Psalm_10

Scripture:

Psalm 10:17¹⁷ You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;    you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 

Observation:

David writes his lament over God’s seeming inactivity as evil and wickedness not only are able to carry on their wicked ways (rejecting God’s laws, being greedy and arrogant, lying and intimidating), but also seem to be rewarded with success – “always prosperous.”

Understanding:

Have you ever known someone like that?  Someone that seemed to be unfairly “blessed” while, perhaps, you’ve toiled away for average.  I think we’ve all had moments like that; moments where we take our eyes off of all the good that God has done / is doing in our own lives and began comparing…whether against where we feel we “should be” or against someone we know or against someone’s social media highlights. It’s true what they say, “comparison is the thief of joy.”But this verse struck me in another way too.  So many people are hurting right now – whether from isolation, too much time quarantined in an unhealthy environment, in their finances or mental un-wellness.  The overnight change in our world, in our culture, in the way we interact, it impacts every person differently.  This verse is a reminder, though, that God “hear[s] the desire of the afflicted.”  Not only does he hear it, He’s knows exactly what is needed…never at a loss for words, never out of resources, never too busy; he encourages the afflicted and listens to their cry (silent or loud). 

Life Application:

“Don’t compare your life to others.  There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon.  They shine when it’s their time.” – Unknown“A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it, it just blooms.” – Zen ShinDo nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves – Phil 2:3A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. – Prov. 14:30Don’t spend another second comparing yourself; when you’re tempted, take time to turn your heart to gratitude and humility. And, remember, God’s got your back.  He’s listening; so feel free to pour out your afflictions and allow Him to comfort and encourage you.  Also remember, though, you were placed in this family for a reason; you are not alone.  You have a community that loves you and can be that tangible sense of His love.Lastly, go love on somebody!  We are here on this earth to be God’s hands and feet in this world; be present and aware, look for opportunities to share God’s love with those you encounter.   We can be the mouthpiece that shares His encouraging word, the ear that takes time to listen and hear their cry. Rei

Psalm_9

Scripture  Psalm 9:9-10  The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. Observation-What does it say?  This psalm was written by David, and it is possible that both chapters nine and ten were written as one psalm.  Several things that indicate this include it’s structure being in the form of an acrostic, the first letter of every other line follows the order of the Hebrew alphabet, and it is the only psalm in chapters 3-32 that doesn’t contain a superscript.  Chapter 9 is mostly concerned with praising God for deliverance from Israel’s enemies, though none are specifically named.  Verses 7-10 are a celebration of God’s righteous rule, which evokes trust in those who seek the Lord. Understanding-What does it mean?  I love to eat, which is largely why I exercise as much as I do.  Otherwise, I might look like Homer Simpson.  I have found that I have some emotional patterns in my eating.  When I am happy, I eat more savory foods.  This is when I like to have groups of people over, like at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  When I am stressed or feeling insecure, I eat more sweets and desserts.  When I listen to the clues of my eating, I can use it as a time to reflect on my life.   The other day, I ate almost a whole box of S'mores cookies before I stopped to question what was wrong. On top of everyone’s normal routine being completely upended, I have had four schedule changes at work since January.  For me, this includes having to cope with new supervisors, a different sleeping schedule, as well as adjusting for things like vacation. Of the biggest concern lately was the supervisor change.  My current supervisor is difficult and I feel like I am walking on egg-shells all day.  It makes it difficult to be motivated for anything while I am at work. When I really consider the cause of my stress, I find it’s because I am trying to depend on my own strength to live day in and day out instead of relying on God’s provision for me.  If I were to look to God’s Word when I feel inadequate, instead of the comfort of a S’mores cookie (which never lasts very long), I would be quicker to remember and be filled with His comfort.  Sometimes, this means I need to praise God when I don’t feel like it, in order to practice the posture of praise.  In praising Him, I will be reminded of how He cares for me in my time of trouble.   Life Application  Jesus, thank You for being a comfort in time of trouble.  Help me to remember that You knew me before I was made (Jeremiah 1:5), and that I am more important to You than sparrows (Matthew 10:29), and that You will make all things work out for good when I search for You (Romans 8:28).  Help me to come to You in my time of need, praising You for the goodness I have always experienced from You.    
-Tyler Galloway

Isaiah_55

Scripture

Isaiah 55

6 Seek the Lord while he may be found;

    call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake their ways

    and the unrighteous their thoughts.

Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,

    and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Observation

It sounds like he was talking about Jesus in this chapter. I had noticed that the chapters before spoke of Jesus hundreds of years before he came to this earth. So cool how God speaks to us of what is to come in our future. Even now he speaks.

Understanding

Verse 7 tells the people who did terrible things to stop doing them and abandon the habits. And to the sinners to stop thinking their terrible thoughts and ideas. If they would forget about the evil ways and turn toward God He would have mercy and forgive them.

Immediately after, God says that he doesn’t think like us, like humans. He doesn’t have our wicked ways or our unrighteous thoughts.

Human beings are not prone to freely forgive or extend mercy. Our tendency is to take note, remember it, so it will give us power and control, so it will protect us.

 Our vision and insight is seen from the ground view, face to face with our offender.

But God sees from a higher perspective. God’s eye view sees things we cannot see.

He sees our value,

He sees who we could become,

He sees His Son.

Application

 Seek the Lord while he may be found;

    call on him while he is near.

God is right here, ready and waiting to pour out in abundance his mercy and forgiveness. Holy Spirit is here waiting to empower us to change our thoughts that hold us captive to our bad habits.

Seek the Lord while he may be found;

    call on him while he is near.

 

-Deborah Lee