Psalm 11:3b-5

Psalm 11:3b-5

Yesterday ended with a dissatisfying taste, an emptiness which I tried at first to banish with reading and popcorn. But then you, Lord, reminded me to praise you for it, as this emptiness was a reminder that my soul finds rest in you alone—and the right response is to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Therefore I praise you now, Lord Jesus, for the wonder and stability of knowing you, being a child of the eternal living God. You give us all we need and I can praise you for both the pleasant and the painful. As it says in Psalm 11:3,
 
“If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?”
 
[As everything seems to fall apart, we can look away to you, Lord God, the only sure foundation in all of existence. We can praise you in all, rejoice in your character, rest in your love, live in your wisdom. The instability of the world only serves to highlight the surety of your character: Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever!]
 
Psalm 11:4-5 “The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord’s throne is in heaven;”
 
[You are ever ruling, ever awake, ever alert. Nothing escapes your notice and you always act at exactly the right time. You rule wisely, wonderfully, willfully. You are moving events to the great conclusion of history, sweeping as many as are willing into your Kingdom, while giving those who aren’t willing multiple opportunities as well.]
 
“His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The Lord tests the righteous,”
 
[You watch every person, you test each one, giving opportunities to believe to the not-yet-sons; and to your children, who have been granted the righteousness of Christ, you give tests that are possibilities to grow, give glory and display grace.
 
Ah, Lord, help us to remember that difficulties, disappointments, danger and discouragement are tests, each one an opportunity to take up your grace, rise up in praise and defeat the enemy on his own ground.
 
May we not fail in these tests but cooperate with you, for your glory! Help us today to live in the light of your love, trusting you in each test, fulfilling the purpose of our lives by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving in all.]