The Lord took me on an interesting journey recently... reading backward through the Psalms. What seemed like an unusual assignment from Holy Spirit has actually proven to be an amazing and timely blessing.
As we continue to experience the shaking of pretty much everything in our lives, reading the Psalms, beginning at 150 and working backward has brought a fresh perspective of God's sovereignty, holiness, justice and faithfulness. His promises stand firm, even in the midst of the chaotic and uncertain times we're living in.
The other day, while reading Psalm 130 in The Passion Translation, I came upon this treasure in verse 7.
O Israel, keep hoping, keep trusting,
and keep waiting on the Lord,
for he is tenderhearted, kind, and forgiving.
He has a thousand ways to set you free!
The shaking that we have endured, the trials we face on a daily basis, and the incomprehensible evil and corruption that surrounds us threatens to unravel everything we know to be right and true. Still, as the psalmist says, keep hoping, keep trusting, keep waiting on the Lord; the One who walks with us through fire, the One who calms the storm, the One who never fails.
Regardless of what you see on the evening news, His mercies are new every morning. Confronted by His truth, worry, fear and anxiety lose their grip. His compassionate love breaks the chains that kept you bound. You can trust Him.
He has a thousand ways to set you free.
Lord, You are our great defender, our hope and our shield. You are are healer, our provider, our Father and our friend. When the world around us seems out of control, You are our Prince of Peace. You are the answer to all our questions and our tower of strength. In this season of shaking, You are our steady ground, and our firm foundation. You are our Keeper. Thank You, Lord, for freedom -- and for victory. In Your Presence, there is fullness of joy.