Prayer is Laughing - OUT LOUD

Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV) 

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 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. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.    

You may be wondering why the title this week of Prayer is Laughing.  I had the same question as I read through many of the verses selected, some of which are light, but others that aren't.  The verses speak of trusting God, of Him fighting with and for us, of enemies waiting to devour us.

Chapter 39 opens with, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."  While the image of a muzzle on my mouth is humorous I am not laughing.

Turn to Chapter 40 and read, 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. I was grinning at this one because I written a note in the margin next to the word mire, the surname, Meyer.  That is my maiden name and I know it is family issues that that caused the pain we experienced--sometimes dragging that pain into adulthood.  There is a funny story about the word, mud, but that is for another devotion.

Chapter 41 addresses God sustaining us on our sickbed.  This Psalm also tells of our enemies whispering against us; vile disease, even close friends deserting us.  So, why should we be laughing?  It suddenly became very clear.  God is faithful.  When we face insurmountable life situations, God is bigger than all of them.  When doubting tomorrow's value, God is encouraging us to stay in the moment.  Tomorrow has enough worries of it's own, stay in today.

As Christians we can smile in the face of adversity.  As Children of God we can belly-laugh at today's troubles. Because we are saved by the Blood of the Lamb, there is no more reason for tears or fears. So, come on, through back you head and laugh out loud.  God is Faithful. God is good...ALL THE TIME.


Psalm 39, 40 and 41

Psalm 16 - In Your Right Hand are Pleasures Evermore

Have you heard the saying, "God is good; all the time?" I thought of it as I read Psalm 16 today. Another familiar phrase, "Hang on to what is good," also popped into my mind.

David equated God with good. He says, "apart from [God] I have no good thing." (v 2) David twice mentioned staying by his Father's side and in His presence. (v 8,11)

David trusted and depended on God for his safety. (v 1)
He received many blessings. (vs 5-6).
He praised God for guidance in his life. (vs 7,11)
David rejoiced with gladness and rested in God's care. (v 9)
David knew that just as Christ would conquer death (v 10), God would not leave him in the grave. He had joy and assurance in "eternal pleasures at [God's] right hand. (v 11).

Do you realize: When we hang on to the One we know is good all the time…as we put our trust in Him…as we develop a relationship with Him, we experience the same blessings as David.

Our days can be filled with many challenging hurdles. When we rest in God's care, hold His hand, and keep our focus on Him, we can trust Him to work out our circumstances. When we keep God by our side, He can lead us onto the right path. When we entrust ourselves into God’s care, we can live with joy. He promises us we will be resurrected to eternal life. Isn't it awesome that there is no end to what God has for us!

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