"How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying His commands."
Psalm 112:1b
Psalm 112:1b
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who fears (reveres and worships) the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. (AMP)
Did you read the text in parenthesis after the word blessed? Take it in again. The words happy and fortunate give me goosebumps. I want that! The part of being envied made me feel a little odd. I looked it up on Dictionary.com. I read the definition and still felt odd until I thought about the definition from the perspective of the person I want to be. Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions.
I long to live a life that is so transparent and reflective of Jesus Christ that individuals feel discontented with their own life and seek the Lord themselves. I would love for someone to see the advantages and successes that I have in Christ (from Christ not the world) and covet them, therefore leading them to an intimate relationship with the Lord. I want to be a person who has success as God defines and possessions that He designs. I want to be a person who fears the LORD and delights in obeying Him. If I were this type of person I would contagious in the name of Jesus. The envy would be a holy envy because my life would deflect any attention I would receive to my Savior who deserves it.
The benefits of this life: one who fears the Lord and delights in obeying His commands are clearly defined Psalm 112. I found one benefit to be missing. This is glorying the Lord, our main purpose while on this earth. Anyone who lives this life and receives these benefits can not help but bring glory to the Lord and like the Psalmist says, "Praise the Lord".
12 Comments:
Wendy, "I want to be" too!
I think 'envy' can be a positive emotion when it causes someone to feel discontent to desire Christ. They see Christ in you or me, and no longer satisfied with their life, they eagerly want to possess the Christ they see in us. It's a good thing when/if they respond to those emotions and don't just sit back and think, 'oh, I could never be like that'. The envy often pushes a longing to understand more and then a response and decision.
I too used that verse today, but also added verses 7-8, "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.”
God is still working on that one with me. I heard a speaker once make this statement at the beginning of her session, "Imagine a day without fear."
It would have to be “imagined” as I didn’t believe it was possible. Being little "Much Afraid", fear has been my constant companion through so many years that the thought of living a moment without it held me spellbound. Was it even possible?
A question interrupted my ponderings.
"You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"
This wasn't the first time Christ had thus inquired as I battle this enemy of fear. Joy, why are you so afraid?
Lord, I don't want to be. I long to have the trust in You that banishes all fear. Your Word says, "I will make peace flow to her like a river". (Isaiah 66:12) Lord, I want to experience that peace. A peace that isn't boring and dull like a stagnant pond, but like a river. Beth Moore writes that "Few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers! When God used the analogy of a river, He described a peace that can be retained while life twists and turns and rolls over boulders. It means to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey."
Father, I don't want to just fear less, but be fearless. Lord teach me how to fear You and delight in Your commands so that I can experience that confident trust and face my fears triumphantly.
A Nichole Nordeman sings, "He makes me want to be brave".
Have a great day ladies. Love to you all,
Joy
PS. Wendy, I just ordered your "Living Free in Christ" CD yesterday. Can't wait to hear your voice and benefit from your further teaching! :)
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so"!
I want people to see Jesus through me and through my life. But being a rather quiet and shy person, I also pray that He gives me the boldness and the words to speak when the opportunity pressents itself. And He has been faithful to do that! Y'all have a blessed day!!
Morning Everyone!
Such good reading today! Wendy, you dove right into that first verse! So much for me to think about...and Joy, I also highlighted and stared and stared the verse you talked about! The thing is we read these scriptures and we say to ourselves, "this is so true..." but, then, honestly to be fear-less,like you said Joy. To really trust in the LORD, oh, that my heart would be steadfast, trusting in the Lord always. To believe, whole-heartedly that the Lord cares for me. To have NO fear! Such a difference dear sisters. To go that extra mile and really enjoy the benefits of delighting in His commands! The Word says, "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them." Can you imagine how happy we would be if we were never afraid! If every time we received bad news, we would know without a doubt that God was in control. I know, that by this time, Christ would be transforming Himself right outside of us! People around us would see Him. They would know without a doubt that we were different. They would want what we would have. Oh, a holy envy. Contagious...capable of spreading or tending to spread from one to another (dictionary.com)! That people would be drawn to the Christ in us! I want this dear girlfriends! I want to be fearless. I want to obey God's Word and REALLY trust in Him. Lord, I earnestly seek Your Presence; it's you I want to be by my side...all day long...every minute. Help me to really let this sink in today. Let my soul take it in. Let my heart take it in. My whole being, to be filled with You...Lord, I love you with everything in me. Lord, I only want You inside me. So full inside me that you have to come out for others to see. That's what I desire. Less of me and all of You. Amen.
Just like each of these Psalms do, Praise you God! Psalm 113-
Who deserves the praise-The LORD!
(vs. 1)
When do we praise the LORD? NOW, & Forever! (vs. 2)
Where do we praise the LORD? Everywhere! (vs.3)
Dear sisters, catch my love, prayers, & hugs on this beautiful Friday morning! Lori - AZ
PS I'm going to order that CD too (Wendy's :) & Kristen-let us know when you're book is ready to buy!
:)
Good morning dear sisters,
What struck me today about the readings was also Psalm 112, but what spoke to me was God's provision. "Their children will be successful EVERYWHERE;an entire generation of godly people will be BLESSED. They themselves will be WEALTHY, and their good deeds will last forever....They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their GOOD DEEDS will be REMEMBERED FOREVER. They will have influence and honor."
As we prepare for the birth of our first child, I feel God reminding me that I need not fear the road ahead in supporting my family when I walk with Him. That I can and should expect good thing both financial and in Godly treasures. Thank you Lord for Your encouragement today! Let me learn to walk without fear with You!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ladies!
