Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Proverbs 12:16: “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”

The portrayal of the perspective of a fool versus someone who is wise is found throughout Proverbs 12 and other chapters in Proverbs. It is repeated over and over, therefore it calls us to pay attention and take heed regarding the differences between the two.

The word vexation means to be in a state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried. Indignation, exasperation, bad mood, all come into play. It is a type of intense emotion that is toward some imagined or real grievance. Anger often results.

Solomon stresses the importance of a wise person shrugging off an insult and ignoring it. How can we do that?  So a wise man shrugs off (ignores) the intended harmful effects of such speech which was an insult. He can brush it off and not carry it around. Can I do that? Not very easily. Can You?

The Message version of Proverbs 12:16, I need to have on a plague: “Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.”

But what about those situations in life where you find yourself in what is to you a fearful situation? I am not talking about health or financial issues. I am talking about what fearful emotional battles give you anxiety and  cause you to feel indignant and in an outrage? I found myself in that predicament this past week. It hit me by surprise and I have to admit the circumstance left me feeling highly offended, insulted, and oh I had “vexation!” Then I broke into tears in a very public place amidst strangers. My heart was racing and I was heading into a full blown panic attack.

Later, after gaining back my composure, I read Proverbs 12:25: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” There were no words in that instance that could have turned my brain into popping out relaxing molecules into my blood stream. I was weighed down. I prayed that God would give me a “good word” from Him and give me courage. A day later, I remembered the importance of giving praise to God as a sacrifice –  especially when you don’t feel like it which is what a sacrifice requires. I started to read Psalm 145, the chapter that David wrote, that I call David’s Hallelujah chorus. I started to pray Ps. 145 and then my eyes landed on verses 13b-14: “The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” That was it! God gave me His words to remind me that He was with me! Even though this well preplanned agenda had been constructed by my boss, sent out to the few selected sales team members I was a part of, someone deciding to not adhere to the schedule, and deciding to do it his own way, caused my anxiety. The sales person was expelled and banned from the preplanned agenda trip.

I have been stretched this week over and above any possible remaining comfort zone that I could ever have. I had none left. Every day I was put in situations where I didn’t know answers to questions that I was expected to be the authority and expert about. But reading chapters 12-18 in Proverbs became the words from God that helped pull me through these past few days while being on the East coast for work.

Warning: Guard your heart because it controls your mind!

Questions:

What fears or stressful situations do you have currently that cause you anxiety? If you don’t have one now, you will. Give it time!

How has God calmed and cast down your fears in the past? What verse gives you strength in this battle?

Have prudence. Don’t be a fool. Ask yourself –  what is it that only you can do, and if you don’t do it (with God’s help) it won’t get done?

Listen to Zach Williams YouTube song “Fear Is A Liar.”

 

Proverbs 10:19: “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Someone just said to me recently, that God gave us two ears but only one mouth. Therefore we need to listen more than we talk. Solomon is stating something similar in the book of Proverbs. Listening skills heighten emotional intelligence. It is a skill that needs to be more actively pursued.

The word prudent or having prudence means: Having wisdom; sound judgment; common sense; shrewdness; foresight; careful in the way decisions are made; wisdom gained through experience and knowledge, and expressed in a frugal and realistic attitude. If one wants to be wise, he must have the prudence to rightly observe and discern the reason behind other people’s actions. It takes heightened listening skills more than speaking skills. Wisdom in our speech means saying what is appropriate.

A parallel verse to Proverbs 10:19 is found in James 3:2: “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”

I find comfort that James said, “we all stumble in many ways.” What we do say and don’t say are both important. But controlling our desire not to say what we shouldn’t takes self-control and discipline.

Then Proverbs 17:27-28 sums it all up regarding wisdom and having intelligence: “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”

Solomon is saying that a fool would do well to keep his mouth shut at times. Oh how often I wish I could take back what came out of my mouth and do a replay and redo!

Sometimes we need to be still. We need to listen for God’s voice as we read His Word. To be quiet and give Him a turn to talk.

