Psalm 49
Psalm 49:5 tells us we don't have to be fearful when trouble comes. How about a big AMEN to that? I've been stressed about a variety of circumstances over the past week or so and I've let it affect my thinking and my attitude--kind of stupid on my part, but nonetheless, I still let it happen. So when I read Psalm 49 this week, it hit me head on. It was like God was saying to me, Tami, what are you so uptight about? I've got it all under control and that includes you.
So how did Psalm 49 hit you? Anyone in my camp? Or did God show you something different? Tami W.
It's incredibly reassuring to know that nothing is a surprise to God and He has it all under control. Everything that is going on in our lives, our neighborhoods, cities, country and world - He already knows what lies ahead! All we need to do is turn to Him, He knows what is best and knows the outcome. I have to admit that doing so isn't always my first response, but my prayer is that as I commit to growing closer to Him through being in His Word, that it WILL become my first response.
I thought the verses about trusting in material wealth were very timely, considering the "economic crisis" of the world. People are finding out that security isn't in money, jobs, or status. Hopefully they find it in Christ.
Hi Tami-
Unfortunately I visited that camp too. Recently I have had to get an attitude adjustment. It is so easy to praise God for the wonderful things that happen in life, but things that appear negative are difficult to see as 'wonderful'. God commands that I praise Him in all things. Not all things "feel" pleasant. I have a lot of health issues and almost died back in January. I was actually angry that I lived. I know that life is a gift from God, that's what His word tells us, but a physically painful life doesn't always 'feel' like a gift.
I have heard a saying, "Life is God's gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to God." I find it easier to focus on what I can do with this life to make it a gift to God. I am so glad that God is in control and that He alone ransoms my life. It is when I focus on God's goodness and Who He is that my attitude is adjusted properly. Too often, I must go in for adjustments, but God is always merciful and gracious to me and sets my heart aright once again.
If I could only see right away that pain, hurtful people, and all the things that come at me in life are but opportunities to strengthen my spiritual life and grow in the fruit of the Holy Spirit my attitude would never need readjusting. Maybe that is why God left me here instead of taking me home. Maybe it was His way of saying it was time to go back to the drawing board.
Have you ever collected agates off a beach, or looked for semi precious stones? My husband and I would go up to the beach on the north west coast. We would visit his uncle up there and drive to the beach to hunt for these ugly looking rocks. Uncle Dave showed us what they looked like after he got through tumbling them in this drum he had. They were absolutely beautiful when they got through being hammered by all the other rocks in that drum. I guess the meaness and cruelty that is in this world can have that affect on the Christian. There are wicked people who enjoy causing others pain, there is illness, hurtful events in life and a myriad of other catostrophic things that come at us. In that light, it is like being one of those rocks in the tumbler. For me it feels like getting thrown at one of the rocks or one of the rocks thrown onto me. It really hurts! If I see it as an opportunity to glorify God each time, when I finally fall out of that tumbler, I will shine and all the rough edges, the deep pits and ugly places will be smoothed, rounded and I will become precious in the sight of God.
Uncle Dave made beautiful jewelry with the finished product. Things that looked like useless rocks to me became a thing of beauty with a purpose of adorning someone or something with beauty. What was useless became functional and had purpose. That is what I want to be for God and His people. I would appreciate your prayers, because I often find it hard to be placed in God's tumbler and remember that it is for His precious weight of glory and it is not something that is being done "to" me, but is rather something being done "with" me that I might become all God intended for me to be for Him and His kingdom.
Tami,
What aggravates me is that I find myself relearning things that I should get the first time. It is like I am taking an open book test over and over again. I find it hard as a man to let go and let God control the situation. But right when I think I have it under control BANG it all falls apart. When God is in control He does what he said he will do and that is supply all of my needs. The key word here is what I "need" not what I "want". God is so good and so mercyfull that he deserves everything from me and not just the parts I want to give up.
I have to say that I too have visited that same camp. I know that I trust God in everything, but flesh takes over or my own wee mind and doubts do arise.
God is always right there though to pick up the pieces of my puzzle and put them back together. One of my goals is that when that particular puzzle piece gets glued back together by God that I don't try and rework that section of the puzzle. One day I would like for my life puzzle to be super glued together and when God looks at it, the picture in the puzzle resembles him. God is the only one who can make something like our flesh worthy and he tells us over and over again that he has us. He never lies-why is it that we have to doubt his ability at times? Or maybe it's not that we doubt, maybe it's just that we don't want to wait on his perfect answer/timing/etc...That's where we have to lean forward every moment of our lives...almost to the point where if he were to let go (and he never will) that we would fall flat on our face. He tells us that, he has us at all times...seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened, ask and ye shall receive. How much easier should it be for us?
He has us in everything we do and faith is the only way for me to live. I'm so glad that his word is alive and that he is alive in me!
Gloria, we will be praying for your request. It's something I think we all need prayer for as well--learning to accept God's polishing in our lives. Tami W.
Good Morning Tami,
I was looking forward to reading the comment for today all morning. It’s now (9:30 A.M. My time as I read,)
Anticipating a word that would comfort me this morning when I got a chance to Read. And there is was just as anticipated. (I've got it all under control and that includes you.)
My wife and I being very tired wanted to go to bed early last night, but that didn’t happen. In was in regard to our daughter Andrea, which is still on the top of our prayer list. We pray for the Lord to protect her and guide her to him, away from corrupt people. I know he loves her more than we do, and her children as well.. It hurts in the natural so much. Only by the Power of the Holy Spirit are we able to keep going, trusting in the Lord.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you. This morning I hear the first part of this verse over and over in my head from a song I listened to years ago.
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter! And he uses you and me to help in comforting others. Praise God.
First, Gloria thank you, for your honesty and sharing your heart. I have no doubt the Lord has heard you and will continue to bless you.
Psalm 49 says a lot. I can either go in the way of man and perish, or go in the way of God and live. If I live for Christ, I have nothing to fear. If I live for Christ I will pray for those who seek only for themselves. Therefore, I can choose to fear and gain nothing, or I can choose Christ and gain eternity.
Yes, I have been the same camp as Tami, many times in my life, and I will go there again, but through the grace and mercy of our Lord I will find forgiveness and growth. And one day I will achieve giving Him the glory in ALL things.
Today, I choose to live for Christ! May we all remember to give Him the glory for every breath we take.
Yeah I hear you about the camp. I think a lot of us have been there.
I'm blessed to have a job, but I want to change. It's pretty scary thinking about going back to school and then finding a job related to the new degree. Deep breaths and watch God work some miracles.
Thank you, to those who have responded with prayer and comments. It is encouraging to know there are those who will pray with concern and identification.
As we pray for one another we glorify the Father and He will perfect us in His image. I can't wait until that day when He looks at each one of us and all He sees is Himself.
Thank you and God's abundant Blessings,
Gloria