Living in God's Goodness

Though it isn't listed on this blog as one of my "favorites," I really enjoy reading "The Valley of Vision," which is a collection of Puritan prayers and meditations edited by Arthur Bennett. Though none is specifically titled, the contributors' list includes John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, David Brainerd, and the like. I am challenged and encouraged by the humility, the passion, and the devotion of these dear ones who have gone before us.

This morning I read a meditation entitled, "The All-Good," and I would like to share it with you. I'm going to paraphrase, using some more modern language (as my family reminds me, not everyone loves Shakespeare and poetry like you do, Mom)

My God,
You have helped me to see that whatever good be in honor and rejoicing,
how Good is He who gives them, and can withdraw them;
that blessedness does not lie so much in receiving good from and in You,
but in holding forth Your glory and virtue;
that it is an amazing thing to see Deity in a creature,
speaking,
acting,
filling,
shining through it;
that nothing is good but You, and that I am near to good when I am near You,
that to be like You is a glorious thing;
This is my magnet, my attraction.

You, God, are all my good in times of peace,
my only support in days of trouble,
my one sufficiency when life ends.
Help me to see how good Your will is in everything,
and even when Your will crosses mine, teach me to be pleased with Your will.
Grant me to see Your provision in my daily food and heat and clothing and everything I have.
Help me to see that Your many gifts and creatures are but Your hands and fingers taking hold of me.

O, bottomless fountain of all good,
I give myself to You out of love,
for all I have or own belongs to You:
my goods
family
church
self,
and it is all Yours to do with as You will.
I want You to honor Yourself by me, and by all mine.

If it is consistent with Your eternal counsels,
the purpose of Your grace,
the great ends of Your glory,
then bestow upon me the blessings of Your comforts;
If not, and suffering and trials come my way,
let me submit gladly to Your wiser determinations.

Currently I am in the process of "submitting gladly" to God's "wiser determinations" in my life. No one says it's easy or painless; but I must trust that my God who is all-good, all-wise, having considered all possible scenarios, has chosen what is best for me, and what will bring Him glory.

"I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws. I hold fast to Your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free." Psalm 119:30-32 NIV

Psalm 119 continued

I realized that it's been about a month since I posted on my journey through Psalm 119. I'm now through 24 verses (that's 3 stanzas), and what a gold mine of treasure about God and His Word is there!
The psalmist asks God to "deal bountifully" with him, or cause him to prosper and thrive (not just financially either). . . not so he can have more stuff or do more things, but so he can "live and keep Your word. . ." When I ask God for strength for my day, what are my motives?
This one verse has caused a major shift in my prayer life. I want the strength that God supplies, but I want that strength so that I can display His glory, His love, His will in my day.
I want to say no to temptation, but not so that I feel better, or so I can be all puffed up that I "beat down the devil;" I want to say no because that will lift up God's name, and His sufficiency will shine through.
The next request is just as "eye-opening" (pun definitely intended). . .the psalmist asks God to "open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law. . .." What a great reminder when I come to God's Word; I want God to teach me; I can't figure all this out on my own. I don't want to trust in my wisdom. Asking God to "open my eyes" implies that if I have an issue with something God says, then I adjust; I don't try to use my own ideas and 'wisdom' to make myself feel comfortable with refusal to conform to God's way.
And lastly (for today anyway) the psalmist acknowledges that "I am a sojourner on the earth. . ." When I come before a holy God, I need to constantly remember that this life is not ALL of my life; why should I put so much emphasis and worry and fussing and complaining on something so temporary? God's Word is forever; people are forever; my circumstances are so temporary. Oh, I want my day-to-day life to draw people to love my God and Savior more! I want everyone to know how sufficient He is; how precious His Word is; and how necessary. . .

30 Day Challenge Update

For those of us who participated in the "30 Day Challenge to Encourage our Husband," tell me --- how did God change you over this past month? I know that I became aware that just because I began to have a thought, it wasn't absolutely necessary that it come out of my mouth in a verbal statement! What a concept! I can actually think a thought, realize it's not building up or necessary at that moment--I can reject the thought, renew my mind, and not sin with my mouth!
I've also gained a renewed appreciation for my husband. I just love him to pieces, and am so grateful to God that He chose us for each other! And, yes, it still drives me nuts when he just "channel flips" with the remote, but I can always just walk away and wash my face or check my email or (we all know how many other things we can do with those 10 minutes or so). I don't have to sit there, get frustrated and be ugly!
I think I'll just enlist for another 30 Days. . .

My Soul Waits for God Alone

I read this psalm this morning. . .I just love God's providence and timing! The bold type is my emphasis. No, we are not to be hermits. But a bondslave does not expect other bondslaves to meet his/her needs and wants; he/she looks to the Master. I can give of myself generously to others because I know that my God is my refuge and my salvation and my everything!

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
62:1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;from him comes my salvation.

2 He only is my rock and my salvation,my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.They take pleasure in falsehood.They bless with their mouths,but inwardly they curse.

Selah
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,for my hope is from him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation,my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;pour out your heart before him;God is a refuge for us.

Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;those of high estate are a delusion;in the balances they go up;they are together lighter than a breath.

10 Put no trust in extortion;set no vain hopes on robbery;if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;twice have I heard this:that power belongs to God,

12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.For you will render to a man according to his work.

Is He your refuge? Will you trust Him at all times?