I started reading through the book of Psalms this morning. My plan is to read ten chapters a day, meditate on what God is showing me, and record what He is teaching me in my journal.
As I was reading through the scriptures, I was amazed as to how applicable it was to what we are dealing with today! Specifically regarding the state of New York (where I live). It amazes me how some men and women in power can pass horrible laws (like aborting babies up to birth) and not have a care in the world.
Although the schemes and evil plots of man will always happen, I love how the Bible always reminds me that God is in control. He is sovereign! I fully trust that if He wanted to (at the time of His own will) He could take out those evil plans in a second.
We must pray for these people. We must trust that God has a plan no matter how evil the world may get. From the beginning of time there were always evils kings, rulers, and leaders. BUT GOD. . .
Isn’t that the truth? BUT GOD . . .
If it weren’t for God, I would feel totally helpless and out of control! When I forget that He is in control is when anxiety and restlessness happens. God has us in the palm of His hands. If we truly surrender to Him with all things, He will give us His perfect peace.
Will you trust me that He is in control? Will you pray that the evil plots of man will be turned over, according to God’s will and timing?
Here are some verses that stuck out to me in my reading today:
But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:2-3
Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Psalm 2:1-3, 10-11
But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Psalm 3:3, 5, 6, 8)
Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous in the LORD. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 3-5, 8)
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your hold temple. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sign for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:7,11)
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. the trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads. Psalm 7:10, 14-16)
Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:2,9)
The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgement. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the works of their hands. Psalm 9:7,10,16)
Then pretty much the whole chapter of 10 blew my mind. I encourage you to read the whole chapter, but here are some verses that spoke to me:
1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
your laws are rejected by him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”
7 His mouth is full of lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent.
His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
11 He says to himself, “God will never notice;
he covers his face and never sees.”
So what do we do with this truth? We pray! We don’t worry. We follow truth, obeying God, and sinning not! Pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up the whole world to you. Nothing that is happening is a surprise to you. You, Oh LORD, are Sovereign and in control. I acknowledge this first and foremost. I trust your plan and will, above the evil schemes and plots of mankind. Help me to delight in your Word, reading and meditating on it day and night. You promise that I will yield fruit and prosper in your name if I do this! There are evil plots of man trying to destroy your WORD, your WILL, and your WAY. BUT, you GOD, are a shield around me! You are the one that lifts up my head. I will not fear, though the whole world around me goes against you. I will keep my eyes and heart fixed on your truth. I pray for leaders in power that are abusing it by doing evil to turn to you. I ask, like Jonah, to spare their life and help them turn to you. I am tempted, with my anger against this injustice, to not want to pray for this. Lord, in your timing and according to your will, if they do not listen to your call and surrender to you, I ask that you allow them to fall into the pit they have dug. In their pride, they are not seeking you. Their mouth is full of lies and deception. They murder the innocent, saying that you God, will never notice! I know that you notice and you see all of this evil. Your Word says that through the praise of children and infants, you establish a stronghold against the enemy. So, let your will be done, Lord! Help me, during these out of control times, to surrender to you. Take my surrender, and give me peace of mind and heart today! In Jesus name, amen.