Saturday, March 24, 2012

God speaking

Here's some verses that came up off the page today as I read Psalm 40.

It's so interesting to me what I was thinking as I got up this morning, & what I wrote in my journal, & then read this specific psalm this morning.

People tell me often they think reading the Bible is kinda dead & boring. I wonder if they ever read it, & if they ever read it consistently for a short while. I think if they did they would find God speaking to them A LOT - a lot more they would want Him to, & in areas of their lives they'd just as soon not come under the bright light of His attention.

At least that's the way it's been for me these last 9 years.

Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
  and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
  out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
  and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
  a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
  They will put their trust in the LORD.

4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
  who have no confidence in the proud
  or in those who worship idols.
5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
  Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
  You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
  I would never come to the end of them.

6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
  Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand*—
  you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings.


8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
  for your instructions are written on my heart."

9 I have told all your people about your justice.
  I have not been afraid to speak out,
  as you, O LORD, well know.
10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
  I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
  of your unfailing love and faithfulness.

11 LORD, don't hold back your tender mercies from me.
  Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles surround me—
  too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
  I can't see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
  I have lost all courage.

16 But may all who search for you
  be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
  repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!"
17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
  and the Lord is thinking about me right now!
You are my helper and my savior.
  O my God, do not delay.

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