Today, I offer you one of my past posts, Journaling Through the Psalms (originally written Sept 4, 2008). Enjoy it at face value, or key into the BE verbs as a sample for next week’s What’s on Your Mind ‘09. (Here are two sites with more information Glahn’s Law and Be Verbs.) The first 3 paragraphs are corrected. I left one sentence for you to do!
I have been blessed to have many teachers in my life. [God blessed me with many teachers in my life] One bible teacher that has been instrumental in molding my relationship with Christ is Linda Kline from Psalm One Ministries. [One bible teacher, Linda Kline, helped mold my relationship...] Please check out her website to see the fantastic services that she offers to Christians around the world.
At a pastor’s wives gathering, she taught me how to pour out my heart to Christ through the Psalms. She emphasized the importance of being real with your soul, and real with Christ.
When you read the Psalms, it’s clear that David didn’t hold anything back. [When you read the Psalms, David clearly doesn't hold anything back] So why should we? Another key element in every Psalm is holding God to His promises or to His character. [The Psalms hold God to His promises or His character] No matter what problem you may be facing, there is a attribute of God that can help you overcome. And David boldly shares many of them in the Psalms.
So as I face a new day, I find my soul downcast. And Psalm 27 seems to hit home. Allow me to share my journaling through the Psalms today. Maybe you’ll feel moved to right out your response to each verse on paper or here in the comment section. If not, in the quietness of your heart.
The Lord is my light and my salvation-
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
Father, when I feel my soul slip into the darkness of depression, remind me that you are here. Please show me your steadfast presence. Help me not to be afraid of the darkness, since I have you as my light.
The one thing I ask of the Lord-
the thing I seek most-
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
Lord, if I could live in “mountain top” moments, I would. Help me to keep seeking those moments, even though I may be dwelling in the valley. Remind me that you are to be my top priority in all I do or say. Keep me away from distractions like TV, email and general busy-ness. You delight in your children seeking you… your face, oh Lord, will I seek.
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Lord, give me ears to listen and wisdom to understand. Just like I ask my children to follow my directions on the first request, help me to turn my face toward heaven and actively hear from you.
Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path
Father, direct my days. Each of my days are yours. All I have is a gift from you. Let me not take possession and claim on this earth. Instead, allow me to be free from this world so that you can lay out my path moment by moment.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Lord, when the storms surge, calm my heart. When the darkness is all I see around me, shine your light bright within me, so that I may not give up. Even though I may spend days in the dark, give me endurance through faith and trust in you alone.
excerpts from Psalm 27 (NLT)
