Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Rejoice, pray, and give thanks are simple straightforward guidelines for our interaction with the Lord. However, Paul adds caveats to each instruction that creates depth and strengthens the relationship between us and God. At first glance, rejoice always may sound impossible because in our human understanding we cannot comprehend “being happy” all the time. The…

Feet Planted Above the Trial

Feet Planted Above the Trial

The metaphor of deer going to high places symbolizes the Lord equipping us to navigate the most difficult times and to rise above them through faith. He is faithful to supply exactly what we need. To fully understand the importance of Habakkuk 3:19 we must consider the context. Habakkuk begins the book by questioning why…

Teach Me Your Will

Teach Me Your Will

Psalm 143 is primarily a lament written by David. He feels isolated, overwhelmed, and begs the Lord not to forsake him. Then in verse 10 his tone shifts to surrender. He asks for God’s direction and yields his will to the Lord. As I’ve said many times, I relate to David’s words because I also…

Then…

Then…

While today’s verse follows one of the most quoted verses in the Old Testament, the one that offers hope and a future, it is important to understand the historical context behind Jeremiah’s message. The letter is written from Jerusalem to the Jews in exile in Babylon around 597 BC. The people were discouraged, displaced, and…

Praise Him All the Day Long

Praise Him All the Day Long

I was surprised to discover that Psalm 71 is attributed to an older King David around the time that he was engaged in Absalom’s rebellion against him. During this season, David was mocked by his enemies because of his age, dealing with physical decline, and told God had abandoned him. Yet, his response was profound…