today's meditation (Ps.125) Trusting in the Lord

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 125:1-5) 

1   Those who trust in the Lord
     Are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but remains forever.
2   As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
     So the Lord surrounds His people 
     From this time and forever.
3   For the scepter of wickedness will not rest upon the land of the righteous,
     So that the righteous will not extend their hands to do wrong.

4   Do good, Lord, to those who are good 
     And to those who are upright in their hearts.
5   But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways,
     The Lord will lead them away with those who practice injustice.
     Peace be upon Israel.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Even as believers, our goodness is nothing compared to the Lord's. Our efforts to protect ourselves is nothing compared to the Lord's.  The very essence of truing in Him is that we allow God to work in our hearts and lives, in every single situation.  Any time we night say, "I've got this!" is to say, we do not think we need God in every single situation.  

I used to talk to myself, and sometimes I still catch myself doing that, but what I desire, and try to do, is to have an ongoing dialogue with Jesus!  Like "He is always right there with me" - BECAUSE - HE IS ALWAYS RIGHT HERE WITH ME!!!  Not only is He always here with me, but He wants to be part of my life in everything!!!

today's meditation (Ps.124) Being on the Lord's Side

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 124:1-8) 

1   “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,”
     Let Israel say,
2   “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side 
     When people rose up against us,
3   Then they would have swallowed us alive,
     When their anger was kindled against us;
4   Then the waters would have flooded over us,
     The stream would have swept over our souls;
5   Then the raging waters would have swept over our souls.”

6   Blessed be the Lord,
     Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.
7   Our souls have escaped like a bird from the trapper’s snare;
     The snare is broken and we have escaped.
8   Our help is in the name of the Lord,
     Who made heaven and earth.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

As believers, we are on God's side, and we should live like we are, no matter what we are going through.  God never promises us that we won't face times of trouble, but God does promise to help us through our times of trouble.  And while He is helping us, we can witness and experience His strength and faithfulness!  And as we continue to call upon the Lord and allow Him to work in us and in all circumstances, we will also be witnessing to those around us.

today's meditation (Ps.123) Looking to God

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 123:1-4) 

1   To You I have raised my eyes, 
     You who are enthroned in the heavens!
2   Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
     As the eyes of a female servant to the hand of her mistress,
     So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
     Until He is gracious to us.

3   Be gracious to us, Lord, be gracious to us,
     For we have had much more than enough of contempt.
4   Our soul has had much more than enough 
     Of the scoffing of those who are at ease,
     And with the contempt of the proud.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

David had things in the right order of priority.  He first looked to God for his help, and then told God about his troubles.  I remember a time when I had a lot of things hitting me at once, and this went on and on... until eventually I told God, "I'm so tired, I can't do this anymore.  And I can't take anymore!  When can I have a bit of a break?!" And then things suddenly felt peaceful and calm.

After a while, I wondered when God was going to allow something to hit me again, because for whatever reason, I felt I was due.  I mean, just how long can one person have it so peaceful?  But as I looked over those peaceful times, I realized that there were things that had happened.  Lots of things.  The biggest difference was that I had been allowing God to manage everything!  

Now, whenever I realize that I've been struggling with something, I can see how I have been trying to manage that particular thing in my own strength.  I have to consciously ask God to take control of that area.  And it is just that "easy".  I give things to God!  I ask Him to do those things FOR me - and then I leave them there with Him, while I continue to live in His will.  And if there is something that requires me to do something, somehow, God moves in me to do the right thing.

today's meditation (Ps.122) Praying for Peace

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 122:1-9)  

1   I was glad when they said to me,
     “Let’s go to the house of the Lord.”
2   Our feet are standing 
     Within your gates, Jerusalem,
3   Jerusalem, that has been built 
     As a city that is firmly joined together;
4   To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord—
     An ordinance for Israel—
     To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5   For thrones were set there for judgment,
     The thrones of the house of David.

