Old Friends

It takes a long time to grow an old friend.  (John Leonard) 

I'm grateful today for old friends.  And yes, not just a friend who has been around quite a while, but a friend that has, indeed, grown considerably older - right along with me.  I first met Carol Graydon in 1981, during a hard life experience.  Jimmie had been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, requiring a significant hospital stay, surgery, and long recovery.  Carol showed up at the hospital, a virtual stranger to me, to take me to lunch.  That was the beginning of a long and sweet friendship; she became the sister I never had.

We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over. So in a series of kindnesses there is, at last, one which makes the heart run over.  (James Boswell)


Through good times and bad,  living close by and out-of-state, seeing eye-to-eye and agreeing to disagree, from diapers and play days to weddings and arthritis, from suburb to country, rejoicing times and grieving times, from successes to heart breaks, in season and out - she has been a sister in the Lord, a sister of my heart, a precious gift from the Lord for which there are not words enough to give adequate thanks.  She has invested her life into mine - "drop by drop -" until, at last, somewhere back there along the 30-year road, one drop caused my heart to overflow, creating a depth of friendship that only the Lord can give.

The way to make a true friend is to be one. Friendship implies loyalty, esteem, cordiality, sympathy, affection, readiness to aid, to help, to stick, to fight for, if need be. ... Radiate friendship and it will return sevenfold.  (B. C. Forbes)

I met her yesterday for lunch - the first time we'd had the opportunity to even see each other in a long time.  We sat right there for 4 hours, never once running out of things to share.  Although the season of life in which we find ourselves at present has not allowed for frequent, regular times together, there has been sufficient time invested through the years to maintain the friendship.  It's like having a well-funded savings account.  When "lean" times come, you're able to make it through without hardship, relying on the money you've faithfully saved during the "fat" times.  And so it is with a long, enduring friendship.  The prior investments are so significant - both in quantity and in quality - that they are well able to tide you over, when life makes current investment difficult.


I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.  (Plutarch) 


After 30 years of various circumstances, of the kind that often bring friendships to an end, I believe the Lord has glued our hearts together for the long haul.  We have laughed together, cried together, encouraged one another, challenged one another, and no doubt given each other occasion to exercise anger management and patience, as well!  We have not always agreed.  Real love does not find it necessary to always agree.  What is necessary is the willingness to listen, to consider, and to love regardless.  Being "on the same page" is a great thing; not being on the same page - and still experiencing acceptance and love - is a greater thing.


I am learning to live close to the lives of my friends without ever seeing them. No miles of any measurement can separate your soul from mine.  (John Muir)


The thirty years of our friendship have included six years of living in different states; my family spent three years in New Orleans and three years in Chattanooga.  During those times, Carol and I learned how to maintain a long-distance friendship.  Many investments of time, energy, and finances were made during those years as we traveled, called, and wrote.  No such thing as email back then, so it took a little more effort - effort made willingly, faithfully.  It paid off.  And today - with family commitments that take up most of the available time and energy - I've learned to "live close" to her life "without ever seeing her."  Things such as email and Facebook help make that possible.  I peek into the lives of her children regularly, traveling through FB world, keeping my finger on their family pulse, and adding my prayers to their mother's as I go.  It is an old cliche, but nonetheless accurate, "Where there is a will, there is a way."


Good friendships are fragile things and require as much care as any other fragile and precious thing.  (Randolph Bourne)


At first thought, the above quote may seem a contradiction to some of what has been said here.  However, I think of it more as a parallel truth.  If the goal is an enduring friendship, then you must learn to guard your tongue at times, rather than acting on the premise that you can always "be yourself" with a real friend.  Though having been saved since childhood, I have yet to reach the state of sinlessness!  As such, just "being myself" is not always a good idea!  Allowing the Holy Spirit to change me, to control my tongue, to temper my reactions and soften my words is a much better approach than just "being myself!"  While it is true that, "A friend is one who knows all about you, and still likes you," and that "When you've made a fool of yourself, a true friend doesn't feel you've done a permanent job," using God's Word as your standard for real love (as in 1 Corinthians 13), protects and nurtures friendship far more than constantly letting your guard down and just being yourself!  1 Peter 5:8 instructs us, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  This certainly applies significantly to the area of friendship, as well as to every other area of life.  We've got to be on guard!  Ephesians 4:32 tells us, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  To enjoy the blessing of a friendship that will stay the course, putting this into practice is a necessary part of the relationship.  It serves as the WD-40 that silences the squeak.  You're familiar with that squeak.  It's the one that drives you crazy, annoys you beyond endurance, and brings this urge to end it, at all cost.  A faithful application of 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 4:32 will protect against any and all squeaks of that nature, and enable a friendship to go thirty years and beyond!  I'm grateful for a friend that faithfully applies that "healing balm" to my grating squeaks.  Without it, my squeaks would have brought things to an end a long time ago!  :o) 


There is no wilderness like a life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul.  (Baltasar Gracian)    



I have two friendships in my life that exceed this one in both priority and in depth - with my precious husband, and my Lord.  Without the Lord's wonderful friendship, the love and care with which He faithfully covers my life, no other friendship of any true worth and value would even be possible.  He is the Source from which all blessings flow.  Indeed, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus!"  Second only to Him is the invaluable friend He has given me in Jimmie.  Everything I've said here about my dear friend, Carol, could be said in even stronger terms that these.  To enjoy a marriage for 36 years, and be stronger and closer than you were in the past, involves every single point discussed here, and much more.  But another friend, such as the Lord has given to me in Carol, will bolster and support those other "friendships" of greater importance.  She has never failed to give input into my life that consistently holds up and protects those two relationships in my life as a greater priority.  Because of this, I have not known what it is to experience the "wilderness like a life without friends." Truly, my blessings have been multiplied, my misfortunes minimized, my adversity remedied, and my soul soothed.  Such are the benefits of enduring friendship!

A man that has friends must show himself friendly..."  (Proverbs 18:24)


It is often said that to have a friend, you must be a friend - a truth that comes straight from Scripture.  While often quoted, I fear it is rarely understood.  "Showing yourself friendly," or being a friend, involves all that has been spoken of here today, and so much more.  I recently read this anonymous quote, "To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life; to be a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings."  I believe this to be a true statement, learned from my own life experience.  And I have learned that few are willing to tackle this "most difficult undertaking."  I am deeply grateful today that my friend was willing.  I have been immeasurably blessed, because she was.

