Today and Forever: A Narrative Coloring Book, Out NOW!
Love is Accessible BLOG by Debra Hill
I know that only what I do for God will last for eternity. We are told to set our affections on things above, not on things below that man can steal or moths destroy. I ask the Lord to help me remember what is truly important. Life is too short. Make every day count.
When I first became convicted of my sin, I felt like David did in Psalm 38. In my heart, I confessed to God that I was a sinner, guilty as charged. I was saved by God’s amazing grace, who took my place and died for my sins on Calvary’s cross. I knew I was not deserving of such a great love and sacrifice as this. I believed in Jesus and thanked Him, like David, for delivering me from sin. I thank God daily for salvation and ask Him to forgive me, with godly sorrow.
Through the tough times in my life, the joy of the Lord strengthens me. This passage also assures me that all my needs are met. Jesus lovingly said that we don’t have to worry about what we will eat or what clothes to wear. God cares more for us than the birds of the field or the beautifully adorned lilies. I know my heavenly Father is watching over me. The more I experience the life’s sorrows, the more like David I have learned that I am never forsaken.
In Psalm 36, David compares and contrasts God’s relationship with those who are righteous with His harsh treatment of them who are wicked. David speaks from his own personal experience and from what he has witnessed in the lives of saints and sinners.
David was a king acquainted with war. In Psalm 35, he speaks in the vernacular of a warrior and leader accustomed to facing many enemies on the battlefield. This chapter is his courageous prayer to God to lead him to total victory against his oppressors. He is equally unyielding in his call for their destruction and in his faith in God to perform it.
Psalm 34 is a testimony of praise to God for His continuous help to us. He is deserving of blessings twenty-four hours a day. He delivers us from dangers seen and unseen. His angels guard and encamp around us, defending us from evil. The scripture says “I will overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of my testimony”. This is true for us all.
God inhabits the praises of his people. When I am singing, rejoicing, praising and worshiping, especially in a church setting, united with other believers, my heart is filled with so much joy. Gathering with the saints, hearing the beautiful voices, the musicians playing, and the clapping and shouting is a communal level of praise that is different from the time when I am alone.
Psalm 32 is a beautiful example of the way God forgives us. When we return to Him with a contrite spirit, he speedily responds with tender mercy and grace. Like the father who welcomed home his prodigal son, God opens His arms to us, returning us back to His loving care and protection.
In 2019, I founded the Graduate Shine Award, a private scholarship for graduating seniors. This scholarship acknowledges the winner’s enormous efforts in the face of adversity. The recipient receives a certificate and a $500.00 award.
In Psalm 31, David weeps from the ravages of his iniquities. But even in this lowly state, he declares God is still with him, his rock and strength (31:2). David still trusts that the Lord will come down to his level, to bow down His ear to listen to him.
