My Help and My Deliverer (Psalm 40:16-17)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:16-17

Praising God, rejoicing in Him ... one of my favorite things to do. And yet, I do often neglect to do so. It's not because I love Him any less; it's just that I get so caught up in "stuff." I was especially convicted of this very thing this morning.

Several years ago, my small group went through Francis Chan's Crazy Love, and one of the study questions asked me to "List the elements in [my] life that keep [me] distracted [from God]. List both good things and bad things." As I went through this exercise, I recognized (not that I didn't already know this) that my distractions stem from pain.

Anyone who suffers from chronic pain or ill health understands what I mean about its being a distraction. When you're hurting, often your focus is solely on "what can I do to manage this pain?" Pain can easily cause a loss of focus. So, when I'm trying to just function, just get done what needs to be done, I can lose sight of God's work in my life. I fail to fall at His feet in praise and worship.

Yet, the irony is that when I feel the worse is when I need to cling to Him the most. I need to cry out in my neediness, knowing that He is my "help and my deliverer."

I can rejoice in Him. I can magnify His name. And, in fact, if I keep my focus on Him, those things that distract me lose their hold. 

A Cry for Deliverance (Psalm 40:13_15)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:13-15

I'm focusing on verse 13 today. Verses 14 and 15 deal with those who were "seek[ing] to destroy [the psalmist's] life," which is something that most of us don't experience. However, we have cried out for deliverance. From pain. From trials. From failing relationships. From financial difficulties.

We often need God's deliverance, and as The Message paraphrases, His "intervention."

While I don't feel attacked by human enemies or those "who wish me evil," I do know I'm in a battle. I know the enemy of my soul wants to drag me down and doubt God's love for me. Chronic pain can do that. It can make me want to give up. My health has been worse than "normal" lately. An over-flowing "plate" has brought unusual stress (good stress, but stress all the same), and that stress has caused fatigue and extreme pain. More than once, I have cried out.

I have echoed the New Living Translation's interpretation, "Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me." On those days when I feel alone, I may use words closer to the Contemporary English Version's, "Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me!"

Although God doesn't remove the pain, He does remind me of His loving presence. He does give me enough strength to accomplish what I need to ... if just for that moment or that day. He does "show that [He] care[s] ..." He does help me.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by life, then cry out to God. Cry for His rescue, for His strength, for His help. He will hear you, and He will answer.

Sin ... Forgotten! (Psalm 40:11-12)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:11-12

The Bible tells us that—when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, when we accept the gift of salvation through His sacrifice—we are forgiven. Sins we've done. Sins we will do. Not only are our sins forgiven, but they are also forgotten (Psalm 103:12; 25:7; Isaiah 43:25).

So, if we're forgiven and if God doesn't remember our sin, why do we often live in regret? Sometimes, we think, "If only I hadn't [fill in the blank]." Or "I wish I'd chosen this instead of that." We allow our "iniquities [to] overtake" us. Our "hearts fail" because we continue to remember our sins ... instead of our salvation.

This isn't how God wants us to live. He wants us to live with the joy of our salvation through Jesus Christ. He wants us to experience His "tender mercies." He wants us to feel His lovingkindness. He wants to "preserve" us with His truth.

Psalm 16:11 says,

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

This is how God wants us to live: lives full of joy as we live in His presence.

He doesn't want us to wallow in the pass or live in regret. He doesn't want us to be overtaken by sin. Rather, He wants us to be free from sin, living for Him.

That's true joy ... forever.

The Blessing of "Family" (Psalm 40:9-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:9-10

One of the greatest joys I have in being a Christ-follower is that I'm part of His family. I have brothers and sisters all over the world, and I can rejoice with them when God works in and through them.

I love sharing stories of God's faithfulness. It's one of my favorite things to do. I love hearing stories of His faithfulness as well. When I'm feeling discouraged or doubtful, sometimes just hearing about how God has worked in someone else's life gives me hope.

I think this is one of the reasons God calls us to "assemble" with other believers. We certainly need to listen to God's word through the teaching of godly men and women, but it also gives us the chance to hear what God is doing.

This is also why it's important to be part of a small group. When you meet with the same group of people regularly, you share stories. You have a front-row seat to God's work. I have had the greatest privilege of being part of a small group for the last two and 1/2 years. We know each other very well. We see God's hand through amazing blessings, and we see His comfort through the deepest pain. Without fail, my heart is blessed when I hear of God's righteousness, faithfulness, and lovingkindness through their stories.

We really do need to "proclaim" God's faithfulness and not "conceal" it. Through stories of God's faithfulness, our faith grows.

If you're not already in a church where you hear truth, I pray you find one. If you're not part of a small group of believers with whom you can share God's stories, again, I pray you find one.

Proclaim His truth. Share His stories. You will be blessed.

