Psalm Study Thread

[wayfaring man]

Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rides upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. <-----> Psalm 68:1-4

JAH -

H3050
&#1497;&#1492;&#1468;
ya&#770;hh
yaw
Contracted for H3068, and meaning the same; Jah, the sacred name: - Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Cp. names in &#8220;-iah,&#8221; &#8220;-jah.&#8221;

vehement - (to carry) : marked by forceful energy, POWERFUL a. intensely emotional : IMPASSIONED, FERVID b. (1) deeply felt (2) forcibly expressed c. bitterly antagonistic

When Moses asked God's name at the burning bush, God answered "I AM THAT I AM", tell them "I AM" has sent you.

Notice though that God defected his question somewhat...but since then "I AM", was held to be God's name, in Hebrew it is written without the vowels, but is most likely YAHWEH, with YAH or JAH being a shortened form (the y's become j's in English), but Jehovah is not a really sound rendering, from what I've studied non-Hebrew scholars decided to intersperse vowels from elohim and Adonai (two other names or titles for God), between the Hebrew consonants YHWH, or YWVH (since the Hebrews counted the name so sacred it was kept secret from most which lead to some uncertainty over it), but YAHWEH clearly has two syllables, while Jehovah has three, and names tend to lose syllables over time, not gain them. So ironically some who make a big fuss over Jehovah, are likely ascribing a poor rendering of a name which was somewhat more a deflection than a direct answer to begin with...

But as was said already, it is The One Who Is Being Represented that matters most, though studying what those names are associated with can be helpful.

I imagine that if God were to speak His Name without deflection, to us mere (sinful) mortals, that either we could neither hear nor pronounce it, or we would all be instantly disintegrated by the force and the frequency with which it would be uttered, or both !

Also in The New Testament we are given -

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. <-----> Acts 4:10-12

But upon studying the name Jesus Christ we find that Je stands for JAH, and sus for salvation, with Christ meaning Anointed One or Messiah.

So Jesus Christ is more of a title than an ordinary name, which means YAH's or YAHWEH's Salvation through His Anointed One.

May The Name of The Lord Be Praised !

wm

 

[Stravinsk]

But upon studying the name Jesus Christ we find that Je stands for JAH, and sus for salvation, with Christ meaning Anointed One or Messiah.

So Jesus Christ is more of a title than an ordinary name, which means YAH's or YAHWEH's Salvation through His Anointed One.

May The Name of The Lord Be Praised !

wm

Uh - in what language?

There was no "J" sound in either Hebrew nor Greek nor Latin at the time.

H'sus - pronounced "ha zus" or "hey zoos" - literally sounds out the word for "the horse" in Hebrew.

In Latin - the "sus" - is the sound for "pig". Look it up for yourself.

In Greek - the "sus" sound is identical to the sound for Zeus.

The name of the Messiah is the Hebrew for what we know in English as Joshua - who was the high priest.

I suggest reading Zechariah chapters 3 and 6.

This name in Hebrew is sounded: Yah-u-shu-ah

 

[wayfaring man]

Uh - in what language?

There was no "J" sound in either Hebrew nor Greek nor Latin at the time.

H'sus - pronounced "ha zus" or "hey zoos" - literally sounds out the word for "the horse" in Hebrew.

In Latin - the "sus" - is the sound for "pig". Look it up for yourself.

In Greek - the "sus" sound is identical to the sound for Zeus.

The name of the Messiah is the Hebrew for what we know in English as Joshua - who was the high priest.

I suggest reading Zechariah chapters 3 and 6.

This name in Hebrew is sounded: Yah-u-shu-ah

I said the Y becomes a J in English -

The way I defined Jesus is from it's Hebrew roots Yehoshua , or Joshua.

G2424
&#921;&#787;&#951;&#963;&#959;&#965;&#834;&#962;
Ie&#772;sous
ee-ay-sooce'
Of Hebrew origin [H3091]; Jesus (that is, Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites: - Jesus.

H3091
&#1497;&#1492;&#1493;&#1513;&#1473;&#1506; &#1497;&#1492;&#1493;&#1513;&#1473;&#1493;&#1468;&#1506;
yeho&#770;shu&#770;a&#8219; yeho&#770;shu&#770;a&#8219;
yeh-ho-shoo'-ah, yeh-ho-shoo'-ah
From H3068 and H3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (that is, Joshua), the Jewish leader: - Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954, H3442.

