Psalm 31:1-3 – “In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter. Never let me be humiliated. Vindicate me by rescuing me. 2 Listen to me. Quickly deliver me. Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold where I can be safe. 3 For you are my high ridge and my stronghold; for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me.”
As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, the idea of Life filled my consciousness. What is Life? If it is not more than existence, it is of little value. The Psalmist in Psalm 31 reveals ‘The Process’ of entering and embracing Life.
First, take shelter in God. Shelter? That is the place of protection, but it is also the place of provision, training, restoration, renewal, and release. We fail to access all God is and live dual existences (Flesh and Spirit). That is not God’s Way nor Abundant Life. We remain bound by our understanding and fail to embrace His Liberty!
He recognizes God as his ‘High Ridge’. A vantage point where the whole valley (Life) can be seen. We see the purpose and plan from that lofty place. From there, we can defeat the things that hold us back from fullness.
I have known great loss of heart. I have known the unbearable pain of loss. It consumed me until I was able to climb to that ‘High Ridge’. I saw God’s plan and purpose and saw my role continuing, so I could live and touch lives so they could be restored to Life. In that I rejoice!
The Psalmist acknowledged his pain but shifted his focus from his pain to God’s purpose and declared in (v 14): “But I trust in You, O LORD! I declare, You are my God! You determine my DESTINY.” We have a Destiny (assignment), and that can only be fulfilled in total surrender of EVERYTHING, including our emotions and pain, to God.
Psalm 37 is liberating if we can receive it. It’s about focus and perspective. (v 5) – “Commit your FUTURE to the LORD. Trust in Him, and He will act on your behalf.” If we cling to anything, we are unable to commit everything to God. By committing everything, we receive the Mind of Christ, enabling us to treasure the treasurable and embrace our purpose.
John the Baptist said in John 3:30: “Jesus must become more important while I become less important.” Unless I come to the place where I truly give EVERYTHING to God, I remain more important and Jesus less important in my life.
Father, forgive me for doing that in ANYTHING! I truly want to surrender ALL to You! Let me be like David; he fulfilled God’s purposes (in total surrender) in his generation, and then he died. I want to live to the second I have fulfilled God’s purposes in my life! I must climb to the ‘High Ridge’ of God to see that.
LORD, I give you my whole self. Do with me as you please and help me to LIVE, not just survive!
