All I Have is Christ!

I once was lost in darkest night
and thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own
a rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still!

But as I ran my hell-bound race
indifferent to the cost,
You looked upon my helpless state
and led me to the cross.
And I beheld God's love displayed:
You suffered in my place,
You bore the wrath reserved for me,
now all I know is grace!

HALLELUIAH!
ALL I HAVE IS CHRIST!
HALLELUIAH!
JESUS IS MY LIFE!

Now Lord, I would be Yours alone,
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose,
And let my song forever be:
"My only boast is You!"

HALLELUIAH!
ALL I HAVE IS CHRIST!
HALLELUIAH!
JESUS IS MY LIFE!

This song has been such a challenge to me lately. My condition before salvation was lost. I was in darkness. I could not please God, I could not do anything worth any merit. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4-5)." Wow. That is amazing to me. Why God, who is so almighty and powerful and sovereign, would come to die for me and take the punishment for my sin is unfathomable. I cannot and never will understand it. But it happened, and now, by God's grace, I am saved, and I can say "Halleluiah! All I have is Christ! Halleluiah! Jesus is my life!" Because Christ's death on the cross gave me life, I can say that He is all I have, and He is my life. He is the One who gave me life. I did not conjure that up on my own. I couldn't. I am not intelligent enough to think up something so incredibly unthinkable. But I do know that because of that act of love and mercy, the third verse of this song should be true in my life: "Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose." Christ saved me and bought me; therefore, He owns me. My life is His to use in any way He desires to use it. But He still gives me the power to choose how I want to live my life: do I want to live my life my way, or am I going to give over control to Him and let Him lead? That is a question I find myself asking very often. How thankful am I that Christ saved me? Am I thankful enough to give Him my life? Are you?

~ Stephanie ~ 
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

Greatness of God...day 5!

Hey all! So sorry I didn't get to post my greatness of God verse yesterday. I got really busy, and then by the time I realized it, it was time to get to bed. This happened the past two days! Anyways, I am posting today, and the verse for today really got to me.

Ephesians 5:18-21 - "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." 

Okay. So at first, I saw verse 18 and said to myself "So I am supposed to be filled with the Spirit. I know that." But then I kept reading, and Paul tells us HOW to do that! He tells us how to be filled with the Spirit: 1.) We are to speak truth to ourselves via scripture or God-honoring music. This is a good one because when I am feeling down and not all that great spiritually, if I start singing a song, it always lifts my spirit. Then Paul tells us the second thing: 2.) We are to always be giving thanks to the Lord in EVERYTHING. Wow. Now this one is a little more difficult. I am supposed to thank God for everything that comes into my life? Yep! I sure am! Then Paul tells us the third thing: 3.) We are to submit to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wow. This is not a walk in the park either. I am not the most submissive person ever, so this is a hard one for me to grasp. This doesn't just mean that I am supposed to do anything and everything that anyone tells me to do, although I am to prefer others in love. I am simply to prefer others in love. I am to think selflessly and to give of myself and my time to help others. That is my way of being "submissive." Anyway, this was a challenge to me, and I hope it is to you all as well! Have a great day! Love you all!


~ Stephanie ~  
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

Greatness of God...day 4!

Well, here we are...day 4! I am still very much loving this challenge :) Okay. Here we go.

Ephesians 5:15-17 - "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

These verses were a challenge to me because at first when I read verse 15, I was thinking "Okay. I am not supposed to conduct myself in a foolish manner. I don't do that too much. I guess I am okay with this one." Then I kept reading, and it said "as wise, REDEEMING THE TIME, because the days are evil. Wow. That was a complete slap in the face. How am I spending my time, and what am I spending it on? If I have an hour or even just a half hour of free time, what do I send that time doing? I should be using my time wisely, because it is not really even my time at all. It is God's time that He has given me to use to glorify Him. A lot of times, when I have a few minutes here or there to do whatever, I will go straight to my computer and check my email or facebook. Why do I do that? What is important to me? If God's Word is important to me, then I will spend as much time as I can in it. I won't go first straight to my computer. I will first go straight to my Bible to allow God to teach me something new that I need for the rest of that day. That is my challenge to you today: what are you spending your time on? Really think about it and take a look. I was rebuked and challenged by it. You probably will be too. Love you all!
 

~ Stephanie ~ 
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

All Things New - A Story PART 4 - Purity Challenge

Surprise encounter

     

     On school Monday morning, my backpack isn't the only thing that's lighter. I really do feel better. It's as if God spoke through Ellie at the Valentine's banquet. That message was totally for me.

     I meet up with Kelsey at the lockers and pull out my English notebook.

  

   "Hey, Jordan."

     I turn to find Devin Terrell, looking amazingly beautiful and oozing charm from his every pore.

  

   I'm so over that.

    

 "Hey." I shut my locker and step around him.

    

 "Wait---."  His hand reaches for my shoulder. "Can't we talk?"

    

 I stop and look into his face. "About?"

    

 "I've missed you." a smile hangs on his lips. "I thought we might hang out tonight or something."

   

  I stare into his chocolate brown eyes and see the cute boy I fell for the last few months. "Devin, I---."

     His arms draw me in closer. " We can hang-out at my house. Watch a movie."

   

    "No."

   

     He blinks. "What?"

    Wow. That felt pretty good. "I said no."

    "Are you busy tonight?"

    I start to make up something but change my mind. "Actually I don't have a single thing to do. But even if I did, I don't think 'be a doormat for Devin' would be anywhere on my agenda."

    

    He stands there, mouth wide open.

   "This weekend I was reminded I can have a crown of beauty." I stare him down. "What can You give me?"

    He says nothing.

    "That's what I thought." And I walk away. Slipping my hand into my pocket, I pull out a silver ring. The same one I tossed in the trash a few weeks ago. It slides onto my finger, shining once again. For me, for God and for the guy I'm going to wait for.

    

And his name ain't Devin.

Written by: Jenny B. Jones

Brio mag 2009

The End

Hope you guys enjoyed the story! God bless!

~ Stephanie ~
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

Greatness of God...day 3!

Hey guys! So it is day three of my "Greatness of God" challenge. I really am loving this challenge because it helps me to focus on the greatness of my God, and on His Word. on the hardest days when I feel like nothing will go right, I can always fall back on God's Word. Well, here we go with day three!

Psalm 16:8,11 - "I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Thou[God] wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore."

So I absolutely LOVE these verses! They are always such an encouragement to me. Today I wanted to give you guys a verse that would be an encouragement to you rather than simple a challenge because sometimes we need that encouragement when we are having a hard day instead of someone just harping down on us and telling us what to do. Now granted it is a good thing sometimes for us to be told what to do, but it is sometimes more discouraging to us rather than a help. Anyway, this verse is an encouragement to me every time I read it. When I put God first, I don't have to worry about being tossed about by trials or by circumstances, because I am anchored in the Lord, and He never changes. When I am in that place of dependence on Him rather than on myself or other people, then I can have true joy! He has that joy and is right there waiting for me to simply surrender to Him and place my dependence on Him. What am I waiting for? I want to just run to Him right away and just rest in His arms. But my stubborn pride holds me back. I don't want God to control me life, who would? I mean, really? You want me to let some God whom I have never met control my life and tell me what to do? Well, yes. That is my"reasonable service" as stated in Romans 12:1. So I guess my challenge to those of you who are reading this would be to simply surrender yourself to the love and power of the Lord, and let Him control your life. You won't have that true joy and peace until you do! Love you all!


~ Stephanie ~ 
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

All Things New - A Story PART 3 - Purity Challenge

A Different Message 

“Hey, Guys. Happy Valentines Day!” Her voice is soft but confident.

We all mumble something in reply. Personally I think it’s the dumbest holiday ever created. A day to celebrate love? Look where “love” got me---a broken heart and an arthritic hand from gripping my phone 24 hours a day.

‘My name is Ellie. And tonight I want to talk about love.”

Kelsey and I share a grin. Here we go again.

“I grew up in a youth group a lot like this,” the girl says. “And I know—every year you get to hear someone go on and on about how love is pure, love is patient, and love is kind.”

The guy next to me mumbles a disgruntled amen.

The speaker smiles and continues. “Or maybe how true love waits? Sound familiar?” We all nod our heads. “Or how a guys should treat a girl. How a girl should be Virtuous.”

Yeah, I probably should have taken better notes.

“I don’t want to talk about any of that.” Ellie looks around the room, and for a second I feel her eyes upon me. “All of those things are important, but tonight God laid it on my heart to tell you—you have to love yourself.” She smiles broadly. “How can you love someone else if you don’t even love yourself? There are some of you tonight who don’t like the way you look, the way you act, or maybe you don’t like the way you’ve become. But you know what?”

I find myself leaning in closer.

“God wants to turn your mourning into laughter. He want to trade your shame for joy.” Ellie opens her Bible. “In Isaiah it says he wants to comfort those who mourn. He wants to give you a crown of beauty...Instead of ashes. Beautiful clothes instead of despair.”

I feel a tear slip down my cheek and quickly brush it away. Lady, you don’t know where I’ve been. I don’t really think God wants to give me a pat on the back and a new sparkly, tiara.

“ A long time ago I thought my value was dependent of other people,” Ellie says. “I wanted to please others so badly. I would put everyone else before me---and before God. I wasn’t a bad person. I went to church. I read my Bible. I prayed. But . . . I made mistakes. Can anyone here relate to that at all?”

Me, sister, Right here.

“I got to where I couldn’t even talk to God anymore. I was so disappointed in myself for choices I had made. But you know what? In this same verse, it says that God wants to take away all that despair and ugliness and make us like righteous trees—trees He has planted himself to glorify Him. How cool is that?”

God wants to make me a tree? Um, kinda uncool, actually.

“Do you get it?” Ellie takes the microphone and walks closer to us. “God’s saying, ‘I see that hurt your trying to hide. And I understand. And I’m here to forgive.’ He says, ‘ You know that shame and ugliness you’ve been carrying around? I want to take that off your hands. And in return...Here’s some joy and beauty. Yours for the asking, so you can glorify me.’ “

I clench and unclench the napkin in my hands.

God how is it possible You can see what I’ve done and still just stand there with open arms? I want to give You all this junk. I want my happiness back. I made a huge mistake. But if You’re really willing to take that pain for me, You can totally have it. I don’t want to be the girl that is checking for a stupid guys text every five seconds.

The speaker continues for another 20 minutes, but I just stare toward the floor and finish my one-on-one with God.

Lord, I’m sorry for messing up. Will you forgive me? Thank you for reminding me that You’re going to love me anyway, and I can start new. I don’t want to keep going on like this. You can have my guilt, my tears, my shame. I don’t think I’m going to need them anymore.

Check tomorrow for part 4.....

~ Stephanie ~ 
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

Greatness of God...day 2!

Ok guys. Here is today's verse. This verse really challenged me today as our Adult Sunday School classes have been studying through the book of Job. We just finished the book today, and are moving on, but it has been a fantastic study!

Job 42:2, 6 - "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

Wow. These verses were a smack in the face this morning. When I see the greatness of my God, what is my response? Or do I ever see God's greatness? If not, that is a problem because His Word is packed full of truths about Him! My response to the greatness of God should be humility and repentance if there is sin in my life that I know about. I know for a fact that I do not always respond this way to a revelation of God's character, but I want to. I am going to strive to fill my mind with truth about my GREAT God so that I will be humble and so that I can keep my focus on Him. Hope this was an encouragement to you all!


~ Stephanie ~
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

All Things New - A Story PART 2 - Purity Challenge

Tough Entrance

When I walk into the youth building of the church, I feel like I have a big sign on my forehead. One that lists every sin, even the ones I thought about committing this year.

Kelsey squeals when she sees me. “ I knew you’d come!” She pulls me into a tight hug and leads me to one of the decorated tables.

I take my seat beside Kelsey and give a half-hearted wave to the youth pastor across the room. Long time no see.

Without even thinking I reach into my purse and check my phone. No call. No text.