I love how the Message words Proverbs 17:27-28: “The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.”

Questions:

Did you ever realize how much power is in your words? Are your words encouraging others or discouraging recently?

How can you speak the truth in gentleness today rather than losing your temper when frustrating situations arise? It takes discernment to distinguish when one needs to be a peace maker or a peace keeper.

Actions speak louder than words. Pray for a day filled with the right apples of gold words, and that your conversation will be appropriate in content, be prudent, and be a blessing to others.

My prayer today: God give me your divine wisdom in being prudent in my conversations today. May I be a blessing and encouragement during my interactions that You have orchestrated as divine appointments for me to be placed at, at just the right time. May I be considered wise and of benefit to others I talk with today so You will get all the glory and praise as being my Jehovah Jireh – my great provider, my Jehovah Nissi – battle fighter, and Jehovah Shalom – giver of peace. In Jesus name, Amen.

Listen to Danny Gokey’s YouTube song “Rise.”

Philippians 4:8: “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

What we think about determines what we say. I have to ask myself and examine if I am dwelling and spending too much time on frustrating and adverse circumstances, or do I think more about joyful blessings that God has already done for me throughout my day? I’ll be honest. My mind often keeps replaying and recalling upsetting situations. Instead, I need to be watching in anticipation of God working out everything for my good as Romans 8:28 says, rather than dwelling over and over on the apparent roadblocks or feeling hurt and mistreated.

Proverbs 4:23 warns us: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” How that constantly takes diligent work. We need to set boundaries with our thought patterns and keep our focus on the sovereignty and power of God. Zig Ziglar called it not having “stinking thinking.”

Paul gives six thought patterns that are required to be put into practice for us to acquire and maintain a healthy mental focus:

Think about these things:

• Whatever is true – God’s Word is truth. Rejects irrational thinking.
• Whatever is honorable – Personal moral integrity that is dignified and noble.
• Whatever is just – Doing the right thing. Reputable. Pursuing righteousness.
• Whatever is pure – All aspects of moral purity in thoughts and speech.
• Whatever is lovely – Pleasing, agreeable, pure, and beautiful in creation.
• Whatever is commendable – Admirable conduct, gracious – the best, not the worst.

Philippians 4:8 tells us that when we are filling our minds with things that will inspire our worship of God, then praise and thanksgiving will naturally flow. We must take action. Destroy sinful thought patterns that are contrary to the truth found in Christ. It takes discipline. Only then will we be praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We must not stop.

Questions:

Who do you know is a living example you would like to emulate in always thinking and saying right or noble thoughts? What verse will help direct you to obtain this achievement?

The goal of obedience is found in Philippians 4:8-9. How can you be more obedient to God today than you were yesterday?

I read about a missionary named John Hyde, who during a trip in India, had judged a pastor very harshly as being spiritually cold. He confessed his critical spirit and then determined to not focus on his shortcomings of others but to see them as individuals that God loves. “Hyde asked the Lord to show him things that were “of good report” (Philippians 4:8) in the pastor’s life, and he praised God for the man’s virtues. Hyde learned later that during this exact time the pastor’s spiritual life was revitalized.” Our Daily Bread.

Dear Father, Help me to live out your grace, mercy, love, and kindness with who I come into contact today. Show me things that are of good report, right, and noble, in others in times of conflict and disagreement. Fill me with Your words of truth as I continue to work on fighting against having stinking thinking. In Jesus name, Amen.

Listen to Danny Gokey’s YouTube video song “Masterpiece.”

Proverbs 4:7: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom and whatever you get, get insight.”

The dictionary defines the word insight as the power or act of seeing intuitively; involves discernment; seeing into inner character or underlying truth; an often sudden understanding of a complicated situation or problem. Another defining word would be understanding.

In the business world, there is what is called Emotional Intelligence. “It is said to include three skills: emotional awareness; the ability to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving; and the ability to manage emotions, which includes regulating your own emotions and cheering up or calming down other people.” Psychology Today. Emotional Intelligence does not require having a high IQ and yet is very successfully used and needed in business to guide thinking and behavior to achieve one’s goals and matters more than technical expertise or IQ.

