Tuesday, June 5, 2012

THIS BLOG’S FOR YOU!


6/5/12 Yes, blogs are a cheap form of self-publishing. Yes, most blogs are read by the bloggers themselves. Yes, most of my blogs are God’s way of teaching me as I separate and simplify His truths. But, today this blog’s for you----a blog that might turn you on your ear. Just hope you can still “hear”. Actually this blog has been  “just for me” these last few days so I can now share the  Lord's truths which I gleaned.
Psalm 5 is David’s individual lament; 
  • Asking God to hear his prayer, 
  • Acknowledging God’s hatred of sin and evil people, 
  • Requesting guidance, 
  • Securing God’s protection and blessing. 
Not exactly a “sweet” read with my morning cuppa. But God….used it to show me an appropriate response to suffering.
Suffering is everywhere. It’s easy to spot. Globally, it makes the evening news as it beams across one's flat screens. Individually, it takes the sparkling beam out of one’s eyes. In this psalm, the arrogant ones, the ones who are living a life of lies and deceit appear to cause David’s suffering. Suffering can come when one trusts in mankind. Yet, all too often a man’s words cannot be trusted because words are an overflow of the heart and a man’s heart is filled with destruction. (v.9) David further describes the wicked ones who are causing the suffering as dangerous, with deceit and flattery on their tongues, saying what they think one wants to hear to attain their own goals ----all signs of rebelliousness against God. David even prays that the intrigues of the wicked will be their downfall and they will be caught in their own traps. How intense must have been David’s suffering to bring such petitions before the Lord.
Now that I’ve “rained on your life’s parade”, don’t stop reading here & don’t do as I did and eat 3 large slices of fresh baked pull-apart cheese bread slathered in real butter (is there any other kind) We all assuage pain and suffering in different ways. Some medicate or take to “drink”, I take to “butter” even if my suffering is mainly over someone else’s pain. As warm and comforting and distracting as “butter” (or your choice of poison) appears to be, that’s NOT the answer. Rather reread verses 1-3.
These first three verses include David’s response to suffering. Even in the midst of suffering, He still seeks to be led by the Lord’s righteousness. He approaches the Lord in a worshipful way, with mind and heart engaged, asking Him to pay attention/ to consider his (David’s) sighing/lament/groaning/meditation. (all words offered in parallel versions of verse 1)
Resolve to spend time in the word with the Lord as David did. That’s a needed discipline, which David alluded to twice, (“in the morning”, v.3) as the time when he articulates His condition. My words, v 1. Voice of my cry, v 2. My voice, v 3.  Then, David waited expectantly. Eagerly watching and waiting to see what the Lord would do on His behalf.
Ah, that one would follow David’s method: 
  • Disciplined time in the Lord’s Presence,
  • Willingness to articulate again and again his needs as he/she suffers, 
  • Expectancy of the Lord’s answer whether it’s relief or assurance of God’s Presence, 
  • Acceptance of God as the only Refuge who will be both a protector and a defense

David sums up well for us as he finds rejoicing and singing of joy for those who love the name of the Lord---for the LORD will bless the godly and surround them with His love even in the midst of suffering.
If this blog is for you…..blessed are you when you take refuge in the Lord and allow Him to surround you with His love. (v.12)

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