No Blessing Withheld

“A day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
    from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you!” Psalm 84:10-12

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace… In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard… the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-7,11-14

The psalmist would rather be near the Lord than anywhere on earth. In Him he finds life, protection, favor, and honor. Paul is similarly overwhelmed at the inimitable bounty afforded those saved by the living God, blessings beyond number that assure identity and purpose and provision for now and forever. Those intent on Him taste the delights of His abundant unseen gifts, and can therefore walk securely and hope-filled, fulfilling lofty purposes with confident, joyful trust.

Often in a materialistic culture we get caught up in lesser, transient things of life. Day’s first glances are to the physical, cravings are natural, our first prayers concern stuff. We are blind to things above and do not realize what we could live without here below unless we make our way to the courts of the Lord. There, minds are inspired and spirits lifted to grasp His riches from glory. (Colossians 3:1-2)

To treasure the presence and bounty of the Lord establishes a mindset of wonderment and gratitude. Earthly concerns fall away when heavenly ones captivate and consume us. Near His throne, watching with expectancy, physical trappings matter less and less.

What awakens our hearts every morning? Desire to do and consume, or first to praise God for His bountiful character? How genuinely grateful are we for every good and perfect gift, tangible and intangible? How do the spiritual blessings of being chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and saved affect and direct our practical outlook and use of time? Taking account of what is ours in Christ gives focus, initiative, spiritual vitality, divine compulsion, and a holy mantle to our days. (1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17)

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” ~ Seth Sykes (1940)

Lord, fix me in wonder and gratitude for all You are and bestow.

Fleeting Days, and Full

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;
    let me know how fleeting my life is.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
    even those who seem secure.

Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
    without knowing whose it will finally be.

But now, Lord, what do I look for?
    My hope is in you.
Save me from all my transgressions…
When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
    you consume their wealth like a moth—
    surely everyone is but a breath.

Hear my prayer, Lord,
    listen to my cry for help;..
that I may enjoy life again
    before I depart and am no more.” Psalm 39:4-8a,11-13 (David)

“You return man to dust
    and say, ‘Return, O children of man!’
For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

All our days pass away under your wrath;
    we finish our years with a moan.
Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:3-6,9-10 (Moses)

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:4

The Lord God established time in Eden with an ordered course of day and night, then created man to inhabit and exercise dominion in the rich, perfect world He had made. Rhythms of light and seasons, atmosphere and creatures, all were both the backdrop and substance of man’s fulfillment. Made in God’s image to bring Him glory, man was to be fruitful and multiply all his days. When His command regarding the tree of life was transgressed, God’s purpose still held, though finite man, even great men, would evermore wrestle between wistfulness and want, futility and fruitfulness, yearning and endurance. (Genesis 1:26-31; 2:15-18,21-24; Isaiah 43:7; 49:2-3)

Considering our days is a prudent practice, though exclusively dwelling on either past or future dampens vigor for the present. In taking time to assess our ways and days for fruitfulness, it’s important to acknowledge they are numbered by our Maker and Lord, and we’re gifted for particular purpose within their limited scope. Are we making the most of each one? Do we spend our stewardship in sighing and slouching, or singing and seizing opportunities? 

Certainly weariness and some incapabilities are bound to increase over time, yet the Lord can be glorified in how we take advantage of His gift of any day. Have we grown complacent or lazy in service to the Lord and others, or do we eagerly spend ourselves for His kingdom’s sake? Where and how are we investing in His Body? Valuing what He values yields wisdom and spiritual fruit. (Psalm 118:24; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 4:5)

Lord, help me live to the full each day You give, for other’s blessing and Your glory.

Ever a New (Loud) Song

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord...
You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
    yet they are more than can be told…

I have told the glad news of deliverance
    in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips…
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness…

As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain
    your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
    ever preserve me!
For evils have encompassed me..;
my iniquities have overtaken me..;
    my heart fails me.

Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!
    O Lord, make haste to help me!
Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
    who seek to snatch away my life..!

But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
    say continually, ‘Great is the Lord!’
As for me, I am poor and needy,
    but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer.” Psalm 40:1-3,5,9-14,16-17

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:1-3

“Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise from the end of the earth.” Isaiah 42:10

New day, new need, new insecurities, new enemies. New cry, new deliverance, new song. David the psalmist recorded the experiences of David the depressed and spent, the hunted and regent, the fallen transgressor and forgiven son. The Lord planted in him a new song of His unending great deeds that begged proclamation. David could not help but tell because his life was caught up in his God’s life and activity, and his heart was full of gratitude and praise.

Many are the pits in a believer’s life. Uncertainties, insecurities, evils without, iniquities within. And many are the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord! He loves steadfastly, undertakes faithfully, and delivers mercifully. The longer we know Him, the more new songs we have to sing.

How do our responses to daily occurrences- aggravations, heartaches, and blessings- get communicated? Do we utter ever a new complaint? Ever a new moan or sigh? Ever a new grouse or put-down, ever a new blame or excuse or criticism? Or do our mouths rejoice lustily with ever a new song for our great Redeemer? What makes us restrain our praise for the One who never restrains His mercy? The sovereign One who providently orders all things for our good and His glory?

Would I recount His thought-filled intervention in my every care? What deliverances, assurances, and steadfast love give volume to my praise? Awareness and gratitude beget a robust, ongoing melody of the greatness, faithfulness, and salvation of God!

Lord, keep putting new songs in my mouth that encourage others and glorify Your name.

Against All gods

“Thus says the Lord God: This is Jerusalem. I have set her in the center of the nations… And she has rebelled against my rules by doing wickedness more.., and against my statutes more than the countries all around her; for they have rejected my rules and not walked in my statutes. Therefore… Because you are more turbulent than the nations all around you, and have not walked in my statutes or obeyed my rules.., Behold, I, even I, am against you. I will execute judgments in your midst in the sight of the nations…  As I live, declares the Lord God, surely, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things and your abominations, therefore I will withdraw. My eye will not spare, and I will have no pity… 

“Thus shall my anger spend itself, and I will vent my fury upon them and satisfy myself. And they shall know that I am the Lord—that I have spoken in my jealousy—when I spend my fury upon them. I will make you a desolation and an object of reproach among the nations and in the sight of all who pass by. You shall be a reproach and a taunt, a warning and a horror… when I execute judgments on you in anger and fury, and with furious rebukes—I am the Lord… I send against you the deadly arrows of famine, arrows for destruction… I will send famine and wild beasts, and they will rob you of your children. Pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword upon you. I am the Lord; I have spoken.” Ezekiel 5:5-8,11,13-17

The prophet Ezekiel got Jerusalem’s attention. Their despicable idolatry and detestable defilement of God’s sanctuary warranted the harrowing judgment announced. His description of God’s jealousy, anger, and fury dictating His judgment clearly illustrated His hatred of sin. They’d been given every advantage, and spurned God’s love. They who rejected Him would themselves be rejected. Harsh words for hard and heinous rebel hearts.

While it may be difficult for us to swallow God’s horrific judgment, we see in it the majesty of His holiness and the vast measure of His mercy in warning us. In the Old Testament, it also foreshadows the indescribable suffering of judgment Jesus Christ endured on our behalf. Sin warrants cruel death for its affront to the Holy One. Jesus bore its ugliness and anguish, the pain and separation from His Father, so that we need not face that condemnation. (Isaiah 53:2-12; Matthew 27:46; Romans 6:23; 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Whether consciously or subconsciously, we are idolatrous reprobates thinking we can rebel against all odds of consequence. Conversely, with certainly and necessity, the Holy One executes judgment against all gods and unrighteousness. Jesus alone reconciles the two at Calvary.

Do we wince and cower at God’s promise of judgment, abhorring that aspect of His character? Or worship Him for His perfect justice that is meted out never capriciously, always righteously? What changes, what decisions need we make today, in order to avert God’s judgment in our lives? Have we trusted in Jesus’s sacrifice for our sin? How urgently do we share with others the good news of freedom from condemnation, salvation unto eternal life? When we fully realize the magnitude of Christ substitutionary death on our behalf, we will desire to renounce all gods in favor of the holy and true God. (Matthew 16:21-23)

Father, may I never presume upon Your mercy, but worship and serve You alone.

Taking the Long View

“When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down with her face to the ground… ‘My lord..; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention to that wicked Nabal… His name means Fool, and folly goes with him… Since the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hands, may your enemies and all who are intent on harming my lord be like Nabal…

“’The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live.  Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away… When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself…”

“David said to Abigail, ‘Praise be to the Lord who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed.’” 1 Samuel 25:23-26,28-33

Abigail heard of her husband’s insulting, foolish response to David, whose men had only treated him with respect and benefited his shepherds. As David reacted in immediate anger, planning to retaliate against Nabal’s rebuff to his polite request, Abigail took the long view. She believed God’s promise to bless David’s house. She considered the harmful consequences and lingering guilt and regret of taking vengeance. She acted promptly in the present to make way for what she, in faith, saw as God’s glorious future. Her wisdom penetrated and calmed David’s riled heart, preventing an attack with all its fallout. (1 Samuel 25:9-22)

The heat of a moment can easily ignite unwise decisions. We feel put-upon, pressure, or anger, and the flesh lusts for quick action without taking thought for what it could trigger. We lash out with words we cannot retrieve, we make rash decisions to remove or fix the immediate and actually perpetuate the deeper causal issues. The devil’s way is to agitate emotions and squelch reason so we react unwisely, then claim victory in every consequent fraction, grief, regret, and shame.

Oh, to be like Abigail! To be wise enough to perceive the realistic long view, rooted enough to draw from established knowledge, still enough to measure ongoing results in tandem with God’s better plan! Her discretion was grounded in a deep understanding of God’s promises, her haste then reasoned and confident. David immediately recognized her prudence and praised the Lord for restraining him.

Are we prone to making quick decisions just to get things done? In what situations are we most likely to act on impulse or react foolishly? This can be manifested by ignoring or glossing over blatant sin because we don’t want to deal with it, or by brazen impulsive reaction to it, both of which cause future damage. How can we better ground ourselves in God’s wisdom so decisions reflect His will? Where will we pause to adjust our vision from the immediate to longer-term consequences?

Lord, help me thoughtfully and wisely respond to all You set in my way so I reflect Your virtues and honor.

Wise, Gracious, Seasoned: A Recipe

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,  and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (…if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus… They have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.  For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’” Colossians 4:5-17

Ah, wise Paul! As he draws his letter to the Colossian church to a close, he encourages them to walk and use their time wisely, to speak with graciousness and seasoning that befits the Lord’s people. Then, in his final greetings, he exemplifies exactly what he’s commended them to do. Naming individuals personally (and even by preferred nickname), lacing his mentions of work and ministry and struggle and help with particular interest, love, and appreciation, tying them together by reminding them of prayers on their behalf, his words sum up his final admonition: ‘Fulfill your ministry.’ He is fulfilling his by intentionally spreading grace, comfort, and encouragement.

Much is said today about fulfilling purpose and making dreams happen, but little is mentioned about any motivation higher than self. A life bent on serving personal interests, self-protection, and maintaining distance from anyone uncomfortable or who might impede my progress is actually unfulfilling. As with most worldly motives and teachings, these goals are far different from the Lord’s. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, shows us the better way. His recipe for maturity in Christ and His will combines godly wisdom with selfless, generous, active, meaningful ministry. It includes intentional relationships that model and build up and refine, urging gratitude and gracious service. (Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

How wisely are we walking, and where do we need correction? How richly seasoned is our speech, and what needs changing? What graciousness, love, persistence, sympathy, encouragement, and hospitality are exhibited in our daily interactions? These are no trite suggestions, but matters vital to Christian fellowship and growth. What might we initiate to make a difference today?