For Christians, having spiritual intelligence doesn’t require necessarily having a high IQ , but it requires reading the God’s Word, soaking in and absorbing its truth, spending time with God in prayer, deepening our relationship with our LORD, praising Him for our blessings and His faithfulness, extolling upon His greatness, and fellowshipping with other believers. It would also include gaining in our ability to be aware of the Holy Spirits promptings and growing in recognizing how God works through us and around us in accomplishing His will for our lives. It involves having our goals, attitudes, will, and feelings all exchanged for God’s.

The central theme of Proverbs is to find wisdom and to guard it continually. Proverbs 9:10 states: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Then Ephesians 1:8-9 is a parallel statement: “Which is lavished upon us (talking about God’s grace) in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ.”

The next time you battle with feelings of insecurity and feeling someone else is better or smarter than yourself (and I am talking to myself in this) remember Psalms 119:98-99: “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies; for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” Hiding God’s Word in our hearts gives us wisdom, insight, and understanding. It will surpass all human resources. We have access to God’s heart and mind and have full access to revelation by having both the Old and the New Testaments. That is a WOW fact!

As we continue to seek God’s wisdom and insight may we learn to see our self and others through God’s eyes. May we grow in our spiritual intelligence in the school of Christ, being His humble disciple.

Questions:

What insight do you need into any trying relationships in your life right now?

What wisdom has God taught you through trials in your life? Reflect – remember the past. Do you realize you have insight to share with someone else who needs to hear it just from you alone?

My prayer today: God give me Your insight today into each person and situation I encounter. Lavish wisdom and spiritual intelligence into my heart and mind. I want to be aware that You are  orchestrating the details for me to be used as an answer to someone else’s prayer today. I thank You in advance that You will be fighting my battles as You are my great shepherd, redeemer, provider, and teacher. In Jesus name, Amen.

Listen to Danny Gokey’s YouTube song “My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me.”

Proverbs 2:6-8: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”

The purpose of the gift of wisdom from God is like having a personal body guard to protect us – watching over us to keep us from the harm of danger. Our mind must be continually rebooted in being filled by the truth found in God’s Word. It is having heavenly mind control over our thinking. The wisdom gained from God speaking to us through His Word is there to shield the paths we walk on and go through. Our day-to-day behavior and personal character are to be aligned with living a life of integrity, founded in our relationship with our LORD.

“Wisdom comes from obedience, not knowledge. When we have been tested and proven, the reality of our faith results in possessions from God that we would never receive if we had not gone through those trials. These are precious in His sight and should be valued greatly. Those who know you will be amazed at the wisdom that comes from your mouth. It is one of those mysteries of the gospel that only those who experience incredible testing and hardship can explain.” Oz Hillman.

As Proverbs 11:3 states: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” There is that word “integrity” again. Compromising standards is not living after a life of righteousness and cannot be rewarded by God. Honesty and high moral character guides us through the troubles of life in making wise decisions.

Proverbs 2:10-11 tells me the heart is the depository of all wisdom:

• Wisdom will come into your heart v. 10.
• Discretion will watch over you v. 11.
• Understanding will guard you v 11.

God is our shield as we walk in righteousness and integrity. He is not stingy and has no financial restructuring budget due to lack of finances involving His will in our lives. He never has to revise a business plan and is never in the red.

Questions:

How do you need God to guard and protect you today? Is it in your thoughts? Is it in your speech? Or maybe your challenges in your job right now?

What counsel are you in need of today from the Lord? Ask Him. He promises to give you His intimate wisdom.

My prayer for today: God, I need your Holy Spirit to fill me with an abundance of Your wisdom. Magnify to me your glory being magnified in me as you direct every step. Illuminate your Word and mold me as you see fit. Fill me with understanding and guard me with the flowing of your filling of peace in my heart. Help me to understand and use the circumstances I am in for your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

Watch and listen to Danney Gokey’s YouTube song “Masterpiece.”