The cup of true friendship, filled with God's kind of love, must always be "perceived as a cup which runneth over," rather than a finite vessel from which the more one friend drinks, the less is left over for others."  A true friend is not jealous, nor possessive, and as such, always leaves room for more.  God's kind of love is constantly being renewed, manufacturing more and more, with plenty to share with all those God sends your way.  Consequently, though Carol is the friend that God has planted in my life so deeply, and for such a long tenure, I have been immensely blessed with many precious friends.  Sometimes life moves along in ways that bring friends in and out of daily experience.  I have dear friends that were a vital part of my day-to-day life many years ago, and have been re-introduced to me now through Facebook.  What a delight that has been to my heart!  There are many dear ones that have remained through the passing of years, that -while not always part of everyday life and experience, are nonetheless so very important to me, and so very loved.

I am thanking the Lord today for every "old friend" in my life, for every blessing they have "dropped into my cup," for the inestimable treasure they have been, are still today, and will continue to be.  Truly, I am a blessed woman!

Two groups - Those who seek and those who forsake...

Came today to Isaiah 65:8-12

Just some observations:
For those who seek Him
They will know His mercy.  (vs. 8)
They will have an inheritance.  (9)
They will have a dwelling place.  (9)
They will have provision.  (10)

But consequences are coming for those:
Who forsake God.  (11)
Who forget Him, His priorities, His ways.  (11)
Who make provisions for sin.  (11)  See also Romans 13:14 (ESV).
          "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
Who worship a false god ... whether one from the past or a contemporary god - such as success, wealth,    
          position, possessions, etc.  (11)  See also Exodus 20:3 (ESV).
          “You shall have no other gods before me."
Who do not answer when He calls.  (12)
Who do evil.  (12)
Who chose that in which He does not delight.  (12)


That's enough to chew on...


May the Lord add His blessing to the study of His Word!  And may I listen, heed, and obey.

What Moves God To Act?

In my reading through the Bible, I came today to Isaiah 64:4,5.  As if I'd never seen it before, these two verses jumped off the page.  Anyone who has ... or ever has had ... a deep heart-cry going out to God is interested in this topic.  If you have a deep need in your heart and life - one that you know deep inside can never be met by anything or anyone other than God Almighty Himself - then this topic grabs at your heartstrings.  I certainly fit into that group of folks, and as such, this topic does, indeed, grab at my heartstrings.  I want to share what I've found, but do want to make it clear, from the very beginning, that God is not some divine slot machine.  I cannot "put in" certain things and then demand that God "do" certain things.  He is omniscient ("...the property of having complete or maximal knowledge. Along with omnipotence and perfect goodness, it is one of the central divine attributes.").  He is sovereign (above or superior to all others; chief; greatest; supreme; supreme in power, rank, or authority).  He answers to no one. That being understood, it behooves me - being both appropriate and needful - to know what the Word of God Himself says about what it is that moves Him to act.

These two verses give a glimpse into the answer (emphasis mine):


Verses 4-5:
"...Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him ... meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways..."


Using the Word as Its own commentary, these cross-references add insight:

Isaiah 40:31 - More reasons to wait!

New King James Version (NKJV)

³¹ But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint.''

Philippians 4:4 - Notice to rejoice is not a suggestion, but a command!

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

James 1:20 - Something I might overlook about righteousness 

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Matthew 5:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.

Matthew 6:33

New King James Version (NKJV)

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things shall be added to you.

Exodus 20:8 - So much competition for this day; O Lord, help me remember!

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ “ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Psalm 20:7 - Remember what TO trust, and what NOT to trust.

New King James Version (NKJV)

 ⁷ Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
         But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Deuteronomy 32:7 - Remember and look for the "old paths" (Jere. 6:16)

New King James Version (NKJV)

 ⁷ “ Remember the days of old,
      Consider the years of many generations.
      Ask your father, and he will show you;
      Your elders, and they will tell you:

Psalm 119:55 - What to remember when it's night, it's dark & I cannot see

New King James Version (NKJV)

 ⁵⁵ I remember Your name in the night, O LORD,
         And I keep Your law.

The above verses are just a minuscule portion of all the counsel provided us in God's Word concerning what it is that moves God to act.  But this tiny bit is more than enough for me to chew on for a long time!  There's not much point in me moving on to more - until I've learned this, and am obeying this!  


I'm reminded of when the new pastor was asked by a deacon when he was going to stop preaching the same sermon over and over, Sunday after Sunday. The new pastor replied, "I'll move on to another sermon when you start obeying what's in this one!"


As always, may the Lord add His blessing to the study of His Word!  

Day #4 of our Good and Perfect Gift

2:30 pm
What a gorgeous day it has been, thus far!  It's mid-afternoon now, and I'm back in the lighthouse, up on the Lantern Gallery (otherwise known as the balcony), again enjoying the beautiful view and the warm breezes.

Our bedroom windows face east, and do an admirable job of seeing to it that we don't waste the day in bed!

Weiss Lake Sunrise

  This morning, Jimmie and I tried our best to ignore those bright rays of sunshine for as long as we could, but eventually they won out.  Eight-thirty saw us pulling on swim suits and heading downstairs.  After a good cup of coffee, the kayaks were calling, and we answered!  James was just coming in from a kayak jaunt as we headed out.  Paddling across to the other side, we investigated the shoreline and a scattering of homes, then across to another point, and an hour or so later, made our way back to where we started.  I just love it!  I'm thrilled to have found something that doesn't involve my puny legs/hip joints ... something I can actually do!  It's fun, yet good exercise; I can stop and rest any time, and the water, sun, breezes, and timber-clad shoreline combine to just wrap you up in peace and quiet.

Weiss Lake, Alabama

Above it all, a Voice seems to whisper, "Be still, and know that I am God."  What a wonderful way to begin a day!

With muscles pleasantly tired, it was the perfect time to visit the hot tub - which we were happy to do!  With no one else to be seen, we had it all to ourselves - and I always enjoy having Jimmie's undivided attention!  After about an hour of talk, talk, talk and talk some more, we were hungry, and went in search of the lighthouse pantry!  After eating out in the sunshine, on the lakeside deck, it was definitely time for a swim.  I knew better than to try the pool this time, so talked Jimmie into a lake swim.  He pretty much just humors me in that regard.  He's never liked to stay out in the water as much as I do, but he spoils me so wonderfully - and goes just because he knows I want him to.  That is a good and perfect gift I've been enjoying for almost 36 years now!  After the initial breath-catching, invigorating plunge, the water really isn't bad.  :o)  We splashed around on floaties for a while, before paddling down to watch kids on the long slide.  Getting a little chilly by this time, we traded floaties for comfy beach recliners in the sun, nearly taking a nap before walking the lakeside pathway back to our abode.

