Lessons From The Psalms

In my morning Bible reading a few days ago, I can upon this verse from Psalm 62:8. - "Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people: pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!"

In thinking about this for a few days, I've made a few observations.

1. This verse states that at all times we are to trust, lean and rely and have confidence in the Lord.

What does that mean? Just what it says. Trust when you need someone to trust in, trust when you feel like you don't need anyone. Lean on the Lord when you feel weak. Lean on the Lord when you feel strong and stable. Rely on the Lord when you are at a loss of who to rely on, rely on the Lord when you feel self-sufficient. Have confidence in the Lord when you feel full of doubt, have confidence in the Lord when you are feeling totally belief in yourself.

See a pattern here? This command is not about feeling. It doesn't say that when you feel like you need someone to trust in, trust in the Lord. I think that's how we act so often though. We treat God like a backup plan, there when we need Him, but tucked away and out of sight when we're doing "fine." Oh Christian, this is one of the greatest tragedies in all of life.

2. We are called to talk to the Lord.

What is one of the most crucial, basic, and pivotal aspects of any relationship? Communication. In fact, is it even possible to have a relationship with someone you don't speak to? My guess is no. This is a plea from the Lord. Did it ever occur to you that the Lord doesn't just want you to know Him and go to Heaven when you die? He wants a relationship and intimacy with you. Christ desires for you to share your heart with Him, not because you feel like you have to, but because you want to, because you love Him, because He loves you. The most beautiful thing about this is, there are not requirements for what we have to talk to the Lord about. Talk about your hurts, talk about your joys, talk about how you wish mosquitos have never been created. Just talk. You'll be surprised at how much closer you will grow to the Lord in a short time.

3. God is a refuge

There are times in our life where we all run. Run from pain, run from others, run from Spanish class. The point is, that whatever we're running from, Christ will always be a safe place. He will always welcome. Always protect. Does that mean bad things won't happen, of course not! But when they do, He will always be right beside you. There's really no clearer way to put it.

4. Lastly, Selah

Pause and think. That means, don't just skim over this, think about it! Internalize these truths! Commit this to memory. Do not let these beautiful callings pass you by! If you miss this, it's your loss. Mighty blessings are in store for you if make it your goal live out this verse. Do it for a month. My guess is you'll find that you won't want to go back to the old way.

Maybe this means nothing to you, maybe it means something. All I know is that this has been a precious message from the Lord for me at this point in my life. Like cool water to the thirsty, is the word of the Lord to a hungry heart.

May the Lord bless and keep you today.

Decisions, Consequences, and Restitution

Have you ever done something, without really taking proper time to thing about the potential ramifications your actions could have? It never goes down in history as one of your brightest moments in life. But, there will always be a lesson that can be learned from the situation.

This week I made one of those mistakes that looking back just upon makes you feel sick to the stomach. It was a prank that was taken too far, and went wrong. What started out funny and very harmless, ended up bringing a lot of stress and anxiety to people I love very much. It was one of my dumbest moments in life that brings immediate consequences and will bring more consequences in the near future. But, as cliche as it may sound, it was a learning experience.

- I learned that there are warning signs to bad decisions. When I sense myself second guessing and feeling like I might not have made the right decision I need to stop and evaluate my actions.

- I need to stand up, and take control of situation that I know are not going in the right direction. If that means choosing to do the unpopular thing of refusing to participate, then so be it. Time cannot be turned back and some choices can never be changed.

- When the worst happens, and people are hurt or angered by my actions, I have to take full responsibility. It it my duty and calling to humble myself and repent. Whether or not I'm forgiven, I have to repent - repent to the Lord first for dishonoring His name by doing something that brings Him no glory, and then to the people who have been affected by what I've done.

- I have to take responsibility to bear the consequences of my decisions. Sometimes that means sacrifice. It could take time, work, money, etc. to repair what my decisions have damaged.

- Lastly, I have to cling to the truth that the Lord has forgiven me and nothing I do can separate me from His love or can turn me into a lesser, worse person. My identity is not based upon my decisions or my past - it is based upon the Savior who has saved me and lives in me.

As simple as these may sound, living them out and following them is not easy. Sometimes it takes a lot of tears and work. In my case, it's taken a whole lot of tears, a lot of repentance, and will in all likelihood take some time and work.

But, as much as I wish I could take everything back, it has really been a blessed ordeal. I have grown and I know that I will always remember this. I pray the memory of this will be a driving force that helps me become a stronger Christian.

Only the Lord knows what will come out of this, but I am thankful for friends and family that do love me very much and are willing to forgive. I am blessed to have had this happen in what really is the safest environment. Even in my mistakes, the Lord has blessed me.

My prayer for each person is that they will see their mistakes and bad decisions in life as learning curves. Sometimes the results of your actions last forever, but there is always something to be learned. And, as much as we want to be forgiven, sometimes that doesn't happen. You cannot make someone forgive you, you can only repent. In reality it is the forgiveness of God that lasts forever, man's unforgiveness lasts only a lifetime, the Lord's forgiveness stretches into eternity.

A lesson learned is more valuable that a multitude of experiences

The Start of Something New

I have finally ventured into the world of blogging. Where it will lead, no one knows for sure.

My goal with this blog is to simply be a witness to what the Lord is doing and will do in my life. Perhaps, through my thoughts and experiences, someone else will be blessed.

I live to serve the Lord, and my prayer is that this blog will be used only for HIS glory.

To Him be the glory forever and ever, Amen.