I just returned from a funeral and a brief foray spent at my childhood home. Some things become crystal clear:
Psalm 119:
127Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way. ESV
Does my life reflect Your preciousness Lord? Do I treasure You and Your ways above gold, fine gold? How can my life reflect a love for You?
129Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.132Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me. ESV
The unfolding of Your Words gives light. You impart understanding to the simple. Steady me, O my Lord. I love this prayer: let no iniquity get dominion over me. O Lord, let no iniquity get dominion over me or those I love- those who are under my care; my watch.
Help me understand what it means to walk with You in this season.
2 Timothy 2
4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. ESV
The Lord gives understanding to the simple. I need understanding Lord! -and I am grateful that I can ask You for it and You promise to grant it. This directive speaks to my heart. My aim should be to please the Lord. My focus, the orientation of my heart, the direction of my life should be to please God. There is a submission here, in these verses, … as I read in context.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant[e] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. ESV
This weekend I was with many people who do not treasure the truths my heart holds dear. These directives speak to me. There are many commands in this passage and they instruct a focused heart. Avoid quarrels and controversies. Be kind. Patiently endure evil. Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.
The changing landscape of our culture provides every opportunity to live these verses and to walk in the light of the Lord and in His love.
We are deep in the throes of college admissions for our oldest son, and as we prepare to launch our beloved out into the world- there are so many unknowns on the horizon, it is frightening.
There is uncertainty. “Keep my steps steady according to Your Promise…”
Lord, I pray You be with our extended family… with those for whom this recent loss is fresh, raw, and life-altering. I pray you protect my own personal family and guide us through these unknown days. Help us to walk in love and in the light. Make our relationships strong with one another, held in Your grace. Let me treasure You above gold, fine gold.
Rebecca (offeringsbecca)
Sixty-six books in a year 