Month: December 2018

I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints. Psalm 52:9 (Psalm 35, 52, 64)

There are two ways to assault someone, physically and verbally. The first requires at least two people to be within arms length or shooting distance. Wounds and scars can be seen, validated and healed. Verbal attack can be done from any place on earth, with unseen wounds and a character so maligned it might never fully recover. David was victimized by both.

All three of these Psalms speak of man’s words, sharpened and used like a weapon, meant to inflict injury. Even in times of peace, the words of those with hidden agendas continued to stir discontent and trouble for David’s throne. David remained confident in truth.

There is no pain like betrayal. Thinking you had a friend and defender, only to find they were the enemy, leaves the heart broken. Because God is the very definition of Truth, there is safety from lies and snares evil people spread. Punishment will come in full measure, to those who manipulate their earthly existence for personal gain. So, do as David did, rest well in the company of an all knowing Sovereign God who will take care of the cheats and liars.

Love,

Gretchen

Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies. Psalm 141:4 (Psalm 34, 141, 142)

On the run from Solomon, David escaped to Nob where a priest fed him and gave him Goliath’s spear. David then continued to Gath where he was recognized by the locals. To disguise himself David pretended to be a madman. There was nowhere David could find peace and rest except the heart of God. Every difficulty took him directly to God in petition and prayer and every deliverance drove him to praise and gratitude. In Psalm 34:8 David says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”  David found his emotional and physical rest and strength in the goodness and righteousness of God.

The 141st Psalm dwells on vengeance and evil, which conflicts with the love and perfect justice of a Sovereign Lord. David dwells a great deal on the prospect of a terrible end for his enemies. However, the Law of Israel put boundaries on retribution, an eye for an eye, no more, no less and David’s message is pointedly focused on a righteousness and evil that cannot dwell together, so evil must be dealt with. David is not asking for retaliation, which is man’s response to an offense, he is walking firmly in the knowledge that the threat to good will be done away with.

David recognized the lure of satisfaction in taking the law into his own hands, and as king, he had the right, but he understood to action was to sin. Jesus’ prayer, “Lead us not into temptation,” was prayed by David 1,000 years earlier because God can lead us away from all harm/sin and onto the path of righteousness.

Love,

Gretchen

As a teacher of small children, I am often called on to be judge and jury to vague accusations and indecipherable defenses. If I see the simple crimes first hand I feel fortunate because I know without explanation, what happened. Otherwise, I hope for the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job, apply my adult filter and do my best.  When a tiny hand grabs and pulls an object held by another, I must stop the inappropriate action and redirect to a better choice while encouraging conflict-resolution development. Honestly, a great deal of my time is spent in this endeavor, because learning is accomplished more efficiently in a safe, peaceful and undistracted environment. 

In my novice years, my first reflexive response to any crisis was, “Why? Why did you do that?”   Oh! How I long to relive those moments, because I know that “Why,” isn’t the issue. This question opens the table to a weighing of excuse and blame. I’m sorry, but there simply isn’t any right reason to knowingly bring hurt, harm, chaos or loss to someone else.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. II Corinthians 5:10

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7

The “Why?” has become a real issue, because it allows the story to halt, comfortably unresolved. Justify why you did something and you are done. However, this is where the narrative begins and should continue unto Salvation. This is a controversial subject, so please, let me give a ‘for instance.’ Years ago I hurt my child deeply with selfishness and ignorance.  I corrected my behavior, asked forgiveness and moved forward with honor and integrity. Shortly after, my daughter had to make an accounting of her own negligence and harm. Consequences were involved and she bitterly dumped her guilt on me. I knew immediately that God was not going to accept her blame game, so I couldn’t either.

Let me be very clear, because this is an incredibly serious subject. God will NOT accept your excuses! He didn’t take them from Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:13-14) and He won’t make an exception for you. Man has exacted some deeply heinous crimes against man, but that does not give anyone a ‘Get out of hell’ free card. On the day every knee bows, God will not be asking, “Why?” He already knows. Your “Whys” aren’t your story, what you do next is!

Sin wants Holiness amended to allow the wrong to feel comfortable with their ways and whys. Reroute to the Throne of a Holy and Loving God who is constant and faithful, and follow a path, straight, narrow and well lit with Truth, to Life Everlasting.