The thing is, I really loved this guy. Or I sort of did. And I thought he really cared for me. But I guess I wouldn’t be myself on Valentine’s Day if he did. Unless he’s playing hard to get. And if that’s the case he’s doing a fabulous job.

The youth pastor leads us in prayer and blesses the meal. I make small talk with those around me as I eat my chicken and potatoes. It’s everything I can do not to text Devin again. How could he just use me and then…nothing? No goodbye, no e-mail, not even a paltry, “I’ve been busy.”

And whom can I tell? Kelsey? She’d be so disappointed in me. I don’t even want to think about her reaction. And God?

Hey, God, you know how you tell us in the bible to save sex for marriage…Um, kinda messed that up. But now that I’ve totally ticked you off, I’d like some help and support, please!

Right, not happening.

Sometime later I push away my chocolate cheesecake with a groan. I can’t eat another bite. The dessert alone might of made it worth coming tonight, though I have to hold a eye roll as the guest speaker takes the podium. Every year we do the same thing---dinner, some one comes and yammers about the true meaning of love, followed by 45 minutes of awkward mingling.

I rest my napkin in my lap as a petite blonde girl introduces herself. She looks a few years older then I. Maybe college age.

Check tomorrow for part 3....

~ Stephanie ~ 
    *Phil. 3:13-14*

New Posting Idea

Okay. I have been posting kind of often lately, but I am going to be doing something different for the next few weeks before school starts. Every day(beginning today), I am going to post a verse that has stuck out to me that day and what that verse means to me. The purpose in doing this is to point those of you who are reading my blog to my GREAT and AMAZING God and His Word. I hope this will be an encouragement to all of you! I love you and I am praying for you! If there is ever anything you would like me to pray for specifically, feel free to let me know, and I will definitely join with you in prayer.

Today's verse is actually two verses.

Ephesians 5:1-2 - "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

This verse means a lot to me because as I have been studying through Ephesians lately, there have been a lot of things that have hit me really hard. Some of them things I need to change, and some of them things I need to continue. They have been a challenge to me nonetheless. In Ephesians chapter 4 verse...I believe 21...Paul gives the Ephesian believers the first half of a conditional statement: (in my own words) "if you have been taught the right things from Christ," Then Paul goes on in the rest of chapter 4 to list the things that these believers have been taught. But he doesn't give the second half of the conditional statement. Then we get to chapter 5. Paul begins chapter five with the two verses I posted above. This, I believe, is the second half of the conditional statement. So, basically, Paul is telling them: (again, paraphrasing in my own words) "if you have been taught the right things from Christ, then follow Him by doing them!" Then I got to thinking about that word "if." Paul does not use this word "if" in the way we would use it in modern days. The meaning of this word "if" is "since." So, again paraphrasing, "SINCE you HAVE learned the right things from Christ, follow Him by doing them and loving others!" There is no room for excuses, and there is no way out of this. We cannot use the excuse that we have not been taught. That is not legitimate. I used to use that excuse in school "I didn't know I had to do that for homework, teacher." In this context, there is no "if" you have heard it. Paul says that you HAVE heard it and been taught. The issue now is are you going to obey it? That is my challenge to you today. Obey the truth you have been given in God's Word, and when God reveals something to you, don't excuse yourself from doing it by saying you didn't know: You HAVE been taught, and you DO know! Have a great day in the Lord's house worshiping Him tomorrow!

~ Stephanie ~

   *Phil. 3:13-14*

 

All Things New - A Story PART 1 - Purity Challenge

All Things New~ Second chances are NOT over-rated

A Valentine Story~ By Jenny B. Jones 

I check my phone for a text message or missed call. That would be the millionth time today. The count would be higher, but I took a short break for lunch.

I stare at the ceiling and sigh as my mom sweeps into my room.

“Look what I found in the bottom of the trash can.” She holds up a small silver ring and smiles. “That was close, huh?”

With a laundry basket on her hip, Mom places the ring on my bedside table, runs her hand over my hair and disappears.

I stare at the silver object until it’s a blur in my vision.

This ring didn’t accidentally walk to the trashcan. It didn’t accidentally fall into the trashcan. O threw it in there. Weeks ago. Though obviously not very well.

There seem to be a lot of things I don’t succeed at. Like boys. And relationships. And commitments. And that whole purity business.

My name is Jordan Spencer, and the only thing I do well these days is make mistakes. And for some mistakes, there’s no going back. Putting that Purity ring back on my hand will not make things better, will not erase the events of my sophomore year. Won’t erase the pain.

My phone trills, and I answer without checking the display. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.”

My hearts sinks at the voice of my best friend, Kelsey. When am I going to get it in my head that Devin Terrell is not going to call?

“It’s the youth groups Valentine’s Day banquet tonight. You should come with me." I’d rather eat nails. “Thanks, but I have other plans.” Like watching “Gilmore Girls” reruns and feeding my goldfish.

“Jordan, come on. You haven’t been in youth group like all year. Are you honestly going to sit at home on Friday night and wait for what’s his name to call? It’s 4:00pm. Do you really want to be that girl who desperately agrees to a last-minute date?”

Um, yeah. I do. “I’m bust Kelsey, OK?” On top of everything else I have going on, I need to squeeze in some more time to feel sorry for myself. And frankly, that’s exhausting.

My best friends laugh is hollow. “You’ve changed, you know? You went from wanting to conquer the world to spending all your time chasing this guy.”

“I’m not sitting around waiting for him.” I pause, expecting a lightning bolt to crack through my roof and strike me for the lie.

“Prove it then. Come to the Valentine’s banquet with me. We’ll eat, we’ll talk, then totally OD on some chocolate.”

I laugh despite it all. “So tempting.”

And in a way it is. I used to go to the banquet every year and all the other youth group events at the church. But lately, I’ve kinda dropped out. And I can’t say that going my own way has been a ragging success.

“If Devin Terrell calls, it would serve him right to find out you already have plans,” Kelsey says.

And this gets me. She’s right. Maybe if he finds out I went out tonight and didn’t wait around for him, he’d be jealous.

“Kels, I’ll see you there.”

“And you’ll hang-out? And eat chocolate until we barf? And----“

“Goodbye.” I laugh and hang up.

Check tomorrow for part 2...

~ Stephanie ~

   *Phil. 3:13-14*

ALL things??

"I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13) This verse really struck me today. Do I live my life with this kind of mindset? So many times I find myself giving up or not believing that something is going to happen, but in all reality, this verse is true - I can do ANYTHING the Lord wants me to do IF and only if I am doing it in and through the power of Christ. I tend to look at circumstances or things in my life that I wanted to get done and ask myself "why didn't that get done? Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ! How come I couldn't do this particular thing?" When those times come, I have to remember the conditions of this promise: 1.) This is what God wants me to do, and 2.) I am doing it in Christ's strength and not mine. Many times I can look back on things that I couldn't accomplish, and if I was honest with myself, I would say that I was not depending on Christ's strength to get them done. I thought I could do them in my own strength without God's help, but I was sadly mistaken! I want this to be a challenge to all of you - whose strength are you relying on today, yours or Christ's?