I'm sure The Lord knows Who we mean regardless of the language barriers.

And that the mere pronunciation of His Name isn't a "secret password" like "open sesame", for The Lord looks on the heart, and knows the intentions.

Words and names/their definitions and associations are constantly being revised, and expanded upon it's not the words themselves that matter but what is meant when one speaks or hears them.

wm

 

[Stravinsk]

I said the Y becomes a J in English -

The way I defined Jesus is from it's Hebrew roots Yehoshua , or Joshua.

G2424
&#921;&#787;&#951;&#963;&#959;&#965;&#834;&#962;
Ie&#772;sous
ee-ay-sooce'
Of Hebrew origin [H3091]; Jesus (that is, Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites: - Jesus.

H3091
&#1497;&#1492;&#1493;&#1513;&#1473;&#1506; &#1497;&#1492;&#1493;&#1513;&#1473;&#1493;&#1468;&#1506;
yeho&#770;shu&#770;a&#8219; yeho&#770;shu&#770;a&#8219;
yeh-ho-shoo'-ah, yeh-ho-shoo'-ah
From H3068 and H3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (that is, Joshua), the Jewish leader: - Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954, H3442.

I'm sure The Lord knows Who we mean regardless of the language barriers.

And that the mere pronunciation of His Name isn't a "secret password" like "open sesame", for The Lord looks on the heart, and knows the intentions.

Words and names/their definitions and associations are constantly being revised, and expanded upon it's not the words themselves that matter but what is meant when one speaks or hears them.

wm

It is true that God knows the heart.

But there is a problem with the name "Jesus"

It doesn't contain the Father's name.

To most Christians - "LORD" is the only word they know for Father.

Yahushuah- contains the Father's name, as "shua" means "saves" - and is in no language associated with beasts (horses-Hebrew, pigs-Latin) or false gods such as Zeus.

One can argue that this is semantics - but God makes it plain that His name is important to Him.

 

[wayfaring man]

Yes God's Name is Very Important...but His Name is not merely a "spelling", or a pronunciation.

shem - is a Hebrew word for "name", and it's meaning goes beyond an appellation and speaks of the definite and conspicuous position held (which is more like title), and refers specifically to the individuality of the entity along with their renown/reputation, their character, their place of honor, and their authority.

So knowing God's Name in a biblical/spiritual sense includes much more than a spelling or a pronunciation. But it shouldn't hurt to try and be correct in that way...as long as we realize there's much more to a name, especially God's !

Peace, Joy, and Righteousness in Christ.

wm

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 114

1 When Israel came out of Egypt,
Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
2 Judah became God’s sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.
3 The sea looked and fled,
the Jordan turned back;
4 the mountains leaped like rams,
the hills like lambs.
5 Why was it, sea, that you fled?
Why, Jordan, did you turn back?
6 Why, mountains, did you leap like rams,
you hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turned the rock into a pool,
the hard rock into springs of water.

Ever wondered how things happen the way that they do? Israel had the impossible task of fleeing Egypt. Well it seemed that way to them. Yet the Lord spoke and things happened. It was like all the earth was under the obedience of God. God just said the word and it happened. Like in a Harry Potter but real.

Ok so we all know that God has power and souverenty but how much do we actually trust it? I must admit I am more like the Israelited than I first hoped. I would be the one out in the desert saying "the water bottle is empty someone better do something about it fast" or at the edge of the sea saying "you really expect me to swim that far?!?"

We may be hard pressed to get a sensible answer from the mountains, sea and rock but they know the truth - God is in control. They know who is Master of this universe. The real question is - do we?

(and no I am not talking about Heman. I know I watched the cartoon as a child but I think they were a little bit wrong)

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 115

1 Not to us, LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

2 Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
6 They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
7 They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
9 All you Israelites, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
10 House of Aaron, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
11 You who fear him, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless his people Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
13 he will bless those who fear the LORD—
small and great alike.
14 May the LORD cause you to flourish,
both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
16 The highest heavens belong to the LORD,
but the earth he has given to mankind.
17 It is not the dead who praise the LORD,
those who go down to the place of silence;
18 it is we who extol the LORD,
both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.

We know why we should praise the Lord. We know how to praise the Lord. We know God's promises and His love. We know a lot about the Lord. We know how He is different to other idols and how He is part of our daily lives. Yes, He is our source of blessing, of security (shield) and help. He can move freely about. He has a home. In fact, there is so much about the Lord that is worthy of praise that we need to do it daily.

