Tag Archives: trust

12/23/14

Can God Trust You? Sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes

If everyone understood every aspect of GOD’s will there would be no need for redemption. It is because we all struggle for understanding and enlightenment that this sermon resonates to receptive hearts. We are GOD’s chosen people. He uses us in our imperfectness to do a perfect work…

credit: Mr. Kkyham

Charlene’s Source: youtube

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07/16/13

What is Hope? Colossians 1:27

To whom GOD would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…

 

 

Colossians 1:27

 

 

 

What exactly is hope? Is it wishing , like I hope I win the door prize? Or, is it something deeper than that, an expectation of glorious things to come?

 

 

The word hope has been weakened and washed down because of modern society’s insistence on putting hope in the realm of magic. Wish upon a star and hope for your wish to come true, or put a coin in the wishing well and hope for the same. The Biblical references do not go in this direction, but lean more toward Christ Jesus, our ‘Hope of Glory’.  Hope goes so much further than wishing and dreaming–it is the ‘Hope of The Gospel’ to all people, manifested in ‘The Word Made Flesh”.

 

 

Hope resides in us, as God’s Holy Spirit, sent by God the Father and God the Son to minister, strengthen and aid us. If Hope is then alive in us, then Hope has been raised from the dead, and Hope believes that all things are possible because Hope is the Source of all things.

 

 

Hope is closely bonded with Faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’…Hebrews 11:1

 

 

“Hoped for’ means that I am relying on Jesus to bring this to pass. I am trusting that what I cannot yet see is already in existence,  brought alive through the urgency and sincerity of my pleas. ‘Hope springs eternal in the human breast’ is a fitting statement to explain how we can go through trial after trial and still hold on to our Saviour and to our beliefs.

 

Do you have hope? Do you believe that what God says in His Word that He will do He will perform? If you do then you have arrived at that place of trust, which is also a part of hope, where you are absolutely depending on God’s Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and sustain you. You know that what you see in the flesh is not as real as what is occurring in the Spirit realm.

 

 

Let us walk in Hope, for Hope bears a large shield, and joy is its weapon.

 

 

                                                                                                                   Charlene

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10/20/12

121020 Walking By Faith and Experience Revisited

We are trained from early childhood to seek only those things that bring us joy and laughter. Sorrow is not considered a positive emotion. However, without a balance of both joy and sorrow, we are missing out on the fullness of life. Life will have unavoidable sorrows, but we can be assured of The LORD’s companionship in the midst of sorrow, and equally, of joy.

 

 

In Hebrews 13:5b KJV,  Jesus says, “I will never leave you or forsake you”. He is ever present in our joys, sorrows, and praise. Praise is good for our spirits and souls.

 

 

Many people go through life depending entirely on those around them to support and comfort them. While this can certainly work, what happens if you lose them? You are left floundering in a sea of pain where your reliance will be on the generosity of strangers. I personally choose to rely not only on my loved ones who surround me but also on a Living GOD who has walked and talked with me since childhood.

 

 

Yes, I know what others may say about this. I expect that they will not understand things of the Spirit because they do not possess His Spirit. Yet, Jesus loves them all equally, and because I am His –so do I. I do not require that everyone be just like me; only that I can be given validation for the things that I believe to be true and that have sustained me for decades.

 

 

It is in living life that ideas, concepts, and concretes become established. I have lived enough life while walking with my hand in His to have a knowledge of Christ’s heart. This gives me surety in a world of endless uncertainty.

 

 

“And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, GOD is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”  1 John 3: 19&20

 

 

Praise ye The LORD!!!

 

 

Charlene

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08/10/12

Psalm 46 A Song of Asaph NIV Version

Psalm 46[a]

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth.[b] A song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

 
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

 

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

 

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 46:1 In Hebrew texts 46:1-11 is numbered 46:2-12.
  2. Psalm 46:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  3. Psalm 46:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 7 and 11.
  4. Psalm 46:9 Or chariots

Retrieved from the worldwide web August 10, 2012  www.biblegateway.com

08/9/12

Psalm 55 I Will Trust

Psalm 55 is a bold, direct statement. David speaks of putting his trust in GOD because he knows that therein is his source of strength. Imagine singing this song in the assembly!

We live in a time when The Word is being watered down. No one wants to hear the truth–they are more interested in flattery and position. GOD’s Kingdom is not designed for the raising up of men to lofty heights. He is the One who rules the Heavens.

 

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.   2 Timothy 4:3

 

Beware of false doctrine. It is a scheme to rob you of your commitment and faith. Stand in the strength of GOD’s Word; in Christ, and allow GOD’s Holy Spirit to teach you all things. When the enemy [Satan, not people] rises up against you, call upon GOD to deliver you from the snare of the fowler. He will be faithful to do so.

 

Psalm 55

Psalm 55[a]

 

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil[b] of David.

 

1 Listen to my prayer, O God,
    do not ignore my plea;
2     hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
3     because of what my enemy is saying,
    because of the threats of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering on me
    and assail me in their anger.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
    the terrors of death have fallen on me.
5 Fear and trembling have beset me;
    horror has overwhelmed me.
6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest.
7 I would flee far away
    and stay in the desert;[c]
8 I would hurry to my place of shelter,
    far from the tempest and storm.”

9 Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words,
    for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they prowl about on its walls;
    malice and abuse are within it.
11 Destructive forces are at work in the city;
    threats and lies never leave its streets.

12 If an enemy were insulting me,
    I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
    I could hide.
13 But it is you, a man like myself,
    my companion, my close friend,
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
    at the house of God,
as we walked about
    among the worshipers.

15 Let death take my enemies by surprise;
    let them go down alive to the realm of the dead,
    for evil finds lodging among them.

16 As for me, I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me.
17 Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.
18 He rescues me unharmed
    from the battle waged against me,
    even though many oppose me.
19 God, who is enthroned from of old,
    who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
    because they have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends;
    he violates his covenant.
21 His talk is smooth as butter,
    yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
    yet they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
    into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful
    will not live out half their days.

But as for me, I trust in you.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 55:1 In Hebrew texts 55:1-23 is numbered 55:2-24.

  2. Psalm 55:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

  3. Psalm 55:7 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and in the middle of verse 19.

12/2/11

Psalm 27 A Psalm of Trust and Faith

This Psalm of David eloquently speaks for itself. It is a heart cry to God to watch over, protect, and defend his own. I thank God for His gift of Scripture, as it gives us opportunity to  share in the Psalmist’s adoration and praise to the King of Glory.  Charlene

 

Psalm 27 

  

New International Version (NIV)

Of David.

 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?

 2 When the wicked advance against me
   to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
   who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
   even then I will be confident.

 4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
   he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
   and set me high upon a rock.

 6 Then my head will be exalted
   above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
   I will sing and make music to the LORD.

 7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
   be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
   Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
   do not turn your servant away in anger;
   you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
   God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
   the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
   lead me in a straight path
   because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
   for false witnesses rise up against me,
   spouting malicious accusations.

 13 I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the LORD.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 27:2 Or slander
 
 
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/28/11

2 Timothy 2 NIV

2 Timothy 2

New International Version (NIV)

The Appeal Renewed

 1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

 11Here is a trustworthy saying:

   If we died with him,
   we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
   we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
   he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

 22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 
 
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/15/11

Psalm 8: A Psalm Of David

Republished January 2, 2012

 

Psalm 8

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b]

 A Psalm of David.

1 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
b.Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
c.Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
d.Psalm 8:5 Or him
e.Psalm 8:5 Or than God
f.Psalm 8:5 Or him
g.Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his

Psalm 8 is a Psalm of Inquiry. David is contemplating the nature and work of GOD.

 “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, and human beings that you  visit them…”  ?

David is asking “Why am I here, LORD, and what is the purpose in my relationship with you”? 

 Haven’t we all asked this question at many times in our lives? It is astonishing to us that, we, as mere sinful mortals, have the attention of the Triune GOD. We have a Father in Heaven who looks down upon his children and sees each one as the creation he ordained into being. We are all here for a specific purpose because GOD sees us as equals in His sight. We have all been preordained to perform a work in Him that will draw others unto Him. No one is more important than the other, and each of us has to seek out our personal place in His ministry.

I’m learning as time goes on to concentrate my energies into fewer projects. To spread my Godly gifts more discreetly. This does not mean that I turn my back on those things that have gone before–it means that I embrace new possibilities while gradually passing the baton to others to guide ministries in which I am presently engaged. The word ‘gradually’ is employed here because stewardship demands that we keep our responsibilities until others are fully able to assume them.