6   Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
     “May they prosper who love you.
7   May peace be within your walls,
     And prosperity within your palaces.”
8   For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
     I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
9   For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
     I will seek your good.  

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

We should be praying that peace will be found in Israel, as well as in our own countries, churches, homes and personal lives.  This prayer request also includes the desire that all people see their need for God's love and salvation.  Having the Lord be part of our lives in a very real and personal way - is the only way for anyone to really establish peace anywhere.

today's meditation (Ps.121) Looking to the Lord

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 121:1-8)

1   I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
     From where will my help come?
2   My help comes from the Lord,
     Who made heaven and earth.
3   He will not allow your foot to slip;
     He who watches over you will not slumber.
4   Behold, He who watches over Israel 
     Will neither slumber nor sleep.

5   The Lord is your protector;
     The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6   The sun will not beat down on you by day,
     Nor the moon by night.
7   The Lord will protect you from all evil;
     He will keep your soul.
8   The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in 
     From this time and forever.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

When we become believers, we have eternal security.  The Lord will keep our souls from the moment one puts their faith in Him - forever!  He created the heavens and the earth, so He is able to do save us and keep us!  He never sleeps, so we can trust that He will keep watch over us all of the time!  There is no greater security or help!!!

today's meditation (Ps.120) Knowing Our First Go-To

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 120:1-7) 

1  I cried to the Lord in my trouble,
     And He answered me.
2   Rescue my soul, Lord, from lying lips,
     From a deceitful tongue.
3   What will He give to you, and what more will He do to you,
     You deceitful tongue?
4   Sharp arrows of the warrior,
     With the burning coals of the broom tree!

5   Woe to me, for I reside in Meshech,
     For I have settled among the tents of Kedar!
6   Too long has my soul had its dwelling 
     With those who hate peace.
7   I am for peace, but when I speak,
     They are for war.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

There are times when we will find ourselves living in contentious settings.  And even when we mean well and try to establish peace and speak about God's goodness and His will for our lives, it will be taken the wrong way.  Some people very easily misunderstand, while any others don't even want to understand, because they love to be contentious.  There are a lot of people who love the drama, arguing and fighting, retaliation and vengeance.  But we cannot control what others do, say or feel.  We can only control ourselves, and even then...

This is why we should cry to the Lord!  As I've been reading all the passages that David wrote, I've found myself wondering why he usually starts with how he reached out to God, followed by all his woes and troubles.  As a writer of dramatic scripts, a "story" typically beings with an issue, and then finds its way to resolution.  Typical human nature is to first vent and try to work things out in one's own efforts, and then as "the last resort" call out to God.  So, my conclusion about David's writing style in "song lyrics" is one which is very positive.  

As soon as David struggled - he called out to the Lord!!!  And then to the Lord - he would vent and process.  Only the Lord can really help us!  So, we should KNOW that the Lord WILL hear us and help us - when we call.  Therefore we should remember:  as soon as we face trouble, we should seek the Lord for His help and guidance.  And even better, remember to seek the Lord and His guidance BEFORE any trouble comes upon us.  This should be our first go-to!!!

today's meditation (Ps.119:161-176) Having Peace

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:161-176) 

161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
       But my heart stands in awe of Your words.
162 I rejoice at Your word,
       Like one who finds great plunder.
163 I hate and loathe falsehood,
       But I love Your Law.
164 Seven times a day I praise You 
       Because of Your righteous judgments.
165 Those who love Your Law have great peace,
       And nothing causes them to stumble.
166 I hope for Your salvation, Lord,
       And do Your commandments.
167 My soul keeps Your testimonies,
       And I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
       For all my ways are before You.

