Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The Glorious Seeds of Discretion
"I just need patience, God. Give me patience for ..." Have you ever prayed words like that? I have. No doubt there have been the same number of times when God has given me the opportunity to give it. Patience is not a natural character trait. It's entirely supernatural. Especially when people are ignorant, or act just plain stupid. There is a distinction between the two. It is sublimely difficult to even drop hints of patience. So, I pray. Holy Spirit, you see my heart. You know my attitude and why I think, act, and feel the way I do. Give me your eyes to see this dying world not only for what it is, but for what you want it to become.
Patience as a spiritual kind of fruit needs to grow. It doesn't just show up in a basket on your doorstep with no effort on the part of the one who needs it. "Oh, hey, look! Some nice person left us a bushel of patience." No. Like all the other fruit there is a seed planted by someone. Someone else waters it. But God makes it grow.
Mercy is a gift. It's also a tool that we can use to draw people closer to ourselves, and ultimately to God. You know that advertisement which shows one person choosing to do the right thing and someone else sees it, and then the act just keeps being paid forward? I think that is what mercy looks like. Doing, and saying EVEN IF the recipient actually deserves something else.
Mercy goes hand in hand with patience. Both are given to us, if by no one else, then God himself. When we are shown mercy, we are expected to give it in return. That's not division, that's multiplication. When we plant seeds of patience with mercy as our fertilizer, there's no telling how many more seeds will come of the plant that sprouts.
I pray again, Jesus, as the righteous judge of my every inclination, make your dwelling in me.
Your name is the name above every other name. You are holy, and faithful, and true. Help me live according to your Word, and in your promises.
I titled this entry The Glorious Seeds of Discretion. Discretion means to be able to judge rightly, or even think about things in a way that's big picture. I'm wondering if you agree that we use discretion when being patient and showing mercy.
For this I will be reading and studying Second Peter in its entirety.
May blessing fall on you, and you bless the Lord for all his goodness, faithfulness, righteousness, holiness, everlasting love...Peace!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Must... Not... Get... Tired...
I've grown weary. Too many things have piled onto my shoulders and I'm carrying weight that doesn't belong to me... my confession. And now my shoulders are in pain, my neck has a crick, my mind is constantly active, my attitude has soured, and I feel very much unlike my self. I don't like me right now.
This seems to be a timeless problem- with the carrying too much weight, I mean. It's apparent that the Creator of all things had foresight to acknowledge that people would come to him for rest right about the time they were overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions and contemplations. Being so fatigued to have no choice but to lay it down before the consequences were beyond imagination. The reality is we will take on excess in life. Whatever it is- THANK YOU, JESUS for having that covered!
It's not my scheduled commitments, or busyness. It's not trying. It's expecting. I expect too much from my children. I know this. I expect that even though their childhoods have been markedly different than my own, they can carry the weights that I did when I was their age. "They should be able..." How unfair is that? I'm not asking you. I'm asking myself. My memory of my personal history could be off as well. It's hard to pinpoint why I think "they should." In the grand scheme of things I'm not certain that it matters.
My husband, I may have said before, has the ability to keep our family grounded. He establishes good boundaries and battle plans for when the enemy strikes. So, when I discover myself being heavy laden by my expectations, he swoops in and saves the day with his timely and thoughtful skill.
I just have a few things to ponder.
"Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest." Matthew recorded that in his gospel, chapter 11, verse 28.
"Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy." Psalm 126:5 (NLT) I am often greatly blessed by the commentary of Matthew Henry. For this passage he writes:
One more for the road...
"For we do not rejoice in those things that are seen, but in these things that are unseen. For things seen are time related, but those things that are unseen are eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:18 from the Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I like myself better now, just in case you were wondering.
This seems to be a timeless problem- with the carrying too much weight, I mean. It's apparent that the Creator of all things had foresight to acknowledge that people would come to him for rest right about the time they were overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions and contemplations. Being so fatigued to have no choice but to lay it down before the consequences were beyond imagination. The reality is we will take on excess in life. Whatever it is- THANK YOU, JESUS for having that covered!
It's not my scheduled commitments, or busyness. It's not trying. It's expecting. I expect too much from my children. I know this. I expect that even though their childhoods have been markedly different than my own, they can carry the weights that I did when I was their age. "They should be able..." How unfair is that? I'm not asking you. I'm asking myself. My memory of my personal history could be off as well. It's hard to pinpoint why I think "they should." In the grand scheme of things I'm not certain that it matters.
