Meditations from Psalm 37

Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to only have a page or a chapter of the Bible. It would be hard to pick what part I would want. The Bible is so good. It makes me think of what Paul was saying in 2 Timothy 4:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness: 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (NASB). There are some Christians in the world who only had the privilege of having a page, chapter or some small part of the Bible. It is inspiring to me that those Christians would guard it with their lives and do their best to live by it every day. I am so fortunate to have several copies of the Bible. This is a huge responsibility at the same time.

There are so many things in Psalm 37 that I think this could be one chapter that a Christian could stick to and have a successful Christian life. The NASB titles the psalm: "Security of Those Who Trust in the Lord, and Insecurity of the Wicked." Selah (Pause and think on that). I added the Selah because I think this can be so helpful for the times that we are living in. This chapter talks about the things a righteous person needs to do and it outlines the results of being a righteous person. This psalm has so much in it. There are also some things that the righteous are instructed and reminded to do. I am going to share those in another post.

Here are some of the results for the righteous:
v4 He will give you the desires of your heart
v5 He will do it
v9 Inheritance of the land
v11 Inheritance of the land
v17 The Lord sustains the righteous
v19 And in the days of famine they will have abundance
v23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord
v24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong because the Lord is the one who holds his hand
v25 I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread
v28 And He does not forsake His godly ones
v31 His (the righteous man's) steps do not slip

I am so thankful to God that He has made me righteous through the redemptive work of His son, Jesus.

v39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble.
v40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in Him.

Be Still and Know

The other day I was reading a post by Heidi at Find Me... Find Life... Real Life... . It got me thinking about how I deal with unpleasant things. A lot of times I try and conquer them or figure out some way to get to the other side of them. I was an "All my problems will be solved by Wednesday" type of child. I would honestly think through my week and ponder everything going on and figure that it when all my problems would be over. I am a thinker, which can be a good thing. It can also be a very bad thing because it can be hard to shut off at times. Those are the times that God reminds me of Psalm 46:10. In the NASB it says, "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

There are many times in the Bible that God mentions to be still. In Saul's day He said, "Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the Lord will perform before your eyes" (1 Samuel 12:16). In King Jehoshaphat's day, He said: "You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem, Do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:17). In Nehemiah's day, He said: "The Joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10) and the Levites encouraged the calmed the people and said: "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved" (8:11). In Mark 4:39, Jesus told the storm to "Be Still."

I typically find it easier to believe God for the things I consider to be more important or larger. But when it comes to the smaller things, I find myself thinking that not only am I able to deal with them but that they are my responsibility. Yet, God never said that. He is cares about the little things just as much as the big things. I am faced with smaller things more often then larger things. When I deal with the smaller things on my own, they are much more difficult than they need to be because I complicate them.

Do you trust and involve God in every area of your life?

The Importance of Confidence

B.elieve in Yourself

After writing the Bloom poem, I was getting ready to give a devotion to my cheerleaders. (I am actually a long term sub coach, but I count them mine. The really nice factor is that I am getting to enjoy all the hard work they have put in since August.) I have a book called Dare To Dream...Then Do It by John Maxwell that I like to find quotes in. In looking through the book I found a chapter titled "Believe in Yourself" which stresses the importance of confidence. One thing that can have an effect on our confidence is past mistakes. On page twenty-seven John mentions "Don't build a monument to your mistakes." He goes on to talk about Arnie Palmer, the golf legend. After the 1961 Los Angeles Open a bronze plaque was placed at a hole that Arnie Palmer, who was the greatest golfer in the world at the time, did terrible. Stunting in cheerleading can be a lot like golf. There are so many different factors that can hinder a stunt from going up or make it come down prematurely. Cheerleading routine is that they are very fast moving and short. Mistakes need to be put behind you quickly so that they don't have an effect on the rest of the routine. (I have to say my cheerleaders are doing very well in this area!)

We should treat mistakes in life the same way. Of course, we have to deal with the effects of them at times. Then we should put them behind us as quickly as possible and move on. I am not saying that this is easy to do. One thing that will help is to monitor our thought lives. Philippians 4:8 says to think on things that are "true, noble, pure, lovely, of good report." We also need to remember that when He forgives us, He forgets about it. We have to remember that He does not condemn us (Romans 8:1) but the enemy of our souls does. Joshua 1:8 reminds us to meditate on the Word of God and be a doer of it then "you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

I am so thankful to God that He never forsakes us. In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says, " Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you." Even when I repeat mistakes, He doesn't give up on me. I am so thankful that we are "called according to His purpose" with a calling that is "not according to our works" (2 Timothy 1:9). Our calling is not reliant upon the things we do or don't do.

