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GPiper
September 2nd 2003, 06:34 AM
One day I prayed, "God life has beat me up I'm bruised, broken hearted, and I'm so tired of struggling I don't want to go on." And then driven by a mysterious force I sought God in the words of the Psalms and true to his Love for me God spoke to my heart.

"I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together, and exalt his name. For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! This poor man cried to the Lord--and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him."*

I thought about the words of the Psalmist, I thought about how much pain I felt, I thought about how much I wanted to quit, I thought about how life had blinded me to new possibilities, and I prayed, "Forgive me for dishonoring your words God but I can't raise my voice in praise I'm just too tired." And again the words of the Psalmist spoke to my heart.

"Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing. Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord."*

Suddenly a glimmer of hope pierced my broken heart and I prayed, "How do I reverence the Lord?"

"Do you want a long, good life," the Psalmist words spoke to my heart? "Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying. Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it. For the eyes of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives, and he gives attention when they cry to him. But the Lord has made up his mind to wipe out even the memory of evil men from the earth."*

Before I sign off may the closing words of Psalms 34* leave a lasting footprint on the pages of your life they are words of Truth, words of Power, words of Hope, words of Love, words of God!

"Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help, and saves him out of all his troubles. The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. The good man does not escape all troubles--he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one. Not one of his bones is broken. Calamity will surely overtake the wicked; heavy penalties are meted out to those who hate the good. But as for those who serve the Lord, he will redeem them; everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned."*

Remember Jesus... ... ...Is BIGGER than life!
Gary

stillsmallvoice
September 3rd 2003, 05:24 AM
Hi Gary!

We (orthodox Jews) read Psalm 34 in synagogue every Saturday morning as part of the Shabbat (Sabbath) morning service. Psalm 34:19 jibes rather nicely with the first clause of Isaiah 51:12 (which we read in synagogue just this past Saturday). Both verses have certainly helped me very much in dealing with the fact that DW & I suffer from primary & wholly unexplained infertility (but we don't complain; God has been very, very good to us & has blessed us with two marvelous boys whom we adopted at the ages of 4 months & 2.5 weeks, respectively).

Be well!

ssv :hi:

GPiper
September 3rd 2003, 06:44 AM
Thank you SSV...

I think of all the books of the Bible Psalms is the one that reveals God's involvement in our lives more than any other. We owe a great deal of gratitude to those who preserved them until the time they first appeared in print. My favorite is Psalms 91 since the September 11th attacks it has brought me a great deal of comfort.

Thanks again,
Gary

stillsmallvoice
September 3rd 2003, 09:05 AM
Hi Gary!

We (orthodox Jews) also read Psalm 91 in synagogue every Saturday morning as part of the Shabbat (Sabbath) morning service & every Saturday evening as part of the post-Sabbath evening prayers.

I think of Psalm 131 when I think about 9/11 & how God could have allowed such things to happen.

You posted:

I think of all the books of the Bible Psalms is the one that reveals God's involvement in our lives more than any other.

I agree!

Be well!

ssv :hi: