(Part 3 of the ABC’s of Psalm 119)

A few months ago, we moved from the Midwest to the beautiful desert landscape of the Southwest.  We love it here as we acclimate to our new surroundings, culture, and people.  Changes had to made almost immediately in our thinking and in our habits in our new way of life.  Transitions had to made from the inside out and outside in for all things of life!  What we did before we do differently now.  We dress differently, rise early while it is cool to do outdoor chores, come inside when it is hot, or run errands only where there is air conditioning.  When we park; we seek shade trees.  Rest comes in the late afternoon as the dry heat builds; then walks are made as the sun goes down as God gifts us with the most incredible sunsets in the cool of the evening. 

We welcome the changes even when we don’t completely understand why because we know God led us here and with time we will understand more by living it.  We don’t always know all the reasons why God moves us, but we know He was in the move.  Could it be the neighbors next door who haven’t followed Him in a while needed neighbors who know God well and lean on His understanding to encourage them?  We seem to be a “mission in motion” as we testify of God’s great love and care for all who believe.  Our next-door neighbors are listening and we listen to them because they are the greatest and best information source for daily living in the southwest!  They have lived here for over forty years!  A love and respect for each other is forming daily in the  three months we have lived here.  We praise God for how He works in our lives!

Could it be the neighbors who go out of their way to welcome us to the community with open hearts, who know God is being used of God to encourage us? Yes!

Could it be the new church we are attending could use some helpers? Yes, again!

Only God knows what lies ahead. But one thing is for sure, God is with us and He is daily giving us clarity as He directs our path in this new land of which we are strangers as God leads us to be His agents of love, mercy, and grace.

Psalm 119, The Message

ג Gimel

Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
    not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
    what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
    give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
    insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
    ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
    I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
    I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
    I listen to them as to good neighbors!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

I like how Max Lucado forms words of clarity for our understanding of this particular chorus of Psalm 119.  He comments;

“It’s clear that the psalmist had deep love and reverence for God’s Word. This entire passage elevates the Word of God over all other documents and statutes. No other book transforms, teaches, and guides like the Bible does.

God’s Word lights our path, enlightens our mind with truth, and deepens both our love for God and our understanding of his ways.

The key to spiritual growth is not increased church attendance or involvement in spiritual activities. People don’t grow in Christ because they are busy at church. They grow in Christ when they read and trust their Bibles.”—Lucado, Encouraging Word Bible

Want clarity for living?  —Seek God first, ask for wisdom and clarity, read His Word carefully and prayerfully and He will speak to our hearts in clear and concise ways.  I’ve seen it with my own eyes, felt His Presence, and heard Him speak as I seek to live what I learn from Him out loud. When all is said and done in Jesus Name, the enemy flees making room for God to move in our lives in ways beyond our wildest dreams and imaginations!  He is God and we are not. There is no one like our God!  Trust Him.  His promises are true; His Word is alive and active!  Join God as He invites into His work for His glory and our good.

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!  Ephesians 3:20-21, MSG

Lord,

Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in my life.  I’m Yours.  I’m listening. Speak to my heart and direct my path as well as my thoughts, words, and actions.

In Jesus Name, Amen