You see, the psalmist knew that life is short but it is the only time we have to praise the Lord. To know how fleeting it is the Grade 3 students I taught in London will be now old enough to drink, marry, drive and vote. They are also would have chosen careers and lifestyles for themselves. They would be half way through their first year at college/university. In those days I didn't give much praise to the Lord. It was a different life I lived back then. A lot has changed in their lives and my life since those days.

The dead don't get a choice in life. Life is when we choose to praise the Lord or not. So tomorrow, as I wake from my lovely sleep (I enjoy resting!) I am going to ask myself one simple question - I am going to praise the Lord today?

Now I am not sure where you are in your life. And I am not going to say, in my current situation, if I can answer that question easily throughout the day but I know that in all things, glory and honour goes to the Lord first. Tomorrow is going to be His.

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 116

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came over me;
I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“LORD, save me!”
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
10 I trusted in the LORD when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 in my alarm I said,
“Everyone is a liar.”
12 What shall I return to the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, LORD;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD—
in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

How many times have you said "praise the Lord" and actually meant it? How often do you start your prayers with a praise report?

When I think of the psalmist writing this I picture someone sitting down after a long, hard trial in their life which has turned to good. It is that moment when you go to the doctor and they finally say "your going to be ok"; or it is finally getting that job after a long search; or it is the money you find hidden in an old bag just when you desperately need it; or it is the strength to complete a task when you really just wanted to watch tv; or it is .... it is a moment when the build up of stress is finally relieved and the psalmist wants to tell the world about it.

However, now in this world things are constantly changing. So much so that we forget the stress of yesterday as we are surrounded by new stress everyday. We say "thank for that Lord. I am ok today but tomorrow Lord, we got issues there". We are so quick to deflate the praise worthy of God. Did you know in the US the average child got around $646* worth of Christmas presents last year? 2001 was the highest with $1052 on average per child. It is hard to measure what really is worth praise when we have such a warped sense of giving. We expect more and we are trained to expect more - for our money, from others, from ourselves and even God. We expect God to give us our daily bread, some butter and vegemite to go on it, with a skinny cafe late on the side please (no sugar I am sweet enough already thanks). And that is just for breakfast. we struggle with praising God because we want more.

Now my family can't afford all that for Christmas (and we don't really care to) but I worked in a school last year where some of my students had better technology than I had. But I remember one mother who had grown up in Serbia during the war. She refused to let her daughter take for granted anything because she knew what it was like to live without. I have never had to live without the knowledge of the Lord. I have not always walked directly on His path but I have never know what it is like to not know the Lord. That is enough for me to give praise about.


* Refer to 2011 Holiday Shopping

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 117

1 Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.

Do I need to add anymore?

Psaise doesn't have to be hard or complicated. You don't need to write a song or ballad. You don't need to do anything other than recognise who God is to you. Why is God worthy of praise? Only you can answer that for yourself. Many people have their own songs, poems, psalms, stories, prayers etc Only you can find out for yourself why He is worthy and how you want to express it. It can be up on the mountain top yelling or whispering on your knees. The psalmist found his answer - through writing a 2 verse psalm for everyone to learn (I always loved this psalm in Sunday school).

So how about you?

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 118

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
&#8220;His love endures forever.&#8221;
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
&#8220;His love endures forever.&#8221;
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
&#8220;His love endures forever.&#8221;
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
&#8220;The LORD&#8217;s right hand has done mighty things!
16 The LORD&#8217;s right hand is lifted high;
the LORD&#8217;s right hand has done mighty things!&#8221;
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 The LORD has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.
25 LORD, save us!
LORD, grant us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.
27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.


Is there anything better that we can say about God? There is a million and one ways to praise the Lord. There is a million and one ways to say why He is worthy. But when it comes down to it, all we are really saying is that the Lord is good. The Lord is good to me. The Lord is good to you. The Lord is good to this world. The Lord is good and His love endure forever. You can say it quickly or slowly. You can chant it, sing it, echo it or even yodel it if you really desire it.


You see, in God's goodness, He has allowed us to live and to live in ways we never imagined. Sometimes I am filled with the fear of the Lord in my life. Can you imagine what your life would be like if you let it all go? I mean really let it go? I can't because His plans are always bigger and more amazing than our own. So far my life is nothing what I planned it to be. It is already more amazing than what I thought it could be.


