Psalm 60

My heart often aches for the people around me. So much suffering. Too much pain. Unspeakable loss. Bitter betrayal. And I want to close my eyes to it all but I can’t.

“You have made your people see hard things” (vs 3.)

God’s people were experiencing rejection, brokenness, devastation, and vulnerability. And it was much of their own doing.

And, yet, God is so merciful that he also provided a place for them to flee (vs 4.)

It reminded me of Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Cor 10:13

Life is hard. Sometimes from our own doing and, other times, not. But we always have a refuge in the Lord. We have a place to flee when the world is overwhelming.

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The gate is narrow.

The way is hard.

Few find it.

I couldn’t help think about this after this morning’s sermon.

It’s narrow and hard and not popular.

If I find myself not fitting in or having to say “no” to good things in order to say “yes” to God things.

If I find myself in a difficult place – and wondering why life can’t be a tad easier.

If I look around and wonder where everyone else is and why the crowd so often seems to go another way.

If the way I’m traveling seems a bit narrow and hard and unpopular – maybe, just maybe, I don’t change a thing about what I’m doing. Perhaps, I don’t pray for a sudden change in circumstances but for the strength to simply stay the course.

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:14

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Psalm 59

David had an enemy who was:

• rising up against him
• working evil
• bloodthirsty
• always lying in wait
• stirring up strife
• against him w/o reason
• relentless
• arrogant

I’m discouraged just thinking about such an enemy. Sadly, we have all probably experienced some of these things.

Aren’t you glad we (and David) have a God who:

• is a fortress
• will meet us
• is a shield
• is our strength
• is our refuge
• shows us love

The two that really spoke to me were that:

1. God shows up. When people avoid, ignore, or disappoint – God will meet me (vs 10.) He is never too busy. There isn’t anything or anyone more important that he needs to tend to before me. When I call – he always answers.
2. God shows love (vs 17.) While people may say one thing and do another – God’s actions always align with his person and God is love (1 John 4:8.)

Whatever heaviness or heartache you may experience – you can know that God shows up and shows love.

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Psalm 58

When we struggle to understand things going on around us, we can know that God is still in control.

We can trust God to do what is just.

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Psalm 57

I am a student at heart. I love to study and highlight and look up original word meanings and pull out applications and do all the student things.

But – if I’m not careful – the Bible becomes a textbook. It becomes a source of interesting information.

As I read this psalm this morning, it made me stop and just praise God for his goodness. It made me stop and pray for my heart to be wholly his and for my life to bring him glory.

The Bible is not a textbook – it’s a love letter. Written from the creator of the universe to me. To change me from the inside out. To make me more like him.

Praise and prayer are something I want more of in my life.

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