Celebrate His Righteousness
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.  Psalm 89:14-17
 
It’s clear to me that the writer of this Psalm has committed himself to giving God praise and declaring His faithfulness forever, as well as expressing who God is and giving us his reasons as to why we should make a vow to praise Him continually for His mercies. In this passage, the writer is engaged in a conversation to God on behalf of the people; he tells Him that your righteousness and virtue; your goodness, your kindness, and justice are the foundation, the very basis of your throne; your love and faithfulness go out before you. In other words, we feel your love and faithfulness, even before we know it's you because you send them ahead to bless us!
 
He then tells God that those of us who have come into this understanding, into this knowledge are blessed and have learned how to be extremely happy and joyful because we know who you are and have experienced you. And we give you the highest praise because we not only walk, but live in the light or the strength of your presence. Your presence is where we want to be. One of my favorite scriptures describes this perfectly, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Then he says, we promise to rejoice in your name all day long and celebrate your righteousness, O God; for you are our glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt us and we are endowed with power. Because you are great and powerful you make us strong; because of your loving, kind, approving and supportive ways you make us strong. How could we not celebrate our God? 
 
When we understand who God is and when we grasp the every essence of His love and His faithfulness towards us, we can began to live in the light of His presence. We can bask in His mercy, walk in His favor and be equipped with His power. We will continually find ourselves happy and full of joy with the motivation to strive in obedience to His word and not disappoint the One who has done so much for us. We then become free in our spirit to celebrate God, especially when we realize because of His works and His mighty acts, there is absolutely none like Him. We can rejoice in the magnificence and the glory that is God!
 
While writing, I was reminded of the words to a song that is so befitting, “because of who you are, I give you glory; because of who you are I give you praise, because of who you are I will lift my voice and say, Lord I worship you because of who you are… Jehovah Jireh, my provider; Jehovah Nissi, you reign in victory; Jehovah Shilom, you’re my Prince of Peace, and I worship you because of who you are.” Come on let's praise God and celebrate Him for all that He is today!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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Color Me, New!
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth.  Isaiah 42:9-10

As we embark upon a new week, I can tell you what a difference a word makes. One word from the Lord can give you a new perspective on your life and your ministry. Over the weekend, it was like that for me. The Lord met me right where I was and because of that, I feel brand new. Yes, new! Sometimes, we need a refreshing; a direct word that you know came from the Lord; a word to let us know that we are on the right track, especially when everything around you seemingly is not going as you would like or think. Although, nothing happened in the physical realm, much took place in the spirit.

Not too many have had the pleasure of knowing my personal plight or the things that I've endured while on this journey, because I've never been one to share except on a need to know basis. So, when the Lord pointed out a few things, and some other concerns I've had, I was a bit taken aback. The Lord let me know that I was on the right path and that my steps were indeed ordered by Him (Psalm 37:23). Nothing that I was currently experiencing and had experienced was by happenstance. It has all been for my sake, and for the sake of the kingdom; all for my good and all things were working together for my good (Romans 8:28). Of course, I was thinking that I encourage myself with those words frequently but this time the words resonated in my spirit.
 
I often had a sense that my fire (i.e., trials, tribulations, and sufferings) just seemed hotter for some reason which caused me to cry uncontrollably on occasion, question myself and make me wonder if I was truly within the will of God. And even though I’ve noticed that I’ve not been burned or singed (well, just my pride) through this process, it caused me to think that I don’t even smell like what I’ve been through. Now, the Hebrew boys can testify about that because they knew all about going through the hot and fiery (Daniel 3). The word also tells me,  "thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:" (Isaiah 43:1-3). Now, that's a word that I can stand on! 

You might not see or understand what God is doing in your life, you may lay awake and cry or sometimes question if you are truly in the will of God because you don't understand His plan for you. Trust me when I say, if you are doing all that you know to do; praying, fasting, believing, and trusting God, you are undoubtedly on the right path. God is trying to build your faith, increase your endurance and strength, develop your character, and equip you for kingdom work. Just let Him continue to do a perfect work in you. Stay focused and be assured that He is with you every step of the way. It certainly may not feel good at times or look good from your perspective but please know that everything is working for your good and to God's glory.

 Today, I am singing to the Lord a new song, and praising Him for being so mindful of me; got me feeling all wonderful and refreshed and new!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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