Pens of Praise Devotion July 2012

Pens of Praise Devotion

July 14, 2012

© Susan Marlene Kinney

There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of thy countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increase. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone O LORD, make me dwell in safety .Psalms 4:6-8 NKJV

Negative situations and individuals may be an everyday experience for us. Difficulties can abound making life littered with disappointments and pain. David cried out with verse one, Give me relief from my distress, be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Matthew Henry states ‘When men condemn us unjustly, this is our comfort, It is God who justifies; He is the God of the believers righteousness.’ When the LORD lifts up the light of His countenance upon us, it changes something significant inside our heart and spirit. Something we could never hope to change in our own strength. Oh the love of our Lord is ever present and healing.

Imagine experiencing the light of His countenance during a trial, uplifting, filling, cleansing, nurturing, and causing us to overcome each painful experiences to bear much fruit. All for his glory. David mentions in verse four, in your anger do not sin…on your beds search your hearts and be silent. Once we are angry it is quite difficult to keep silent. Our minds may run over and over the topic of our dis-ease or uneasiness. But, once we have settled down to obey the Lord and keep quiet His love, joy and bounty can fill those wounded places of our hearts.

This is where we enter a summertime joy within our spirit. When the planting of the Lord is received by us then peace, longsuffering, patience, forgiveness, loving kindness, truth, and grace will change us to resemble a well watered tree bearing much fruit. Our joy in this harvest is over and above the material gain and glory this world offers.

Truly, no matter the size of the potential harvest offered by the world, it can be destroyed by drought, fire, or storm. The work of the Lord in our hearts can’t be taken away from us by loss or pain or bad report. Having His approval is balm to our mind and spirit. He bolsters us up and fortifies us with courage to overcome life’s disasters. He makes us stronger if we become quiet and receptive in His presence. As long as we allow His ministrations to those pain-filled tempests we experience we will be fruitful. Despite the tragedy, we will be instrumental in offering healing and wisdom as though we were fruit bearing trees laden down with the sweet offerings of a fruitful life.

Our hears, our names, our purposes are safe with Him. He protects and strengthens the lasting harvest, which will thrive for all eternity in His presence and for His glory.

Be still, receive, and thrive!