I Wish you Peace, in your heart and in your life,

Gretchen

O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked. Psalm 7:9 (Psalms 7, 25, 26)

God knows your heart.  When the world is writing an incorrect narrative of your actions, motives and desires, God is not! He is truth and knows the authenticity of you!  David took tremendous comfort in this given and let it lead him back to the heart of God, over and over again. The wicked will fall to the trouble they created, but those who seek God will prevail.

David was not a saint.  He was guilty of serious crimes and left a tsunami of tragedy in the wake. Not oblivious to the action/reaction he was responsible for, David was known to have his seasons of depression, but he knew grace! He asked to be forgiven and rescued from the destruction of his iniquities for himself, his family and his nation. God answered with love.

Psalm 26, contrasting the lament for sins in Psalm 25, is a celebration of forgiveness. We are made clean by the Holiness of God and His son’s sacrifice. This foundation is solid, invincible ground. Find me standing on the Promises of truth, inside and out……with David, and every other sinner saved by grace.

Love,

Gretchen

For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; upright men will see His face. Psalm 11:7 (Psalm 11, 22, 59)

David was a famous battle hero and made the king (Saul) look good by having him at court, but Saul was jealous of David’s fame and wanted him removed from the face of the earth. Run or remain? David had done nothing wrong, but was treated as a criminal.

To a man who suffered continual injustice, God, as a champion of truth, was David’s greatest comfort. God alone will put a final and complete judgement and sentence on evil. It is no threat to those who’s hope is in the LORD. Psalm 22 is called The Psalm of the Cross. The words of verse 1 were said by Jesus as He was giving His life for ours. David does not describe the anguish of the wrongly accused, he tells the story of an execution, a death parallel to Jesus’ last hours.

There were many times David felt God was deaf to his cries, and absent from his life of guiltless suffering. God’s silence is a most frightening emptiness. David ever felt it profoundly, just as you and I have.  David clung to hope. He reflected on the miracles his forefathers experienced. He remembered his own peace and practiced habitual praise and worship. Your journey is not what dreams are made of. David’s wasn’t, and mine isn’t either, but God is Holy and faithful. This combination is our security. Hope always, pray without ceasing and praise the LORD with all your heart. Upright men will see His face and the shadows will no longer terrorize.

Love,

Gretchen

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-make straight your way before me. Psalm 5:8 (Psalms 5, 12, 23)

In David’s young years he made the connection between God’s organization of nature and His plan for order and peace in our lives.  In a field where 1,000 years later Angels announced the coming of our Savior, David is a shepherd that leads his most precious possession to green, lush feeding grounds and to a water’s edge that is safe and refreshing, in contrast to a raging river of doom. He realizes God loves and cares for Him beyond comprehension.

When you are an anointed king in hiding it is nearly impossible to know advocates from adversaries.  Night and day throughout his life, David felt the threat of intrigue, but he served a God who hates corruption and malicious intent. In fact, God loathes those who deliberately cause pain and chaos. In David’s darkest terror, injury and hopelessness He knew God reviled evil was working good for those who trust him.

As you read these Psalms, I hope they give you the same Peace David found. Is it not amazing to gaze at the same stars he could see and know that the Creator believes you are significant enough to prepare a table for you before your enemies? An invitation to a meal includes a promise of friendship, loyalty and intimacy. God offers all these things. He is a loving shepherd and a perfect host with the most beautiful, extended hand EVER! I will love and serve this God!

Love,

Gretchen

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (Psalm 8, 19 and 39)

These Psalms were the first songs written by David the shepherd boy who was secretly anointed king, but remained under the stars by night, watching his flock. It is also the season of David’s life when he proves himself proficient in the tools of his trade and slays a giant with the same weapons that vanquished wolves, bears or anything else found to threaten his live stock. Saul becomes jealous of David’s success and fame, but desires this musician’s talent to sooth his restless soul and calls him near to play and sing.

Under the canopy of stars David finds comfort in the knowledge that the creator of such majesty loves him (and you) best. He recognizes the futility of life but asks for guidance and value as earthly existence quickly passes away. God’s design, the sun and stars, that sustain the earth and all that is in it, speaks voiceless words of truth and comfort. David needs no other assurance but the knowledge of a Creator, Sovereign and Almighty. This early dependance on God alone for fellowship, protection and provision in his times of loneliness and isolation proved formative.

Our character is carved by our encounters in faith, whether they be days of prosperity or tribulation. It is a choice to worship the One True God, maker of Heaven and earth, or wallow in pity and be blown about by the winds of time.  I choose my Rock and my Redeemer.