My husband, I may have said before, has the ability to keep our family grounded. He establishes good boundaries and battle plans for when the enemy strikes. So, when I discover myself being heavy laden by my expectations, he swoops in and saves the day with his timely and thoughtful skill.
I just have a few things to ponder.
"Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest." Matthew recorded that in his gospel, chapter 11, verse 28.
"Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy." Psalm 126:5 (NLT) I am often greatly blessed by the commentary of Matthew Henry. For this passage he writes:
"The beginnings of mercies encourage us to pray for the completion of them. And while we are in this world there will be matter for prayer, even when we are most furnished with matter for praise. Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the calamities of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others. But they sow in tears; they do the duty of an afflicted state. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of affliction. And they that sow, in the tears of godly sorrow, to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed. Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be for ever comforted. When we mourn for our sins, or suffer for Christ's sake, we are sowing in tears, to reap in joy. And remember that God is not mocked; for whatever a man soweth that shall he reap, Ga 6:7-9. Here, O disciple of Jesus, behold an emblem of thy present labour and future reward; the day is coming when thou shalt reap in joy, plentiful shall be thy harvest, and great shall be thy joy in the Lord"And so for my children the main prayer I currently have for them is that I will not be a heavy burden. The responsibilities and privileges that go along will be appropriate. My expectations will be just. Although circumstances will not always go as planned or directed, that I would spread out a blanket of grace. We can rest on it, or picnic, knowing that it will get crumby, and sticky, and perhaps a few smudges of dirt might give opportunity for a cycle through the washer. We can be grateful to the Lord for his unfailing love and example. We can be restored to the abundant life that he has for us. It's a fix that's better than a patch.
One more for the road...
"For we do not rejoice in those things that are seen, but in these things that are unseen. For things seen are time related, but those things that are unseen are eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:18 from the Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I like myself better now, just in case you were wondering.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Beach Pail List
I couldn't call a list of things to do before I die a "bucket" list. For one, I am certain when I reach the end of my time here, I will not be kicking a bucket. I will go out of this world at peace. I equate peace, or tranquility if you will, with beaches. Therefore, I commit to checking items off my Beach Pail List.
- Short-term mission trip(s) to: Haiti, Guatemala, South Africa, Eastern European countries
- Try: horseback riding, raising goats and chickens, driving a manual transmission vehicle...
- Owning everything I need, and nothing I don't
- Traveling the world
- Hosting a radio program about nothing
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Better Than a Dream
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)
God does pretty amazing things. Fact.
God is good even when I'm confused. Fact.
God knows. Fact.
Jehovah Nissi means "The Lord Our Banner"
Jehovah translated from Hebrew means "The Existing One" It has an implication of God revealing himself. Nissi describes how the Lord is our banner. He goes before us. He is a source of encouragement and hope.
There is a song, Come to Me, by Bethel Music, that nicely encapsulates this idea of being surrounded with providence and protection. It's a wondrous picture. Our fears are exchanged for confidence. Our anxieties calm in His presence which is nearer than we perceive. Because we are able, through his strength, to keep going, pressing in and moving forward to complete our mission whatever directive he has given us can be done.
Four months ago I had a dream that I was pregnant. The doctor told me that it had been confirmed by a blood test. He also mentioned that I was six months along. At first I had a vague notion that this was about writing my testimony. Then I shared with my mom my dream and we talked about how I also wanted to host an event at church for women. Those plans came to fruition on a Saturday night in June. It was an evening of lifting up praise to God and giving hope through a message of restoration.
In the works are nights at church that include worship by music followed by testimonies of salvation and moving of the Spirit in people's lives. It was inspiring to say the least. God, as usual, was awesome, faithful, and abundant in his promises fulfilled.
God does pretty amazing things. Fact.
God is good even when I'm confused. Fact.
God knows. Fact.
Jehovah Nissi means "The Lord Our Banner"
Jehovah translated from Hebrew means "The Existing One" It has an implication of God revealing himself. Nissi describes how the Lord is our banner. He goes before us. He is a source of encouragement and hope.