Yet, in the midst of all this, there are times when I have left the side of the Lord and focused on this world more than the Lord. Yes, I am guilty of many sins including trusting in people (including myself) over the Lord. I have lived my life for me and for others and some how it never turns out to be as grand or as easy as I want it to be.


However, the Lord is good to me. His love for me endures and He constantly calls me back to Him. He wants me to live. Yes, His desire is for me to live a life that is worthy. He doesn't desire death for me. He wants what is best for me. Sometimes it is hard to remember all of this. Sometimes in our daily struggles we forget the Lord's love. Let us remember Him today, tonight, tomorrow... God is good. Say it with me - God is good. His love endures forever. I will give thanks for He loves me and is good to me. He loves me.

 

[Evie1980]

I am starting this now as I will be away for a day or 2 so instead of waiting I will start now. Feel free to read it at your own time. Blessings, Evie

Psalm 119

&#1488; Aleph
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.


You know something has been playing on my heart the last couple of days. I have a daily devotional emailed to me and the other day I was reading about Mary vs Martha. We all know the story of Jesus visiting and Martha was doing all the work. She complains that Mary is doing nothing to Jesus and Jesus turns around and says that Mary is using her time wisely by listening to Him. The moral of the story is don't be so busy that we don't have time for God and our relationship with Jesus.

So as I am reading this yet again, my mind quickly turns to Martha's defence and says "well at least she is doing something." Don't get me wrong, I am not down playing the lesson here but as I was reading this I was wondering where I would be in the room. Would I be disciplined like Martha doing all the chores that needed to be done or be like Mary listening at the feet of Jesus? I assume I would be neither. I would be in my room listening to my ipod or asking them to quieten down so I could hear the telly. Or I might be in the yard watching the chickens (they do run so funny. My parents have 7 and they are hilarious and silly).

My point is simple - the Bible calls for us to be disciplined within a loving relationship with the Lord. Martha may have been focusing too much on the discipline of running a household but she is not entirely wrong in her doings. We are free to sit at the feet of Jesus. We are free to develop a loving relationship with God but it is not limited to the moments we just feel like it.

The other day I read an article on Yo-yo Exercising. We know how bad going on and off diets are to the body. Well going on and off exercise is just as bad. Yo-yoing our relationship with God is equally devastating on our Spiritual life. We need to be steadfast for the Lord.


&#1489; Beth
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

My blog is called "Lord, teach me." As a teacher travelling the world, I have been blessed to experience some of the most insane moments you could possibly imagine. I am not talking about big moments of sacrifice. I am talking about getting yourself locked in bathroom with no window to escape from and realising that it would be the most embarassing way to die, king of moments. I am talking about the million and one moments where being Christian is really hard to prove. The moments where your gut instinct may not be the right way to deal with things.

And oh have I made some HUGE mistakes. I have studied the word in the morning and forgotten it by lunch time. But the Lord is good. I don't suffer from anger as much (yes, I have anger management issues) and I am not so hard on myself (still working on it). I am starting to see that I am beautiful (though I have photos to prove that I look horrible in a Cinderella dress. Bad is an understatement). These are lessons that have come from God. From His word being played out in the real world, my world. He leads me to read His scriptures and reflect upon them in my life.

The Lord is a great teacher if you let Him be. Lord, teach us your ways. Teach us how to live our lives according to Your will. Teach us how to be followers of Your word that we may be able to shine forth Your love into this world.

&#1490; Gimel
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.

I have been a atranger in a strange country. The first time I moved somewhere where I knew noone was Seoul, South Korea. I remember walking off the plane praying "Lord, what do I do now?" I lived there for 2 years and, with time, the city and some of the people no longer where strangers to me. However, my greatest joy in that country was the path the Lord led me down whilst there. Through the church there I learnt more in 2 years than I had in the previous 25 years of life.

You see in this time I was complete stranger, God revealed Himself to me. When I realised there was nothing in this life, in this country, in this moment for me other than Him, His word openned up to me. We need to recognise this world is a stranger. The way it works, the way people interact and live, is meant to be strange to us. Like living in another culture, it should not make sense because we don't belong to this world and our way of living shouldn't reflect the ways of this world. Only God's law and His statutes should feel natural to us.