Proverbs 1:33 ESV: “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Do you remember your parents saying to you: “Listen to me. Listen to what I say!” Or better yet do you remember telling your children those very words? The instruction was given to obey, and it was expected and needed to be followed without questioning. A consequence would happen if the wisdom given was not heeded.

The HCSB states Proverbs 1:33 this way: “But whoever listens to me will live securely; and be free from the fear of danger.” The word “fear” stands out to me as the root of my problem in dealing with “bad news.”

The voice of wisdom, in Proverbs 1:33, is rooted in the fear of the Lord, from which is the ground from which wisdom can grow. Psalms 25:12 HCSB states: “Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will show him the way he should choose.”

Proverbs urges living out a life of integrity from our right relationship with our Lord. Making wise choices and anticipating Satan’s entrapments. Having shrewdness, discernment, and prudence activated from God’s Word embedded in our hearts and minds.

It states in Psalm 112:7, 8 ESV: “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.”

That phrase, “not afraid of bad news.” The HCSB says “He will not fear bad news; his heart is confident, trusting in the LORD. His heart is assured; he will not fear. In the end he will look up in triumph on his foes.” Psalm 112:7, 8.

How do you do that – not be afraid and not have fear of bad news?

How do we remain steadfast and not be shaken when disaster level circumstances hit?

• Listen for the voice of the LORD. Ask Him to confide in you, as you read His Word. Psalm 25:14 NIV. Ask God to speak to you so that you will recognize His voice.
• Fact: Psalm 9:9: “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Put your trust in Him – nothing else – nobody else.
• Seek Him with all your heart. Hebrews 11:6 and Psalm 9:10.
• Trust God will do what He says.
• Have God confidence and not self-confidence.

I will never forget when I had just taught a Bible study to women at our church a couple of summers ago about this very content of verses – not being afraid of bad news. I drove home enjoying the songs sung by various Christian artists on my XM radio. I walked into the house. My husband was sitting at his desk and turned to me and said: “I have some bad news to tell you. You better sit down.” It was a blow. All I could do was bow my head and start praying out loud with my husband after he explained to me the facts of a  sudden situation from a phone call he had received. The bad news was not easy to hear or have to experience. We were suddenly in a real life situation that vividly applied those very verses.

I don’t know that I ever will be an expert in handling calmly unfavorable news every time. I have often felt defeated upon receiving distressing news. But I do know, that these very verses have given me strength and courage in remembering that God is bigger than “this” –  is what godly wisdom tells me and where my security is grounded.

Questions

1. How do you hear God’s voice while reading God’s Word?
2. What wisdom does God want you to know today? Don’t rush it. Ask and you shall find and receive.

Listen to Casting Crowns YouTube song, “I Will Praise You in This Storm.” May it encourage you today.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand under it.”

“No temptation” = some versions of the Bible translate and use the word “test,” and others use the word “temptations.” In every test that God allows, there is always the possibility that we may allow it to become a temptation to sin. We are still held responsible for how we react and respond.

Temptations are a file which rubs off much of the rust of our self-confidence. – François Fenelon.

In the preceding verses of 1 Cor. 10:13, Paul was talking about sins of sexual immorality and grumbling. Oh, we know that immoral living is wrong, but what about the temptation of grumbling? That doesn’t seem to get a lot of publicity as being a sin as such does it?

When I complain – grumble – I forget God’s blessings and past answers to prayer at the moment. I am short-sighted and am only concentrating on the present.

Why do we live in a fantasy world and have unrealistic expectations that life should be easy come, easy go? That we should have little difficulties? This is common and inevitable. After all, we feel we are entitled, don’t we?

Sometimes the importance of being right becomes our golden calf – our idol. Then we give into the temptation of feeling superior. We think we should be happy all the time. The feeling of pleasure has a narcotic effect. It takes our minds off of ourselves and our conflict.

Jay Adams has said: “Viewed from one perspective, a problem is a test which, if solved biblically, strengthens and helps one grow in grace (cf. James 1:2, 3, 4). Looked at from a different perspective, the same problem may be used by Satan as a temptation for sin.”

