Surrender

My second memory verse for 2011 continues to impact me in such a comforting way.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Ps 143:8

So many times in my life the nights are the hardest. As I settle in for a nights rest my mind forgets that it is suppose to slow down and be peaceful ~ "On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night" Ps 63:6; instead, it often accelerates and goes in directions that are dangerous and harmful.

Satan attacks my heart through my mind. I begin taking a course that leads to negative thinking. I eventually end up in ditches that leave me stuck in the mud with, what seems like, no way out. Anxiety sets in, panic overtakes my racing heart and before I know it, I look at the clock and it's 2:00 a.m. in the morning!!

As the sun rises in the sky, a new day begins proclaiming not only the Lord's compassion and faithfulness (Lam. 3:23), but he reminds me of his unfailing love! A love that can be trusted.

This verse reminds me that it is an action. I must choose to put my trust in Him. Some mornings I do that better than others. I have to ask myself why I would rather hold on to something that destroys me rather than grasp the love of Christ. Earthly love over heavenly love. Love that disappoints over love that never fails. Love that hurts vs love that comforts. Love that is everlasting over love that fades. It does me no good to memorize a promise from God if I am not going to be responsible in what I do with it.

There is so much to be learned in this chapter from the life of David as he pleads to the Lord during a difficult time in his life. David is real in his pleadings to the Lord of his weakness and sin; he is also very real in seeking the face of God that the Lord would show favor upon him and God's blessing to deliver him from his troubles.

I like what Matthew Henry said about David in these verses and it has changed the way I have been praying over this verse for my life:

"he begs, "Lord, do not only speak kindly to me, but cause me to hear it, to hear joy and gladness,’’ Ps. 51:8. God speaks to us by his word and by his providence, and in both we should desire and endeavour to hear his lovingkindness (Ps. 107:43), that we may set that always before us: "Cause me to hear it in the morning, every morning; let my waking thoughts be of God’s lovingkindness, that the sweet relish of that may abide upon my spirits all the day long.’’ His plea is, "For in thee do I trust, and in thee only; I look not for comfort in any other.’’ God’s goodness is commonly wrought for those who trust in him (Ps. 31:8), who by faith draw it out."


1. I must not look for comfort in ANY other. This is so difficult.

2. I must HEAR it! What voice am I allowing to reign in my thoughts? If God's unfailing love rules my heart than it will change the spirit of my soul. Praise.

3. IF I seek it I WILL find it.
 
Such lessons ~Lord, how gracious you are to me to reveal yourself.
 

"For to you I lift up my soul" 

It is surrender. And I confess that I do not always surrender all. I keep a guarded part of my heart, my emotions, my control and even my love.

All to Jesus I surrender;

All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him,

In his presence daily live.

I surrender all,

I surrender all,

All to thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender

Humbly at his feet I bow,

Worldly pleasures all forsaken;

Take me Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender;

Make me Savior, wholly Thine;

Let me feel the Holy Spirit,

Truly know that thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,

Lord, I give myself to Thee;

Fill me with thy love and power;

Let thy blessings fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender;

Now I feel the sacred flame.

Oh, the joy of full salvation!

Glory, glory, to His name!

Personal worship...