Psalm 31

So, I started my blog, and then took a slight sabbatical, but that’s simply because I didn’t have anything mulling in my brain so frantically that I just HAD to write… until today.

And, while I don’t intend for my blog to just be a place where I write thoughts on my devotions, it just happens that these thoughts are currently what’s causing my brain to go on overdrive!

Lastly, let me explain that I’m attempting to read the Bible through in a year – a goal I’ve never quite attained but trusting that this year I can faithfully complete – so I’m reading in the OT, and the NT, which is why I will have thoughts from both periodically…

OT Thoughts…

In Psalm 31, in the New Living Translation, verse 3 says:

"You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this peril."

The portion of this verse that got my hilighter flying was “FOR THE HONOR OF YOUR NAME…”

This was a perfect reminder for me, in the midst of some personal challenges, that God allows us to go through circumstances and on journeys to bring HIMSELF honor and glory, that HE might be revealed to others, and in our lives more abundantly.

When miracles happen HE is given honor. When we can show others the love of Christ or be a witness in our trials, HE is given honor. When we grow through the pain of our circumstances, HE is given honor as we grow into who HE wants us to be.

In the NLT of this same chapter, the phrase “YOUR UNFAILING LOVE” is used THREE times. What a concept that God’s love is UNFAILING, even when we, in our imperfect state, fail so often. What a reminder of His promise to never leave us or forsake us.

The final verse of this chapter wraps it all up perfectly with:

"So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord!"

May I remember that whatever I'm facing, I can take HOPE in the Lord, and in His UNFAILING love, so that it might bring HONOR to His name....