There is a song, Come to Me, by Bethel Music, that nicely encapsulates this idea of being surrounded with providence and protection. It's a wondrous picture. Our fears are exchanged for confidence. Our anxieties calm in His presence which is nearer than we perceive. Because we are able, through his strength, to keep going, pressing in and moving forward to complete our mission whatever directive he has given us can be done.
Four months ago I had a dream that I was pregnant. The doctor told me that it had been confirmed by a blood test. He also mentioned that I was six months along. At first I had a vague notion that this was about writing my testimony. Then I shared with my mom my dream and we talked about how I also wanted to host an event at church for women. Those plans came to fruition on a Saturday night in June. It was an evening of lifting up praise to God and giving hope through a message of restoration.
In the works are nights at church that include worship by music followed by testimonies of salvation and moving of the Spirit in people's lives. It was inspiring to say the least. God, as usual, was awesome, faithful, and abundant in his promises fulfilled.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
He Said He'd Show Me
Memory verse #3.
Proverbs 16:3, from the Amplified version: "Roll your works upon the LORD [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed."
About two weeks ago I had a dream that I was pregnant. The doctor confirmed it with a blood test, and immediately I could feel my baby turning and twisting in my womb. I was told I was at 6 months gestation. Last month I asked a friend to sign me up for a meeting with a group called Christian Women in Media. I have had a desire to be in media for some time- since high school. I used to imagine myself being a radio personality. I also had plans of being a pharmacist, and a teacher, and a nurse, and a chef, and a flight attendant, and even a construction worker. At the moment you could say I am all of those things with the exception of not being formally educated in any of those areas. I digress.
The morning before this meeting occurred, I heard that still, small voice say, "This is not what I told you to do." For the rest of the day I struggled with all sorts of emotions and thoughts. The "buts", the "I's", the "if's" all came to visit that day. We reminisced and drank a cup of tea together. We had some biscuits and jelly. It was like conversing with a friend you hadn't seen in quite some time, yet what I really wanted was to be at peace and feel the weight of disobedience lifted off my shoulders. So I finally said it was time for my old friend to leave. Then I told my Lord that I would do as He pleased. "Not my will, but Yours be done."
The next day I woke early to start my day with some Scripture and prayer. I really did want to hear from God. Lo and behold, He spoke. What he said was similar to the previous morning's message, but in different terms. I heard, "I have something else for you." In my experience, what God wants or has for me has always worked out to be beyond better than I imagined it could be. And so, with that, I let my friend know that I was choosing not to go with her.
The truth is, I was sad to miss out on the great things that happened that evening. I had feared what my friend would think about my decision. The surprising and also not surprising fact is that my friend did not in the least respond adversely to my action. In my prayer time I pleaded with God to let me go because I didn't want to disappoint her. Do you know what He said? "I have that taken care of." My heavenly Father, in His sovereignty, not only ended a sentence with a preposition, but He let me off the hook! This is where my morning tea was sent back for a cup of coffee.
Many times I've picked up the task of writing the story of my life. Then I become weary. Some of that weariness comes from my desire for this particular writing to be perfect. Not showing me as perfect, but being written in such a way that no one could dispute its contents. The familial "That's not how it was!" argument is a scary source of tension. It sways me.Ugh! Nasty past, get out of my way!
My point is that long ago I was given a job to do. I've procrastinated. The good news for me is that in my disobedient phase I have learned what I believe has redeemed the time spent being naughty. You know the story of the prodigal son. Hi, my name is Jodi, and I'm a prodigal daughter. Now that my confession is out of the way, I can move on to the what to do about it. In A.A. there is a slogan "faith is spelled a-c-t-i-o-n. Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (NLT) My hope is that this book will be written and complete in the next few months. God gave me a dream. He has also given me the experience and ability to see it come together and be finished, and even polished to reflect His glory. This is an exercise in working out my salvation.
I have witnessed too many atrocities, and at the same time seen many accounts of healing in desperate people to keep quiet. How could I do that? The reality is I have to trust that God will provide the words, the open hearts, the healing to take place in others just as He did in me, and [pause.] Do you see that? Right there. God will.
And that's that. These particular passages are brought to my attention without even searching for them. He said He'd show me. I have no reason to believe he won't. So, I have to believe He will.
Proverbs 16:3, from the Amplified version: "Roll your works upon the LORD [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed."
