Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. Psalm 63:1-7

On Friday of last week, I found an old Daryl Coley CD and I have been listening to it repeatedly since. Sometimes, hearing God’s Word through song is a consoler for me and comforting beyond measure. His songs minister to the depths of my soul and pull at the very strings of my heart. Oftentimes, there is a place that I want to go and lodge (stay for awhile); away from everything and be in the presence of God. A place where there is peace and joy away from the cares of the world (Ps 16:11).

In this passage, David pens another beautiful psalm, letting us know that we can find shelter in the shadow of God’s wings. A place that is safe; a place where we can go to feel encouraged and strengthened to carry on in spite of any unrest in our spirit, any turmoil, chaos, or confusion. Why? Because, thou art my helper, O God, my covering, and there, I can seek shelter, protection, and warmth in the shadow of your wings, under your arms of protection.

This same covering shields and blocks us from harms way and we can rejoice and take comfort in that fact alone. Being in the shadow of His wings provides a source of relief because He calms, soothes, and protects us. We can take the Lord at His word that He will keep us safe and shield us from what could be worst; the adverse effect that life can bring. Although, there will come trials or sufferings we may not understand and certainly cannot control, He is still yet there, covering and keeping us in a position that offers protection. He works all things for the good of them that love Him and who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

David tells us that God’s lovingkindness is better than life itself and that he was going to bless Him while he yet lives. He also said that he would not only be satisfied and praise Him, but would remember who God is and meditate on Him being his ever present help in times of need.

It doesn’t matter what state of mind we're in or circumstances we are faced with, no matter how the enemy seems to be attacking us on every side, there is a place where we can go to find refuge. In the shadow of thy wings, O God will I rejoice and therefore, while I wait, I will continue to bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name and continue to give You praise (Psalm 34:1)!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Isaiah 61:10-11

I am astounded, on a regular, at the awesomeness of God; at His timing, His precise, thorough, and meticulous way of handling and the revealing of things; not only in what He does, but in what He says and especially, how He shows me in the natural, the spiritual content. It’s so simple that even a fool couldn’t err in it (Is 35:8; for you RWJ). The Lord has such a sense of humor that oftentimes, I have to laugh because of where I’m physically positioned when He drops a word in my spirit. When I thought about how this popular rhyme related to what He was illustrating, it immediately, made perfect sense.

If you know this rhyme, “Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?”, then you know to be contrary is being so different as to be at opposite extremes or dangerously inconsistent. The Lord began revealing to me the latter of the definition and how the actions of many within the church are dangerously inconsistent and spending far too much time being seen praying on their knees, vying for positions and titles, play-acting church and perpetrating a lie; in other words, being undercover Christians; all in the name of Jesus Christ. We cannot say that we are Christ-like with our mouth and let our actions, motives, and intentions, or our purpose and lifestyle display something different. It is a difficult and hard thing to see and process, so much so, that I cannot imagine the thoughts of those who are babes or new converts in Christ, who are seeking God and all of His righteousness. I’m disturbed that those in need of the Saviour, as well as seasoned saints have to deal with those who have need to be seen of men and are quite the opposite of what God is calling for us to be. If we are not striving for the strait way, God’s way, then what is the point if you lose your soul (Luke 13:25)? Be not a hypocrite in the sight of men, or just to be seen of men, for it profits us nothing. It is a not only a stumblingblock for some but a disservice to the ministry of reconciliation of which we have been committed.

So in asking the question today, “how does your garden grow?” Are we planting good seed? If we are planting good seed then what we sow will spring forth. Are we cultivating good soil, and are we tending to its upkeep? Are we nurturing, enriching, and developing our garden so that good fruit springs up? Are you treating your brothers and sisters as Jesus would have us to do with goodness, gentleness, patience, kindness, and love which are some of the fruit we should bear (Gal 5:22) so it causes righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations?

I love verse 10, which says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” My desire is to be constantly and completely clothed and beautified with the garments of salvation and with the robe of righteousness, and to have the sanctification that only the Spirit of God brings. Everything that I represent in Christ will be for His glory and for the beauty of holiness. This is the highest honor that I can give; my offering, my sacrifice of praise to the God of my salvation. It’s not for show and it’s certainly not to be worn or taken lightly.

If we are to win souls for Christ, we must do some examination of self on a daily basis, we’ve got to be sincere in our walk in order that righteousness that is God can and will spring forth in us, which establishes and reveals to others the glory of the God in us. The scripture tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor 5:17). It should not be the same old you disguised as a saint of the Most High God because He is not interested in changing your circumstances as He is in the change in you! In other words, let’s possess what we are professing by being thou an example of holiness in word and in deed. Keeping ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:17-23).

In our meditation today, let's examine ourselves and ask "How does my garden grow?"

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde