He had posed a question to the room, “When (is one) most likely to sin? When things are going well? Or when they aren’t?”
***
A godly man, Moses, strikes the rock twice. (Numbers 20:11)
A land of pride and arrogance, the Lord’s anger is aroused. His fist is poised to strike. (Isaiah 9:8-14)
For after all this punishment, the people will still not repent.
They will not seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. (Isaiah 9:13-14, NLT)
David speaks of his enemies’ lies. These enemies–snarling, sneering, prowling. Filth comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. (Psalm 59:7,14)
David’s response is full of praise and hope–in God.
But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love. Psalm 59:16-17, NLT)
When things are going well, and when they are not, Lord, let me choose to praise you.
2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. (James 3:2, NLT)
A day that started with a friend and nourishing talks over tea, ended with my husband at the table and rich conversations about history, hurts and hearts. He helps me gain perspective in a season that is unpredictable and demanding.
I press on. I cling to God’s word, grace and guidance. He meets me in the morning when I seek him. He fills me.
13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:13-18, NLT)
Father God, I am grateful for the relationship I have with you. You are unfailing love. You are a refuge. You are the source of all wisdom and of life itself. I pray I see your sweet mercies in the good times and the hard times. I don’t want to take my eyes off of you. Thank you for calling me daughter and that I can trust you.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 