How can we recognize temptations in our trials?

• Stop focusing on the problem and look up and seek God’s guidance.
• Recognize the people and situations that give you trouble.
• Choose to do what is right no matter what. Don’t give in to feelings of animosity and bitterness.
• Despair often opens the door to sin. Guard against that.
• Run away – fleeing from sinful situations is not cowardly. 1 Tim. 2:22.
• Compartmentalize your problems. Deal with them one at a time as you trust God to provide in each one, one at a time. Jehovah Jireh – God will provide. Jehovah Nissi – battle fighter.

One thing that God does promise when we are tempted is that He will provide the exit door – the way out. How can we know that?

• Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• Psalm 25:14: “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”
• Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

God is faithful to His Word and His compassionate nature. He sends tests but not temptations.

1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG: “All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”

Questions

1. How has your character been tested when undergoing a trial?
2. Watch how you respond to tests. Think back over this past week. How would you rate yourself in not giving into any temptation to sin during recent times of hardships and disappointments? Has the testing of your faith produced endurance and spiritual maturity this time?

My prayer today is an excerpt from one of the Puritan Prayers from the book, “The Valley of Vision. A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions:”

“And may I prize the gain of a little holiness as overbalancing all my losses . . . . My great evil is that I do not remember the sins of my youth, nay, the sins of one day I forget the next. Keep me from all things that turn to unbelief or lack of felt union with Christ.”

Listen to Casting Crowns YouTube song “For All You Are,” Lyric Video.

 

Acts 13:22: “And when he had removed him (Saul) he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

Acts 13:22 cites both Psalm 89:20-26 and 1 Samuel 16:13 referencing David being a man after God’s heart. In 1 Sam. 16:13,  Samuel anointed David with oil, in front of his brothers, “And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” Samuel anoints David as king, but he was not publicly anointed until much later (2 Sam.2:4; 5:3). Saul was still legally the king at this time. David was being prepared by God for his future responsibilities. We are all being made ready for God’s purposes in our life in where He has positioned us.

God promised in Psalm 89:221b-24a that He would do the following for David due to his integrity and unwavering obedience to God:

• Strengthen and sustain him.
• The enemy shall not outwit him.
• Wicked shall not humble him.
• God would crush his foes before him.
• Strike down whoever hates David.
• God’s faithfulness and steadfast love would be with him.
• Promised to have God’s power to accomplish God’s will.

Wow, that was quite a promise God declared He would do for David, a man after God’s own heart!

David was not perfect, had weaknesses and made mistakes. He fell into sin when he committed adultery, arranged the murder of Uriah, disobeyed God in taking a census of the people, gave into anger, and did not deal decisively with the sins of his children. However, David was quick to repent and have remorse for his sins. His confessions were from a genuine and sincere heart, and he had to suffer the consequences of his wrongdoings.

David’s strengths and accomplishments were:

• Skilled musician
• Man of integrity
• Genuinely humble
• Courageous
• Ancestor of Jesus
• Most significant king of Israel

David learned leadership skills in solitude while tending to his father’s sheep. That is where he had a servant’s heart. He faithfully did what his father told him to do. While David’s brothers were off in the army fighting massive, impressive battles, David was all alone, doing his job, taking care of the sheep.

David endured being mistreated throughout his life. When Saul chased him with a band of mighty soldiers to kill David, David could have taken revenge into his own hands. I would have been tempted not to be so forgiving to someone that was trying to kill me! David allowed Saul to live when he confronted him and stated: “I could have taken your life, but I didn’t. I will let God judge between you and me (1 Samuel 24:12).”

David was treated unfairly yet he was free from the bondage of resentment and revenge. Be aware that feelings of revenge when mistreated are inevitable. It can happen in work, from a parent, a coach, a teacher, a spouse, or someone you thought was your friend. Vengeance is one of those quiet, eating at your raw nerve sins that we just might overlook. We feel we are the victim. We feel we are justified. But we cannot change the other person. All we can do is handle our part much as David did. Forgive someone today who doesn’t deserve it.

