Psalm 112:1-7,9

How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands.

Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation will be blessed.

They themselves will be wealthy and their good deeds will last forever.

Light shines in the darkness for the godly.

They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

Such people will not be overcome by evil.

Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.

As I read that this morning I really felt the words speak to me.

There are moments in our lives that we wonder why should I do that….should I keep doing that…what does it matter anyhow…

There are people in our lives that we wonder how did they get there….should they be there…why aren’t they “there” more…

Frankly, those moments can hurt that seem out of reach and we are hurt by those people who have the relationship with us that they desire to have (distant and/or secretative, on their terms without regard to our preferences).

We want what we want, don’t we?

We seem to want just a little more on some days…

It would be so easy to sit there on those wishes and disappointments, wouldn’t it?

I think we can all agree we have all been guilty of growing stiff by staying in one place of longing for too long, can’t we?

It is so easy to wonder why someone doesn’t call, seem to want to spend more time with you, let you further into their life, love you like you love them…and miss out on who is standing there right in front of you.

It is so easy to remember the “good ole days” and miss out on those precious moments that keep passing by today…

It is so easy to think I will finally be happy when…and miss the joy that is right here and now.

This verse hit me where it hurts today…

How JOYFUL are those who fear the Lord and obey His commands.

When am I joyful? It is when I am being obedient to the One who has called me forward…

Their children will be successful…and blessed..

Ummmm-…who doesn’t desire that?!And the honest to goodness truth is that they already are..and the Lord allows me to see it!

Light shines in the darkness for the godly…

That is part of my obedience- to continue to speak truth, smile, show love to others (being generous, compassionate, and righteous).

When I am joyful in the Lord I do not fear bad news BECAUSE I am confident that He will take care of me and mine..

How do I have that assurance??

BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL ALL THESE YEARS TO ME AND TO HIS PROMISES.

I am obedient to Him and He showers me with blessings in the form of the Fruit of the Spirit…not because of what I have done but because of who He is.

I do believe that what I have done, what I will do matters…who I have loved is honorable…

I just need to be reminded of that on a regular basis.

“Small decisions can have a powerful impact”~ what are you choosing to think on and act on today?

Trust me….it matters.

#psalms112