Delight in God (Psalm 40:6-8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:6-8

Sometimes, we Christ-followers focus on all the things we do. We go to church. We tithe. We read our Bibles. We pray. We serve the community. We're doing, doing, doing. Then we pat ourselves on the back and say, "Look at everything we're doing for you, God."

You know something? I'm not certain He's all that impressed. In fact, according to today's verses (and others like it), God doesn't "desire" our sacrifices and offerings.

What does He want instead? He wants us to surrender to Him. He wants us to "delight to do [His] will." He wants us to keep His "law within [our] heart[s]." Hosea 6:6 tells us that we should "delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." God wants us to love Him and others: "love Him with all the heart and understanding and strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:33).

Sometimes, we get so caught in doing that we neglect to just be. Just being in His presence, listening to His voice, desiring His will.

Delighting in Him.

I don't know about you, but I want to delight Him ... and so, I'm going to spend some time with Him. Delighting in His presence.

I invite you to do the same.

The One and Only True God (Psalm 40:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:5

It is impossible to truly describe the wonder of who God is. He is beyond measure, beyond human comprehension.

His works are incalculable. He was before time as we know it, and He'll be long after time ends. He has created all things. All things. This universe and its untold mystery. This earth and its incredible beauty. Each animal. Each person.

Our God is ... indescribable.

Even the psalms, as amazingly evocative as they are, fail to fully define our God ... because He's ... well, God.

That's what I love about our God. If He could be fully known, He wouldn't be God. I love the mystery of Who He is. I love that His works can't be, as the psalmist writes, "recounted" or "numbered."

Instead of knowing Him fully, I can worship Him for His majesty, glory, and wonder. I can praise Him for the peace and joy I find only in Him. I can kneel in humble gratitude for His love, grace, and mercy.

And I can stand in awe of Him ... because He is God, the one and only true God.

Trust God! (Psalm 40:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:4

Since the fall in the Garden of Eden, mankind has had idols. Some idols have been of wood or gold or bronze. Others have been of flesh.

We still have our idols today. We hoard our stuff. We pay homage to our credit cards. We revere celebrities or sports icons. We respect the successful in business. We spend more time worshipping at the altar of television or the Internet than we do at the foot of God's throne.

We don't trust God; we trust our things or other people.

Then we wonder why we're so discontent.

I used to give a talk called "Joy Stealers" It's about those things that are lurking about every corner that want to steal our God-given joy. One of those "thieves" is discontent. No matter how much we have, we find ourselves wanting just a little bit more. We envy those with a bigger house, a better car, or a more prestigious career.

I then talked about a couple of ways to "arrest" discontentment:

The first is to spend time with those less fortunate than we are. For example, it's difficult to be discontent with our more-than-adequate houses when we volunteer at a homeless shelter.

The second is to trust God. If we believe His word and trust that He has a plan for our lives (see Jeremiah 29:11)—and we surrender our lives to that plan—then we can rest in the knowledge that whatever we have, whatever we do, is part of that plan.

We really are blessed when we "make the Lord [our] trust." He is faithful and will never let us down. Never.

A New Song (Psalm 40:3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:3

As I've written many times, one of my favorite ways to worship and praise the Lord is through song. Old hymns. Contemporary praise. Scripture put to music. My heart seems somehow closer to Him when I sing.

Sometimes, I'll read a verse, and a melody will flow. It truly is "a new song in my mouth ..." I feel such peace and joy in music that I just can't feel blue or stressed when I'm singing praises to the Lord.

There are times, though, when I get caught up in "life" and the song begins to dim, and for me, at least, my faith dims ... just the tiniest bit.

And so I crank up my favorite playlist, and whether it's the smooth harmony of the Gaither Vocal Band (who happens to be singing an a cappella version of "Gentle Shepherd" as I'm writing) or an upbeat MercyMe tune or the profound words of Chris Tomlin, I'm drawn closer to my Lord.

The renewed joy I feel permeates my heart and soul ... and it shows.

I think that's what the psalmist meant when he wrote, " Many will see it and fear/And will trust in the Lord." Music is a barrier-breaker, a bridge-crosser. It speaks an international language. When we're full of music that honors and glorifies God, people can see our joy, and they might just find themselves attracted to the music ... and to the One who gives the music to us.

So sing a new song—or an old favorite—in praise to our Lord. Your heart will be full, and you may just touch someone else's life too!

Out of the Pit (Psalm 40:1-2)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:1-2

I feel so tremendously blessed that we Christ-followers serve a personal God. Unlike other belief systems where the god or gods they serve are out "there" somewhere, our God is with us, and He hears us when we call to Him. He hears our cries.

When we feel like we've descended to the bottom of a "horrible pit," He lifts us up and sets us on a solid "rock," the rock of faith and grace and strength that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Every so often, I feel rather "pit-ish." Sometimes, stress and an over-loaded plate make me more emotional than usual, and even the smallest things can set me off. I grumble and complain ... if only to myself.