A servant, much like David, doesn’t crave attention or glory of rewards. A servant’s goal is to make those he serves to look better, to help make that person even more successful and to respect those in charge. A servant does not want the person he serves to fall short or fail. He wants to see God say, “Job well done!” This includes not retaliating hurtfully in actions or responses. Simply, “be that as it may” and “nevertheless” are ideal vocabulary phrases to keep in mind and use when in conflict with sticky intimidating and daunting people.. Reject the unnecessary payback and ask God to handle your enemies just as He did for David. God’s faithful and steadfast love is forever and ever.

David’s armor in front of Goliath that day was invisible. He was spiritually equipped. So are we as we depend on the Holy Spirit’s strength and His armor surrounding us.

Questions:

1. How can you live as Romans 12:16 states “Live in harmony with one another.” Verse 18 tells us “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
2. God changes us while we are in the wait. He changed David while he waited patiently for the LORD as he said in Psalm 40:1-2: “I waited patiently for the LORD; And he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And he set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” How are you being changed while you are in your season of “being in the wait?”

My prayer for today: God, I don’t have much patience when I have to wait for your answer or when treated in a way that I feel is unjust – not right. You are continually stretching me to grow in your grace and mercy. You have spiritually equipped me to fight the Goliath’s and Saul’s of life, but too often I fall into despair, get discouraged, and my joy that should be glowing from being with You, is stolen, killed, and subdued. May my successes be sanctified in You and may I reflect and show Your praise and glory to others today. Your opinion matters most. You are my help and shield. No payback is needed. I exalt you forever and ever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Listen to Micah Tyler’s Official Lyric Video YouTube, of his song “Different.”

Psalm 146:1-2: “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”

The Hebrew word for “Praise the LORD” is “Hallelujah” and is used in the HCSB version of Psalm 146. This phrase or word starts ten of the Psalms: 106, 111-113, 135, 146-150. That is why these Psalms are often called the Hallelujah Psalms. Try reading out loud one of these Psalms as a prayer of thanksgiving up to God for His greatness and goodness.

It is said that David was a man after God’s own heart. More has been written about David than any other biblical character. How do we grow and then live out to have that said about us? I wonder, will people say that about me after I am gone? I would hope that I leave that type of memory in people’s minds rather than my many shortcomings.

David had many talents. He was a shepherd, wrote 75 of the 150 psalms, skillful musician – he often played his harp for Saul, fought in battles, was a commanding communicator, a statesman, and administrator who set his standards high for future kings of Israel and Judah. David knew God intimately despite his trials in life because his training ground was spent in solitude, repetitive, and obscure. But he never gave up hope and trust in God to deliver and provide for his needs.

David faithfully sang praises to God throughout his life even though David suffered at the hands of his enemies. He experienced injustice in afflictions having three of his sons that turned against him, besides his close friend and counselor Ahithophel. But God delivered David every time as he continued to sing praises up to God.

David felt real fear, but he ultimately embraced God’s loving faithfulness, and he responded with perseverance in singing aloud of God’s righteousness.

Psalm 146 gives us some guidelines for being a woman or man after God’s own heart:

• Verses 1-4 – Trust in God and not in people. Even in sad circumstances praise the Lord. Disassociate yourself from dependence on people over – dependence on God.
• People will disappoint us, but God can meet every need of our heart – verse 3.
• Our dreams can vanish. The impact God has planned for us occurs when we are pursuing God.
• Verse 6 – God remains faithful forever. He never stops.
• Verse 7 – God executes justice so every person can trust in His righteous judgment to right where we have been wronged. Give up your painful memories to God to be free of that bondage.
• Verses 8-10 – The LORD loves, protects, provides, is faithful to all of His promises. God frustrates and defeats the purposes of the wicked.

2 Chronicles 16:9a ESV states: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” The HCSB states: “For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His.”

God continuously watches and examines my inner thoughts, attitudes, and my heart to see if it is pursuing after God’s own heart. He is looking for my heart to be wholly His. For my heart to be blameless before God just as David confessed every sin before God to have his life pure and righteous before a righteous God.

Chuck Swindoll has said: “Faith is counting on Him when we do not know what tomorrow holds.” David. A Man of Passion & Desitiny.

Questions:

How can you show unconditional love to the challenging sandpaper people you come across this week? God uses people that are irritating, rub us the wrong way, and are bothersome, as part of His all-knowing plan for our life because He knows about it – strange as that may seem.

Do you realize God sees you as having value? Ps. 147:11 HCSB states: “The LORD values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love.” Since you are therefore cherished by God, think about how you can praise Him more throughout  today despite roadblocks and pessimistic responses you encounter. God will show Himself strong in His support and is our ever present stronghold of refuge.

My prayer today:  Dear God, You faithfully love me no matter what. I come to you with my distresses, difficulties, and look forward to full fellowship with You. As You plead my cause I proclaim my gratitude and sacrifice of praise as You lift me up. You are my refuge, my battle fighter – Jehovah Nissi – my good shepherd, and ever-present wherever I go. I put on a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair to display your splendor (Is. 61:3b). May there not be any offenses in my life that separate you from hearing my requests. Help me to grasp fully the truth found in your Word and apply it correctly in my life. I place my hope and dreams in your unfailing love and goodness as my counselor and defender. In Jesus name Amen.

Listen to Zach Williams You Tube “Old Church Choir” official lyric video as he sings “There is nothing going to steel my joy!”

Matthew 8:23-27a: “As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. The men were amazed . . .”

This particular passage of scripture reminds me that my trials in life come without warning just as the storm came up suddenly for the disciples in the boat with Jesus. Why am I surprised when a new ache in my heart strikes and yet I know Peter warns us in 1 Peter 4:12: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes up to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” My response to being swamped in turmoil sometimes goes like this: Really? Why is this happening again? Didn’t we already go through this lesson in the past and wasn’t it enough? Instead of: OK God, You are Jehovah Jireh! You will provide the solution as we go through this together! But I am working on it.

The disciples had Jesus with them in their boat that was being tossed up and down in this storm on the sea. They had just witnessed many miracles Jesus had done such as He cleansed a leper, healed the Centurion’s servant, and healed Peter’s mother-in-law.

I am no different than the disciples. God has answered all sizes of trials in my life and He has amazed me too in the past.

The disciples were trained and experienced sailors. They recognized they could all drown and this was out of their control. They couldn’t make this treacherous event of nature stop. They were naturally afraid. Who wouldn’t be? But they didn’t remember that God had created the wind and the sea and He could control His creation and did!

Jehova Nissi, one of the OT names for God, means – battle fighter. Therefore that means God will provide justice, protection, and provide the right legal solution for every wrong.

If you are feeling fearful right now at the beginning of a hard circumstance that is out of your control, rest your head on your pillow tonight. Know that if God can create all the stars in the galaxy, pump 3000 gallons of blood per day through your body, and gave you a human brain that has 10 billion nerve cells interacting in coordination to allow you to function as you do, God is in control of the outcome of your troubled heart.

Hold onto your hope. Tell God exactly how you feel in the storm, and as Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 17:20b: “. . .if you have faith, as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Questions:

1. What is in your boat today? Cast all your anxiety on God (1 Peter 5:7). He cares for you.
2. Why is our memory of passed answers to prayers often shortsighted when a new and different crisis hits?
3. Have you noticed your faith may be lacking when you are lacking sleep and not eating healthy?

My Prayer today: God, you are my stronghold. I praise you forever and ever for your magnificent power, grace, goodness, mercy, love, and constant presence. You are my refuge. Speak to me the truth found in your Word and help me then to reflect your image of peace in my heart and mind. Any success or failure is under your providence. In the ordinary concerns of life I direct them all up to you. I lift up my voice in joyous praise because I am assured you will direct my steps and light my path one day at a time. In Jesus name Amen.