God, please guard me in my study of scripture, direct my mind and convict my heart. This morning I did not seem to have a scriptural text to study and pray over, for me and others to receive a blessing from. In answer to this prayer, You directed me to some passages I had written out and Psalm 97 in my general Bible reading. I thank You for this and for placing in us a willing heart of acceptance for the lessons that are therein.
In Your word, it is not a secret, that you want us to live in righteousness; not only because it pleases You, our Righteous God, but because we save ourselves a whole lot of trouble, as well as allowing You to bless us with the abounding joy, promised from right doing. Due to the fact we are sinners, we do not always perceive what is actually tempting us, is actually by God counted as evil, or do not recognize that the thought/action is a suggestion by the evil one; which are always designed to ensnare us away from the way of God.
Psalm 97: 10 “You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints! He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” I am so thankful dear God, for the promises and instruction that are in these words and claim them today. Place in me a desire to love You in true obedience, and reverence the commandments and the writings of the Prophets, given at Your word. We are told how we should live, for ourselves, and toward others, Please today open our eyes to any wrong doing toward You our God and toward others in our relationships, business dealings and so on.
Even though it can be painful to pull out of wrong doing, smart dealing, talking advantage of others, dishonesty or immorality to name a few, thank You we can rely on the promised Divine mercy and strength. Psalm 97:11 “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” My courage is restored in all things, for we transgressors, there is promised help to change, and forgiveness, for a truly repentant heart. I do not have to stay feeling guilty, with a bowed down spirit. It is really true that You our God will light the path of those who are covered by the righteousness of Jesus, and who seek to walk with their Saviour in gentleness and love toward others. It is amazing ‘for the upright in heart’, each heart is filled gladness. No way do we want to be again in the bondage of Satan and his way of sin, which keeps us in unhappiness, self-focus and down cast attitude. How can I not praise You my God, for the changes in my life for me and others.
Psalm 97:12 “Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy name.”