That brings me to this moment ... having spent an hour or so journaling, talking with the Lord, and now with my honey.  Such a lovely day!

The kids - Sarah, Hannah, Ben, and Josh - will be arriving for the weekend about 8:30 tonight, with Jamie and Colin joining us tomorrow.  Such a blessing for Jimmie and I to have them all together - truly, a good and perfect gift!

4:30 pm

Not long after the above was written, the breeze increased from gentle to stiff and threatening clouds quickly moved in.  In just minutes, those blackened clouds suddenly began to empty, right over our heads!  We quickly grabbed books, computer, etc, and retreated indoors posthaste!  In just a few short minutes, the lake was dark and covered with whitecaps, with the wind gusting against our lighthouse lantern room with enough force to make me nervous.  (Of course, all the Henson men would agree that doesn't really take much to do...)  With Jimmie's reassurances well in mind, I relaxed and enjoyed the coziness of a dark, stormy day being observed from the warmth and security of our own little lighthouse.  It's a great place to watch the storm!  Waves were crashing on the rocky shoreline, and we had just mentioned how glad we were not to be out on the lake in kayaks now.  When what to our wondering eyes should appear - a 16-year-old son, wanting permission to go kayaking!  As we weren't hearing thunder or seeing any lightening - and knowing he'd had a somewhat "boring" day, due to being the only one here who had yet to enjoy their 50th birthday - we gave the "OK" and off he went - glad to be out in the rain, the wind and the waves.  Oft' times, there's just no figuring out the 16-year-old brain, you know?  :o) It was a relatively short, but enjoyed, kayak adventure, as the thunder and lightening did move in, and soon he was back inside - safe, sound, and soon to be dry.  He settled down watching TV, I got comfy to once again write about it all, and Jimmie took the vacation-liberty of a nap.  As he sleeps, I'm watching the storm move on to parts unknown.

The wind dies down, the sky begins to clear.  Puffs of cotton candy appear once more above the gray; hints of blue peep out from behind scurrying clouds.  And soon, there will be little evidence remaining that today, God has ridden upon the storm.  I'm glad I was here to see Him.

"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm."
William Cowper 

Day Three of Our Good and Perfect Gift

Above is the back side of our little lighthouse rental.
Right now, I'm sitting out on the front side balcony, overlooking the lake.

From up here, you can watch all the fun going on out in the water,
as well as enjoy the further vistas of lake, hills, and woods.  

So beautiful and relaxing!  Jimmie had to make a trip back in to town this afternoon, along with Josh.  So it's just James and me this afternoon and evening.  The two of us are mostly doing a whole lot of nothing at the moment ... and enjoying it immensely! 

This morning, we spent some time in speed competition on this 120 foot slide.  James came in the winner at 4.4 seconds, with Josh in hot pursuit at 4.7.  The Dad competed also, but we won't take time to mention his time...  :o)  Let's just say that his timing made the other competitors feel great about their time!  :o)  I'm sure there will be opportunities taken for evening up the score!

Kayaking was next, after the slide competition, and I loved it.  All four of us took off to explore the shoreline a bit.  After a while, Dad and Josh had to head back for their B'ham trip, but James and I stayed out longer.  I wanted to cross to the other side (at a narrow point) and stay out for hours and hours.  The first problem we encountered with my plan was hunger and thirst.  Next time, bring water and snacks!  Then, alas, problem #2 arrived on the scene, in spite of all my ambitious intentions!  My arms gave out before my goals were met!

I didn't really want to head for shore, but my wimpy arms stubbornly demanded otherwise!  James has promised to take me out again later today, though, and there's still 5 more days for more adventuring.  Woohoo!  I might just make it across, after all!   :o)

It's so nice to have strong young men for sons, who will humor their mom, look out after her, and help her do all these things she's afraid to go do by herself!  :o)  

I'm convinced they'll have an extra jewel or two in their crowns one day.  Thanks, guys!

You can barely see our lighthouse in the bottom right corner.
I'm SO enjoying this beautiful view!

When the sun goes down, I'll head back up to the hot tub ... 102 degrees of pure bliss...  :o)

Does my ol' bones good!

I tried out the pool this morning.  Take notice above of how many folks are taking a dip in this lovely pool.
Upon stepping into it, I discovered why.
The water temperature had to be down into the minus numbers!
I splashed around a bit, thinking I could get used to it, but never brave enough to venture out deeper than my waist.
After I finally gave up on that idea, I then retreated to the hot tub around the corner.  Ahhhhh.........  After staying in it long enough to feel good and hot, I thought I'd try the pool again.  After being this hot, near heat stroke level,
surely the pool will feel good to me now!  Wrong again ...
Guess I needed to stay in that tub a bit longer ... go ahead and have that heat stroke, maybe!  ;o)
So, when my numb feet had feeling restored and I could manage to stop shivering,  I headed off to the lake, instead;
I found it a bit chilly, but not as cold as the pool!

Our lighthouse can be seen just about mid-picture.

               

We thought, first thing this morning, that the day would be cloudy with on and off showers, like it was yesterday.  But by noon, the blue skies were chasing the clouds away, and it ended up being a clear-blue-sky, warm-breezes-and-white-cotton-candy-clouds kind of day.  Thank You, Lord!  

What a wonderful Day #3 of Your gift to us ... Your "good and perfect gift!"

"Peace, be still."

So quiet.  I can't hear a sound, other than the clicking of the computer keyboard, a bird's call every now and again, and the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof.  If I were to open the door, I'd hear the water lapping on the shore, but the chilly temperature has chased me inside.  We arrived after dark last night - looking forward to spending a lazy week just enjoying the sun and playing in the water, through Indian Summer days, so common in the South.  Fall does not officially begin until September 23, and usually warm/hot temperatures of an Alabama summer last throughout the month of September, if not October and November - with the only real noticeable signs of fall being cooler evening and early morning temps, and the changing colors.  Back when I first reserved this rental lake house, on the shores of Weiss Lake, there was every reason to expect plenty warm enough days for swimming, boating, sun bathing, etc.  Well, as the old saying goes, "the best laid plans of mice and men often go asunder."  Fall had the nerve to arrive a bit early this year - without my permission!  :o)  But even though it isn't what I had earlier envisioned, I find I can't really complain.

