Bless my Soul

Psalm 121: 7 – 8

The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.

There is more than one level of protection. When we speak of the Lord guarding and protecting us, we often think of the physical protection and security of our bodies and homes. Anyone who thinks that is absolutely correct and each of us should lean into that promise. In these days of such great stress and challenge, it is important to have safeguards for your soul as well. That is why I encourage you to limit your exposure to television news. It is impactful to the soul and spirit. It is easier on your inner being to get your news from print media because it engages the intellect without stimulating the spirit as much. None the less, I believe God will lead many of us to limit other sorts of media as well. This is all about God’s wisdom and His protection of us so inquire of Him and listen to Him in your spirit.

I was fortunate to get to have a vacation away from home recently. Our rules were, no social media, no work discussion, and no politics. Rather than feeling isolated or out of the loop, it was refreshing. A friend of mine just had the experience too. She had a busy week and simply did not have time for social media or internet browsing. She wrote to me saying how refreshing it was.

We need to cooperate with God in protecting our souls. It is very important that we do not allow other people to use our spirits and souls as their dumping grounds. I would rather spend time with God and let Him make deposits to my spirit and soul. He feeds and restores us. It is easy to get wrapped up in the news right now with so much going on. The news can dominate our minds and time so completely that we have less time for God instead of more.

I want you to hear from God for yourself. I am not the Holy Spirit so I can only tell you how he is leading me. I can only give you what I believe God is giving me. I believe He wants us to press into Him and spend more time with Him right now rather than less. I think a good course for myself, and maybe you too, is to have my time with Him before I turn on the TV, social media or other outlets. For my own protection and edification, I have stopped social media for now. I am journaling more and trying to spend more time quietly listening to the voice of the Lord. Today is Monday. It is a good time to go before the Lord and ask Him how to structure your day and week. Let’s both jump out at the beginning of the week to get our priorities set with a Word from God. You know, He will speak with you just as clearly as He speaks to anyone. And, one Word from God can not only change your day, but your whole life. Apply to Him today for His wisdom on protecting your soul. And, be blessed!

Beyond Expression

Psalm 112: 1, 7 – 8                Living Bible

Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes.

Allow me to rephrase this, “All who revere or respect the Lord our God and trust in Him are blessed beyond words.” Surely, praise is in the house. Those who delight in following God’s words and His leading, and the title “God” here would include Father, Son and Spirit, are happy. They live in the joy that comes with unity with God.

There really is joy in following Jesus and delighting in his words. This verse goes on to say that these people do not fear bad news or live in dread of what may happen. Doesn’t that sound good? It is horrible and stressful living in fear. Jesus certainly wants you free of that. People who really trust God, believe He will take care of them. They even expect Him to look after them and to meet their needs.

These verses are joyous and they are not very complicated. To love God, to live according to His purposes, following His leading is to live a blessed life, a life free of worry and fear. We work ourselves into a deeper place of trust as we go. Each day you can enjoy more freedom than the day before. All of the keys are in today’s verses to help you go deeper. There is no reason for you to live in fear and dread when God has paved a way out for you. Delight yourself in His ways. Increasingly trust Him. Revere and honor Him. All of these lead to comfort and ease.

You may want to ponder these verses. There is great assurance in them and bold promises. Wrap your will, heart and mind around them and claim them, and their meaning, as your inheritance. Be blessed beyond words!