Love,

Gretchen

He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king. I Chronicles 29:28 (Psalms 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13)

Before I lay David’s story to rest in our journey through the Bible chronologically, I would like to look at the songs of petition and praise he wrote and his circumstances and possible state of mind and heart.

David spent his early adulthood as a fugitive, running, hiding and hungry. He knows an enemy not only threatens the body, it attacks every aspect of being. An adversary mocks, jeers, slanders, and spreads lies. It is hard to see God when faced with overwhelming peril and discouragement, and such was the case of this young king waiting for his crown. In times of duress David’s writings show that he wondered if God heard his cry. He defended his righteousness but also writhed in desperate humiliation and shame for his own sin.

There are two kinds of people, Godly and wicked. No one can be both. David lived this truth. The righteous can rest in joy and peace knowing oppression will not last forever and justice will have its day. David called out for the destruction of those who worked to harm him, but over and over he forgave and respected Saul. He knew betrayal but he found his need met in an Almighty God, a Friend and Comforter, and proceeded forward in the strength of God’s character.

David, the Bible’s poet, eloquently sings of a God of action. He does hear, He hates evil and He defends and protects those who trust and obey. And an even greater story is that God’s Grace and Mercy know no boundary.

Have a Terrific Tuesday,

Gretchen

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. I Chronicles 22:13 (I Chronicles 22-29)

Solomon was God’s choice as David’s successor, but there was no guarantee of success because everyman makes his own decisions. David has much to say to his son to prepare him for his future responsibilities, most importantly, follow God and let faith guide and sustain you.

In order to create a smooth and stable transition of power, David has his son Solomon crowned king and for the remaining years of his life they serve together as co-regents.  David has long desired to build a fitting house for the LORD, but God refused. However, he knew his son would fulfill this dream. He used his final energy to prepare for this future Glory to God. He selected the site, amassed materials and drew plans. Not only did David prepare for the physical temple, he set up a rigid organization of administration and worship, everything from janitors to choristers.

It is tempting to read Old Testament stories through a lens of predestination, but David’s words to Solomon depict and man who understands free will determines outcome. His father’s heart longs to leave an inheritance of strength, achieved by faith and obedience.

As each one of us travels through time we accumulate much, but what is worth leaving? David had one thing of great value, The God that never abandoned him and provided for his every need. That God is what he wanted his son to have most. Now that’s what I call a legacy!

Love,

Gretchen

Somewhere in my young adult years I fell into ‘crisis orientation.’  I had to have a battle to wage against something or someone to get out of bed each day and be productive.  My usual foe was satan so all my endeavors were not vain and I got a lot done. However, I kept myself in constant survivor mode, perpetual self-induced anxiety and panic.

Everyone is born with survival instincts. The human body has hormones and reflexes that respond, no matter what, when a threat approaches.  Practiced habits take their place in this drama too, but a constant state of terror is not healthy or normal. I feared that if I quit worrying and ceased micro-managing the world as far as I could reach, my life would unravel and I would lose everything. My perpetual hyper-awareness of evil and injustice held the universe together, so I thought. Fear became stress, stress evolved into anger and anger provided the energy to ‘go get em’!  Imagine what a joy I was to live with.

One evening I was running around my house frantically telling my two young daughters to hurry and get out the door.  I was grabbing fashionably coordinated coats, gloves and scarves when I became angry over a glass that didn’t make it into the dishwasher and a carefully styled coiffeur destroyed by ear muffs put on without my assistance.  Suddenly my beautiful, precious, ‘I can’t believe God chose me to be her mother,’ twelve year old stopped and began crying. Through her tears she sobbed, “MOM I just want you to be happy!  I’ll do anything to make you happy but you’re always mad and I can’t make you stop!”

The air left my lungs. I became very small.  She was right.  No power on earth could make me happy because I was controlling my world with anger and panic! My sin was destroying the relationships God had created.

I changed. I took proactive charge of learning better behavior. I was not being a wise parent, but even in the midst of the mistakes I was making, I was a praying mother. I knew then as I know now that I must daily take my children to the Throne of God. He knew my heart and loved me and mine as I put aside my immaturity and grew in wisdom.

My deepest lessons in love have been learned watching my Heavenly Father love my amazing, blue eyed beauties.  He loves you and yours too. God is always good. His mercy, love and grace endure forever.

Love,

Gretchen