Jodie
ps - I think the dates on the blog are out of sink...it's Friday right?
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever....28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
29 He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
30 What a blessing was that stillness
as he brought them safely into harbor!
31 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
32 Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation
and before the leaders of the nation.
Psalm 107; all about the mighty works of God and His faithful love.
Followed by Psalm 111:2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.
3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails.
And then by Psalm 112 as Wendy, Joy, and Lori have already so aptly commented on.
We really do need to take a moment and (as Wendy said Yesterday) "name them;" name all the marvelous things that God has done and give thanks and praise. I can relate to Anonymous, I am shy about speaking up and out (okay, don't roll your eyes...). But when I read Psalms like these, I am motivated anew to share my stories of God's great work in my life and to give Him the Glory! Thank you Wendy for reminding us that this is part of it to; to Glorify God!
Thank again everyone, I am finding these Psalms SO refreshing after the dry desert that was Kings...:)
Blessings to you and your families this weekend,
Karen, CA
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Jodie,
Congratulations! I am pryaing for a healthy baby for you!
Karen
Wendy,Joy,and Lori, thanks for your wonderful insights on today's reading.
Annonymous, I am right there with you in needing boldness and God- given words to speak His truth when the oportunity presents itself!
Diane, I am praying for you as you are going through these difficult times. I love the reading today and the key verse. I also read a daily proverb along with the one year reading each day which goes along with the day's date. Today's proverb was all about fearing the Lord, obeying His commnds, and the rewards that go along with doing thosse things. Proverbs 10: 25( New Living Translation) says," When the the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." Diane I know you are weathering some of life's storms right now(as I am sure are many of us!), but You are standing on a firm foundation, putting your strength and faith in the Lord, and I know that He will honor that!
I feel so priveledged to be a part of this community of godly women who love and serve Him and who serve and pray for one another!
Blessings!
Carmen
Thanks Karen!
I am now 32 weeks, time is flying. Our little one is due to arrive Sept 2!
Jodie
Good afternoon my sweet sisters,
First let me say a heartfelt thank you to those who have sent emails and contacted me with words of encouragement. You have been such a blessing and encouragement. For those who continue to pray thank you, thank you, thank you. My heart swells with love knowing you, my sisters in Christ.
I have heard and felt your prayers and love. Today’s reading was wonderful. Wendy I love the title of today’s blog. “I Want To Be’ not ‘I Am or I Use to Be”, it spoke to me as our purpose is a constant one. To acquire and pursue a life of love with Christ is life long, one that is ever growing. How sad it would be for someone to say “I use to have a really close relationship with Christ”!
Just because I am in a valley doesn’t mean the sun isn’t shining. God has blessed me with so much. We all walk through valleys and dance on top of mountains. We never know what is around the next turn of our lives. But we do have one constant assurance, Jesus Christ. Our main purpose is to glorify the Lord, I love that part! I pray my life always reflect it.
Father,
Thank you for giving me hope, when my eyes see only darkness.
Thank you for letting me go through valleys; so I can appreciate the height of your heavens.
Thank you for the riches you gave me; please take it all and help others.
Thank you for the ability to forgive; may I be able to see through your eyes
Lord, I want my life to be a reflection of you in all my ways, my thoughts and my actions.
Amen
Diane
Evening ladies,
What a joy to read all the comments and posts today! I have had a super busy day and just now getting time to sit down and read. The Psalms have touched me and spoke to me in so many ways this week and I wish I had more time to post and tell you great ladies everything He has been showing me this week through our reading and a journey He has me on right now. My heart is connecting with Him once again in a way that I have longed for. Lately my prayers seem to bounce right back off of heaven's doors and he showed me last weekend why through a journal entry I wrote back last year. Amazing how God can use things like that to remind us the path we need to be on. He has been dealing with me for a long time about some sins in my life that I need to finally lay down at the cross and let go. NOW is the time! And I am ready :)
All the reading had great things today, but 107 really spoke to me. Verse 2, "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!" I had an interview with a lady from our instruction team at church yesterday morning and I am going to be teaching a women's Sunday school class this fall once our fall rotations start. The book we are going to be be studying is "Who Hold the Key to Your Heart" By Lysa Terkherst. The Lord has redeemed me and I am speaking out! This book walks through all the things the Lord had to walk me through in my healing and I want so much for other women to know that kind of healing in their lives. As Lori said, to have no fear. Also no shame, no insecurity, not bound to anger and unforgiveness. I know God is going to heal and show His glory this fall and He has hand picked who He wants in the class. I am humbled that He is leading me to this. It is definitely not in myself, but only in Him that I take this on.
Verse 20 also is one that I have marked in my NIV that I use daily to study. "He sent out his word and healed them." God's Word is what healed me and changed my life. His Word is so powerful and it is my passion and pursuit to know God better through His Word.
Verse 43, "Those who are wise take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD." I listened to a Beth Moore teaching one time called "The God Who Is, The God Who Was and The God Who is to Come." In this teaching she talks about how God is the God of our past, present and future. He was there in our pasts, there now and will be there in our future. In this we had to do a time line. I also had my MOPS Steering team do a time line, we actually did roller coasters to go with our theme last year, of their lives up to this point. It is amazing if you take the time to do this you can see God's hand upon your life, even when you were either not walking with Him or following Him at a distance. He always is orchastrating events to draw us to Him in all things. I can look back and see His hand of protection on me when I was making some really dumb choices. I see in my history the faithful love of the Lord!
Hope you ladies have a wonderful weekend! Lifting you all up in prayer.
Blessings Sisters,
Brandee, TN
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