RTW April 15
Even In The Wilderness
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Psalm 34:8
My Takeaways
Something Old
Praise the Lord… speak His praise…boast even in the wilderness
Something New
Perceive (Taste)
- to become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses
- to recognize, discern, envision, or understand
We can’t let our past failures or present circumstances change our perception of good.
See
- to perceive with the eyes; look at; gaze at
Good
- pleasant, agreeable, good
Something to Do
Look at God in my wilderness.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace and work to maintain it.
Psalm 34:12-14
Every single day I am challenged with this in my “wilderness” at work. God is so faithful and is giving me such strength to stop conforming to what the world calls “venting” and what He calls gossip and slander. As a result of my refusal to talk ABOUT anyone (Lord, keep giving me strength to do this), one person that I have been close to has been convicted and is no longer speaking with me – oh, how my people-pleasing nature wants to “fix” things with her – but I will trust in the Lord and He promises that I will lack no good thing. He is my Rescuer, my Redeemer!
I love reading this chronological bible – knowing the context of the psalms is so helpful.
“It just isn’t so.” 1 Samuel 20:2
How many lies do I believe that just aren’t so? Too many, too often.
Lord help me to remain undeceived so I can be free. Help me to recognize deception and always seek the spirit of truth.
“The Lord is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.”
1 Samuel 20:42
I know this was about their friendship but God is confirming here to me again of the bond between my husband and our family. The Lord created our family, the 4 of us and the bond between us cannot be broken. If I think otherwise that is a lie from the enemy who seeks to destroy my marriage and my family.
Yes and amen He is our rescuer!
https://youtu.be/leh-4fCc5MI
Love being in the Psalms! I’ve always loved Psalm 34 and the context adds a new level of understanding and connection.
My To Do was to work on praises God at al times not just in the good times but also in the hard and confusing times. Vs. 19 says that the righteous will face many troubles but the Lord will come to the rescue each time. This is encouraging that troubles are normal and that The Lords rescue is sure.
—I, too, love reading the Psalms in their context. It adds richness to them.
—“Jonathan loves David as himself.” (1Sam 20:17b) This made me think of the 2nd great commandment of loving your neighbor as yourself. It also reminded how thankful I am for Christian friends.
—Jonathan did not seem at all jealous that David was to be the next king even though as Saul’s son, Jonathan would have been next in line to be king. Jonathan was able to see the bigger picture of what was going on and was aware of the sins of his father.