Today and Forever: A Narrative Coloring Book, Out NOW!
A new series from Debra Hill: Psalms In Your Palm.
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
God wants a personal relationship with us. He delights in our praise and worship. He says if we love him we will keep his commandments. And he commands us to love our brother, our neighbor as Christ loves us. God, help me to daily give my heart to you, committing to seek to glorify you first with a holy life.
What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul? I pray daily that I set my affections on things above, not on things of this earth. God, help me to have the right perspective, knowing I can’t take any of my earthly treasures with me when I die.
Even if I never make it to this great city, I thank God that Jesus said to the woman at the well that one day we will worship God in a temple not made with hands. Today, I can worship my amazing God in spirit and in truth. God says He inhabits the praises of His people. So where we are gathered together in joyful praise, He is there amongst us. Hallelujah.
Give the Lord God Almighty exuberant, joyful and loud acclimations of praise. Let all the earth unite in spiritual, physical and emotional gestures to exalt our God. Oh, clap your hands all ye people.
This is the way David feels about his God, who is a very present help in times of trouble. He reminds me that, first and foremost, I can call on the Lord any time, day or night, and He will always be my refuge and strength. He will calm my fears and trembling heart. Lord, help me to put my faith and trust in you, knowing that I can be still and rely on your power to save me in my times of need.
Jesus’ love and sacrifice on the cross for us brings me to grateful tears. His character revealed in the scriptures, through His words and works, show His humble, giving and gracious heart. Each day, I thank Him for His unwavering love for me. I love Him because He first loved me.
I thank God that when times get rough, I am reminded that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony. So many times I have been uplifted and find hope and renewed faith when I hear the testimony of believers boasting of God’s blessings. I know that God never fails and He is always on time, though I must learn to wait on Him. He has never lost a battle.
As I go through each day, facing many challenges, I will remind myself of David’s attitude and ask myself, “Why am I discouraged when I know I can cast my cares on the Lord.” David’s confidence came from his personal experience with God as his Deliverer and Provider. He did it before and He will do it again. I thank you, God, that you are a very present help in my times of trouble. Your praise shall be continually in my mouth.
Recently, I was hospitalized for several days. It was a time of pain, confusion and uncertainty. Like David, I cried out to the lord for his comfort and presence. I put my faith and hope in the healing power of Jesus, knowing and recalling the many times he has healed me before. I felt the Spirit’s comforting peace throughout the long, dark nights. I never stopped praising God for who he is and all I know he can do. I thank god that I am healed today.
In Psalm 41, David reminds us how God extends mercy to us, even when we are poor and weak in our trespasses and sins. How much more gracious then, should we be to provide mercy and grace to those in need. May I always remember how God saved me from darkness and brought me to His marvelous light. I want to share the news of this blessing with others, which is of greater value to the poor in spirit than silver or gold.
