Just a few verses each day can keep my thoughts going for a few days, the meaning becoming clearer and richer, shedding light in my soul. So it has been once I read Psalm 119:28:
“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.”
The psalmist obviously had a heavy heart, ladened by circumstances, and it was from God that he sought encouragement.
There are benefits from having a quiet time with God each day. We gain more than we could ever realize from time spent reading Scripture. God’s Word will:
- revive us (Psalm 119:25)
- teach us (Psalm 119:26)
- bring understanding (Psalm 119:27)
- encourage us (Psalm 119:28)
- keep us from deceiving ourselves (Psalm 119:29)
This is just to name a little of our gain from Scripture. As we turn to absorb the very words God left for us, He does His part to strengthen us in the midst of the happenings of our days.
But what is to be our part in this? Our part is to:
- choose to be faithful (Psalm 119:30)
- determine to live by His commands (Psalm 119:30)
- cling to His laws (Psalm 119:31)
- pursue His commands (Psalm 119:32)
The psalmist pledged – chose – to hold onto God’s Word no matter the circumstances. And so must we, even as we weep. We may cry yet we cry with the hope of what is yet to come.
The words God left for us are meant to bring light and life to all people, for all time, in all situations. But we must read them, permitting them to do the needed work our souls so desperately need.
“A saint armed with God’s Word is adequately equipped to withstand the greatest assaults brought against his soul.” (The Holman Old Testament Commentary, Vol. 12, page 215)
God is faithful to do His part in the lives of His children. May we turn to Him to help us, and strengthen us, for this is our part. May we intentionally set aside time each day to let Him tend to our souls through the reading of His very Word to us.
As we hold onto His Word with greater tenacity than ever before,
and He will encourage us.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Grace Moments and #ChasingCommunity and Heart Encouragement Thursday and Tune In Thursday .
There are some mornings when I’m writing in my gratitude journal, and I honestly cannot dredge up a third blessing to write on the line. (I realize this casts me in a very unfavorable light, but . . .) Then I remember the promises of God, and the blessing of holding His Truth in my hand and in my heart, so I go to the blessing of knowing Him and some amazing truth from His Word.
Truly, “the Law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.” (Ps. 119:72)
Michele, you make such a valid point. There may be days that as we look at our circumstances, we do not see reason to be grateful. But … when we take the focus off of ourselves and look into His Word, our hearts will be filled with gratitude. And I happen to think the light you are cast in is most favorable! You are a reflection of Jesus in all that you write.
Nothing speaks so clearly to nourish my heart, mind, and spirit than the time I spend in my chair with the Word and my journal. There are some mornings that something necessitate me leaving the house so early that it doesn’t happen or is shortened and my day never seems to go as well. Especially in turbulent and troubled times, it is the one calming anchor in the storm.
How grateful I am that He left it for us!!
Pam, I so agree with you. My day does not seem to go as well either when I rush through or think I can get to it later. I cherish my morning time. Have a blessed Sunday!
“The words God left for us are meant to bring light and life to all people, for all time, in all situations.” I find this to be so amazing, that words written thousands of years ago can still be living and active in our lives here today in 2017. Thanks for sharing this encouragement, Joanne.
Lisa, that thought brought to mind Hebrews 4:12 – “His word is alive and powerful”. I am not only grateful of that truth in my life, it gives me hope for my children and grandchildren. They will never be alone either. His Word will be just as alive and powerful as they spend time in His Word.
Awe, that brings a smile to think of God as our Encourager. What a sweet way to describe the daily reading — “Encourage Me.” Such a calming phrase. And, it makes such a difference to sit with that encouragement each day, doesn’t it? So thankful for a God who waits for me to come so He can “encourage me.” 🙂 — Thank you for sharing your heart with #ChasingCommunity, Joanne. ((xoxo))
Brenda, thank you for your sweet encouragement each week. I am grateful for our God who waits for us and given to us the words we need for life. And I am grateful for those, like you, He brings along the way to also encourage and bring a push in the middle of the week 🙂
I love the Psalms though there are times when I am more like PSALM 13 rather than Psalm 100 but so it goes thanks for the encouraging words
Debbie, you know I went and read Psalm 13 before responding 🙂 We all go through those days of questions and questioning. And He is with us – right there in the midst of all the questions. He brings us to the point of saying, “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me” (verse 8). xo
Love this and you. The phrase “weep forward” has been on my heart all week. xo
Lyli, I heard that phrase YEARS ago and I have never forgotten it. It wasn’t even connected with the same Scriptures. But I am grateful that we can weep today in the hopes of tomorrow. Our God is faithful in all things. xo
Joanne – such a good reminder to strengthen ourselves in the Lord just like David did. I really needed to be reminded of this today. thanks for linking up to #TuneInThursday today!
Debbie, as we all remind one another to strengthen and encourage ourselves in the Lord, may it become ingrained in the fabric of our spiritual walk. Blessings!
I’m so thankful that God has revealed Himself to us through His word, and that He has given me sight, and the ability to read, and my own Bible that I can read and study. I can’t even imagine how differently my life would look if He had not given me these gifts.
It’s so true, isn’t it, Ruth. To be able to read and study His Word on our own, at any time, when we feel like it – surely a gift!
“…May we turn to Him to help us, and strengthen us, for this is our part. May we intentionally set aside time each day to let Him tend to our souls through the reading of His very Word to us.” Well-said; amen and amen.~ <3
Joanne,
I SO needed this as I’m sitting up at 3:30 because I can’t sleep. I have learned that when you are doing good things for the Kingdom you are going to come under heavy assault. That’s what’s happening to me right now. I needed this reminder to keep clinging to His Word because it is my sword. I don’t have to fight the battle, but His Word reminds me to stand and He will fight for me. His Word gives me tenacity – love that word today. Thank you sweet friend…
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, it is so true. May our eyes be opened to the spiritual battle that we become involved in. And that battle is won through prayer and in the power of His Word. Praying for you and for RCF often these days! xo
I love that when we seek Him, we find Him – even in those small and subtle ways. It’s always such a sweet blessing when God gives us that something to linger on for days to come. His word is alive!
Tiffany, it is amazing how the lingering thought will come before us in the most least expected of ways too.