Sometimes, when I'm in the pit, I recognize something very, very important: Often in those times, I haven't spent quality time with the Lord. While I may meditate on the daily devotionals I read, I find I haven't just sat at the feet of my Lord. When I find myself in these situations, I stop what I'm doing and rest in His presence for a while. In those moments, He reminds me how blessed I am, how I am able to do something I love, and how this season is temporary.

He lifts me out of that "horrible pit" of stress and frustration, and sets me on the solid rock of His faithfulness.

What pit are you in today? Cry out to God, lift up your hands, and let Him set you on His solid rock.

Our Refuge (Psalm 34:8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:8

As many of you have experienced, the last few weeks were a bit rough ... good, but rough. The holidays can be hectic, and adding to that travel, teaching, and social things, it's been ... well, rough.

I was beyond weary, so I found myself seeking the refuge that only comes from God. I was indeed blessed. He is so good! I'll admit, more days than usual had me asking for supernatural strength. Jesus held my hand and walked alongside me ... and carried me more often than not.

Another of my favorite verses about God's being my refuge is Psalm 46:1:

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

I have all confidence that God is with me ... always. When I have difficult times, He gives me peace and strength. When I'm rejoicing, He's rejoicing along with me.

He invites me—and you—to crawl onto His lap and seek refuge in His arms.

He really is good!

Saved from Troubles? (Psalm 35:6-7)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:6-7

A few days ago, I wrote of how God answers prayers. Today's verses might cause a bit of angst in some people. I get that God answers prayers, they say. But one of today's verses says the Lord "saved [this poor man] out of all his troubles." I'm still in a mess of trouble, so is this really true?

Some people go to God's word and pull out a verse and then claim its truths for their own situations ... and then when things don't happen as the verse promised, they then doubt God's entire word.

I believe that God always answers prayers. Always. But we live in a fallen, sinful world, and sometimes, we go through heavy storms. People hurt us. Nature destroys property. We make poor choices. Troubles abound.

So, we cry out to the Lord. Does He hear us? Yes! He always hears our cries. And He always "saves [us] out of all [our] troubles." Really. He does. It doesn't always mean, however, that He ends the troubles. Sometimes, He carries us through the troubles we face.

My chronic pain hasn't ended, and for reasons only He knows, God continues to allow it. Even though my pain is relentless, every day, God carries me through it. He saves me ... every day.

If you're facing troubles today, cry out to the Lord. Let Him hear your voice, your pain. Perhaps He'll take the trouble away ... but if not, be confident He'll carry you through it.

Radiance (Psalm 34:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:5

Have you ever watched someone speak of God or (especially) sing a worship song, and her face is just radiant? Or someone hears stories of God's love, and he glows with the joy he feels for his Lord?

I remember vividly when my maternal grandfather used to talk about his Jesus. He would literally glow with the love he felt. And he loved nothing more than to tell others about his Jesus. He spent many years as a chaplain at the Los Angeles Rescue Mission, and even among what many would call the dregs of society, my grandpa loved them with the love of Jesus.

One of my greatest joys and honors is to speak about God and His love for us. There's nothing quite like seeing the faces of those to whom I speak. When I share words of God's love and grace and mercy, heads nod and smiles grow. There is a radiance to the faces of those who love God.

When you speak of the Lord, does your face light up with the joy of knowing Him? Can you just not help smiling when you think of all He's done for you? Feel the joy and peace and love that comes only from knowing our God—Father, Son, and Spirit. And let that joy and peace and love overflow!

God Answers Prayer ... Always (Psalm 34:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:4

One of the greatest blessings in knowing the God of the Bible is the assurance that He hears my voice. So often, I call to Him in my pain and weariness. And I know He hears me ... and answers my prayers.

We who follow Christ have a familiar saying: "God always answers prayers. Sometimes He says 'yes.' Sometimes He says 'no.' Sometimes He says 'wait.'" But He always answers. Always.

As I look back over my life, I see times when the answer was immediately yes. For example, our move from California to Tennessee came together so smoothly, it was a clear yes.

A clear no was my prayer for having a baby. I prayed for several years, but with a final diagnosis of endometriosis, I heard God's loving voice say, "No, this isn't My plan for you." Even in His no for my having a baby, though, God answered yes. How can this be? Well, after a while, I changed my prayer to "Lord, if it's not Your will for me to have a baby, would you please give me peace?" And that's the yes answer I received.

I currently live in a waiting season for several of my prayers. I continue to pray for my husband's salvation. I continue to pray for God's will for my health. I have no indication that God has shut any doors and that I should stop praying, and so I pray. And I wait.

God does hear our prayers. He does lovingly listen to our petitions. And He does answer them ... in His will and in His timing.

We just have to trust Him. We need to thank Him when He clearly answers yes or no ... or wait patiently until He does.