February 25

Scripture Reading Psalm 62:1-8

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

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Absalom, son of King David took revenge on his brother Amnon for raping Tamar.
But he also then decided to conspire against his father. David found himself in danger

How do we get into a valley? Who's fault? Past sins and other people's carelessness?
David in the valley caused by his own son.
What happens when you stay in the valley for sometime?
Learn about yourself and how God may be trying to change you.
To stay there and be still.
Do you crack when under stress and turn to sin or God for relief?

February 4

"The Joyful Worshipper"
Psalm 19:7-11

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

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This was written by David in his times of trouble
Joy is not simply
a. an external expression. Look at James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

b. an emotional experience. Two examples, married couples as the years go on and Elijah. The prophet Elijah experienced one of the greatest emotional roller-coasters. In 1 Kings 18, he faced off against hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah. He humbled them in a display of awesome power from the Lord. But immediately afterwards, he was troubled by threats and prayed that he would die than go on.

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The word of God has a profound effect on people. It's a source of joy.
Some applications. Set aside regular times for devotions. Instill consistency.

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Some personal thoughts..

There is much sorrow and false joy in the world today. Turn on the TV or read the newspaper. On TV, they are promoting joy through new products and re-invented lifestyles. Our sense of joy is being dictated to us by through clever marketing and programming that entices our base physical desires.

The news reports of suffering and crime all the time. I am sometimes overwhelmed and these stories and they trigger feelings of vengeance or leaves me with apathy.

When I read the Bible, there is much joy in the passages of Psalms. But there is a lot more dedicated to brokenness and sinfulness that reminds us of our need to be forgiven and healed by God.

How can I have more inner joy through the Lord? He has rescued me and each day is a blessing. What kind of joy gives me the strength to persevere?