~ Stephanie ~

   *Phil. 3:13-14*

Truth - Definition and Action

TRUTH. What is it, and why should I focus on it? Well, my friend, that is a good question. Truth, simply stated by Dictionary.com, is, "the true or actual state of a matter." And what does God's Word say about truth? What is God's definition of truth? Well, John 17:17 says, "Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy Word is truth." This is Christ speaking to God the Father. So, obviously, God says that His Word, the Bible, is the truth. It is the only thing that never changes other than God. So then, now that I know what the truth is, why should I focus on it? Well, the first reason that we should focus on truth is that we, as believers, are being sanctified through the truth. How, then, can we be sanctified without the truth? Another reason to focus on truth is that the truth will "set us free." (John 8:32) John 8:31-32 says, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." So, the truth of God's Word makes me free. Free from what? Why, sin, of course! The next few verses go on to explain how we are slaves to sin, but when the truth comes in and we believe it, we are set free from the slavery of sin! What an awesome promise! If I claim the truth of God's Word, I can be free from my sin! I am free from not only past sin, but also present and future sin as well. That is an incredible promise to claim. A third reason to meditate and focus on truth is because it protects us in our fight against Satan and against sin. Psalm 91:4 says, "He [God] shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." So God's Word is what protects us from the fiery darts of Satan! If I am not hiding God's truth in my heart, then how can I fight against Satan? Even Christ, when He was in the wilderness, used scripture to fight against Satan when Satan was trying to tempt Christ. If Christ, my ultimate example and perfect man, used the truth of God's Word to fight temptation, how much more should I, being a sinful human being, use God's truth to fight my temptations? I would venture to say that I should! But how can I meditate on God's truth and use it in my spiritual battles unless it is in my heart? I have to be meditating on and memorizing God's Word if I am going to be able to just pull it out and use it! When was the last time you, on your own volition, determined to put to memory a passage of scripture and then did it? Has it been a while? Are you losing the battle against sin? Maybe that is why you have been struggling to win! I know I am not perfect either, and I need to memorize more of God's Word as well, so I have made a commitment of scripture memory that I intend to follow through with. I would encourage everyone who reads this blog to consider choosing a passage, even if it is a short one at first, and putting it to memory. Give yourself a time limit. Tell your self, "self, you are going to have this passage memorized by _____ time." And then do it! Push yourself to commit the Word of God to memory so you can use it to fight!

~ Psalm 86:11 "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name." ~ 

~ Stephanie ~

   *Phil. 3:13-14*

What is My Desire? (Psalm 119:57-72)

This passage has been a huge challenge to me lately, so I thought I would share it with you guys. This section of verses starts and ends with the Psalmist's desire - God and His Word. That for one thing made me stop and ask myself - "What is my desire? Do I desire the Lord? Is He the one Who satisfies my deepest longings?" God is the ONLY one Who can satisfy me! He is the only one Who can give me TRUE joy! So why then do I go around trying to make other people or things satisfy me? That doesn't even make sense? It is my sinful self that causes me to do that. That is why I have to, each day, crucify my flesh and submit to God's leading and control in my life. Then the Psalmist goes on in verses 58 through 64 to list the things that he has done and how he has been obeying the Lord in every aspect of his life. That was a challenge to me of my actions. Am I always obeying God, or do I try to satisfy myself sometimes and make it look like I am obeying the Lord? In the middle of this section of verses, the Psalmist mentions that he rises at midnight to give thanks to the Lord for His works and righteousness. Is that my character? Will I at any time of the day or night drop what I am doing (even sleeping) to praise the Lord? I normally don't do that! Then in verses 65 through 71 the Psalmist basically presents to us a three-point sermon:
I. Affliction is Good!
II. Affliction Teaches Me Obedience.
III. Affliction Teaches Me God's Word.
In verse 67 the Psalmist says "BEFORE I was afflicted I went astray: BUT..." So affliction is a good thing because it brings me back to the Lord and to His Word. Then in the rest of verse 67 the Psalmist say that "now have I kept Thy Word." This shows that affliction teaches me to obey the Lord. When I am not doing right, I don't just obey God. I want nothing to do with God! Then in verse 68 the Psalmist goes back to the point of affliction being good. God brings affliction, and the Psalmist says "Thou art good, and doest good;" God IS good in His very essence and character! EVERYTHING He does(even bringing trials in my life) is GOOD! Wow. That is a hard reality to accept and grasp. Then in verse 71 the Psalmist says "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes." He is saying finally that affliction teaches me God's Word. When I am going through a hard time, that is when I tend to be in God's Word the most. I go to the Word for comfort and satisfaction when I am hurting. But when everything is okay, then I have no reason to go to God's Word because I can make it on my own. Then God has to break me and bring a trial in my life to teach me that I need Him and His Word to make it even in the good times. Then in verse 72, the last verse of this section, the Psalmist says that the Word of God is more valuable to him than "thousands of gold and silver." How much does God's Word mean to me? Do I desire it above anything else? That is a strong statement to make. I know that I cannot make it. Anyway, I hope this is an encouragement and even a challenge to everyone who reads it. Let God be everything in your life, and He will satisfy the desires of your heart!


~"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4)~

~ Stephanie ~

   *Phil. 3:13-14*