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This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15
We live in a world of visual and audio noise. Screen time has become a buzz word for the noise we’ve created through technology and life in general. It seems as though our lives are made up of circles. Family circles, workplace circles, social circles, political circles and you can probably think of a few more.
Imagine all of those circles intersecting in such a way that, while remaining separate, they intersect in the middle, and that middle…is YOU!
Each circle has it’s own demands, some more important than others, some louder than others. The volume of each circle doesn’t necessarily correspond to it’s level of importance. As I write this I envision a picture of me pulling my hair out and having eyeballs bulging from my face!
The world tells you to advance and tackle each situation. God tells you to step back. The world tells you the more active you are the more you’ll accomplish. God tells us in Psalm 46 to be still. In that stillness we can find confidence because we realize our strength comes from God, not from tackling yet another challenge.
Take time away from the screen or whatever circle is calling you. Build confidence in your faith in God working through you. He wants to see you succeed and longs to have you take refuge in him so he can work more completely through you.
Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day. Psalms 61:8
Music has the amazing way to both express our moods and change our moods. Have you ever noticed that? How many songs have been written due to grief or broken relationships or shattered dreams. If the performer does the song well, you can feel your heart melt along with theirs over whatever tragedy the message sends.
On the other hand, a song that expresses joy can make your heart sing as well. I remember back when I was young, when my favorite song came on the car radio in the summer, the windows went down and the volume went up!
David begins this Psalm (song) in dire straights we know little about. All we know for sure is that he’s struggling. But as his song moves on there is a gradual progression from distress to praise; from fear to courage; from questioning God to worshipping God.
What was the difference? We don’t know for sure but I’m convinced his physical situation hadn’t changed. What changed was his heart. His focus turned from his problems to his God.
How is the condition of your heart today? The mind plays amazing games with us. The songs you listen to have a profound and secret affect on your mindset.
So when you are unsure if God hears your prayers, if you are struggling with the news and events around you let me suggest you listen to some good praise music. Allow the words of praise music to permeate your mind, work to change your mood and turn your focus towards the promises of our almighty, loving and never failing Father God. His music will do your heart good!
May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him. Psalms 61:7
Have you ever noticed how people slow down when a police officer is behind them? Maybe it’s just me. I don’t drive fast, at most I’m 4-5 MPH over the limit. But when a police car is behind me I tend to drive at order a couple MPH below the limit!
Why is that? Because we are being watched! You may see that at the workplace as well. The old adage “When the cats away the mice will play” has real meaning when the manager/boss steps out or leaves for the day.
In Psalms 61:7, King David continues his prayer to God, asking him to protect David in his daily activities, whether in the palace, on the battlefield or in his personal time.
He acknowledges that God watches over him, “…May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him”, but asks that the watching is covered in love and faithfulness.
God is not some angry cop hoping we step out of line so he can ticket us. He’s not a micro-managing boss that doesn’t trust us and is always worried about the bottom line.
He’s a loving father that has promised to love us unconditionally. He’s a loving father that keeps his word. He’s a loving father that always has our best in mind.
May you feel his love today in whatever you face. May you be reminded of his faithfulness in the past as you look into an uncertain future!
Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Psalms 61:4
It was one of the worst rainstorms I had ever driven through. It soon became impossible to see the lines on the interstate as I crept along at 30 MPH. Soon I came to an overpass and thought I would take shelter there, but there was no room as other cars had done the same. I continued on for three more overpasses before I found a spot to take shelter and wait for the storm to let up. Underneath that overpass I was able to rest my body and soul as the storm raged around me.
We aren’t sure what situation David found himself in when he wrote Psalm 61, but we can tell he was in anguish and, perhaps, great danger. The Hebrew word for the phrase ‘Let me dwell’ infers a place where we can step out of the turmoil of the world to find shelter and safety, a sanctuary, if you will, where the enemy can’t reach us.
Physically speaking, we may not be able to step away from the storms in life. We will get thrown under the bus by those who have higher expectations than we can deliver. We’ll be maligned by those who want to bind us with ropes of legalism. We’ll move on in life without being appreciated.
Relationships will dissappoint. Finances will fail. Our bodies will grow old and frail, But Jesus offers us a shelter we can take with us through every storm we face. We can feel safe beneath the protection of his wings.
For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Psalms 61:3
The most dangerous enemies are the ones we can’t see. You know the kind. The enemies of your soul. Sometimes those enemies are people who talk behind your back and have a hidden agenda to make sure you don’t succeed.
Perhaps you made mistakes they won’t forgive. It may be that you fail to meet their expectations and they are going to do everything in their power to make sure everyone knows how much of a failure you are.
The worst enemy of all, are the bruises you have from the emotional abuse their attacks bring. In those times when the unknown enemy lurks in the shadows it’s important for us to remember who we are and whose we are!
As believers in Jesus our identity isn’t dependent on the actions or thoughts of others. As believers of Jesus we are owned by the king of the universe, Jehovah God. When I’m hurt by the actions of others, I can rest in the promise that God is my protection.
He has protected my soul in the past and I can know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that he will continue to protect me. In Him I find safety. In Him I find rest. In Him I am secure in who I am.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 