Be encouraged today! God has called us. He has begun a good work in us and He will carry until completion (Philippians 1:6). He has given us open access to Him so that we can go before him with boldness and confidence (Ephesians 3:12). We can be confident that God created us and He will help us do what we are called to do. In fact, we cannot do it in our own strength. But He enables us so that the glory goes to Him. (By the way, the routine went very well and all the stunts hit!)

Yesterday

I got up without a job; so I got to watch the web and listen for the phone. I have to admit I did go back to bed for like ten minutes but I couldn't get back to sleep. When I went back to check the computer, there was an opportunity to teach first grade. I took it before I could think about going back to bed or I would have missed the opportunity to see the hand of God on my life.

On the way to work, I listened to Everyone Overcome by the Desperation Band. It is an amazing CD. I really enjoy it! It is praise and worship that was done by the youth band from New Life Church. (I do not attend church here. An over 20 hour commute would be way too much for me. Besides I have a great church that I belong to.) My favorite song is Counting On God. Some of the scripture that the song reminds me of is: Ephesians 6:11-13, 1 Peter 1:6-9, and Matthew 6. (I just included verses 33-34.)

Ephesians 6:11-13
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

1 Peter 1:6-9
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while,if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Matthew 6:33-34
33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I found the scriptures at Bible Gateway. (And no I don't work for them. I will get one of those non-disclosure agreements soon.)

Yesterday, I chose to get up and trust the Father to guide my steps to the right classroom. I prayed over the classroom and my students for the day during my drive. The result was a peaceful day because I looked to and trusted in God. The decision is a daily one. It is a choice whether we will trust God and seek Him. There are times in our lives that it is easier to do this. I have been there. I don't have the luxury of being there now but I am growing closer to the Father because of it.

How about you? Are you in a place that it is easier to trust God? Are you just going through the motions? Or are you in a place like I am where each day is full of unknowns? I am not in a comfortable place. Yet, I am choosing to be content, focus my eyes on God and trust that He is taking care of me.

Heavenly Minded

Colossians 3:1-3
1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

This is another scripture I am going to focus on this year. I believe that sometimes I am too earthy minded and much to focused on what is going on in my day to day life. It is amazing how earthy trials pale when I set my eyes on things above.

Scripture Focus for the Year

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

I found the scripture on Bible Gateway.

Scripture Focus for the Year

Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?
2When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
3Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.
4One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD
And to meditate in His temple.
5For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.
6And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice,
And be gracious to me and answer me.
8When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You,
"Your face, O LORD, I shall seek."
9Do not hide Your face from me,
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not abandon me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
10For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
But the LORD will take me up.
11Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a level path
Because of my foes.
12Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries,
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.

This is one of the passages that I am going to focus on this year. I plan on memorizing the scriptures that go along with my theme this year. I have a few others.

Look to God

My personal theme for the year is Look to God. I would like to place more emphasis in my life into going to God first about things. Last year was a bit difficult. After finishing my M.A., I thought I would be back in the classroom last fall. I was trusting God and doing everything I knew to do. I filled out applications and applied for more than 50 different positions. I even did a few interviews. I did that all spring, summer and into the fall. I had followed the direction of the Father for when to complete my degree yet in the fall I did not have my own classroom. Instead I began working for 3 different school districts and one private school. Because I was subbing I didn't work for a whole month, but God took care of me and my needs were met. At this time, I was still feeling like I had missed it somewhere.

I was so nervous to sub that first day. In fact, I had a few opportunities prior but chickened out. In retrospect, it was partly due to some circumstances beyond my control. The first job I excepted was in a Kindergarten classroom. I thought it would be doable because of my Pre-K experience. When I was looking for the room, I ran into my fourth grade teacher and she remembered me. She called me by name and showed me to the classroom I would be subbing in. What are the chances of that? I was subbing in the school district I attended grade school in but not at the school I attended. I had also not followed the directions to the classroom that I had been given very well. Looking back I can see God's Hand upon that morning. He lead me right to someone who encouraged me and helped me.

After subbing these last four months I can tell you I have seen God's hand more than once. He has sent me to so many different classrooms. Not every day has been easy but there are many that I am so glad I got to experience. I have gotten to use a SMART board, be a library media specialist for a day, meet lots of different students, experience what it was like to be an English Language Learner, be in classrooms from K-6 grade, and become more confident in my ability. It has been an adventure. If I had gotten the opportunity to be back in my own classroom I would have taken it. I didn't miss it...I just relied on what I thought this fall was going to be.