We have rented a lighthouse for the week - a unique lakeside rental built in a lighthouse design.  Situated right on the shores of the lake, it has a large lakeside patio, with outdoor dining table and chairs, comfortable Adirondack seating, and gas grill.  The "lighthouse" has four floors, each with a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding woods. The ground level is a small sitting area and kitchen, including a dining area.  Leaving the ground floor, the stairs wind upwards, bringing you first past the door to a cozy bedroom-with-bath that Jimmie and I have claimed.  Passing that doorway, the stairs continue winding upward, coming next to two doorways - one opening to a bedroom, the other to a hallway bathroom with laundry - tiny, but complete.  Resuming the  upward climb, you finally reach the crowning top of the lighthouse - complete with a skylight opening, rising even higher, housing a rotating beacon light.  A sleeper sofa graces this snug little viewpoint (as well as ample floor space for air mattresses and sleeping bags), making it the preferred bedroom for our guys.  When the rainy weather moves on, some of them plan to sleep out on the balcony, listening to the waves and watching the stars. This summit room, resembling a lighthouse Lantern Room, is the apex of the winding stairwell.  It is completely surrounded with windows, and opens onto a narrow balcony, which wraps around the structure - imitating a Lantern Gallery.  It was to this balcony that Jimmie and I ascended this morning, coffee and pastries in hand, to enjoy breakfast with the view and sounds of beautiful Lake Weiss.

I love spending time like this with the love of my life - just chatting about this and that,  no reason to hurry, no schedule to keep, just enjoying the blessings of the day and being together.  This morning, while in our upper retreat, we heard from two of our children back in Birmingham, both situations needing supportive counsel and reassuring love.  We gave both as best we could, then spent some time asking the Lord to provide for them what we could not.  What a joy to know He hears, He cares, He loves, and He is abundantly willing and able!

The lighthouse design of this house is so unusual.  There is basically one room on each of the four floors.  As I huffed and puffed my way onto the top floor this morning, I laughingly told James that simply walking from one room to another was somewhat of a challenge in this cute, little place!  I love it, though!  It makes each room so quiet - even if mere conversation between rooms is a slightly ambitious undertaking.  :o)  I wouldn't want to live here with my wimpy arthritic bones, taking off on a "mountain hike" every time I change rooms or need to be heard ... but I'm loving it for this week!  Such a quaint, fun place to enjoy!

Right now, we only have Josh and Hannah with us.  Josh will take Hannah's place later today, and all the kids will be going and coming through the week as work and school schedules allow.  It's proximity to the B'ham area makes this a workable plan, which is one primary reason for choosing it.  I'm looking forward to the weekend, when they'll all be here, except Tiff and Michael.  With their wedding so close, they're understandably up to their eyeballs with things to do!  But Jamie and Colin, Sarah, and Ben will all be here over the weekend, which makes Mama a happy camper!  To top it off, even the weather is supposed to smile on us - sunny blue skies and warm temperatures.  Swimming may be out, but the hot tub will be nice, and the kayaks fun ... if they stay upright!  I'm sitting here watch a couple two-seater kayaks out on the lake.  They seem to be staying right side up without any difficulty, so maybe I'll scrounge up enough courage to give one a try!  :o)  If the needed amount of courage appears to be unavailable, I'll take a paddle boat out for a spin.  :o)

I'm a blessed woman, and today, this moment -  I'm very conscious and aware of those many blessings.  Thank You, Lord, for each and every one.  And keep me ever mindful of them - each and every day!

Open Our Eyes

The Lord took me today to two Scriptures.  They encouraged my own heart, and gave me direction in praying for others.  I pray they will do the same for you.

2 Kings 6:17 - And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

The King of Syria had surrounded the city where Elisha and his servant was.  His servant came running to Elisha, alarmed, bringing the news that they were completely surrounded by the enemy.  "What are we going to do!?" he cried to Elisha.  At this point, Elisha utters the powerful words of 2 Kings 6:17.  He simply asked God to open his servants eyes, so he could see the mighty host of God's warriors placed all about.  In spite of the ominous sight and sound of the enemy all around them, truly there was no need to fear.  God was ahead of them, surrounding His child with full, complete protection on every side.  God was in charge, on duty, MORE than one jump ahead of the enemy!  They could rest easy!  All was well!

The other Scripture is Genesis 21:19.  Hagar was alone, frightened, desperate.  She had no provision, no idea of what to do, nowhere to go, no means to provide - for herself or for her son.  She could see no way out.  But GOD opened her eyes.  

"And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink."

  

Just like Elisha and his servant, Hagar had no need to worry, no need to fear.  But in order for her to understand that, God opened her eyes - to see what her eyes, on their own, could not see.

So I pray God will open our eyes today, to see what our human eyes cannot see on their own.  And as He does, we, too, can "rest easy."


He is still on His Throne.
He holds me in the Palm of His Hand.
I am the apple of His Eye.
All is well.


Open my eyes, Lord!

Three Chapters With Three Verses Each - Too Good To Miss!

Psalm 131 caught my heart's attention years ago, and I've come to it once again.  My Bible has given this chapter the heading of "Simple Trust in the Lord."  The second verse reads as follows:

"Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."  (NKJV)

Often times, a nursing baby cannot snuggle up close to Mommy without wanting to nurse, unless they've just been fed or are asleep.  They will "root," fidget, and become agitated.  Unless trained to a schedule, they will want to nurse every few minutes, and will not be happy unless you do so!  Those sweet little ones can become extremely demanding!  Isn't that often how we are with our Heavenly Father?  Constantly wanting.... not restful and content with what we have, but agitated and seeking something more.  Makes me think of another verse that simply says, "Be still..."  Here in Psalm 131, we have the picture of a resting, contented child, enjoying the presence of its mother, calm and quiet.  There's no anxiety shown over when the next provision is coming.  Rather, we see "a simple trust," and complete relaxation and contentment.  Help us, Lord, to follow the example of David.  Help us to calm and quiet our souls - our minds, our wills, our emotions - as we soak in Your Word, in faith believing, claiming Your promises, purposing to obey.  Enable us to be as a weaned child with his mother - not restless and searching for more, but relaxed, contented, fully at peace, simply trusting in You.  Godliness, with contentment, is truly great gain!

