Joy to Brighten the Day

This post’s passage reference: Psalm 119:64-68

In Bible study the other night we were talking about wanting our homes to be peaceful places. (If you have heard me tell this story a hundred times….sorry!)  I feel like encouraging, uplifting music plays a big part in creating that soothing atmosphere.  I generally keep a Christian music station playing in my house most of the time.  Well, actually, I keep a Christian radio station playing in my house all the time. 

When I first started traveling for my job back in the late 80s, I did a lot of traveling by myself. About that time I heard a preacher talking about what to do if you are traveling by yourself and you feel a little anxious in your hotel. He said to find a Christian TV station or radio station. Turn it on and leave it on while you are out of the room. He said what you are doing is deliberately inviting the Holy Spirit to be present in that room. 

I did that then and still do it today. I do it in hotel rooms and everywhere I have lived since then. I try to make sure there is a Christian radio station playing twenty-four-seven somewhere in my house. Here, now, it is in the TV room on the fireplace mantle. It is turned down so low that you can’t really hear it unless it is very quiet in there; but it is on and I am absolutely inviting the Holy Spirit to live in this house. There is just a joyful tone in the atmosphere here. 

As I read through Psalm 119:64-68, I saw that the psalmist seemed to be in a joyful, worshipful mood. He acknowledged God’s sovereignty over the whole earth. He realized that the earth was full of God‘s mercy. He desired for God to teach him his statutes. He was thankful because God had treated him according to His Word. There was a song that played throughout his soul. 

He asked God if He might grant him good judgment and knowledge—discernment. He knew those were good things because he has studied God’s commandments and he believed in them. He has seen them work in his life before.

He confessed that he had lost his way before but once he came back to God, he honored His Word. He sang His songs. Continuing his worshipful tone, he praised God and acknowledged His goodness, while asking God to teach him His statutes so that he could continue to walk in them.  We can read and study God’s statutes and walk in them too. We can sing the songs of the Psalms to carry us through. 

What could the challenge from this passage be for Christ followers? We could make the effort to maintain a joyful, teachable spirit, while acknowledging God’s sovereignty, mercy and love. We should nourish our desire to learn and understand God’s precepts to be able to make good decisions. Then we should apply these precepts each and every day as we interact with those around us.

How can we apply this to our lives? Our lives can be enhanced if we seek to always trust, and then apply, God’s promises that can be found in Scripture. His promises are reliable and true. We should cultivate a heart that longs for spiritual joy, growth and understanding. The BibleHub website tells us that “The request for God to teach His statutes reflects a desire for divine guidance and understanding of His laws.” 

What does this mean to my faith?  My faith is strengthened as I seek God through His Word and look back at my history and my walk with Him. He teaches me and allows me to find treasures within His Word.  I can see His devotion to me that has surrounded me throughout my entire life, like a shield, through all the ups and downs. 

Lord, thank You for being my shield all throughout My life. I pray for a teachable spirit so that my walk will align with Your will. My yearning is that You will teach me in Your ways because I know these are good things and I know Your commandments are there to help me live a life that honors You. I thank You for the joy You allow to waft through my life and brighten my days. 

~~~~~~~

“64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. 65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.” Psalm 119:64-68 (KJV)

“He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5 (KJV) 

_____________

I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.  

What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe?  Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him?  You can know Him.  Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity.  You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.  

Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ!  PeaceWithGod.net

 ————————

Blog Image by Viet Phan from Pixabay