The words that follow were written several years ago.  Even though I wrote them, I needed to hear them again, and once again put the principles into practice.  Yes, sometime we forget what we have learned.

Have you ever felt “out of sorts”, left out, or neglected? Sometimes things don’t go the way I would like them to.  Sometimes my ideas go ignored.  You’ve probably got buttons of your own that, when pushed, send you into a “funk.”  There are so many things that can put me in a bad mood and ruin my day.  But, years ago I realized that I have a choice to make.  I can continue to wallow in self-pity, or I can determine to do what is right and have a pleasant attitude.  The verse in Acts 11:23 describes how I need to live in all circumstances.

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

Barnabas had travelled to Antioch to investigate rumours that a group of unknown men were preaching about Jesus.  The Apostles were concerned that this group might be preaching false doctrine.  However, it seems that it didn’t take long for Barnabas to discover these men were indeed preaching truth and their ministry was being blessed by God.  The verse states that “he was glad.”  Some versions translate the word “rejoiced.” He was excited to see God working among these people. It doesn’t say so here, but I can imagine that Barnabas whispered a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.  Then, true to his nature, Barnabas “encouraged them.” He went on to give these new followers of Jesus specific direction.  He encouraged them to continue with the Lord “with PURPOSE.” They were to live a life pleasing to God with intention and determination.

It’s easy to fall back on the old “I’m a woman; it’s my hormones” excuse. Yes, hormones are real and we don’t have complete control over them.  But, often it is not the female hormones.  Both men and women fight bad attitudes. 

Several years ago my pastor’s wife walked past me in the busy church foyer and didn’t stop to speak to me. I remember being faced with two choices of thought.  The selfish, touchy Debi could have thought, “She walked right past me today at church and didn’t even acknowledge that I was standing there.” Or, the patient, understanding Debi could have thought, “She walked past me today and didn’t speak.  She is so busy. I am sure she must have a dozen things on her mind.  I’ll give her a call to see if there is something I can do for her.” And then, I could take it further and remember to pray for her as she faced all the pressures and responsibilities of being a pastor’s wife.

Many things can put us “out of sorts” if we let them. Many people in our lives seem to bring out the worst in us and get us into a bad frame of mind.  I encourage you today to remember, and heed the words of Barnabas:

              “…with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.”

Then you will be able to say with confidence: 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song.”  Psalm 28:7

We have arrived at the last stanza of Psalm 119: 169-176.  My desire is that you have fallen more deeply in love with our God, His Word, and His work as we have studied this Psalm.  In these last verses, we hear the psalmist cry out to God, expressing a love of God’s Word, respect for His laws and commands, and dependence on God’s guidance each day. Do you hear the passion in these verses?  Do you experience the same desire for understanding of God’s Word?
 
When I take time to read a passage several times, the Lord reveals new ways for me to apply His truth to my life.  What I have written in these devotionals is just the beginning of what God has to say through them.  There is so much more in this chapter that God wants to teach us all.  During this study, I have prayed that the Lord has spoken directly to you; that He will make His Words new to you each morning.
 
Anamorphic art is new to me. I read about it first in “Our Daily Bread” on September 28 of this year.  Sheridan Voysey explained it this way:

“ Appearing at first as an assortment of random parts, an anamorphic Sculpture only makes sense when  viewed from the correct angle. In one piece, a series of vertical poles align to reveal a famous leader’s face. In another, a mass of cable becomes the outline of an elephant. Another artwork, made of hundreds of black dots suspended by wire, becomes a woman’s eye when seen correctly. The key to anamorphic art is viewing it from different angles until its meaning is revealed.” 

He went on to point out that Scripture is much like anamorphic art. 

“…the Bible can sometimes be hard to understand. But Scripture itself tells us how to unlock
its meaning. Treat it like an anamorphic sculpture: view it from different angles and meditate
on it deeply.”

Dig deep. Take your time. Take one portion of Scripture and read it over and over again until God speaks deeply into your heart. His message to you will likely change how you think and alter how you will behave. Make that portion of Scripture yours.
 
Lord, please open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things on your law. Help me understand Your words and discern how You want me to put them into action for every situation I face during this pandemic and in the years ahead.
 
“May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4: 7

Over the past eight months, our minds and hearts have been thrown into a whirlwind of chaos and confusion.  We hear conflicting reports about government policies, health conditions, and finances.  It is hard to know what to believe when these reports conflict.  Now more than ever, friends and family may be on opposite sides of an issue.  This type of struggle can cause our minds and hearts to cry out for peace.
 
Today’s scripture gives us a clear pathway to a peaceful heart, mind and life.  Take your Bible and turn to Psalm 119: 161-168.  Underline the phrases as we address each action we should take to achieve peace. The steps may be worded differently in the translation you are reading, but each will point to a well-defined route. You may see more steps than we will cover, so open your heart to what God may have for you.

• “Stand in awe of your Word”: When I read God’s Word I receive comfort, challenge, and insight and I fell thankful and blessed. At first consideration, I assumed the phrase “stand in awe” meant that I should hold God’s Word in high regard and with respect. Yes, that is part of it, but when I delved into the meaning of awe as used in this context, I discovered that this phrase indicated “trembling” and “fear of violating God’s Word.” Yes, there are consequences of disobedience.  I don’t believe our first reason for obeying God is to avoid punishment.  We need to have a healthy fear, much like children fear, but love their parents. Children do not want to disappoint their parents with disobedience.  Fearfully stand in awe of God’s Word, and He will bring you peace.    

 

• “Rejoice”: The Hebrew word is sûws (soos) or sîys (sece).  Its root word means to be bright, cheerful, to “make mirth.” Despite the circumstances, we need to REJOICE! Let the love of God fill our hearts, remembering that those who believe and trust in Him are given the undeserved gift of life and salvation from our sin.  This gift does not waver with our feelings.  God does not take away the gift of salvation based on how we feel. It does not matter what is happening in our life; we can rejoice in the Lord.  We may not be able to rejoice about the circumstances, but we can rejoice that God is with us and will help us through those situations bringing peace in a storm.

 

• “Love God’s Law”:  Fall in love with Jesus and His Word again.  The whole chapter of Psalm 119 repeats several times the benefits of loving God’s Word.  Falling in love with His Word comes by memorizing, internalizing, and living God’s Word. These instructions are given throughout Psalm 119. Learning to love God’s Word deeply will bring peace and calm to our life.

 

• “Praise God”:  The definition of the words rejoice, and praise are very close. However, remember to praise God for who He is, not just for what He does for you and others. Give Him glory for being God, and praise Him for His attributes. (never changes, self-sufficient, all-powerful, all-knowing,  always everywhere, faithful and many more).

 

• “Obey God’s Word:” And yes, loving God leads us to obedience.  Doing what He asks of us proves the depth of our love of Him and His Word.

 
                If you feel unsettled and not at peace, review the steps laid out in Psalm 119: 161-168.