the happiest times in his life were when he walked with you. Happiness, contentment, joy—he had it all.  Whatever came his way, your peace covered him.

Lord, your spiritual resources never run dry. Oh, that I might stay close to you, walking the path of life together.  Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful to Be Dust Free

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, June 14, 2024

Lord, the psalmist’s writings indicate that for a time, he rebelled against you and insisted on doing his own thing. Couldn’t he see forsaking your ways always leads to a downfall? Or because he found favor with you, did he believe he was exempt from the consequences of his actions? You gave him a needed wakeup call.  

“I lie in the dust;” (Psalm 119:25a NLT)

This humiliation must have been one of the lowest points of the psalmist’s life. His soul, broken, lay exposed to the world. Finally. You got his attention. How many warnings of the dangers he flirted with did he ignore? He knew what needed to be done to aright this wrong.   

“Revive me with your Word.” (v25b)

He admitted his guilt, repented, and submitted himself to your authority again. During his restoration process, the psalmist reflected how he came to this low point.

“I told you my plans, and you answered” (v26a).

The psalmist told you his agenda, what he planned to do, and expected you to bless his efforts. His determination to have his way blinded him to accept the reality your plans were better. When he persisted in his stubbornness, you answered but not like he wanted. “Okay, have it your way.” You knew he would fail, but you didn’t override his free will. By ignoring your warnings, he face-planted himself before the world. Hello dust!

Lesson learned.

“Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 119:26. 27 NLT).

Lord, may we not repeat the same mistakes as the psalmist. He recorded his failures [sins] for our benefit. May we take seriously your Word and resist our human nature’s temptations to dismiss your precepts.

Your ways are always best. Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Are Here All the Time

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on May 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Lord, how many times did I sigh as my circumstances became bleaker by the day. My industry’s job market is dwindling, I have more dust bunnies than food in the pantry, and the kids need shoes. Plus, if I don’t do something with this hair, people will mistake me for a dust mop. I could write a best-seller about shoe-string budgets.

From the ancient psalmist to today’s Gen Zer’s, all are subject to challenging times. The psalmist certainly experienced his share of journeys through the valley. When he faced trials in his own strength and ingenuity, his troubles increased. Only after abandoning his way of living and adopting your precepts for life, did he see his much-needed turnaround. His story echoes mine. And probably millions of others.

I imagine the psalmist meditating about his plight, then in an act of faith, releasing his circumstances to you. Did his radiance change as your peace came over his soul, knowing you had his situation in hand? Perhaps your Spirit softly rebuked him, “Why didn’t you trust me to begin with?”

Did the psalmist change his tune like I changed mine? Going from, “No way this will end well!” to “Lord, you amaze me how you work all things for my good.” When he penned his great Psalm 111, he declared your goodness and graciousness to all generations who believe you.

“How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them” (Psalm 111:2 NLT).

How many times did you come through for the psalmist? And how many times did he fail to see your hand in action? After dwelling on your goodness, you opened his spiritual eyes to see clearly you were there all along.

Jesus, centuries later, you would teach your followers, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Thank you, Lord, for always being there for all who believe you. Amen, Jesus.

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