How do YOU spell success?

The verse which jumps out when I read from Psalm 118 is, "O LORD, save us: O LORD, grant us success. Success? Really?  If you read from The Message Bible, it calls success: "a free and full life." Is that success? Google describes it as (1) the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, (2) the attainment of popularity or profit.

George Patton said, "success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom." If you research other quotes by other famous folks you will find a plethora of concepts. What do you say success is; looks like or feels like?

In a world overflowing with chaos and turmoil, to this writer, success is finally embracing the peace that passes all understanding. Success is having walked through all the drama life had to throw at us and coming out on the other side with a testimony worth telling.  It is having a story where God is the main character and peace and hope are the happy ending.

Psalm 118:19-29

I have written on these very same verses twice before in 2012 and 2014. Which of the 3 speak to you today in this place and in this time? Comment below or email your comment to me.

There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. (1 Timothy 3:16-17)

A Spring Experience

This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it...Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118:24,29)

After a particularly long winter, the first day we walk outside and breathe in spring air, we might actually say, "This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice..."  I know I think these words if I don't say them out loud.

When we work our way through a winter season, one with lots of pain and heartache, we often ask ourselves, "Will we ever smile again?"  It is the spring sunshine that brings new hope to us.  It is the colorful landscape which fills us with fresh feelings laced with peace.

As we approach Holy Week, we often think on a deeper level, all Jesus has done for us.  Even when we just experienced an intense winter, the thought of Jesus on the other side of this season, helps us to "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good." Contemplating the happenings of Holy Week starting with the joyous celebration on Palm Sunday we are mindful of pain and suffering.

I prepare to travel in my mind, the dark road to the Cross, memories of years gone by surface and I am reminded of the many Lenten and Easter Seasons observed with my husband.  I reflect on the fun we had hiding Easter baskets and the family dinners shared on Easter Sunday.  They all mean something different now. When I attend worship service on Easter Sunday, the experience is different and meaningful in a brand new way.

I know that my Savior, who made the ultimate sacrifice for me, also made that sacrifice for my husband and I am assured that I will see him again.  The Good News doesn't get any better than that for me!  Alleluia!

Psalm 118:19-29