The next little short chapter is Psalm 133, and talks about brethren dwelling together in unity - the beauty of it.  It tells us what this unity is "like."  I find it helpful to apply this to every area of life where I deal with other human beings - and that almost takes in every area!  Try this suggestion as you look at it:  Make two lists.  Title the first one "What oil is like, including its purposes" and the second "What is dew like, including its purposes."  It opens up that short psalm beautifully, and gives me motivation for pursuing this unity.  It's something of great value!

Lastly, we have another short psalm, Psalm 134.  The first two verses (of its three) reads, "Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord!  Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord."

The phrase that strikes me today is "...who by night stand in the house of the Lord."  Think about the word "night."  This servant of the Lord has what is commonly the least desirable work shift - working through the night.  They are required to be awake and alert when it's dark, when you can't see, when you're tired.  They experience that darkest hour of the night that comes just before the dawn - the one that seems to last forever.  Darkness often brings a sense of gloom, sadness, depression, or fear.  Darkness puts one at considerable greater risk for injury; you can't see where you're going.  You can't see the source of that unexpected noise that makes your heart jerk in fear.  Darkness seems to make one much more aware of pain.  Any night shift nurse can attest to that.  Pain that was tolerated during the day becomes difficult to handle in the dark, when all is quiet and still.  Weariness becomes more acute.

Another word to explore is the word "stand."  This is not only the servant of God who "has the night shift," but they are standing through the night.  Not sitting, not crumbling to the floor, not asleep in the corner, not cowering in the closet.  Neither are they scurrying around running into things, stubbing their "toes," and further endangering themselves and others.  They're not scrambling around in a panic.  They're simply standing.  These additional verses shed more light:

Galatians 5:1  -  Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  (This fits well with the discussion a few days ago about Freedom Fences.)

Then Ephesians give us a good picture of how we can accomplish this ... how we can stay standing - all through the night!

Ephesians 6:13-16 - Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand, therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darks of the wicked one."

If we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, then we are, indeed, a "servant of the Lord."  And every one of us will sometimes be called on to work through the night.  It may be a bright, sunshiny day now in your walk with the Lord, but night will come.  It's part of life, the rhythm and flow of it, God's way of weaving the bright threads with the dark, creating an amazing thing of sheer beauty.  But remember one more thing when you're in the night season.  The night never lasts forever.  After the night comes the morning.  The sun rises once again, throwing its rays into every valley and dale.  Always.  And joy comes in the morning!  (Psalm 30:5)

The Lord just gave me another neat thought.  Over in Hebrews, we're told to "Strengthen ... the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame will not be dislocated, but rather be healed."  The question comes to mind - Which path is easier to follow, especially without hurting yourself, in the dead of night, when it's pitch black?  The one with turns and twists in it, or the straight one?  Obviously, the straight one!  So since the Lord knows the night seasons are needful, He tells us, in advance, to "make straight paths for our feet!"

This wonderful little psalm clearly gives instruction to this night worker.  The Psalmist seems to know they're going to need it! The night servant is told to lift up their hands and bless the Lord!  Isn't that quite a thought?!  That's not exactly our normal response to "drawing the night shift," is it?  This blessing of the Lord becomes, then, our sacrifice of praise, lifted up through heartache and tears.  And this very praise enables us to enjoy an acute, incredible awareness of His presence with us ... all through the night.  For the Lord literally inhabits the praises of His people!  (Psalm 22:3)

So the next time you're called on to "work the night shift," or if you're there now, remember these truths, hold them close, meditate on them, and lift up your hands and bless the Lord!

May God add His blessing and shed His light on the study of His Word.  May we be like Ezra, and purpose in our hearts to obey!

Reflections on Psalm 119

In my reading through the Bible chronologically, I've come to the end of Psalm 119.  As many times as I've read that chapter, it's with a sense of regret that I leave it for what comes next.  I know, thank the Lord, that there are precious new insights waiting for me as I move on.


I'm wanting all my notes, etc. through these months to all be in the Bible I'm studying ... which is chronological in format.  Using one of those type Bibles encourages the growth of humility in a Christian's life.  Sitting there in church, as Bro. Roger tells us to turn to something like John 3:16, I have to turn to one of the contents pages, and find a page number - like I'm so unfamiliar with the Word that I can't find it on my own.  And that is absolutely true, with this chronological stuff!  Downright humiliating ... which is a sign that my pride has raised its ugly head!  Oh, my....


Well, before I leave Psalm 119, I wanted to make note of a few things that continue to keep my attention.


One is the number of times the Psalmist says, "Teach me," or "Give me understanding."  And interspersed between all those requests are found abundant proof that God is, indeed, teaching him and giving him understanding.  So many powerful truths are found there, so much evidence of spiritual maturity.  One might think the writer would be satisfied with all that God has shown him.  But, not so!  He continually cries out, "Teach me!"  If I find myself seemingly lagging behind the Psalmist, perhaps I have not because I ask not!


Another of my attention-grabbers is the emphasis on "Your Word."  No matter what the Psalmist talks about - whether it is the heights of joy or his deep despair - it all comes back to God's Word.  Without it, there is no life!


Which brings me to the last one on my mind today - another constant refrain found all through this long chapter - "Revive me."  One does not cry out to be revived, especially with this frequency and passion, without an acute awareness of need.  Only when we feel our life is threatened do we run to the emergency room, crying "Help!"  It seems that the more God teaches us, the more understanding He gives, the greater becomes our conscious awareness of our desperate need for Him ... our utter dependency on Him for our very life and breath - both spiritually and physically.


So.... as I go on with my day, and continue on through my study...


"Teach me, Lord, Your thoughts, Your will, Your ways.  Give me understanding of Your Word, for I am utterly dependent on You to understand any of It ... and I have absolutely no hope of any life whatsoever without It!  Keep me immersed in Your Word, focused on Your Word, purposed to obey Your Word, putting Your Word to the test, learning more and more then to delight in Your Word, as You prove it to be totally, 100% reliable and trustworthy - able to speak to each and every aspect of my life, in authority, power, and effectiveness.  And please do not fail to revive me, Lord!  Give me life!  Breath new life into my moments and my days, into my routine tasks and activities, into every relationship of my life, and every thought I think.  Revive my soul, I pray - my mind, my will, my emotions.  Let me reflect and shine forth Your life.  Do so for each of Your children, Lord.  May Your Church shine forth into this dark world with power and truth, faithfully pointing all who see us to You - the only hope this world has. 