 

[wayfaring man]

Thou loves righteousness, and hates wickedness: therefore God, thy God, has anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. <-----> Psalm 45:7

God makes manifest His support and approval by intimately sharing His joy and gladness with us who find the faith and the grace to be in harmony with the mind of Christ.

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 119

&#1491; Daleth

25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.

What is your role in doing the will of the Lord? Many times we think that we have to get it all organised and sorted before we can truely call ourselves Christians. We read the words of others and think "if only I can be like that" and focus our energy on being the same as them. We choose role-models to emulate and read their books thinking that they have all the answers to our lives.

But this is not true. Having had a mentor or 2 fall from grace or finidng that they are not living the "Christian" lifestyle I want to emulate, I realise now that only God is the answer. Only God can show us how we can walk in His law on a daily basis. Yes, it is good to have role-models and mentors in our faith, but don't forget the role that the Lord plays. He is founder and keeper of our faith. He will teach us how to be His people in this world.

&#1492; He
33 Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.



The psalmist knew the struggles of this time. He knew how hard it was to live and how easy it was to get distracted by the daily lives. We are called to be in this world but not of this world. Whilst watching a documentary on Germany's economy at the moment, mainly in comparison to Greece and other countire with failing ecoonomies, it was interesting to see how their financial planning differs to the rest of Europe. They are so strong now because they didn't give into the overspending climate in Europe with the Euro currency. Rather, they stayed true to what they had been taught. Germany's success relied upon its own ability to do what it felt was right in the midet of the economic boom. The same is the same for us.

There will be times of plenty and we need to be careful not to be caught up in "worthless things". We could be in financial, relationship, career etc success and still have it mean nothing.


&#1493; Waw
41 May your unfailing love come to me, LORD,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.

Could you stand up on Jerry Sringer and speak the word of the Lord? Could you stand in front of your boss and display the love of the Lord? Can you speak the word of the Lord no matter where you are? When we accept Christ we have freedom to share Him with the world. Yes, we can display the love of the Lord through our actions but also through the words we speak and the words we chose not to speak.

&#1494; Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, LORD, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, LORD, I remember your name,
that I may keep your law.
56 This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.

Don't we all want faith like that? To hold firm to the love of the Lord in the midst of trials and in the midst of happiness. When we are on both sides of the success fence we want to say "this is His love for me". There is a right time to start eating a healthy diet. The answer is always now. There is a right time to start trusting in the Lord. The answer is now. Wherever you are in your life or in the world, now is the time to remember Him. Now is the time to start following Hiw word.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

 

[Evie1980]

&#1495;Psalm !!9

Heth

57 You are my portion, LORD;
I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, LORD;
teach me your decrees.

How quick are we to do God's will? How quick are we to give up our own personal feelings and judgements? I know that I struggle through times of doubt. There are things that I am not willing to give up including my sleep! I shoudl be quick to obey, friendly and loving to my fellow Christians, willing to give up my time and my desires, I need to be willing to fulfil the word of the Lord in my life and listen to His word. But how do I do this? By seeking the Lord and willingly call upon His name so that He can lead me through my life.
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.




&#1496; Teth
65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, LORD.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

There is a university that you never have to apply to but you are always welcome in. You don't need prior learning and you can stay as long as you like. You may be there for a short time or a long time but most of us have been. It is called the University of Suffering. You may have a Phd or just a diploma but most of us know what it is like to suffer. It is a time in our life when we may question the point and purpose of all things in this world. The book of Ecclesiastes can highlight some of the pointlessness of life if you have forgotten. However, as my pastor in South Korea often reminded us, you never come away empty handed from suffering. Moses, Job, Abraham, Jacob, David... the list goes on how many people siffered and how much more reliant on the Lord them became. Job learnt more about God and his faith through his suffering. Jonah had to suffer before he did the right thing. Moses had to spend 40 years in the desert so that he would be humble enough to serve the Lord the right way rather than trying to kill all the Egyptians single handedly (not sure how sucessful he would have been at that). As the psalmist points out it is good to suffer.*

* Note: Your suffering is in God's hand so that we can be assured that it will be used for His glory. However, suffering to each person is different. You can;t judge one persons struggles against your own. Also, you can't go out and find your suffering. Leading yourself into sin and suffering is different to when the has called. For example David suffered under King Saul and was victimised by him until Kind Saul's death. Not his doing as he continued to honour his king throughout his reign. However, David and Bethsheba's baby died due to his sin. David was suffering in that heart break but that was his fault.

