Just Ask the Question

Psalm 26:9, 11-12 (NLT) Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don’t condemn me along with murderers... But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the LORD.
I believe in Jesus and want to tell others about the Good News of Salvation. Finally, my feet are on solid ground. My life has purpose and a plan is developing to be Jesus' hands to someone who needs help.

A disciple of Jesus Christ moves forward, draws closer to Him by saying the things Jesus said and doing the things Jesus did.

A few years ago there was a question we were challenged to consider before acting. We wore bracelets asking the question, "What Would Jesus Do?" WWJD was a household phrase. This writer thinks the question is worth asking before venturing out. When stuck in the midst of a dilemma, the example of Jesus is worthy of our consideration.

I find myself asking the question when in a quandary. Who else's example or actions are worth emulating? I say, "Bring back the bracelets." If more of us would pause to discern just what Jesus would do, it would be better than counting to 10. If we would take the time to think through our actions before committing them to history there would be far fewer regrets.
Psalm 26

Prayer is Whispering -

Psalm 25:4-5, 20 (NIV)
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. ...Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 

Remember how, as a child, we would bask in the knowledge that mom and dad were pleased with us? There was something we did that evoked their praise or a special smile and it made us feel good.  So good in fact we wanted to do it again, we wanted to stay in their good graces.  We felt good when they were happy with us.

Isn't it the same with God?  Or is it?  It was for David.  He knew the value of doing God's will.  He also recognized his tendency for sin.  David knew He needed God's help to stay on the right path. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; Think about how easy it is to do the wrong thing, to follow our basic instincts and do what feels good, not what is good. 

Now, as I get older and perhaps wiser, it is important that I work to stay in God's favor.  Each day just feels better, is more fulfilling and peaceful when I am in God's will.  I know when He is smiling on me and when He isn't.  When things get complicated and life seems unbearable, that is when I call out to God to Guard my life and rescue me.

Reading the Psalms as part of my daily time with God is just like praying.  The things I keep close to my heart, about which I pray for help, I am able to whisper the words...I take refuge in you.

Psalm 24, Psalm 25, Psalm 26