May the Lord add His blessing to the study of His Word.

A Common Word With Uncommon Meaning

Today, I studied verses 49 through 56, still in Psalm 119.  I read it through several times, noting different truths, marking phrases here and there.  Then a very common-place word caught my attention - "This" (verse 56).  The whole verse reads, "This has become mine, because I kept Your precepts."  I had looked at the word "precept" yesterday, so that was already fresh on my mind.  But the question I asked today was, "WHAT has become mine, as a result of keeping God's precepts?  What does "this" refer to?"  I'd never paid any attention to this verse before, never asked that particular question, and I love the answer!
I'm reminded of another verse that says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  The verses I studied today give a list of benefits the Lord has in store for the man or woman who will keep His precepts.  These are wonderful benefits; I want to be one of those that meets the condition for enjoying them.

Here are the benefits the Lord highlighted for me this morning, benefits He gives - when we choose to keep His precepts:

Verse 49)   Hope - When I keep His precepts, He causes me to find hope as I read His Word.  Looking at the opposite of this truth, when I do not keep His precepts, I can read the exact same Word, and yet fail to find any hope.  Without hope, it's difficult to find a reason to crawl out of bed in the morning.  Without hope, it's even hard to find motivation for studying His Word.  Without hope, it's hard to find any reason at all to keep working on a painful problem, to keep looking for a needed solution, to keep trying in a wounded relationship.  Without hope, we simply quit.  Oh, how desperate we are for hope!  How steadfast and true to His character the Lord remains as He not only talks about hope, but tells us how we can have it.  It's no guessing game, no mystery, no hide-and-seek proposition.  He wants us to have it, delights in providing it, and shows us clearly how we can acquire it, personally.  It's one of the awesome benefits of keeping His precepts!  Hope.

Verse 50, 52) Comfort - The dictionary says this word means "strengthening, support, or consolation for grief, anxiety, loss, or disappointment."  I suppose, then, the only folks who might be interested in having comfort in their lives would be people who go through times of grief, experience anxiety, suffer loss, or encounter disappointment.  Does that leave anyone out?  I think not!  The Psalmist says that he experiences comfort in his affliction - affliction being defined as "something that causes pain, suffering, or humiliation."  The only way to escape affliction is to not be alive in this world, so once again, that leaves none of us out.  In John 16:33, Jesus spoke to this fact when He said "In the world, you will have tribulation..."  It was said as a statement of an indisputable fact.  If we are in this world, we will have it.  Not might, may, should, or could.  We will.  That being established, we should all be interested in comfort. Verse 52 tells us this comfort came from remembering the Lord's judgments of old.  Breaking this phrase down into small pieces helps me.

"I remembered" - It's not enough to have knowledge about God's judgments; the comfort comes as a result of remembering them.  I must call them to mind!  Sometimes they might just pop into my mind, without any conscious effort on my part.  Thank You, Lord!  But if I truly want God's comfort on a regular basis, I must train my mind to deliberately bring His judgments of old to the forefront of my thinking.  I must habitually, determinedly, purposefully open the filing cabinet of my mind and pull the files of His judgments that apply to any particular grief, anxiety, loss, or disappointment that I'm experiencing.  I must remember them!  In order to lay hold of those "files," it's obvious that they must have been previously placed into my mind - my mental filing cabinet.  If I want to remember His judgments when I need them, I must first of all "file" them ... hide them in my heart.  (Psalm 119:11)

"Your judgments" - Often times, rather than consciously calling to mind God's judgments, we turn to the judgments of other people - whether in person, or through available media - bringing to bear on our life situation the opinions and thinking of men.  Unless those opinions point us to the Word of God, we'll not experience any lasting comfort from remembering their words, regardless of how well-intentioned they were.  We must never forget that, indeed, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."  God's ways, however - His judgments, His opinions, His Word - gives life!  (verse 50)  The word "judgment" is defined as "an opinion, conclusion, or decision of a judge or authority."  God is the Judge of the whole earth; He has all authority in Heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).  And He has given us the Bible, His Word, where He has recorded for us His opinions, His decisions, His judgments - in order that we might hide them in our hearts, remember them, and receive comfort from them.  What a tragic shame that His Children should ever neglect them, leaving them to gather dust - figuratively or literally - from unuse.  Is it any wonder, then, that we find ourselves at times without the comfort we need to "keep on keeping on?"

"Of old" - This reminds me that God's judgments, His opinions, His ways, have been around for a very long time!  From eternity past!  They are tried and true, proven ways.  Two Scripture verses come to mind:

Jeremiah 6:16 - Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.


Then in Malichi 3:10, God asks us to put Him to the test, to try His Words, prove them.  He wants us to put Him to the test, so that He can prove His Word to be absolute reliable ... 100% trustworthy.  His judgments are of old.  They have never failed; they never will.  We can trust Him; we can trust His ways.


Life - Our comfort comes from God's Word that gives us life.  Life.  As opposed to death, or mere existence.  Jesus came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly.  (John 10:10)  We know that spiritual life, everlasting life, is spoken of throughout God's Word.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beliveth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  That eternal life is given to us by grace, through faith, explained in Ephesians 2:8,9.  But the abundant life spoken of in John is referring to the life we live here on this earth.  A dictionary concludes that "life" is "the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change; vitality, vigor, or energy."  All of these definitions highlight different shades of meaning and provide good food for thought ... mental chewing and digesting.  The precepts and judgments in His Word cause me to grow, enable me to reproduce His character, empowers me for any and all activity required to fulfill specific, God-given functions.  His Word, engrained into the fabric of my heart and life, guarantees continual change, as It's power daily transforms me.  That living Word infuses me with His vitality, vigor, and energy, when I have run out and run dry.
Hope, comfort, life - these are the first three benefits given in this Scripture passage.  But there are two more.