&#1497; Yodh
73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.

Do you ever really think about God being your Creator? The He formed you and gave your body life? I know the story of Pinocchio (I don't really like it not sure why) about the man who made a little boy out of wood and then he came to life. To think that I am the one being made and created is hard to think about somedays. To have Someone know me and know what I am meant to be like. To know that I have purpose is awe inspiring. But greater still is that there is Someone who has my instruction manual. Who can teach me and tell me all that there is to me living and breathing in this world. He loves me unconditionally because in everyway I am His. As God spoke to Jeremiah (1:4-5)

4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

&#1499; Kaph
81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

The end of suffering will be a glorious day but until then we have to contend and deal with this fallen world. You know that suffering is all around us. It is never going to be an easy journey but it will be worth it.

&#1500; Lamedh
89 Your word, LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless.

Whenever there are doubts, there is the word of God. It has been and will continue to be in the hearts and minds of men. The word of the Lord is a firm foundation of any life of suffering and it has been used in many people's life. You are not alone in your siffering and your not alone in your belief. The strength of the Lord's word is available today just as is was thousands of years ago. The word of the Lord will not persih within suffering and nor will you.

&#1502; Mem97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.

What makes a great chef is not the lovely knife set or great cook books they have but the ability to work with food and create dishes. I have lots of recipe books but I am not a chef. My brother is a chef because he studied and learnt how to cook from chefs. He then uses his skills to cook for others. The same is said about being a man or woman of God. As Christians we are called to learn about God through Him. Not through others but through Him. To know the Lord you need to study His word and fill your life with Him. It is not by reading millions of books and studying martyrs. True, it may help you understand the Lord's work here on earth but you will never know Him unless you enter into a relationship with Him. People will encourage you through many different resources but at the end of the day it is not going to replace a real relationship with God. A book on prayer is not prayer just as much as a recipe book is not a chef even if it is writen by one. You cannot replace a relationship with God with Christian books, music and things.

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 119 ctd

&#1504; Nun
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, LORD, according to your word.
108 Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

I love some songs. I get addicted to them and play them over and over again until I know the words and the feelings behind the words. The psalmist is doing the same thing with the word of the Lord. He is going over it again and again. He wants to know the words and the wonders of the Lord. He wants it more than anything else. He is aware that it is not easy for him but he keeps asking, almost begging, the Lord to teach him. Can you say that you are addicted to the word of the Lord?


&#1505; Samekh
113 I hate double-minded people,
but I love your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
115 Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!
116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.
117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.
118 You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their delusions come to nothing.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes.
120 My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.

Where are your hopes found? We all want to live and have our life sustained. We all want to be satisfied and how we want to be satisfied is what we will turn to as our "god". If we want to be financially satisfied we will seek money, if we want to be physically satisfied we will turn to food, exercise, alcohol, etc. If we want to be Spiritually satisified we will turn to the Lord and allow Him to satidsfy the other areas of our life. We really need to ask our selves is God enough for our lies? Will our hope be filled? Will our needs be met? Will our life be sustained in the will of the Lord and His law?


&#1506; Ayin
121 I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
126 It is time for you to act, LORD;
your law is being broken.
127 Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,
128 and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.

A servant looks to his/her Master to provide all their needs. A servant, in Biblical times, lived with the master and relied on the master for protection. food, resources etc. Usually they would come to a master out of poverty or our of war. Either way they came with nothing but the ability to serve the master. There was nothing that a servant could give a master. Just obedience and a willing heart to follow the will of the master.

Whenever we look at the story of Abraham and Sarah we can never forget Hagai the servant of Sarah who followed her mistresses will and slept with Abraham to have a child. Before she was pregnant Hagai had a willing heart towards her mistress and then afterwards she didn't. One incdent changed her willingness to be a servant. Now I am not saying who was right and wrong. Sarah should not have asked that of her servant, however, Hagai should have respected mistress regardless of the situation.

The same happens to us. We have a Master who sometimes puts us into situations where we are unsure we want to go. We have to have a servant's heart and trust the Lord that the end will be better than the beginning. We need to be able to discern the Lord in all areas of our life. It is not easy always to choose the right path but we can go to our Master and ask for His help, love and discernment.

 

[SplendidTree]

I am so very excited for this one! I love this thread, just love it.