David said “You have made them a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the work of your hands, you put everything under their feet… ”  Why would GOD place us in such a position in Him?

There is a trust that exists between a committed believer and Christ.  We engage in a covenant relationship with Him, God’s Holy Spirit, and GOD the Father. This relationship is what fuels our abilities, our heart committments, and our purpose here on earth. We knew GOD before we were “formed in the belly”, and our connection to Him is not severed at birth but diverted until we learn to conquer he of this world through Jesus our LORD. “You, dear children, are from GOD and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” !    John 4:4 NIV

God has made us to be His hands, His voice, His feet, and His heart here on earth. We have been given a ‘trust’ in Him to guard, keep, and distribute wisely. Everything that is GOD’s is ours–therefore we are to keep His WORD, His world, His work, His church, and His people from all harm and danger. Can we do this alone? No we cannot. We must work together through GOD’s Holy Spirit to perform the works of Christ in all humility and diligence, establishing His Kingdom here on earth, and seeking the reward of Heaven. Does that mean that we do, or give, to get? No–it means that we do to give and allow GOD to determine the reward. Keep in mind that GOD is justice–therefore when we turn our backs on His WORD,  His world, His work, His church, and His people He will establish a just reward here also.

The Psalmist gives GOD praise. We  should all praise the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS for it is He who gives us life, breath, and hope for this world and beyond.  PRAISE YE THE LORD, HALLELUJAH!!

Rev. Charlene

All Scripture Quotes are from the New International Version of the Bible@  www.biblegateway.com

 

09/20/11

Psalm 88 A Cry of Affliction

 

 

All of us suffer through moments of despair and indecision when it seems as if everything familiar has been taken away. If we do not listen well to heed the call of GOD’s Holy Spirit on our comings and goings then GOD will move us. There is so much work still to be done in the Name of Jesus Christ. Do not kick against the pricks but move steadily forward in Him.  Charlene

 

Psalm 88

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 88[a]

    A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. For the director of music. According to mahalath leannoth.[b] A maskil[c] of Heman the Ezrahite.

 1 LORD, you are the God who saves me;
   day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
   turn your ear to my cry.

 3 I am overwhelmed with troubles
   and my life draws near to death.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
   I am like one without strength.
5 I am set apart with the dead,
   like the slain who lie in the grave,
whom you remember no more,
   who are cut off from your care.

 6 You have put me in the lowest pit,
   in the darkest depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavily on me;
   you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.[d]
8 You have taken from me my closest friends
   and have made me repulsive to them.
I am confined and cannot escape;
 9my eyes are dim with grief.

   I call to you, LORD, every day;
   I spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you show your wonders to the dead?
   Do their spirits rise up and praise you?
11 Is your love declared in the grave,
   your faithfulness in Destruction[e]?
12 Are your wonders known in the place of darkness,
   or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?

 13 But I cry to you for help, LORD;
   in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 Why, LORD, do you reject me
   and hide your face from me?

 15 From my youth I have suffered and been close to death;
   I have borne your terrors and am in despair.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
   your terrors have destroyed me.
17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
   they have completely engulfed me.
18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
   darkness is my closest friend.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 88:1 In Hebrew texts 88:1-18 is numbered 88:2-19.
  2. Psalm 88:1 Title: Possibly a tune, “The Suffering of Affliction”
  3. Psalm 88:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  4. Psalm 88:7 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.
  5. Psalm 88:11 Hebrew Abaddon
09/1/11

Psalm 83 A Psalm of Asaph

Psalm 83 A Psalm of Asaph Expounded

 

Psalm 83 is a heart-felt plea to GOD for deliverance. The people of the Old testament viewed GOD as existing in the tabernacle and only extending to the borders of their land. This is why Jonah felt that he could flee from GOD and resist His instructions to go to Nineveh.

 

Many tribes were coming against their brother tribes in an age-old quest for supremacy over the wealth of the land. We see this attitude acted out many times with one example in Genesis. When Abram consulted with Lot as to which parcel of land he would choose to take–Lot responded by asking for the richest parcel.

 

Mankind has greed as a central trait.  This does not come from the Father, but from the deceiver. It is not necessary to have the best of everything to be an effective worker in Christ. Why?  We have all of needs met in Him. If you are concerned about provision in any area, trusting that GOD will see to you will bring the food to your table, the clothes to your back, and the money into your purse.