Verse 54) Songs - "Your statutes have been my songs."  Where would we be without songs in our hearts?  Actually, we know ... because we've all been there.  How long and dreary are days without a song, when we somehow drag ourselves through the motions of living, until we can once again escape into sleep ... only to get up the next morning and do it all over again.  That may be life, but there's sure nothing "abundant" about it!  Notice what it is that has been the Psalmist's songs.  God's statutes.  His very orders and commands have actually been turned into something to sing about.  Through keeping His precepts, those orders that otherwise often bring guilt, condemnation, discouragement, and a sense of futility are transformed into songs that lift the soul - truly a miracle of the Lord!  I can't help but smile at the picture that comes to my mind.  I'm envisioning my kids.  I've just shown them a list of chores they are to do for this day.  I leave them reading it over.  And then, low and behold, I'm paralyzed with shock!  Can it be?  Amazing!  I hear the sound of joyful singing!  Moving closer to catch the words, I hear "Oh, how I love to wash the dishes, and scrubbing the floor is the joy of my heart.  Thank You, dear Lord, for this sweet opportunity for serving my mom and doing my part.  Chores, chores, beautiful chores.  Truly this work is the joy of my heart!"  In gorgeous three-part harmony, the words ring out clear and strong, the harmonies wafting on a fresh breeze coming straight from Heaven ........ and I collapse in a dead faint on the floor!  For commands and orders to actually be transformed into songs is a precious gift, a miracle, an utterly amazing benefit!

Verse 55) A timely memory - Just when I need it the most - in the night seasons of my life - I will remember Your Name!  When it's dark all around me, when fear raises its ugly head, when I've no light to see what's ahead, and dawn seems an impossibility ..... I will remember!  In spite of having the deserved reputation of forgetfulness, I will actually remember!  And there's nothing more beneficial to remember than the Name of God.  All His wondrous Names give to us all His character traits.  His Name tells us both who and what He is.  And when I remember those things, all is well.  He is Alpha and Omega.  What does it matter if I can't see the next curve?  He is the Light of the World, and in His light, I see light. (Psalm 36:9)  Darkness flees.  Fear is banished.  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses - the sources of earthly power and might - but I will remember and trust in the Name of the Lord, my God!  (Psalm 20:7)

And all of these wonderful benefits (hope, comfort, life, songs, and a timely memory) become mine, when I keep God's precepts.  This word "keep" has several shades of meaning, but two seem to especially help my understanding here, bring it into focus.

1)  To honor, fulfill - To "keep" God's commands, I am to honor them, fulfill them.  Simply stated, I am to obey.  Obedience proves love and provides protection.  This is the meaning we probably think of most often.  But there's another meaning that actually helps us to obey, increases our desire to do so, and adds even more clarity.
2) To guard, protect, defend - This meaning brings to mind a whole different picture.  In pursuit of these benefits we've listed, I need to guard and protect the precepts of God.  I need to defend them.  (Judge Roy Moore comes to mind.  Bless him, Lord, and raise up more of us like him!)  But I can protect and defend God's precepts in my day-to-day life; I don't have to be in the public limelight.  This involves never taking His precepts lightly nor allowing them to be spoken of derogatorily.  When I stand up for the Lord's ways, calmly defending His Word to others, and doing all I can to protect His precepts from disrespect and disdain, I am guarding His precepts.

When I put those two meanings together, I am truly "keeping" His precepts.  That puts me in the pathway of blessing ... and opens the way for God to shower his benefits into my life.  Conversely, when I do not honor His precepts, when I do not obey them, and guard and defend them - then I need not be puzzled when those benefits aren't part of my experience.

Don't you just love this little word, "This," now?  A little common word, with an uncommon meaning that now jumps off my page!  THIS!

"THIS has become mine, because I kept Your precepts."

May God add His blessing to the study of His Word - the lamp to our feet and the light to our path!

Freedom Fences

Psalm 119:45 reads, "And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts."  


Before reading very far at all, I was struck this morning with this verse - as being just opposite of man's way of thinking.  It's another good example of how God's thoughts are not our thoughts; His ways are not our ways.  (Isaiah 55:8,9)  


I took a peek into Blue Letter Bible online.  Strong's tells me that "walk" means "manner of life," how I live my life, day by day.  The process of walking entails putting one foot in front of another, covering relatively small distances - repeatedly, making progress by multiple short advances.  An enormous distance can be traveled in that manner - and a life is lived in that same way.  Makes me think of how the mouse eats the elephant ... one bite at a time.  Applied to my manner or life, it seems to mean all of those many decisions that orchestrate how the minutes/hours of my day are spent - what I do and how I do it.  Put all of that together with "precept," a commandment, an order, a principle.  One entry at Merriam-Webster reads, "a rule that says how people should behave."  Those concepts are placed together in this verse with "liberty," another word that needs accurate defining.


I don't usually think of precepts (commandments and orders, rules telling me how to behave), being given to me every step of the way (as I walk), as being something that would bring me "liberty."  In fact, that would seem to bring just the opposite - restriction, hindrance - resulting in a whole lot of frustration!   Strong's says the Hebrew word, translated in this verse as "liberty," has the meaning of "broad, wide."  And yet our normal thinking, in this context, would lean more toward narrow and cramped. 


And yet this verse says that I will find myself walking - living - in a broad, wide place (implying the concept of wide open space, with freedom to move and breath without constraint) as a result of seeking God's commandments and orders, His rules!  What a revolutionary thought ... a transforming thought.  Certainly, that thought is not one that conforms to the world's way of thinking.  So if I want more freedom in my life, more space to live, move, act ... then I should apply my heart and my energies to seeking more and more of God's commandments and orders - His precepts.  Humanly speaking, that seems very odd and strange - if not downright wrong - does it not?


When I feel like I'm stuck in a tight spot or backed into a corner - constricted, tied down, immobilized by fear, sorrow, bitterness, anger, or an utter lack of knowledge/wisdom to know what to do - forced into circumstances not of my own choosing - that is the very time I need to diligently seek God's commands.  Contrary to what Satan, the enemy, would have me believe, God's orders for me will not result in further restriction or increased frustration in hitting my head up against immovable walls.  Rather, God's orders for me, His ways - when followed and obeyed - result in freedom, in bonds being shed, chains being broken, shackles falling off, walls crumbling before me, and liberty surrounding me like a cool, refreshing breeze off the exhilarating mountain tops of God's Word.  Truly, the truth will set us free - with wide, open spaces to move and live in safety.


It makes me think of the young child - full of excitement, determination, energy, and curiosity - but not having adequate wisdom to make good decisions, judgment calls.  When placed inside a protective fence, they are absolutely free to play, explore, and enjoy themselves, without risk of harm.  That's what God's orders provide for His children - absolute freedom to live life fully, abundantly, without risk - experiencing His protection every step of the way.


