August 1, 2014

Be Exalted, O God, Above the Heavens

This week has been one of those roller coasters of heart highs and lows.  I have had interrupted sleep for no reason that I can identify, so I've been tired.  I have had many angrier than angry moments, also due  to unidentifiable causes.  This morning, as I struggled to keep my eyes open during my quiet time, I read Psalm 57.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.
 
2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.
 
4 I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.
 
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.
 
6 They spread a net for my feet—
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.
 
7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.
 
9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
 
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Do you see what the Psalmist, David, does here?  He's under attack and feeling helpless, but he knows he is not helpless.  He cries out to God for mercy and takes refuge in Him.  Then, he worships.

He worships.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

He takes his gaze from his enemies and places it on Almighty God.  In the midst of difficulty, he makes the choice to glorify the Lord by praising God and praying that He would be exalted.

What can we learn from this?  Stop.  Stop right now and praise the Lord.  Take your gaze off of the trouble and turn your eyes to the Overcomer, the One who is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise, the Father who calls you His beloved child.

Now, doesn't that feel better.  I gave it a shot while I was out running this morning; what a treat for my heart, soul, and mind!

Take that, evil one.  There's the door; you can see yourself out.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth!!

1 comment:

  1. Thank you Heather for posting these encouraging words and the Word of God. I was reading part of Exodus 28 on the different stones used in the breatplate of Aaron. I knew God directed me to this site...All things work for good...I strongly believed in that verse.
    It has been a week now that a situation came to me that affected my work. I don't understand at first why it happened...unexpected. I dont know what to do many things came to my mind.
    But as I read my Bible and read this post that the best thing to do when you are tired and worried a lot is to Praise the Lord!..to give God back the glory and praise in what ever situation I have...
    Thanks again ...God bless you

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