Dear Precious Friends,
On this beautiful new day because God has given us a new day, a gift like no other and if we know Him, we have all we need.
I pray you are seeking Him first. This incredible song is a wonderful way to start our day. It sets our day on the most important relationship and gift we have.
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus
The most famous interpretation comes from Fernando Ortega, a Dove award-winning singer and songwriter. Click here for this beautiful song sung by Fernando. Take time to rest in the words. Pure worship.
“Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus”
We are so blessed to serve such a loving and gracious Father in Heaven. Even when times are uncertain, we can all find peace and comfort in the arms of the Lord. He is our protector and the source of our light and our strength. Of course we go to His word, His absolute truth for our certainty.
Psalm 16 is filled with such great reminders of the joys and benefits of a life lived in companionships with God. We can enjoy these benefits now and eternally!
Psalm 16:5-9 “5 You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands.
6 How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are!
7 I praise the Lord, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me.
8 I am always aware of the Lord's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me.
9 And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure.”
11 You have made known to me the way of life; fullness of joy is in Your presence. Delights [are] in Your right hand forever.
The context of Psalm 16 is a situation where the psalmist, David, is, or has recently been, in some kind of peril, but has taken his rest in the Lord. David knows where his surety lies, and he finds refuge and security in his God. Those who chase after other gods will only find trouble for themselves. But to David, for whom the Lord is his refuge and shield, a wonderful inheritance has been provided, and the way of life is open to him.
We should note that in verse 11, David hasn’t discovered the way of life for himself. This was not something he figured out, rather it was revealed to him. David could not correct his behavior and live a God-pleasing life by his own effort, and we need to remember the same is true for us.
When we know the Way, the Truth, and the Life, it’s not because we are smart, or diligent in study, or particularly observant. It is because God chose to reveal the gospel to us. Only when we fully grasp this in our heads and our hearts can we truly give God all the glory He deserves for our salvation. It’s all His work, and none of ours.
WOW my friends... He has given us this great gift... He chose US!!!
OUR response?? Live for Him, Glorify Him, Love others, Serve and make disciples! This is our job description!
How can we have fullness of JOY?
“Fullness of joy,” or the joy that completely satisfies, is found in the presence of God. The way of life leads us to that joy, and certainly, in that joy we find life. This joy is not mere happiness, like when you get a pay raise, or a gift from your spouse on your birthday. This is a deep joy that brings a sense of contentment to the soul that no other joy can give.
It’s important to remember that this sense of security and blessing we find in the Lord is something that comes to us despite our external circumstances. We find rest and refuge in the Lord while we go through the toils of life. And as we take refuge in the Lord, we find unspeakable joy, peace, and comfort that no material possession or worldly pleasure can supply.
So whatever happens to us this week, may we remember to take refuge in the Lord, for it’s in His presence that we find life and health for our souls.
I pray you take time to rest, listen and embrace this beautiful song before going out in the world today. IT all comes down to this.
AMEN!