The wide, open spaces of God's good, and acceptable, and perfect will for me - that's where I want to be, and where following His precepts will take me.  And so help us, Lord, to seek them!  They bring to our life benefit and blessing, protection and freedom - in wide, open spaces - where I'm not constantly hitting my head on that proverbial wall!


May the Lord add His blessing to the study of His Word, is my prayer.

Order my steps...

Our choir occasionally sings a song called Order My Steps; it's one I love.  The words came to mind as I read over this passage once more - Psalm 119:33-40.

(You can listen and see the full song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNjKdfjUaw0&feature=related)

Order my steps in Your Word, dear Lord; lead me, guide me, everyday.
Send Your anointing, Father, I pray; order my steps in Your Word.
Please order my steps in Your word.

Humbly I ask Thee, teach me Your will; while You are working, help me be still.
Though Satan is busy, God is real.  Order my steps in Your word.
Please order my steps in Your word.

Bridle my tongue, let my words edify; let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight.
Take charge of my thoughts, both day and night; order my steps in Your Word.
Please order my steps in Your Word.


I believe the Psalmist would like this song, too!  Keep me in order, Lord.  Help me get first things first, so second things won't be hindered.  One, before two.  Keep me in order ...


Looking at Psalm 119:33-40


Verse 33 - Only when You are my teacher, Lord, driving home the truths of Your Word, instructing my spirit by Your Spirit, only then will I keep it to the end - the end of this earthly life of mine, yes, but also the end of this day, the end of this challenge, the end of this trial, this heartache, the end of this sorrow, or the end of this joy.  My own human understanding of Your Words is shallow, and influenced by my own prejudices, desires, and emotions.  The same is true of every human teacher.  But You, Lord, are truth ... the way, the truth, and the life.  You will teach me only truth ... and Your truth will set me free from those prejudices, desires, and emotions of mine.  So teach me, O Lord, the way.  First, You teach.  Second, I will keep.  Order my steps, Lord.


Verse 34 - Only a true, clear understanding of truth, that comes only from Your Spirit, can strengthen me, enable me to not just keep "the letter of Your Law," but to "observe It with my whole heart."  Only then, when my whole heart is engaged, do I find myself delighting in it .. walking in Your ways with joy!  Otherwise, keeping Your Law becomes drudgery, wearisome beyond words.


Verse 35 - Only when I delight in Your commandments will I experience You powerfully giving me aid and strength to keep in Your path.  The delighting comes first, then You  "make me walk in the path of Your commandments."  And I can only delight in those commandments when You've given me a clear understanding of Your truth, Your ways - an understanding of how You love us, how you only give commands that result in our good, how you use our obedience to bless us beyond measure, bringing benefit to our lives that cannot be numbered.  That understanding allows me to delight in the commandment, even though that delight may be coupled with tears, obeying while clinging to Your promises and Your character, leaning not on my own understanding.


Verse 36, in my mind, seems directly related to verse 35 - the delighting.  Only when I allow You to turn my heart, incline my heart, to Your testimonies will I find myself content.  First Timothy tells us that "Godliness with contentment is great gain," and how true I have found that to be!  "Godliness" on its own has no joy.  "Godliness" on its own is the drudgery we've already mentioned.  It's so very wearisome!  But "Godliness with contentment" brings great joy, peace, and deep-down fulfillment.  Contentment seems the direct opposite of the word used here in this verse - covetousness.  When I am contented, I am giving no thought to what others have - whether in status, possessions, or situation - but I'm simply enjoying what God has placed in my own life.  I'm too busy counting my own blessings to be grumbling, in spirit or words, over what I don't have.  This verse seems to tell me that if I will allow Your Spirit, Lord, to incline my heart to Your Word, Your testimonies, I will escape covetousness, enabling me to experience that Godliness with contentment that brings great joy and peace.  Amen, Lord!  Let it be so!  Keep me in the right order, Lord; order my steps!


Verse 37 - Job tells us that he made a covenant with his eyes, in governing his mind and heart.  The Psalmist said, "I will set no worthless thing before mine eyes."  This verse I'm considering here seems to instruct me that if I want to be revived in the Lord's Way - to be restored from a depressed, inactive, unused state; to become active and flourishing again (Webster's Dictionary) - I must urgently seek the Lord's enabling and allow Him to turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things.  The word "worthless" is crucial here.  It doesn't say to turn our eyes from evil things - although that is certainly included.  "Worthless" incorporates a much bigger picture.  As I apply this adjective to books, movies, hobbies and activities, seeking to be brutally honest, I can clearly see that many things I would not describe as "evil," are simply of no true value or use; they are worthless.  They are not things that You use to restore my mind and cause me to flourish in Your way.  These "worthless" things are not what You use to transform me, by the renewing of my mind!  (Romans 12:2)  Without the renewing of my mind, I am unable to discern what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.  And without that, I am totally floundering in my journey, wandering back and forth between what seems good to me and what seems good to someone else.  There is, indeed, "a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death-" eternal death, yes, for those who do not own Him as Lord and Savior, but even for His child, following our own way brings death - death of joy, death of peace, death of fulfillment, death of contentment.  So ... once again, Lord, order my steps.  I ask you to work and move within my heart, turning my eyes away from anything and everything that is worthless.  Then, Lord, I will look for Your reviving, as You cause me to flourish in Your way.  First things first, Lord; order my steps!


Verse 38 - When I choose to live my life in the fear of the Lord, allowing a holy fear of the Lord to govern all my thinking and choices, then You will establish Your Word in my heart.  First - I choose the fear of the Lord.  Second - You, then, establish Your Word in Your servant.  Keep me in order, Lord; order my steps!


Verse 39 - First, when I acknowledge that Your judgments are good, then, second, I'm in a position for You to turn away my reproach.


Verse 40 - When I long for your precepts, then You will revive me in Your righteousness.  One, then two. Longman's online dictionary says to long for something is "to want something very much, especially when it seems unlikely to happen soon."  Another definition is "to feel a strong yearning."  Yet another reads, "an earnest, strong desire or craving."  When I get to that place in longing for the precepts, commands and principles, of God's Word, then I can look to Him, with expectancy, to be revived in His righteousness... to flourish in it!


As I finish up this time in God's Word  -  this preparation for today's journey  -  I seem to hear the voice of the Commander, calling out with authority and strength, "March!  One, two, one, two, one, two ...."  May it be so in my journey this day, Lord!  Order my steps!


May each heart that spends time in Your Word today, Lord, be encouraged and strengthened for their own journey this day.  Amen and Amen.