I have been really struggling with some health issues this fall. I'd like to just have a good cry over it all, but that would only make my head hurt more. You know, when you feel like you're in a very dark place? That's where I am right now. I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm trying to step out in faith, and trust that all will be okay. This is hard to do. But here I am today, and I'll be trying harder to make God and my studies of His word, my priority.
Let's turn to the Psalms.
Blessings,
Lili
Oh!! I wasn't even thinking which Psalm was today's!! I have this Psalm on an index card in my purse. I carry this everywhere. When I am fearful, I pull this out and pray it. I think it was the very first Psalm I ever put to memory. Oh goodness! Last week could have felt very different, if I'd just read this again during the week. "He will rescue you (me) from every trap and protect you (me) from the fatal plague".
I lost sight of Whose I am.
Psalm 91
1Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.3For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague.4He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.5Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day,6nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.7Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.8But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished.9If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,10no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling.11For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.12They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.13You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!14The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.15When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them.16I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."
"Chapter Contents - The safety of those who have God for their refuge. (1-8) Their favour with Him. (9-16)
Commentary on Psalm 91:1-8
He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage others to trust in him also.
Commentary on Psalm 91:9-16
Whatever happens, nothing shall hurt the believer; though trouble and affliction befal, it shall come, not for his hurt, but for good, though for the present it be not joyous but grievous. Those who rightly know God, will set their love upon him. They by prayer constantly call upon him. His promise is, that he will in due time deliver the believer out of trouble, and in the mean time be with him in trouble. The Lord will manage all his worldly concerns, and preserve his life on earth, so long as it shall be good for him. For encouragement in this he looks unto Jesus. He shall live long enough; till he has done the work he was sent into this world for, and is ready for heaven. Who would wish to live a day longer than God has some work to do, either by him or upon him? A man may die young, yet be satisfied with living. But a wicked man is not satisfied even with long life. At length the believer's conflict ends; he has done for ever with trouble, sin, and temptation."
Another one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering how you have been doing. So sorry you are in a dark place. One of my favorite non-Biblical quotes is from The Hiding Place (by Corrie ten Boom--a true story about a Dutch family who sheltered the Jews in WWII--the quote is by Corrie's sister Betsie and I'm paraphrasing ... ) "There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still". Betsie said this while she and Corrie were prisoners in a concentration camp. I am forever humbled by their faith in truly horrific circumstances.
I will pray for you.