For forty years I led you through the desert … yet your sandals did not wear out." Duet. 29:5
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”
And all its people, whether ten thousand or ten billion, matters not to the LORD. After all, he is the one who commanded Noah and his family to “multiply and replenish the earth.”
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”
What an antecdote for depression!
This verse is either wishful thinking or ultimate reality. The former is worthless; the later is priceless.
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?…O LORD, do not stay far away! You are my strength…”
Always remember that even when you’re at rock bottom, there is still a Rock underneath.
“He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever.”
If every day is a gift, how much more is forever?
“May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.”
How pure is your heart? How holy are your desires? How unselfish are your plans?
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
This is a prayer for every day. Days when you’re happy. Days when you’re sad.
Days when you’re healthy. Days when you’re sick.
Days when everything’s going your way. Days when it seems everything’s going against you.
Days when the sun is shining. Days when it rains.
Days when the LORD is on his throne. Days when –wait– there aren’t any other kind.
“When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.”
Lay thee down, O Death,
And with the last of my strength
Shall I with confidence step across thy ancient planks
To that bright land beyond,
Where I shall behold the face of Him
Who forever humbled thy dark, proud frame
And made thee but an unwitting bridge to paradise.
“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. …For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.”
It is the glorious hope of the resurrection that is the source of our joy.
“Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who… [speak] the truth from sincere hearts.”
All who sincerely desire to worship the LORD may do so. There is an open invitation. If the door to heaven is locked, it is locked from the outside.
Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
One does not become an atheist as a result of a rational, purely intellectual search for truth. There is certainly evidence enough in this finely-tuned universe for the existence of God.
No, it is ultimately a decision of the heart. Fools say in their hearts…
