God’s all-encompassing love for David is present and accounted for all in this one chapter: from David’s recognition of his sin, confession, forgiveness experienced, prayers offered, hiding place provided, being surrounded by shouts of deliverance, the promise of instruction, teaching and individualized counsel (with God’s eye on him).

David writes about it from personal experience and to remind all who trust in the Lord that His steadfast love surrounds us as well. Don’t be overcome by sorrow but be glad, rejoice and give shouts of joy!!!

It’s easy to take up the sorrow of the wicked, especially when it’s fed to us on every app and platform available. Being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1,2) means that we are able to see the “news” through God’s “app”- His Word. It becomes God’s work in our hearts (like what David experienced) that brings about deliverance.

Yesterday, I was tested on this. In light of the road I’ve been journeying over the past 5 years with my elder’s inability to make sound judgment about certain relationships (i.e. scammers), I was literally frightened about some information displayed on my computer screen. I had a visceral reaction and asked God to help me through the process of finding the truth.

God answered my prayer but I realized how vulnerable I was to what “appears” real vs. what truly is reality. The Psalm below comforted me as I had to confess my lack of faith in God’s care for us, because of those who target the innocent.

I had just taught the grandkids “David and Goliath” during our Star Camp Bible school this week. Be NOT afraid was the main point. God’s name (aka character) is trustworthy. He strengthens us to be victorious when “bullies” are shouting insults.

If we would make a shadow box (or prayer journal) to put on display in our front rooms, then we would remember as David did what incidents in our lives were critical. This would be a visual reminder and we could tell the story over and over of God’s deliverance. This is similar to the children of Israel placing boulders retrieved from the river bed of the Red Sea onto the shore to remind their children and grandchildren of God’s miraculous deliverance. #remember

How many times am I stubborn like a horse or mule, refusing to drink deeply of the water God leads me to? Instead, I’m picking up the “apps” of the world’s information and sipping from dirty mud puddles of sorrow. Help me, Lord, to stay near YOU, your word and your steadfast love. – Teresa #joyfulreality

Psalm 32:1-11 (ESV)*

Blessed Are the Forgiven

A Maskil^[a] of David.

32 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
² Blessed is the man against whom the Lordcounts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

³ For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up^[b] as by the heat of summer. Selah

⁵ I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

⁶ Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
⁷ You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
⁹ Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.

¹⁰ Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
¹¹ Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

*Oneyearbibleonline

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)

A Living Sacrifice

[1] I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.