Thank you so much sister for your ministry. Your Psalm Study truly touches me and others I am sure. You have such a heart for the Lord and it is so inspiring.

 

[Evie1980]

I am so very excited for this one! I love this thread, just love it.

Thank you so much sister for your ministry. Your Psalm Study truly touches me and others I am sure. You have such a heart for the Lord and it is so inspiring.

Thank you my sweet. I am glad that is beneficial. I have enjoyed reading Psalm 119 even though it is so long! You definately can feel the psalmist love and desire for the Lord. It inspiring to know that we can be like that too if we let it.

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 119

&#1508; Pe

129 Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant
and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.

Let no sin rule over me... sounds like something I need to say more often in my life. It is funny how we let sin rule over us. I am great at the excuses for sin especially being lazy. I also love procrastination and doing things my own way. Of course I don't say them like that. I just say that I have a short attention span and I suffer from ADD (self diagnosed of course). I am also a people pleaser which easily converts into being friendly. But at the end of the day I really just struggle with boundaries, and am not disciplined in relationships, work and prayer life. And, although confession of sins helps, I really need to trust God in bringing about some changes in my life.

When we focus on the Lord and follow closely to His word, no sin can rule over us. It doesn't have the power to control us and we can change our thoughts to be in tune with God's word. But here is the most important part - we have got to want it. I am not talking about when I am sitting here writing this or when I am church listening to the pastor. I am talking about when I would rather be watching tv or reading the gossip columns on the internet. I have got to want it like the psalmist. I need pursue God at all times of the day in all ways.

&#1510; Tsadhe
137 You are righteous, LORD,
and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
141 Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.

My zeal wears me out and I have put all your promises to the test? Really? Sounds like something that I want on my gravestone - Her zeal for the Lord wore her out and she put all the Lord's promises to the test. I am not sure if that could actually be said of me but I do know a couple of people who this could be said of. Like Corrie Ten Boom or Charles Spurgeon whose love for the Lord and reliance on Him in times of need are clearly defined.

Now, for the record, putting the Lord's promises to the test is a little bit different than putting the Lord to the test. We know that we shouldn't test the Lord. That is we act like children and say "Lord if you loved me, you would give me what I want" and then get upset when it doesn't happen or worse blame God for the lack of provision in our life and walk away. No, putting God's promises to the test means that we step out in faith. It means that we willingly allow God to put us in places we feel uncomfortable and allow Him to show us the way through.

&#1511; Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD,
and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, LORD,
and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.

Calling out to the Lord isn't really what I do but at times life has needed it. There have been times when I have cried myself to sleep praying for the Lord's help. There have been times when I have been so confused and lost that I have ranted and raged. Ok so maybe I am better at this calling out to the Lord thing than once thought! I have been desperate enough to loudly and embarassingly (if anyone had heard me) call upon the Lord. And I am ok with that. We don't have to be quiet in our faith. We can openly and honetly call upon the Lord in the day and in the night. And then we wait. We put our hope in the Lord, and then we wait. And whilst we wait, we meditate on the promises of the Lord and keep the Lord's statutes. That means we stay disciplined in our faith waiting for the Lord to draw close and reveal His plans for our life.

&#1512; Resh
153 Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.
156 Your compassion, LORD, is great;
preserve my life according to your laws.
157 Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.
159 See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.

There are times of persecution and suffering in everyones life. It is not easy. But the Lord is compassionate. He will preserve your life. He will show His love and mercy in your life. It is hard to hold onto the promises in the middle of problems. I know. The Israelites knew and so does tht psalmist. The psalmist, like everyone, has enemies out to destroy him. It may have been emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically. We don't but what we do know is that the psalmist is still clinging on to God and reminding Him of His promises. And the greatest promise God has given us is that He loves us like a Father loves His children. God's love is enough to cover all our needs be it spiritual, physical, mental or emotional. It is the greatest promise we have - that His love is enough for us.


&#1513; Sin and Shin
161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
162 I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
165 Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
166 I wait for your salvation, LORD,
and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.
168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.

7 times a day? For how long? In our busy days we (well I mean I) sometimes don't even make it once a day (though it is very rare). 7 times is more than coffee I drink (3 today) or the food I eat (3 meals plus 2 snacks). It is up there with the water I drink! (but hopefully more times than I check my emails because that would be embarassing!) It really does put in perspective how little time we (I) pend on my relationship with the Lord when I put it like. No wonder I can't write a psalm this long! And it has taken me a couple of days to actually get through it all!

