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The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. I Kings 4:20 (I Kings 4-7 and II Chronicles 2-6)

Solomon was an incredible leader.  He ran vast enterprises and administrated a massive bureaucracy, wrote 3000 proverbs, 1005 songs, he was a scientist, botanist and responsible for three books of the Bible, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. Peace and prosperity were his legacy.

Israel began their existence as God’s chosen people with only a tent as their place of worship and evidence of God’s dwelling. This was the custom for over 400 years. God ordained this structure, David designed it and Solomon built the lavish, marvel of ancient history! However, its glory was short-lived. Within five years of Solomon’s death it was plundered and then completely destroyed.

This temple, of incredible pomp and grandeur, honored God only as far as man’s heart reflected the same awe and glory. The gold embossed wood and stone came tumbling down when Israel’s heart turned to other god’s and their earthly comforts and pleasures took precedence over God’s law. Nothing of material or earthly origin compares to God’s concern with the soul of man.

Love,

Gretchen

“So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” I Kings 3:9 (I Kings 1-3 and II Chronicles 1)

As King David lived out his last days, his son Adonijah, the heir apparent, sets himself up as king. The prophet Nathan intervenes and David has Solomon anointed before he dies. Shortly afterward, God appears to Solomon in a dream, directing the young leader to make a request for anything he desires. Solomon’s answer, verses 6-9, was a humble and noble request for wisdom.

The fear of the LORD  is the beginning of all wisdom. Solomon asked for much more than just academic prowess and a clever mind. He wanted to know right from wrong and longed to lead as God designed. God was pleased and through this gift Solomon gained power, wealth and fame.

Through this simple request for supreme insight, Solomon served his people justly and the kingdom prospered. If there is anything I personally feel unworthy of asking for, it is wisdom. My logical brain says I must study, research and work hard to achieve this reward, but God’s pleasure signifies otherwise. Every breath taken and every blood cell pumped through the body is a function of the human brain. Your brain is your life! And it must be given to God if you are to truly live.

Love,

Gretchen

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. Psalm 86:11 (Psalms 37, 86, 138)

The direction of David’s life was very often propelled by the wickedness of others. Was he constantly in survival mode, paralyzed by circumstances beyond his control? A lot of ‘no’ with a little bit of ‘yes.’  He did have to deal daily with sin, sometimes his, certainly that of those who wished him ill for the gain of their own selfish agenda.  David adopted habits that focused correct perspective and allowed good to prevail in the midst of evil.

Psalm 37 is a series of proverbial sayings pointing to the dominance of good over bad. No matter how bleak things seem, sin will be punished.  There were many times David had to confidently stand on the side of right and then wait patiently for the LORD to move. God was always faithful.

David’s philosophy for living in the world of grief and wrong doing was: Do good, rely totally on God and trust in His infinite love and faithfulness. It has proven victorious.

Happy Monday!

Gretchen

He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. Psalm 104:5 (Psalm 104 and 145)

David not only wrote songs for an army marching toward, battle, but returning in victory. Psalm 145 conveys everything from thanksgiving to mercy, focusing on the personal characteristics of God as it applies to His relationship to man. Psalm 104 recognizes God’s detailed attention as Creator and Caretaker.

The marvels and grandeur of all creation declare the love of God.  Rather than continue with my ramblings today, I encourage you to read and bask in David’s words and possibly the tune and lyrics of Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg and missionary Stuart K. Hine, heard in the hymn, How Great Thou Art.   

Love,

Gretchen 

But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 (Psalm 47, 86, 131, 133)

We are called daily to simple childlike trust. Instinct and culture drives mankind to independence of everyone and everything, but this goal is unattainable, for no man is an island. Jesus taught that it is appropriate and desirable that all men approach the Father, His and ours, as children.

The weaning of a child is time for celebration. The child has survived the fragile state of infancy. Now a toddler, this child is still totally dependent on guidance, sustenance and protection. My own young daughters, who knew there would be warmth and food, would come to me at some time each day, often in hush of mornings or evenings, push gently on my stomach and say, “Make a lap.” I cherished those moments of bending to receive the comfort of our communion. David knew the great comfort of finding every need met by a gentle, loving and Almighty Father. That comfort is ours too, for Jesus reminded us to come before the Throne as a child. (Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17)

When in trouble, every youngster turns to the safest place they know, usually an adult who has proven faithful and kind. God set Himself as our place of refuge. It isn’t our weakness that defines our habits of safe harbor, but rather, God’s strength alone. He has made a place for each of us within His arms and upon His lap.

Snuggle down!

Gretchen

Praise be to the the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.  Psalm 144:1                                                                                                                                       

No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. Psalm 33:1

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

David did not chose to be a warrior king. He was a shepherd, a musician and poet, in our modern language, a lover not a fighter. His position as Israel’s leader demanded he go to war, so, for wisdom and strength, he turned to the One who anointed him. God’s power would prevailed.

Psalm 144 is a battle hymn, a marching chant, who’s rhythm kept an army moving in unison formation, reminded and assured of their purpose and victory. Psalm 33 reflects David’s later humility, learned through total reliance on God.  After David conquered Jerusalem, he built a permanent residence within the fortress.  This song was part of the dedication celebration, with mindfulness to the planned Temple his son Solomon would complete.

Every man journey’s is fraught with controversy, conflict and challenge. Our troubles are as unique as we are, therefore, our deliverance from despair is personal and intimate and deserving of a new, specific, song of praise. God’s eternal and enduring love far exceeds today’s pain of sin. Joy comes in the morning! Praise be to God.

Happy Thursday,

Gretchen

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me, for You are good, O LORD. Psalm 25:7 (Psalm 25, 29, 36, 65, 100)

The song of a sin sick soul. 

God chooses to forget our transgressions. For the One that matters, they never happened once they have been confessed and forgiven. If only our minds and hearts were so capable and forgetful. David reminds himself often that he is not known to God by his failures, but as a man with only one desire, to vigorously chase God’s heart.

God sees us are we are, not what we were, but thoroughly, transparently and truthfully, the person He created, His supreme design restored to its original glory.

Every fleeting dream, and each devastating loss is breathed in the presence of an Almighty Comforter. The world may misunderstand or misinterpret intent, and as much as they pretend that one’s best effort is good enough, we all know it is not so.  But, in these things, where mankind disappoints, God is perfection. He gets you, and He’s got it right because He is good.

Love,

Gretchen

I will lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of Heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2 (Psalms 69, 120, 121, 9) 

The songs of ascent are a set of Psalms with a specific use and we know when and how they were employed. People gathered at the Temple, an important place of common ground where knowledge, strength and encouragement was gained. The Temple brought unity and life for the nation of Israel, as it was the essence of God’s presence among His people.

Jerusalem was set on a hill.  It was a fortress, the capitol city of the strongest nation on earth at the time.  The Temple set on a precipice within the hilltop megapolis. Whether people were climbing the stairs to enter its portals, or walking along the road from afar, meeting other sojourners on their way to celebrate and worship, eyes were lifted in the hope of Creator God, maker of all.

The primitive, ancient people did not understand that the moon’s light was reflective rather than radiant.  They knew the effects of overexposure to the sun, and so they suspected the moon had a danger too, just less obvious. They were cautious and sought shade from its rays as well. They were wrong, but the greater significance is their foundational knowledge that the weaver of night and day, of a cycle of life that needed sleep for productive wakefulness, never slept, never set aside His watchfulness over His creation.  We are loved and cared for without ceasing.

Happy Monday!

Gretchen

For You make me glad by Your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:4 (Psalms 2, 92, 61, 66)

The leading themes or ideas of the Psalms are trust, praise, rejoicing and mercy. At the center of these acts is the resting faith in God’s justice.  These four Psalms are hymns of rejoicing.

Infinity is incomprehensible, as it is applies to the One True God. He forever was (infinite to the past) and is eternal to the future. Somewhere, out under the stars, David wrapped his mind around this truth and found peace.  He Praised God for His creative power and authority, His present acts of protection and provision, and then He took his praise into forever. He lifted his talent, his words of art, and gave glory to that which he knew would come about, an earthly Messiah and eternal life.

Though our lives are just a minuscule wisp of vapor in time, we can do as David did, worship God through the ages. Eternity is more than just a very, large concept, it is our single hope and joy.

Blessings,

Gretchen

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 (Psalm 40, 70, 27)

David cut his teeth on God’s law. He was raised in a Godly household. Knowing God’s law enlightened David to the depth of his sin. His knowledge of drowning in a quicksand of one’s own making was first hand. He knew the panic, the horror, the lingering stench of self loathing! And then!!!! He was placed on solid ground and with a tether, anchoring his feet so they would never wander again.

In joy and sorrow, David spells out the things he has learned about God. He created infinite wonders. He is love, truth, protector, light, a stronghold, and faithful to those who seek mercy, and rest their hope in grace. There is nothing on this earth that secures like God’s majesty, wisdom and strength.

We must never lose our consciousness of need. God’s hand reached down, because David asked, and lifted (not pulled, there’s a difference) David up. God did not send a demolition crew, an aluminum extension ladder or a bulleted list of trouble shooting suggestions.  He moved and David found a new song to add to the thousands of others he was already singing. 

Sing Loud! Sing Proud!

Gretchen