169 Let my cry come before You, Lord;
       Give me understanding according to Your word.
170 Let my pleading come before You;
       Save me according to Your word.
171 Let my lips pour out praise,
       For You teach me Your statutes.
172 Let my tongue sing about Your word,
       For all Your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your hand be ready to help me,
       For I have chosen Your precepts.
174 I long for Your salvation, Lord,
       And Your Law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live that it may praise You,
       And let Your ordinances help me.
176 I have wandered about like a lost sheep; search for Your servant,
       For I do not forget Your commandments.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

God's word is so very awesome!  The more I study God's word, the more in awe I am!  And in knowing and loving His promises and His commandments, I see how we can have peace in our lives, no matter what we are going through.  Over all the years, in all of my experiences, I have realized this to be very true!  The more I trust and rest in God and His word, the more peace I experience!  There is individual inner peace, and when a group of people all live according to God and His word, there is a very real and widespread peace!

today's meditation (Ps.119:145-160) Patiently Waiting

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:145-160) 

145 I cried out with all my heart; answer me, Lord!
       I will comply with Your statutes.
146 I cried to You; save me 
       And I shall keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
       I wait for Your words.
148 My eyes anticipate the night watches,
       So that I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your faithfulness;
       Revive me, Lord, according to Your judgments.
150 Those who follow after wickedness approach;
       They are far from Your Law.
151 You are near, Lord,
       And all Your commandments are truth.
152 From long ago I have known from Your testimonies 
       That You have founded them forever.

153 Look at my affliction and rescue me,
       For I have not forgotten Your Law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
       Revive me according to Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
       For they do not seek Your statutes.
156 Great are Your mercies, Lord;
       Revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies,
       Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.
158 I see the treacherous and loathe them,
       Because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts;
       Revive me, Lord, according to Your faithfulness.
160 The sum of Your word is truth,
       And every one of Your righteous judgments is everlasting.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Sin impedes our prayers!  Therefore, as we cry to the Lord for help, we need to wait on Him, and not take matters into our own hands.  It is to God's glory and our benefit to be patient while we wait for God to answer our prayers in His perfect timing and in the best way possible.  AND in the meantime, we need to be studying and meditating on His word and living in obedience.  In this way we stay close to God!  In this way we can know and remember that God is very near to us and will revive us - all of the time - in every circumstance!

today's meditation (Ps.119:129-144) Looking to God

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:129-144) 

129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
       Therefore my soul complies with them.
130 The unfolding of Your words gives light;
       It gives understanding to the simple.
131 I opened my mouth wide and panted,
       For I longed for Your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
       As is right for those who love Your name.
133 Establish my footsteps in Your word,
       And do not let any wrongdoing have power over me.
134 Redeem me from oppression by man,
       So that I may keep Your precepts.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
       And teach me Your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of water,
       Because they do not keep Your Law.

137 You are righteous, Lord,
       And Your judgments are right.
138 You have commanded Your testimonies in righteousness 
       And great faithfulness.
139 My zeal has consumed me,
       Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your word is very pure,
       Therefore Your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
       Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
       And Your Law is truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
       Yet Your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
       Give me understanding that I may live.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

The word "they" in verse 136 has me a little confused, so I want to process this a bit.  David could have been talking about the sorrow he felt because other people did not keep God's Law;  or he could have been talking about the remorse he felt because his own eyes struggled to keep God's Law.  Either one would make sense, and both are correct within the context of this passage, as well as the entire Bible.

We should feel sad when those around us live in sin, and we should feel remorse when we ourselves sin.  These are the things of darkness, so then we need to look to God and His word!  God's word is wonderful, righteous, pure, truth, unchanging, and gives us light and understanding for every circumstance.  Our delight is not just in reading and studying the Bible, but when we live according to God's will, we will live in His strength, courage and joy! 

today's meditation (Ps.119:113-128) Being in the World

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:113-128) 

113 I hate those who are double-minded,
       But I love Your Law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
       I wait for Your word.
115 Leave me, you evildoers,
       So that I may comply with the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
       And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Sustain me so that I may be safe,
       That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.
118 You have rejected all those who stray from Your statutes,
       For their deceitfulness is useless.
119 You have removed all the wicked of the earth like impurities;
       Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles from the fear of You,
       And I am afraid of Your judgments.