 

Jesus stated in Matthew 6:25-34 GNB, “This is why I tell you do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds; they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? and why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow; they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all of his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is GOD who clothes the wild grass–grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have.

 

So do not start worrying: Where will  my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?(These are the things that pagans are always concerned about)

 

Your Father in Heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned about everything else with the Kingdom of GOD and what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.”

 

Isn’t GOD our Jehovah Jireh? He extends to the heavens and to the whole earth. he sees all that we need and he provides according to his riches in glory. GOD is not limited by the things of this world. He cannot be limited by His own creation.

 

Psalm 83 is a plea for help in a time when mankind did not have the Savior as we do. GOD saw to their needs and sent them a deliverer. He has done the same for you.

 

GOD’s Blessings, Charlene

 

Copyrights for Good News Bible; Thomas Nelson Inc. Publishers

American Bible Society 1976

 

PSALM 83

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 83

Psalm 83[a]

    A song. A Psalm of Asaph.

 1 O God, do not remain silent;
   do not turn a deaf ear,
   do not stand aloof, O God.
2 See how your enemies growl,
   how your foes rear their heads.
3 With cunning they conspire against your people;
   they plot against those you cherish.
4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation,
   so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”

 5 With one mind they plot together;
   they form an alliance against you—
6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
   of Moab and the Hagrites,
7 Byblos, Ammon and Amalek,
   Philistia, with the people of Tyre.
8 Even Assyria has joined them
   to reinforce Lot’s descendants.[b]

 9 Do to them as you did to Midian,
   as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 who perished at Endor
   and became like dung on the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,
   all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession
   of the pasturelands of God.”

 13 Make them like tumbleweed, my God,
   like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest
   or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so pursue them with your tempest
   and terrify them with your storm.
16 Cover their faces with shame, LORD,
   so that they will seek your name.

 17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;
   may they perish in disgrace.
18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—
   that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 83:1 In Hebrew texts 83:1-18 is numbered 83:2-19.
  2. Psalm 83:8 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

Scripture Taken from the New International Version; Bible Gateway: www.biblegateway.com

07/5/11

Psalm 91 — A Song of Deliverance

 
 Psalm 91 is the favorite Psalm of many people. It is a Psalm of Comfort, a Psalm of Joy, and a Psalm of Deliverance. It speaks to us about trusting and resting in the shadow of God’s wings. We are assured that disease will not defeat us and those we love, and that the plotting of evildoers will be foiled.
Also, the most important lesson to learn is that you cannot logic all that God is and represents.
 
Trust is the key to understanding this Song from the Scriptures. Trust will allow you to relax in Christ, knowing that he has your interests and your welfare covered. Jesus’  blood covers all circumstances.   Charlene
 
 
 

PSALM 91

 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.”

 3 Surely he will save you
   from the fowler’s snare
   and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
   nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
   nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.

 9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
   and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
   you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
   and show him my salvation.”

 

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 91:1 Hebrew Shaddai
  2. Psalm 91:14 That is, probably the king
New International Version (NIV)

 

04/28/11

Psalm 83

Psalm 83 (New International Version, ©2011)

 

Psalm 83

Psalm 83[a]

    A song. A psalm of Asaph.

 1 O God, do not remain silent;
   do not turn a deaf ear,
   do not stand aloof, O God.
2 See how your enemies growl,
   how your foes rear their heads.
3 With cunning they conspire against your people;
   they plot against those you cherish.
4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation,
   so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”

 5 With one mind they plot together;
   they form an alliance against you—
6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
   of Moab and the Hagrites,
7 Byblos, Ammon and Amalek,
   Philistia, with the people of Tyre.
8 Even Assyria has joined them
   to reinforce Lot’s descendants.[b]

 9 Do to them as you did to Midian,
   as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 who perished at Endor
   and became like dung on the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,
   all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession
   of the pasturelands of God.”

 13 Make them like tumbleweed, my God,
   like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest
   or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so pursue them with your tempest
   and terrify them with your storm.
16 Cover their faces with shame, LORD,
   so that they will seek your name.

 17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;
   may they perish in disgrace.
18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—
   that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 83:1 In Hebrew texts 83:1-18 is numbered 83:2-19.
  2. Psalm 83:8 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.