About two weeks ago I had a dream that I was pregnant. The doctor confirmed it with a blood test, and immediately I could feel my baby turning and twisting in my womb. I was told I was at 6 months gestation. Last month I asked a friend to sign me up for a meeting with a group called Christian Women in Media. I have had a desire to be in media for some time- since high school. I used to imagine myself being a radio personality. I also had plans of being a pharmacist, and a teacher, and a nurse, and a chef, and a flight attendant, and even a construction worker. At the moment you could say I am all of those things with the exception of not being formally educated in any of those areas. I digress.
The morning before this meeting occurred, I heard that still, small voice say, "This is not what I told you to do." For the rest of the day I struggled with all sorts of emotions and thoughts. The "buts", the "I's", the "if's" all came to visit that day. We reminisced and drank a cup of tea together. We had some biscuits and jelly. It was like conversing with a friend you hadn't seen in quite some time, yet what I really wanted was to be at peace and feel the weight of disobedience lifted off my shoulders. So I finally said it was time for my old friend to leave. Then I told my Lord that I would do as He pleased. "Not my will, but Yours be done."
The next day I woke early to start my day with some Scripture and prayer. I really did want to hear from God. Lo and behold, He spoke. What he said was similar to the previous morning's message, but in different terms. I heard, "I have something else for you." In my experience, what God wants or has for me has always worked out to be beyond better than I imagined it could be. And so, with that, I let my friend know that I was choosing not to go with her.
The truth is, I was sad to miss out on the great things that happened that evening. I had feared what my friend would think about my decision. The surprising and also not surprising fact is that my friend did not in the least respond adversely to my action. In my prayer time I pleaded with God to let me go because I didn't want to disappoint her. Do you know what He said? "I have that taken care of." My heavenly Father, in His sovereignty, not only ended a sentence with a preposition, but He let me off the hook! This is where my morning tea was sent back for a cup of coffee.
Many times I've picked up the task of writing the story of my life. Then I become weary. Some of that weariness comes from my desire for this particular writing to be perfect. Not showing me as perfect, but being written in such a way that no one could dispute its contents. The familial "That's not how it was!" argument is a scary source of tension. It sways me.Ugh! Nasty past, get out of my way!
My point is that long ago I was given a job to do. I've procrastinated. The good news for me is that in my disobedient phase I have learned what I believe has redeemed the time spent being naughty. You know the story of the prodigal son. Hi, my name is Jodi, and I'm a prodigal daughter. Now that my confession is out of the way, I can move on to the what to do about it. In A.A. there is a slogan "faith is spelled a-c-t-i-o-n. Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (NLT) My hope is that this book will be written and complete in the next few months. God gave me a dream. He has also given me the experience and ability to see it come together and be finished, and even polished to reflect His glory. This is an exercise in working out my salvation.
I have witnessed too many atrocities, and at the same time seen many accounts of healing in desperate people to keep quiet. How could I do that? The reality is I have to trust that God will provide the words, the open hearts, the healing to take place in others just as He did in me, and [pause.] Do you see that? Right there. God will.
And that's that. These particular passages are brought to my attention without even searching for them. He said He'd show me. I have no reason to believe he won't. So, I have to believe He will.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
It's All About Willingness
Several months ago I began a series on the fruit of the spirit. I had to let some time pass because for one, I don't have the market cornered on patience. Remember; I am married and have three kids. I have friends, extended family, and neighbors. I have a past, a present, a future, and a dog. I drive on roads with other drivers also driving. That can be very frustrating! I live in a place that is cold, even when everyone else says it's pleasant. There are many things about my life that don't go exactly as I want them to occur. Sometimes I take it well- in my own opinion. Other times I am a terrible pain as I "suffer" through whatever it is I am suffering.
I've taken these months to ponder what to write about patience. What about my life can be related to someone else? It's not that I'm all that different.
What can I do to practice patience?
Hold my tongue.
Bite my lip.
Take a proper deep breath.
Remember that patience shown to me so many times.
Just smile.
Remember the real fight I'm fighting.
Remember my purpose.
Remember what God has called me to do.
Remember that I am imperfect.
Remember that when we are under stress, we do things that don't make sense.
Remember that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.
Think about how I would want to be treated in this situation.
Consider others as better than myself.
