What marvelous verses we have to celebrate the beginning of this new day!
Verse 7:
"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me."
There are 2 key words here in verse 7 that we need to meditate upon. He: (1) "counsels" and (2) "instructs."
Let's meditate for a moment on this opening phrase: "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me.
Our first question is: How does the Lord do this? The answer is found in numerous other references in the Psalms. It is through the Word of God.
Psalm 1:2:
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night"
(NIV).
Psalm 119:9, 11:
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you"
(NIV).
Psalm 119:130:
"The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple"
(KJV).
Our biggest problem in life is thinking we know what is best and that the Lord will appreciate our help. Therefore, we do not ask for directions.
"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me."
Psalm 119:133:
"Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me"
(NIV).
Martin Luther said: "When God purifies the heart by faith, the market is sacred as well as the sanctuary."
It is those night cookies from the Lord's table that refresh our spirit and get us prepared for the new day dawning.
Verse 8:
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
"I have set the Lord always before me." I ask myself the question, How do you do this?
Proverbs 3:5 - 7:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil"
(NIV).
Proverbs 8:34:
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway"
(NIV).
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." I have the promise of His presence and His protection.
Isaiah 41:10:
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
(NIV).
My precious Pearl wrote a statement the other day that really got my attention: "I must be utterly ruthless to cast off and cut out anything in my life that is a stench and an offence to the holiness of God."
David Jeremiah said: "But we're stubborn creatures who struggle to learn. And we learn the least when the sun is shining and the winds are crisp and life feels good. Peace and prosperity have never provided effective classrooms. Crisis and catastrophe, on the other hand, offer master's degrees. By the way, that accreditation makes you a Master of Disaster." (
Bend in the Road,
120)