121 I have done justice and righteousness;
       Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be a guarantor for Your servant for good;
       Do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation,
       And for Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your graciousness,
       And teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant; give me understanding,
       So that I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
       For they have broken Your Law.
127 Therefore I love Your commandments 
       Above gold, yes, above pure gold.
128 Therefore I carefully follow all Your precepts concerning everything,
       I hate every false way.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

If we love God, we should hate what He hates.  And if we fear God with the deepest respect, then we should know to fear His judgments.  When we become Christians, God saves us, not just from our sins, but from His wrath and judgment!  And because we love and respect God with a healthy fear, we should not want to test Him or disobey Him.  To do that would require a lack of respect for His discipline and the consequences that He will allow us to go through.

To avoid evil, I have seen Christians literally "run for the hills" to escape.  The problem is, wherever we are, we will find sin, because we still have a sin nature.  Also, God has told us to be "in the world but not of the world."  How can we be a light to the lost, if we do not live among them?  So it should be obvious to us from God's word, that when He asks us to do something, He is there to protect us, guide us and help us!  Then our light which is God's word and God Himself will shine out to those around us.

today's meditation (Ps.119:97-112) Remaining Steadfast

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:97-112) 

97   How I love Your Law!
       It is my meditation all the day.
98   Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
       For they are ever mine.
99   I have more insight than all my teachers,
       For Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than those who are old,
       Because I have complied with Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
       So that I may keep Your word.
102 I have not turned aside from Your judgments,
       For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste!
       Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 From Your precepts I get understanding;
       Therefore I hate every false way.

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
       And a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and I will confirm it,
       That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am exceedingly afflicted;
       Revive me, Lord, according to Your word.
108 Be pleased to accept the voluntary offerings of my mouth, Lord,
       And teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is continually in my hand,
       Yet I do not forget Your Law.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,
       Yet I have not wandered from Your precepts.
111 I have inherited Your testimonies forever,
       For they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes 
       Forever, even to the end.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Although God teaches us and changes us from the inside out, our obedience still requires our will.  Our actions are a result of our willingness to seek out and do God's will.  So even when we do make mistakes or find ourselves in trouble, what we have set before us as our heart's desire, will help guide our actions.  

To keep from stumbling, it also helps to hate the things that God hates.  It is less likely that we will be tempted to do something that we hate.  And always we need to keep going to God for help!  When we ask, God is faithful to guide us and fill us with wisdom.

today's meditation (Ps.119:81-96) Recognizing Perfection

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:81-96) 

81 My soul languishes for Your salvation;
     I wait for Your word.
82 My eyes fail with longing for Your word,
     While I say, “When will You comfort me?”
83 Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
     I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the days of Your servant?
     When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me,
     People who are not in accord with Your Law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
     They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!
87 They almost destroyed me on earth,
     But as for me, I did not abandon Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your faithfulness,
     So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

89 Forever, Lord,
     Your word stands in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness continues throughout generations;
     You established the earth, and it stands.
91 They stand this day by Your ordinances,
     For all things are Your servants.
92 If Your Law had not been my delight,
     Then I would have perished in my misery.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
     For by them You have revived me.
94 I am Yours, save me;
     For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me;
     I will diligently consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection;
     Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

David praised God for His faithfulness and counted on His faithfulness to save and revive him.  In David's lifetime, he had a lot of experiences with many dangerous and powerful enemies, so he would have known from experience that God is always faithful.  As well, being a king, he would have seen many wonderful things that this world can offer, but David recognized the perfection of God and His word.

As for me, no matter where or how I need help, God's wisdom and guidance never fails me.  And no matter what I'm going through, when I wait on the Lord, I am never disappointed.  My experiences are not as vast as king David's, but I have had enough to know for myself that God is always faithful, and His word is true.

today's meditation (Ps.119:73-80) Having No Regrets

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:73-80) 

73 Your hands made me and fashioned me;
     Give me understanding, so that I may learn Your commandments.
74 May those who fear You see me and be glad,
     Because I wait for Your word.
75 I know, Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,
     And that You have afflicted me in faithfulness.
76 May Your favor comfort me,
     According to Your word to Your servant.
77 May Your compassion come to me so that I may live,
     For Your Law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame, because they lead me astray with a lie;
     But I shall meditate on Your precepts.
79 May those who fear You turn to me,
     And those who know Your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,
     So that I will not be ashamed.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

David asks God for insight!  Since God created us, He knows exactly what we need and what we should be doing in order to live a righteous life.  And since He created all of us, He knows exactly what we need to be doing in order to get along with others.  This includes knowing what to do when we face our enemies or those who might cause us trouble.

As well, God knows exactly what we should be doing in order to get along with other believers.  As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should love and appreciate each other!  As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should encourage, help and pray for each other.  We should enjoy getting together to worship and praise God.  Our faith and trust should never deviate from God by placing that on ourselves or others.

Each one of us needs to remain focused on God and living in His will... trusting that what He says will work.  From past experiences, I know that when I have done it the world's way, or my way, I find myself in further trouble.  And even though God's way sometimes doesn't "feel" right or doesn't quite make sense - I've got to say - I have never had regrets after doing something in God's will!   God's way always works!

today's meditation (Ps.119:65-72) Seeing Value in Suffering

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:65-176) 

65 You have treated Your servant well,
     Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
     For I believe in Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
     But now I keep Your word.
68 You are good and You do good;
     Teach me Your statutes.
69 The arrogant have forged a lie against me;
     With all my heart I will comply with Your precepts.
70 Their heart is insensitive, like fat,
     But I delight in Your Law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
     So that I may learn Your statutes.
72 The Law of Your mouth is better to me 
     Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

David valued God and His Law so much that he valued the time that he suffered, because it was a time when he could grow closer to God and have a better understanding of His word.  If we say that we trust in God and that He is always there for us and that His word is truth, but never go through anything, how can we actually know this?  Where would be our proof?  So, any time that we struggle through something, we should look at it as an opportunity to learn and grow in our faith and knowledge of God.

today's meditation (Ps.119:57-64) Hurrying to God's Will

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:49-176) 

57 The Lord is my portion;
     I have promised to keep Your words.
58 I sought Your favor with all my heart;
     Be gracious to me according to Your word.
59 I considered my ways 
     And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I hurried and did not delay 
     To keep Your commandments.
61 The snares of the wicked have surrounded me,
     But I have not forgotten Your Law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You 
     Because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion to all those who fear You,
     And to those who keep Your precepts.
64 The earth is full of Your goodness, Lord;
     Teach me Your statutes.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Why wait?   If we know that God is good, and that living in His will is beneficial to our lives, why would we not want to immediately correct something that we are doing wrong?  And when we face temptations, why would we not immediately think through God's Law in order to remain steadfast? 

 And to help in our walk, why would we not turn to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving no matter when or where we are.  And to have extra little help in our walk, why would we not develop deep friendships with those who also walk in God's will?  If the best things in life are in one direction, why would we walk in the opposite direction?

today's meditation (Ps.119:49-56) Living in God's Comfort and Hope

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 119:49-56) 

49 Remember the word to Your servant,
     In which You have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my misery,
     That Your word has revived me.
51 The arrogant utterly deride me,
     Yet I do not turn aside from Your Law.
52 I have remembered Your judgments from of old, Lord,
     And comfort myself.
53 Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked,
     Who abandon Your Law.
54 Your statutes are my songs 
     In the house of my pilgrimage.
55 Lord, I remember Your name in the night,
     And keep Your Law.
56 This has become mine,
     That I comply with Your precepts.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

God's word and promises should be our comfort and hope.  And this hope isn't just a wishy-washy-type of "oh I hope so", it is a present confidence of things we know are true and of things yet to come.  One thing about living in this hope is that we don't take it for granted.  If we say that we believe in God and His word and that our hope and trust is in Him, then we will love His commandments and know that they are for our benefit.  We will then be actively striving to live in His will, all in His strength, all to His glory!