Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2 +

    I have climbed highest mountains I have run through the fieldsOnly to be with youOnly to be with you Read More
  • Your Love is Strong +

    What a song! by Jon Foreman. This is a moving reworking of the Lord’s Prayer. Jon Foreman performs this song Read More
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SylviaGod often speaks to me early in the mornings in a word, a phrase, or at most one sentence.

One morning my impression was simply "Psalm 30." These promptings are always jewels to pursue.

The first time I read the psalm, what jumped out at me is who God is in the verbs telling what he does:
v 1 lifter and deliverer
v 2 answerer of prayer and healer
v 3 preserver and life-giver
v 4 holy name
v 5 favor, comforter, and joy
v 6 provider, prosperity, and security
v 7 protector and strength
v 10 One who hears, has mercy, and helps
v 11 One who turns mourning into dancing and sackcloth to joy

But in the midst of these wonderful attributes, David referred to enemies, sickness, near-death experiences. He had real emotions of depression, weeping, desperation, dismay at unanswered prayer, mourning, and the sackcloth of fasting.

Notice that David began the psalm with praise, praised God and gave thanks in the middle, and ended with praise and thanksgiving. In all his trials and adversity he kept his eyes on God. None of the "bad" was bigger than God. 

And that's the point. When God delivers us, He brings us through life circumstances, not necessarily around them. And that's worth a shout of joy.

Reflections to Consider

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Publications

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Music

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche +

    Who is like Him The Lion and the Lamb Seated on the throne Mountains bow down Every ocean roars To the Lord of hosts  Read More
  • An Interview with Paul Washer by Tim Challies +

    You probably know Paul Washer as the man who preached the infamous "Shocking Youth Message," a sermon that has tallied Read More
  • Glorious by Paul Baloche +

    Look inside the mysterySee the empty crossSee the risen SaviorVictorious and strong Read More
  • Paul's Prayers +

    How do we pray? What should we pray for? Yes, there is the Lord's prayer--Jesus teaching his disciples, and us, Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Psalm 136: Everlasting Love, Mercy & Faithfulness +

    The repeating refrain in this psalm has been translated as love, mercy, and faithfulness. Read More
  • God's Mission: To Bless All Nations +

    From the beginning God’s desire is to be with us–in our presence. Read More
  • Psalm 63: Crying Out to God +

    What set David apart from others–what made him close to God’s heart? Read More
  • The Patience and Compassion of God's Love +

    We have an amazing God. Read More
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