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Written on September 27, 2010 by emily

This starts off what will be the first of several posts about Psalms, I’m guessing. I’ve been reading through the Bible in 90-days, the Word has come alive to me in a way that it never has before. I notice things that I never knew or don’t remember ever seeing. There are the not-as-famous bits of Psalms that jump out to me and tug at my heart, and I hear God speaking to me – connecting dots and shaping my perspective about the role of reading Scripture in my life. The 90-day extravaganza might sound fancy, but it’s not. It’s my 90-day Bible Bootcamp. I’m learning that if I don’t get serious about being spiritually fit, I am not going to survive. What does it mean to be spiritually fit? Receiving from God what He has for you each day…which means opening your Bible so you can actually take in through your eyes what He has for you…which means reading your Bible as if it were a meal that nourishes your physical body. Because it IS a meal that nourishes your spirit, and if you starve your spirit…..well….You’ll miss out on more than you know.

Now reading the whole Bible in 90 days is kind of extreme. I am always behind, and I have some days that I read it morning, noon, and night to catch up. I’d love to finish the 90-day challenge, not because I have to prove something, but because it really is teaching me so much. It’s not hard to read the Bible. Sure, I have lots of questions as I plow through, and not all of it makes sense, and I’m really just skimming over the surface of the pages…but the hardest part is cracking it open. You want to find some treasures? Crack it. Do it. They’re in there. Everywhere!

I am particularly fond of Psalms because I am somewhat of a Psalmist myself. For years, I’ve written little songs and poems to God, and have found it very hard to write about anything other than God, so David is really cool with me, because we’re alike in that way. David is a funny blend of worshipper and whiner, so I relate with him in that as well. Here are some gems I have gathered from recent reading followed my my ponderings & prayers.

Psalm 1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

He knows everything, but He guards the way of the righteous, protects them, and establishes them in love. The wicked have chosen their own way and have no protection, not because God is not compassionate (because He is), but because they don’t follow the guidelines He has given for us to have abundant life. We must know His ways for Him to guard our ways. For He is life.

Psalm 2:12b Blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

It’s common to hear people pray, “Oh Bless me, Lord! Bless me!” but there is a difference between good fortune and blessing. Some people are really asking God to give them something they don’t have because they believe that thing will deliver them from their distress or discontentment, and that God Himself is not the One who is able. Oh, but He IS the One who is able, and the only thing you have to do to find blessing is to take refuge in Him.

Psalm 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.

In the right circumstances, it takes only one person to make me feel afraid. What confidence in God to not be afraid of ten thousands of people who are against you. I long for this confidence. It’s still but a tiny seed, but its growing.

Psalm 4:7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.

My joy is full even while my storehouse is empty. I love that joy is success, even when (by outward measure) you’re not yet successful.

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice, in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.

Are you eagerly watching? Are you waiting in anticipation for the direction and blessing of God? He speaks with a still small voice, so if you’re not watching, you might miss it.

Psalm 5:12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield.

I love the imagery of God’s favor being a shield that wraps all the way around me. It’s warm and comforting, and not just like some hunk of metal that only shields me from one side.

Psalm 9:10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

I trust You, God. I am only dust, but I’m dust that is loved and breathed into by Your Spirit.

Psalm 11:7 For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.

What better gift is there than to behold His face?

More to come…

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