trusting in the LORD

DEAR GOD: Love Your Enduring Promises & Justice~

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[Genesis 09] God's Promises

The Enduring Promise of Divine Justice

The scripture from Psalms 37:28, “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off,” speaks volumes about the nature of Divine justice and providence.

Understanding Divine Judgment

The phrase “For the LORD loveth judgment” suggests that God values justice and fairness. It is not the judgment that is punitive, but rather one that is corrective and aimed at restoring balance. The Lord’s love for judgment is a testament to His desire for righteousness to prevail.

The Preservation of the Saints

The assurance that God “forsaketh not his saints” provides comfort to believers. It implies that those who are faithful and just are under the perpetual guardianship of the Divine. They are “preserved forever,” indicating an eternal promise of protection and blessing.

The Fate of the Wicked

In contrast, “the seed of the wicked shall be cut off” serves as a stark warning. It implies that the consequences of wickedness are not only immediate but also have a lasting impact on future generations. The cessation of the wicked’s lineage is a metaphor for the ultimate failure of injustice.

Moral of the Scripture

The moral lesson here is clear: righteousness is rewarded, and wickedness leads to ruin. This scripture encourages individuals to live a life of integrity and to trust in the Lord’s enduring justice.

Reflective Wrap-Up

As we ponder this scripture, we might ask ourselves:

  • How do we align our actions with divine justice?
  • In what ways can we contribute to a just society?
  • How does the promise of preservation affect our daily lives?

 

Ruminations on Related Scriptures

Reflecting on Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled,” we find a similar promise. Those who earnestly seek righteousness will be satisfied by the Lord’s justice. It is a call to actively pursue a life of virtue, assured that our efforts are not in vain.

Conclusion

The scripture from Psalms 37:28 encapsulates the essence of Divine justice. It reassures us of the Lord’s unwavering commitment to righteousness and the eventual triumph of good over evil. As we reflect on this promise, let us strive to embody the principles of justice and integrity in our own lives. Let’s align ourselves with the Holy Word and God’s purpose for our lives and do according to His will and not ours. According to His timing, not ours. And love Him fully with all our heart, mind, strength and soul.

Unity Closing Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we seek Your wisdom to understand and enact justice in our lives. May we be counted among Your saints, preserved by Your grace. Guide us away from wickedness and towards Your eternal light, today and all the days of our lives, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

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In the light of Psalms 37:28, let us reflect on the boundless goodness and mercy of God, who judges with righteousness, protects His faithful, and extends grace beyond measure, ensuring that justice, love, and mercy are the pillars upon which His kingdom stands…

DEAR GOD: Your Heart Is Merciful & Eternal~

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Lesson 8: The Heart of God - YouTube

Let us test and examine our ways,
    and return to the Lord!
 Let us lift up our hearts and hands
    to God in heaven:
Lamentations 3:40-41 (ESV)

 

The Heart’s Return:  

In the shadowed valleys of human experience, where the soul’s lament rises amidst trials and tribulations, the Book of Lamentations offers a beacon of introspection and hope. The verses of Lamentations 3:40-41 serve as a clarion call to self-examination and a return to God’s Divine grace. Let’s delve into Lamentations a little more, as we seek to unwrap the layers of these verses, with a desire to get to know our LORD further, and grasping to His every Word, as we listen to His voice in all that we do and say, each day of our lives.

Moral Lesson:

Lamentations 3:40-41 implores us to “search and try our ways and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” These words echo the importance and critical benefits of self-reflection and repentance. It is a call to sift through the debris of our actions, to discern the missteps, and to realign our path with that of righteousness. The lesson the Word brings to us here is not merely about recognition of wrongdoing- but about the transformative act of returning to the Lord, with a contrite and humble heart that accepts Him fully and wholly on every level of our lives, today and always.

Reflective Questions:

As we ponder the depths of these verses, let us ask ourselves: “In what ways if any, have I strayed from my values? How can I restore harmony between my actions and my spiritual beliefs?”

An Exercise for Reflection:

Take a moment to retreat into a space of solitude and silence, in the LORD’s Presence.  With a pen and paper, list the actions and choices from the past week that weigh heavily upon your conscience. Beside each entry, write down one step you can take to rectify or improve upon that action. Fold this paper and place it in a spot you will see daily as a reminder of your commitment to personal growth and spiritual renewal. This will encourage and strengthen your spiritual roots in the LORD and entrench your soul further into the depths of Christianity and God’s way, and Word. But this exercise is not one of “frivolity or perfunctory” – instead it should be of sincerity and earnest seeking to draw closer to the LORD in all aspects. We cannot fool God – He knows our hearts, and He knows what we will do and say before we even do or say it. And best of all – He loves us and FORGIVES us through the blood of Christ! Yes!

My Prayer:

“Dear LORD, In the quietude of my soul, I seek Your divine light. Guide me through the labyrinth of my ways, that I may discern the wheat from the chaff within my deeds. Grant me the courage to face the truths unearthed and the strength to amend my course. May my heart, uplifted in earnest supplication, find solace in Your boundless mercy. Renew within me a steadfast spirit and anchor me in Your unfailing love, today and all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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 In conclusion, Lamentations 3:40-41 invites us to a profound engagement with our innermost selves, urging us to shed the layers of complacency and to embrace a life of intentional righteousness. It is in the earnest examination of our ways and the heartfelt turning to the Lord that we find the true essence of spiritual awakening and moral fortitude.