A Ray Of Morning Light

I was asking the Lord this morning to help me to love His Word.  I had just awakened and I knew I needed to read my Bible before I started the day, but my heart just wasn't in it. 

I remembered a time several years ago when I read the 119^th Psalm every day for a month.  It was an exercise I chose to do.  I don’t remember the reason, but the outcome was that I literally fell in love with God’s Word.  Just like the Psalmist, I loved God’s word.  It was my life, my passion, my love!

So this morning, I opened to Psalm 119 and started reading.  I won’t say it took my mind off of everything that I wanted to get done today and engulfed me with joy, but it did remind me that I depend on God for everything.  His Word gives strength to my soul.  It keeps me going when otherwise I would dissolve in a puddle of hopelessness.

Thank you God for Your Word.  It really is a light shining in the darkness, a ray of hope, a joy and peace, food for my heart.  Thank YOU!!!

photo credit: Will Montague via photopin cc

This is one of my "life" verses.

I was reading it yesterday morning.

Just wanted to share.

Over the past three years, I have been battling hormonal depression.  It's not been an easy fight and sometimes I don't experience the victory I should as a "Child of the King".  Anyway, yesterday was one of those days.  I woke up and just wanted to pull the covers up over my head and make the morning disappear.  I called out to God who is so very gracious to me, no matter what. I took out my Bible and ask what I should read.  I felt I should read Psalm 146.  Believe me, I didn't want to read a "happy" Psalm, but I went ahead and started to read.  

When I read the first two verses, I was in tears. I said, "Lord, I remember when I was this happy.  I remember when I wanted to sing Your praises every minute I was alive.  Here I am!  I know You deserve all my praise.  I give it to you even though I'm crying.

So I raised the hand that wasn't holding my Bible in an attempt to praise and read.  "I will praise the Lord all my life;  I will sing praise to my God as long as I live..."  I went on and read clear through.  Then, I read it again, & again.  Three times through.

I don't know when it happened, but my soul was quieted.  I wasn't so emotionally overwrought.  I prayed and thanked the Lord for the ability to pray and have Him answer.  I thanked Him for people to pray for and for sending them my way.  I thanked Him for being the only true God, a God worthy of all my praise all of the time. He's so good to me!  I really do trust Him and love Him.

My heavenly Father met me where I was.  It wasn't the first time and I'm sure it may not be the last, but He's so faithful to always be there, to not fuss at me when I "can't make it on my own," and to just love me where I'm at, no cajoling, no making fun, no staring at me with eyes of scorn, but loving me with compassion and mercy. He gives grace to the humble.  He shows lovingkindness to all He has made.  I'm so glad He made me.

Today is another day.  I'm glad He made you, too.  Chin up and have a hug!  God's loving arms are waiting to surround you and set your heart to singing again.  Bless you friend!

HEAVENLY ADDITION

Excerpts and renditions of the 2nd letter of Peter in the New Testament

From: Simon Peter, the apostle of Christ Jesus to all believers, grace and peace come from the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus.

God, Jesus, have given us everything we need for life and godliness --- these also come through our knowledge of Him (God, Jesus) who called us and saved us. Because of what He’s given us for life and godliness (all) we can participate in Jesus’ divine nature by escaping corruption caused by evil desires --- or rather, to live above them (conquer them) through our participation in (living in) His divine nature.

We are to make every effort, use all opportunity to add: Faith + Goodness + Knowledge + Self-control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Love. If we keep adding these to our lives in increasing amounts, the will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember: we need this knowledge. It brings grace and peace, gives us everything we need for life and godliness, brings us his precious promises, allows us to walk/live in His divine nature and keeps us effective and productive as Christians and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If we do not continue to add these things into our lives, we become nearsighted and forget the cleansing God did in us through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit. That makes us no good for the kingdom because our focus is too near to ourselves.

So do these things: Add to Faith + Goodness + Knowledge + Self-control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Love. Be eager to do this and to keep adding these things so that you will make your calling and election sure (steadfast, permanent). If you continue to do these things, you will not fall ever and you will receive a rich (open-armed) welcome into Jesus’ eternal kingdom forever and ever. Amen!