'Tis so sweet...

   This morning I read Psalm 16, since today is the sixteenth day of the month. And, it's quite possible that it is my new favorite Psalm. Maybe even chapter in the whole Bible. Lately, I've had an especially hard time trusting God with my future - both near and far, in the big things and in the minutia. It's easy to get into the mindset of, "It's my life, I'll act the way I want." But that's the way the world thinks. I mean, really; just watch a commercial break during your favorite tv show. It's nearly inescapable. The world doesn't have any concept of trusting someone else for your "destiny" or future. But we do!! And that's what I've been wrestling with lately. The spirit is so very willing, but the flesh is oh so weak. It's easy to pray for help to surrender and trust in our loving Father, only to find myself worrying about this, that or the next thing just a few minutes later, as though I had never prayed to the most trustworthy Friend I could ever have.

   As a friend recently posted on facebook, echoing my own thoughts: Scripture is so refreshing and uplifting. In reading in the Psalms this morning, I was so comforted. I was gently and unwaveringly assured that I can trust my God with the life He gave me. 

     "Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy one see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

   When Christ was in the garden, he prayed, "Not my will, but thine be done." Oh, that this would be my constant prayer! 

   A couple of days ago the hymn "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" came to mind, and I haven't been able to get it out since (not that I want to :) ); the above passage and the old hymn are a good pair. I hope and pray they bless you as they've blessed me. :)

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;

And I know that Thou art with me,

Wilt be with me to the end.

   [Casting Crowns' version of the hymn: 

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DdgkvnsHjM]

   Any discussion on this topic cannot go without mentioning Jeremiah 29; so, to close, verses 11-13. I pray these verses of Scripture and song encourage your heart.

    

   "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

New Beginnings, New Purposes

   Just a heads up to anyone who finds themselves reading this: it's my first time blogging, so please be patient with me. :) I've thought of starting one several times over the years, but never got around to it. Since it's the beginning of a new year, I figured now was as good of a time as any. The purpose of this blog is to share the journey of my pursuit to be more Christlike - in my thoughts, attitudes, actions, words, etc. Although I've been on this journey for a number of years (a decade and a half, now that I think of it...my goodness!), I decided that I'm going to be very intentional about my relationship with the Lord this year. I've come to realize, really and truly, that nothing matters more in this world. While many other things have real importance, this takes priority.
   Once I go back to school next week, I don't know how often I'll be able to post; for now, the goal is at least once a week. The plan is to share encouragements I've received from my devotional times with the Lord, any pertinent life lessons I've learned, and anything else that is relevant to the title of the blog (if I don't hold myself to that, who knows what you'll end up reading.) The hope is to, in turn, encourage and build up anyone who cares to read what the Lord lays on my heart to share.

   To close, a passage from Isaiah that I have cherished these last several months.

"Listen to me, ...you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. ...Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel." (46:3-4, 8-13)