As I am typing this my children are fighting and yelling. Slamming doors. I have a pressure problem in my head. My hands were just trying to cool my brow. I didn't say a word. Whatever it was worked itself out. I remember being a very loud kid when it was convenient for me. This may be one of those moments my mom was talking about when she said, "I hope you have kids just like you." or something of that nature. The truth is, I do have kids just like me.
There are times when realizing in the moment that Owen, Alex, or Emma are just like me brings great joy. Then others come creeping in shortly after that bring a deep sense of sadness. This patience business is...well, it's really hard work. Oswald Chambers once wrote "all efforts of worth and excellence are difficult." In all honesty, the sadness creeps in because I recognize it's my sinful nature that they are reflecting back to me. I showed them how to be that way. Whatever that way is.
Praise the Lord, for the hope of renewal. Restoring relationships is what God does, so long as we let him. So, with that I bring in the fact that I choose, we all choose, if we will react or respond to any situation. Reacting is a natural chain of events, it occurs when we don't think first, but only feel. A response comes after we've examined the facts and determined what to do about it. Our emotions are not given to us as people made in the image of God to control us, and definitely not to control any other person. We are made with the gift of feelings so that we can learn to show compassion to hurting people just like you (or me.) It is not only possible, but imperative that we control our SELF. Sometimes we don't know this truth, but if you've just read this, then now you do!
My husband has said something that fits nicely, and that is, "People can have knowledge (you can tell them, and they can nod their head) but if they aren't WILLING, nothing will change." I guess what I need to do is be willing to put my will aside, and serve with His will. Because it's all about glorifying the Lord anyway.
I want to share the passage of Scripture I've been working on over the past couple weeks. It's a relevant topic to be sure. Here it is!
I've taken these months to ponder what to write about patience. What about my life can be related to someone else? It's not that I'm all that different.
What can I do to practice patience?
Hold my tongue.
Bite my lip.
Take a proper deep breath.
Remember that patience shown to me so many times.
Just smile.
Remember the real fight I'm fighting.
Remember my purpose.
Remember what God has called me to do.
Remember that I am imperfect.
Remember that when we are under stress, we do things that don't make sense.
Remember that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.
Think about how I would want to be treated in this situation.
Consider others as better than myself.
As I am typing this my children are fighting and yelling. Slamming doors. I have a pressure problem in my head. My hands were just trying to cool my brow. I didn't say a word. Whatever it was worked itself out. I remember being a very loud kid when it was convenient for me. This may be one of those moments my mom was talking about when she said, "I hope you have kids just like you." or something of that nature. The truth is, I do have kids just like me.
There are times when realizing in the moment that Owen, Alex, or Emma are just like me brings great joy. Then others come creeping in shortly after that bring a deep sense of sadness. This patience business is...well, it's really hard work. Oswald Chambers once wrote "all efforts of worth and excellence are difficult." In all honesty, the sadness creeps in because I recognize it's my sinful nature that they are reflecting back to me. I showed them how to be that way. Whatever that way is.
Praise the Lord, for the hope of renewal. Restoring relationships is what God does, so long as we let him. So, with that I bring in the fact that I choose, we all choose, if we will react or respond to any situation. Reacting is a natural chain of events, it occurs when we don't think first, but only feel. A response comes after we've examined the facts and determined what to do about it. Our emotions are not given to us as people made in the image of God to control us, and definitely not to control any other person. We are made with the gift of feelings so that we can learn to show compassion to hurting people just like you (or me.) It is not only possible, but imperative that we control our SELF. Sometimes we don't know this truth, but if you've just read this, then now you do!
My husband has said something that fits nicely, and that is, "People can have knowledge (you can tell them, and they can nod their head) but if they aren't WILLING, nothing will change." I guess what I need to do is be willing to put my will aside, and serve with His will. Because it's all about glorifying the Lord anyway.
I want to share the passage of Scripture I've been working on over the past couple weeks. It's a relevant topic to be sure. Here it is!
A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge the rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. -Proverbs 24:3-4 (NLT)
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Wrote Memorization
So, it's a new year. I like to begin sentences with so. That doesn't have anything to do with my latest post, though. I just wanted you to know. Consider it a "Getting to Know Me" factoid.
An acquaintance of mine sent a request in an e-mail asking if I would be interested in memorizing Scripture over the course of the year. I really didn't have to think about it. I just said yes.