But on a more serious note, it does sadden me to think that there is so much more time I can spend with the Lord and reading His word. There is no substitute for the Lord. Talking about Him is not the same as talking to Him. Reading a book by a Christian author is not the same as reading the book written by God. Listening to a cd is not the same as worshipping to the Lord (unless you are using to help your singing but if you are just playing it in the background for some noise it is not the same). We need to give our attention and time to the Lord.

&#1514; Taw
169 May my cry come before you, LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, LORD,
and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.

This is a beautiful end to a wonderful psalm. So tonight my prayer is going to be the words of the psalmist with my own added in. Please feel free to pray through this with your own words or with using the words of the psalmist.

Lord, hear my words and the longing of my heart, I come before You as your daughter who You love. Lord, I am struggling and find it hard to understand your will in my life. Help me to understand the path you are calling me to.Help me to know where to go according to your word. Fill me with your Spirit so I can see things clearly.
Lord, hear my prayer as I come before you and remember your promises according to your word. I need You to help me and deliver me from my uncertainty.
Lord, I want to sing Your praises for You have provided for me in this desert. Where I can not see Your way and yet I know that You are with me. I feel Your presence in all that I do. I feel Your guiding hand as You teach me. Lord, I long to worship You and share my love for You in my work and my daily life. Show me how to refelct Your love in all that I do as You have commanded me.
Lord, thank you that Your hand is ready to help me as I step out into Your will and allow Your promises to be revealed in my life. Yes, I have chosen to live for you and know that Your love will guide me through.
Lord, I thank you that Your salvation is upon me and that Your Son died so that I may live in abundance. Though I am not a slave to the law, I seek to live by Your will and that means relying on Your judgements of what is good for me. I delight in allowing You to rule my life and to have Your word to guide my footsteps.
Lord, I am lost in this world without you. I want to spend my days praising You and living for You. Lord, seek me when I am lost. Draw me ever closer to You.
In Jesus name

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 120

A song of ascents.

1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.
2 Save me, LORD,
from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.
3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides,
you deceitful tongue?
4 He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom bush. 5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.

Have you ever been caught in a situation where you just feel like someone is attacking you? You try your hardest to make peace with them or maybe just even ignore them, but they still choose to do everything in their power to make your life miserable. Ever had those moments?

The truth is that, at sometime in our lives, we have felt like that. In the midst of situations like that we find ourselves at a crossrods. Do we take action? Do we ask for help? If we do ask for help, will they provide the protection that we need? If they don't what do we do then? Do we attack them as much as they attack us? Self defence is a legal argument that can protect us from our actions, however, the psalmist chose another course of action. He took it to the Lord in prayer. He knew that the Lord would protect him and provide the best course of action. Now, I am not saying that we shouldn't protect ourselves, but in all things we must seek the will of the Lord and trust Him to provide the best course of action. We don't need to fight under our own strength or provide our own arrows to attack with. God will provide justice in your life so seek Him and trust Him to provide your peace.

 

[Evie1980]

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by nigh
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Of all the psalms this is the one that captures my heart. I remember being a child in Sunday school and knowing these words would follow me all the days of my life. And they have.

I have been blessed to have lived in and out of Australia for the last 11 years. Yes, I call Australia home but my heart belings on the wings of an eagle that calls the hills its resting place. I have seen incredible mountains throughout my journeys. From the rugged highlands in Scotland, to the bluw mountains in NSW (my home state) to the mountains that hemmed in Dili, East Timor between themselves and the sea, they have all capture my imagination.

In life there have been some incredible daunting mountains that I have had to Spiritually and mentally climb. These mountains also capture my imagination but sometimes, my fear of the top gets in my way and I head back down before reaching the top. You see I have a fear of heights. I prefer to go the easy, long, slow way up. The way that doesn't allow you to see how far you have to fall or how much damage you could do to yourself if you misstep. Who knows what awesome "view" in the form of fruits of the Spirit I would get to see manifest in my life and the world around me if I actually got there.

Hwever, this psalm is a promise for all us mountain climbers, would be mountain climbers or those who are good at getting half way up the mountain like me. God will enable you to walk up the mountain like Moses did (and Moses was over 80 when he had to go up to chat with God) and He will meet you at the top. In fact, He will be with you at the bottom, top and in the middle. We have no fear in climbing mountains.