Psalm 31:1-16 Niv

For Reading and Meditation:     Psalm 69:1-12

Having shared with us the conviction that God is good, the psalmist now proceeds to tell us what caused him to move away from that belief so that his soul became filled with such desolating doubt: "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the...

For Reading and Meditation:     Isaiah 3:1-11

Now we pause to ask ourselves how this fifth Beatitude, when practised, engenders within us good mental and spiritual health. Psychologists have shown that those who lack the qualities of mercy and compassion are more likely to develop physical problems. Harsh, judgmental attitudes may bring a sense of satisfaction to...

Every event is under Divine control. Nothing is left to chance.

The hand of God is in all that occurs; directing, overruling, and sanctifying to our good.

He appointed all that concerns us, and appointed all in infinite wisdom and love; therefore we should not judge rashly, or conclude hastily. We know not what may occur today, but we know that the purpose of God cannot be frustrated, nor can His purpose fail. He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.

He...

These words have been frequently used by holy men in their hour of departure. We may profitably consider them this evening. The object of the faithful man's solicitude in life and death is not his body or his estate, but his spirit; this is his choice treasure-if this be safe, all is well. What is this mortal state compared with the soul? The believer commits his soul to the hand of his God; it came from him, it is his own, he has aforetime sustained it, he is able to keep it, and it is...

Our spiritual foes are of the serpent's brood, and seek to ensnare us by subtlety. The prayer before us supposes the possibility of the believer being caught like a bird. So deftly does the fowler do his work, that simple ones are soon surrounded by the net. The text asks that even out of Satan's meshes the captive one may be delivered; this is a proper petition, and one which can be granted: from between the jaws of the lion, and out of the belly of hell, can eternal love rescue the saint....

The time of my prosperity. In vain would I say unto my soul, " Soul, take thine ease, thou hast much goods laid up for many years." In vain I grasp the evidences of my wealth; look abroad upon my goodly mansions and large estates; reckon upon my wealth, and exult in the victory obtained over earthly vicissitudes. The victory is a mere cheat, a phantasm of my brain. The time of my prosperity is in the hand of God, He opens his hand, and all my possessions vanish into air.

The time of...

Psalms 31:5

"Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me."

These words are often quoted as if they were for the hour of death. Indeed, Jesus did use them as His last words on the cross, and they are fit words for any dying saint. But here the committal is for life, with its experiences.

The words imply complete surrender. They are...

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. § [Jesus is] the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person. § The god of this age has blinded [their minds], who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me for Your mercies’ sake. Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon...

My times are in Your hand. § He will choose our inheritance for us. § Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness … make Your way straight before my face.Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. § In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. § Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall...

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you … The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. § Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. § In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct...