“Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.” Psalm 7:9
This verse strikes a fear in me. Could I possibly pray that and mean it? I know that the Lord will judge me- He is the ultimate judge and I will by no doubt need to come face to face with my maker and be held accountable for who I am and what I’ve done. FEAR. It strikes a whole lot of fear in me. Which is a good thing I’m realizing, because I sure haven’t been acting really fearful of my God lately.
Yes, I pray for wisdom. But fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So I am thankful that the Spirit brought this Psalm to me this morning. I wonder how many times in just this last week I have ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or justified a small indescretion. What am I doing when no one is looking? How in tact is that integrity of my mind?…
It seems to me that it all comes down to time and money in this stage of my life. How am I spending my time? How am I spending my money? These things that the Lord has so graciously bestowed upon me in order that I may bring him glory through it all…
I by no means would call my self “violent and wicked,” but there is something to be said about the wickedness of using God’s resources for my own means. Spending time watching a tv program supporting nothing of his goodness (only promoting violence), purchasing something because it makes me feel better about my trendyness…
Why not do as I am called and be efficiant and effective with my time, and instead of buying things for my own glory, use the funds to provide for the needs of my family or even the community. (Just to clarify, I don’t believe it is always a sin to buy something for oneself, or to sit and enjoy some entertainment- but giving a little thought and prayer to each of those actions could be the difference between a sinful act and a blessed gift.)
Well, here’s what I’m pondering on this morning- hoping it may inspire some pondering on your part too, and maybe even strike a converstation.
This is the third or fouth post I’ve started since my last, but the first I’ve actually finished. (Here’s to keeping it short!) There are just to many distractions and other priorities in my life right now! Hopefully things will slow down enough to allow a little more blog time soon.
Blessings to you in this day!
“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” Psalm 8:1-2

4 comments
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August 23, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Kathleen Binstock
Amen Christine, really good “food for application”. All of us, who profess to be christian women, should be grateful for His word, His ways and His prompting of speaking through others as well. Thanks for sharing, I needed to read that today.
August 25, 2010 at 1:33 pm
christyliz
Thanks Kathleen! I’m glad you read it and actually enjoyed my thoughts!
August 24, 2010 at 4:55 am
Erin F
Christine, its all about having a heart of praise. It’s like you say to your boys: have a happy heart. We choose to have a happy heart; we choose to praise Him. We choose what and who we surround ourselves with. The ultimate question is whether we have a heart of praise. What are we clothed in? What surrounds us? Choosing the happy heart (a heart of praise) is the answer.
Thank you for reassuring God’s voice to me: wrap myself in a heart of praise.
August 25, 2010 at 1:40 pm
christyliz
As if being in constant fellowship… Constant prayer and praise- neverending conversation. God is always with me- am I always with Him? Hmmm, I sure am rude and ignore Him a good bit of the time it seems!! You’re right, choosing praise and joy- a happy heart will make all the difference in a person… often times we preach what we most need to learn. Almost always just choosing a happy heart is the best solution to any delema. Next time I start complaining I’ll “go to my room and choose a happy heart.”