Psalm 119:58 - Study and meditation

I have sought your face with all my heart;

        be gracious to me according to your promise.

This part of Psalm 119 is about study of and meditation on the word. The word is our portion or sustenance, Through seeking his face, considering our ways and giving thanks, we turn toward his statues, obey and remember his law regardless of our circumstances, We also connect with others and enjoy the love the Lord offers. 

Lord, thank you for the benefits of seeking you. Please help us to always seek your face with all our hearts. Amen.

Psalm 89:21 - God will take care of him

My hand will sustain him;
     surely my arm will strengthen him.

When someone you love is struggling, it is hard to watch. When you have hopes and dreams for them and you see some of those hopes and dreams falling away, it is so disappointing. But I have to remember, God is in control. He will sustain and strengthen them. He will let the things happen that need to happen. I am not in control of the situation and worry will not help. Look for the blessings within each disappointment and manage our expectations.

Lord, thank you for taking care of those we love. Please help them to reach out for your sustenance and strength. Amen.

Psalm 55:12-13 - Betrayed

If an enemy were insulting me,
     I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
     I could hide.
But it is you, a man like myself,
     my companion, my close friend,

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend or someone close to you? This is a pain deeper than most. David and the Lord both know this pain. In verse 22 we are reassured, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

Lord, thank you for sustaining us, even through betrayal. Please help us to remain righteous, always. Amen.

Psalm 3:5 - The Lord sustains me

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

The third chapter in the Psalms mostly talks about deliverance from an enemy, but the verse above struck me because I am in a very busy month. When I am working full time (plus) and am busy with other projects, I get tired and grumpy. I know I have to pray my way through each day to keep up my energy and strength. No matter the struggle we are facing, God is always the one to turn to for sustenance.

Lord, thank you for giving us sleep and sustaining us. Please help us to rely on you at all times. Amen.

Luke 9:23 - First things first

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Yesterday morning I didn't study. I had worked late the night before then had to go to work that morning, so I decided I needed sleep more than study. Wrong answer! I had a really rough morning. I had not asked God for sustenance and endurance to make it through the day. But God knew what I needed, he gave it to me and I started to feel better. Then I stopped to thank him and give him praise and honor.

Lord, thank you for knowing what we need before we do. Please help us to always put you first. Amen.

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Malachi 4:2

But for you who revere my name, The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

I love the imagery of well fed calves frolicking in the sun. As we go through life hard things will happen and the verse before this talks about the arrogant and evil doer who will be set on fire, but those who love God and revere his name have nothing to fear.

God, help me to always remember that image of the frolicking well fed calf in the sun. I trust you God. I can take comfort and peace in that trust. Lord, I revere your name. Amen