This new part of the year is a time to set goals, make plans for reaching them, and network with those who will hold you accountable. I think that for the most part my problem has been not many of my friends and family hold me accountable to do what I say I'm going to do. Perhaps I should have asked. Bygones.
What I need is an accountability group; a few willing souls to help me commit to memory the life-giving Word of God. This is what that could look like in real life:
The words crown, bountiful, harvest, hard, and abundance are the ones for which I quickly sought definitions. Then I wrote it all down. Crown here is obviously a verb. So, I used the definition that fit, and that is this- to place such a prized emblem upon; to bless or adorn (found in my Bible's concordance). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gives the Hebrew word atar, which means compass. God Almighty surrounds, as in to protect, our seasons whether that be physically or spiritually. To start, God surrounds us as protector, making our year bountiful. This is a freely given, and abundant generosity of God. It is for our benefit. It is good for us that He gives us a path to follow. That way we have boundaries- and a map. We can see where we've been, we are aware of where we are going and how to get there, and we know what will be out there for us as we are on our journey. On that pathway there are also clear signs of God's presence, provision, protection, and pursuit of our perfection. The evidence drips onto the places we go because He is with us. If He is with us, the people we encounter will see it. They might not recognize it for what it is, but they will know it is something remarkable.
I make use of a variety of commentaries to better understand Scripture. For this verse, I was curious to know what the historical details are that shaped this in David's heart and mind. Though I was unable to find an occasion for the writing, it seems it could have been after a long drought, or simply the result of wanting to show thankfulness to God for his continued blessing. Barnes has this opinion to relay on the verse:
I appreciate the idea that where God goes, there is blessing in abundance. I believe that is true in all times and in all places.
Does this verse speak to you for the coming year?
An acquaintance of mine sent a request in an e-mail asking if I would be interested in memorizing Scripture over the course of the year. I really didn't have to think about it. I just said yes.
This new part of the year is a time to set goals, make plans for reaching them, and network with those who will hold you accountable. I think that for the most part my problem has been not many of my friends and family hold me accountable to do what I say I'm going to do. Perhaps I should have asked. Bygones.
What I need is an accountability group; a few willing souls to help me commit to memory the life-giving Word of God. This is what that could look like in real life:
- Read this blog, and make comments.
- Call me.
- Text me.
- Write me a note of encouragement, say on Facebook, for the whole world to see.
- Send me a bouquet of flowers to freshen my environment and give me hope.
- Tell me when you see me that I can do this.
- Memorize some verses too and share them with me so that I can help you as well.
- Watch the videos I make on YouTube. Then click "like"...share if you so choose.
- You think of something. I'm getting tired. I will say I like chocolate.
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
The words crown, bountiful, harvest, hard, and abundance are the ones for which I quickly sought definitions. Then I wrote it all down. Crown here is obviously a verb. So, I used the definition that fit, and that is this- to place such a prized emblem upon; to bless or adorn (found in my Bible's concordance). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gives the Hebrew word atar, which means compass. God Almighty surrounds, as in to protect, our seasons whether that be physically or spiritually. To start, God surrounds us as protector, making our year bountiful. This is a freely given, and abundant generosity of God. It is for our benefit. It is good for us that He gives us a path to follow. That way we have boundaries- and a map. We can see where we've been, we are aware of where we are going and how to get there, and we know what will be out there for us as we are on our journey. On that pathway there are also clear signs of God's presence, provision, protection, and pursuit of our perfection. The evidence drips onto the places we go because He is with us. If He is with us, the people we encounter will see it. They might not recognize it for what it is, but they will know it is something remarkable.
I make use of a variety of commentaries to better understand Scripture. For this verse, I was curious to know what the historical details are that shaped this in David's heart and mind. Though I was unable to find an occasion for the writing, it seems it could have been after a long drought, or simply the result of wanting to show thankfulness to God for his continued blessing. Barnes has this opinion to relay on the verse:
On the whole, the most probable meaning is that expressed in our common version, referring to the beauty and the abundant productions of the year as if they were a crown on its head...God goes, marching through the earth, fertility, beauty, abundance seems to distil or to fall gently along his path. God, in the advancing seasons, passes along through the earth, and rich abundance springs up wherever he goes.
I appreciate the idea that where God goes, there is blessing in abundance. I believe that is true in all times and in all places.
Does this verse speak to you for the coming year?
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