Lord, with wisdom, graciousness, and Your heavenly seasoning, may I zealously fulfill the ministry You have given me for Your purposes and glory.

Ear to Mouth

“The Lord God has given me
    the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
    him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
    he awakens my ear
    to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear,
    and I was not rebellious;
    I turned not backward.” Isaiah 50:4-5

The prophet had been inspired to foretell many a judgment, difficult messages that were a mysterious display of God’s mercy to His own. He also spoke rich encouragement to remind God’s people their Lord was with them to save, redeem, and strengthen, and would be ever faithful to His servants. Isaiah’s poetic mention of the Lord’s voice to him, a loving, consistent nudge to awaken and listen for His life-giving, mission-affirming voice, is a soft reminder to all who read his words: The Lord speaks through His Word to teach, sustain, nudge, guide, and inspire.

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether…
By them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:1-9,11

Early pasty clouds are lit from below by the approaching herald of the day. The transformation from monochrome grey to emblazoned pink announce the sun’s power to alter and invigorate everything. Such an anointing from the Son of Righteousness illustrates how His presence awakens us to behold HIs glory, to listen as those taught, to receive what He has prescribed for this moment, this day. What the Lord speaks by heavens or Word is to be savored and shared. (Malachi 4:2)

When we rise in the morning, is it at the alarm to hit the ground running, or have we carved out time to allow God’s voice to speak? Are we frenetic and distracted, or eagerly tuned in to listen?

What responsibilities, or charges in ministry, has He entrusted to us that beg our full attention and need for divine filling? Before we teach, talk, strategize, or negotiate, how have we learned His voice? What biblical understanding and spiritual guidance directs us? Knowing our every care and assignment, the Lord faithfully instructs and reveals His glorious might so we can do His bidding. Keep alert!

Father, awaken all of me each day to receive from You so I can serve You and Yours with excellence, zeal, and joy.

 

To Combat, with Song!

“The Moabites and Ammonites and Meunites came against Jehoshaphat for battle… Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord… Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord…

“Jehoshaphat… said [to the assembly], ‘O Lord, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all kingdoms. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you…  Behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir…[are] coming to drive us out of your possession… O God,.. we are powerless against this great horde… We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’

“Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord… The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel… He said, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Do not be afraid [or] dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.  Tomorrow go down against them… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm,.. and see the salvation of the Lord…” The Lord will be with you.’

“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah… fell down before the Lord, worshiping. And the Levites… stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

“They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established;.. you will succeed!..’ He appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him as they went before the army, and say,

“’Give thanks to the Lord,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.’

“When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir… so that they were routed.

“Then they returned… to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies…. with harps and lyres and trumpets.” 2 Chronicles 20:1,3-6,10-22,27-28

Godly King Jehoshaphat was committed to God’s ways, and so delighted in them that even in trepidation, he advanced his armies with song. God was His praise! Through Bible history, astounding accounts abound of victory borne of song. While most battles are described by military strategy and taking up of arms, it was not uncommon for the Lord to defeat enemy armies, collapse the walls of wicked cities, break prisoners’ chains, and humble rebel hearts with the robust confidence and melodious joy of praise. (Joshua 6:8-20; Psalm 22:3; 43:4; Acts 16:22-35)

Many are the fortified walls in our lives, structures we build from shame and regret, fear, relationships broken by misunderstandings and unmet expectations and selfishness, bodies broken by the sad residue of the fall. We pursue an array of therapy, self-help gurus, pills, and other substances, but seldom accept the prescription of song.

The Bible is replete with examples of the power of music to allay formidable and destructive enemies. Evil spirits, cruel nations, and even despondency have been conquered by song. Why do we discount this glad and potent antidote, opting instead for other defenses, excuses, and ‘cures’? (Exodus 15:1-13; 1 Samuel 16:23; Psalm 42:5-11)

What are we combating today? Spiritual malaise or lack of direction? Anxiety over unwanted changes or the unknown ahead? Pesky attitudes or rabid temptations that we cannot evade? To battle! Sing a new song! To sing to God and praise His attributes establishes us in grateful victory. (Psalm 33:1-3; 96:1-4; Isaiah 42:10-12)

Lord, may I face every battle by singing to You who are worthy of trust and praise.

A Psalm as a Mantra

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself… over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land…

The wicked plots against the righteous
    and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord… sees his day coming.

The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows…
    to slay those whose way is upright;
their sword shall enter their own heart,
    and their bows shall be broken…

The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
    and their heritage will remain forever…

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:1-9,12-15,18,23-24

David had been anointed king by Samuel, though Saul was still in power. Saul benefited from David’s spiritual ministry and brave military prowess, yet jealousy and anger boiled within, and he repeatedly tried to kill him. A man after God’s heart, David continually turned to the Lord in trust for his future and purpose. Putting prayer to song, Psalms were his theme through this tumultuous season under threat and awaiting the Lord’s timing. Reminding himself of spiritual realities when tangible ones were gnarling had to be food for his soul. (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 16:13,16-23; 17:32-50; 18:10-12; 19:8-10)

The future holds many unknowns, but also fulfillment of specific promises. The tension of living in the now and not yet calls us to live by faith with a song in our hearts. Reminding ourselves of God’s word, and persisting in trust, righteousness, and patience are key when circumstances are difficult or go awry. Some messages thrum loud with urgency, others flow melodiously. Whether stated to convince or sung to praise, psalms of truth are Spirit-given. Put to memory, they can serve as mantras that encourage and refresh.

When pressure boils and uncertainties threaten, when financial or relational or physical instability looms, we react. What is our default mode of mind and response? Panic? Scramble to control as best we can? Fret because everything is not as we’d anticipated? Doubt God’s word? Or do we realign our rhythm with Him?

Gathering worry and desire, envy and fear, and tethering them to the Lord stills the soul. Deliberately delighting in the Lord, His attributes and promises, enables us to wait, be patient, and sing. This is hard, but the Word sustains.

What person, work situation, attitude, spiritual malaise, presently troubles? Fret not! What unsettles faith and resolve? Trust in the Lord, and do good! Where do we rue unmet desire and expectation? Delight in the Lord who does all things well in His time! Maintaining spiritual rhythm grounded in songs of the Word restores our souls. (Mark 7:37; Romans 8:28)

Father, keep me singing Your songs all the day, and night.

Spirit Secrets

“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:

“‘What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived’—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him—

“these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things… for,

‘Who has known the mind of the Lord
    so as to instruct him?‘

“But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Paul delineates clearly between wisdom of the age and wisdom from God. There is much natural man cannot and will never understand, apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. None can know the mind of the Lord, His secret wisdom and infinite treasures, except what is revealed by divine power. Paul’s very description compels the church to wonder, and delve, and discover, the depths of God. (Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 1:3-14)

Man’s wisdom is limited and temporal; God’s wisdom is eternally decreed. For the believer, a wisdom that existed before the ages becomes ours as we are increasingly sanctified and grow in spiritual understanding. The indwelling Christ who gives life imparts insight and understanding alien to the world. Do we crave it?

Distinguished as God’s people who hold God’s treasures in jars of clay and can see the world through the lens of an eternal perspective, we have the responsibility to hone spiritual wisdom while conveying it to the blind, unbelieving world. Filled with and led by the Spirit, we should do this with comprehension, patience, and compassion. Our handling of God’s secrets reveals how we value them. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

How eager am I to grow in spiritual wisdom? How committed am I to daily disciplines, dependent on the Holy Spirit? As I do increase my understanding of the word, God, and how He works, how am I applying what has been trusted to me? With whom am I participating in teaching, mentoring, admonishment, or edification? Spirit secrets known and shared glorify their source.

Lord, activate my imagination and desire to explore your infinite secrets by the power and enlightenment of your Spirit, and help me generously share them with others through words and actions that magnify You.