I lay in bed next to my tender boy… the one who wears his heart on his sleeve. He feels it unfair, but I whisper in his ear that his biggest struggle also has the potential to be his best gift.
Help him to see it for himself one day soon, Jesus.
His high emotions serve him so very well when all is well. But when life gets hard? Well, he’s still learning how to navigate those rough waters. For now, he just wishes that he didn’t feel so much. Care that much.
He wants to see himself as God sees him, but it’s not always that easy – even with the best of intentions and in all of the trying. I get it buddy… I really do. Fair and right and easy living aren’t generally things this world hands out in abundance, and I haven’t seen a silver platter circulating the masses recently.
Ever feel like it would just be easier to run away from it all?
It starts out sounding like the best option – sometimes the only option. Only when we run, the hard still lingers within us. On this earth, no one escapes hard buddy.
But hard has the most amazing potential when Jesus enters the picture…
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“Everyone is running somewhere,” I tell him. “But what you believe about God will determine where you run.”
May my cry come before YOU, oh Lord…
give me understanding according to Your Word.
May my supplication come before YOU;
deliver me according to Your promise.
~ Psalm 119: 169-170
Doubt, fear, and shame tell us to run and hide. They tell us it would be way easier to stay in bed, to ignore that phone call, to throw our very own patented version of a temper tantrum and just plain refuse to show up.
But hard can also drive us to the cross.
Maybe hard has way more than just potential. Because of Jesus, what if hard suddenly became our greatest gift?
Hard strips away built up pride and can lead us to a place of humility.
Hard crushes illusions of self-sufficiency and can push us to seek for a solution beyond ourselves.
Hard uncovers calloused hurts and shameful pasts and can awaken us to our need for forgiveness.
Hard exposes our deepest sins and can bring us to our knees in repentance.
Hard turns our eyes away from worthless things and can drive us straight to His Word…
… if we’ll let it.
The best time for new beginnings is now. You don’t have to run away any longer. Not because you’re suddenly stronger, but because you can run to the One who is.
Will the hard still come even after you lay it all down?
You betcha. But this time, you can turn the other direction and instead of running scared you can run in great confidence.
You can put on your brave face and embrace those waves, holding your head up high as you ride them straight into the arms of your Savior.
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” ~ Spurgeon
God, your Word is a priceless treasure. Help us to run to it, for it’s there that we find YOU.
At His feet,
*LET’S TALK: Tell us what this Psalm 119 study has meant to YOU personally! We’d love to hear and celebrate what God has done through our time in His Word together…
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Sad that our Psalm 119 study has come to an end? Don’t be! Grab some friends and plan to join us for our NEXT brand new LoveGodGreatly study in GALATIANS beginning September 7th. You won’t want to miss it!!
In my turbulent life, this study has provided me comfort. That God is not just with me, but of what my role is. To keep hos Word, his precepts and stay in continual prayer. It was also my first time facilitating so I feel good about that experience as well. Thank ypu LGG for a wonderful study of His Word
Thank you for being part of this study and facilitating a group! It’s wonderful to hear positive experiences 🙂 I hope you and your group will join us for the Galations study in a few weeks!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
This study has done well to confirm and renew the priority of God’s word in every place of my life. It has exposed some areas where I’ve grown slack and encouraged me to keep strong in His strength where I have had Him first. The study has helped me to be reminded of the friendship I have in the Lord through His word, especially when I feel I’m standing by myself. It has been a refreshing time for me with good focus. Thank you for offering these free bible studies, allowing us to put the Lord first with some wonderful guidance. I look forward to Galatians.
Jessa, Thank you for joining us and sharing your experience! I love the way you said we have a friendship with the Lord through His word, He is absolutely a friend to us 🙂 Will you be praying for others you might invite to share your experience in the Galations study?
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
This amazingly appropriate chapter right now has reinvigorated my faith, and as I talk with my aunt who can’t communicate well in stage 6 of Alzheimer’s, I hold on to the verse about how His Word gives light so even the simple can understand. I tell her He knows exactly what she us struggling to say. He will always hear her and understand, and I have faith that somehow she will gain comfort or strength just by hearing the Word. Amazing God!
Valerie,
What a special opportunity for you to share God’s Word with your aunt, and a perfect verse to share! I will be praying for her and your time with her, that she would find comfort and peace as God speaks to her through you. Thank you for sharing and being a part of this study!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
This Psalm has spoke volumes to me in the last 8 weeks. I feel that I have drawn closer to God through these words. They have reminded me that I should praise Him more, let Him fight my battles for me and to cry out to Him because He is there waiting for me. He pursues me, He loves me, I am His child. I love that His word is my guide to life and that’s where I need to run to every time life throws me a curve or just to give Him more praise!!! Cannot wait til the next one!
Krista,
Thank you for joining us and sharing! I also loved this study and welcomed the reminders the verses in the Psalm provided! I am glad you will be joining us for the Galations study, I know it’s going to be great 🙂 Will you be praying for others you can invite to share your experience?
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I tried to throw mine out but just couldn’t bring myself to do it.LOLIt seriously becomes addictive especially after a good workout.But how bad does it feel when you es8;1tarv2’ yourself and have a hard workout and the scale seems to go UP in the evenings!!.-= Sean´s last blog .. =-.
Thank you so much. I love the Psalms.
Thank you for joining us Joyce! God Bless you,and I hope you will be with us for the upcoming Galations study!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
You have been a blessing to so many of us. Keep up the work and blessings you bestowe to us all.
Thank you for being with us and your kind words Dayle! God Bless you!!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
As I was reading through today’s post the song Run to Jesus by Francesca Battistelli kept running through my head. It’s such a beautiful song, give it a listen!
http://youtu.be/fmjoWGc7snU
Shelby,
Thank you for sharing that beautiful song with us! I have loved the theme of this Psalm that we should run to Him in everything 🙂 Thank you for being a part of the study, I hope you will join us for the Galations study starting in a few weeks!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
Thank you for this wonderful study. I am so thankful for the women of my church calling my attention to this online bible study. I am that person who is doing doing doing (work related things, perfectionist to a fault) and I knew my life could not continue in this way anymore. God intervened in several ways; one, a friend stopping over just to visit with my husband, but in the end I believe he was there for me to affirm me in my desire to once again draw near to the Lord and pray over me and two God drawing me into this study (which at first, I didn’t think would be my style….really online…). i have been able to make an almost daily time for God which I haven’t had for many years. It hasn’t always been easy to take that time, but when I do I am so richly rewarded; the praises just flow from my heart. As my school year draws near so do my anxieties, but I feel God has rerooted me and as those stresses start to nag at me; I find myself praying for release from them and praising Him for His goodness and love for me. I am praying to stay firmlyrooted in His word this year and that my anxieties, fears, and insecurities will remain at His feet and that I will walk in His confidence, peace, and courage as I face the new and challenging activities of a new school year. I look forward to and plan to join the study of Galatians. Pray I can find the time as my life gets ridiculously busy. God bless you all and may He encourage each of you as you continue this journey with our Lord Jesus Christ.
On a side note: As I mentioned God intervened in my life in several ways this late Spring…another way was to have me walk with a friend from church who suggested a book to me after listening to where I was in my walk with the Lord. The book has been another affirmation of the Lord seeking me out… The book is called ” Soul Keeping; Caring For the Most Important Part of You” by John Ortberg ” helps readers discover their soul and take their relationship with God to the next level” I wanted to share this in case anyone else would be called to read it.
Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you back here in September!
Barb,
Your story has given me such joy today, thank you for sharing!! I love how God works to bring us to Him, because He loves us so 🙂 Praying for you as you start a new school year, and that you will be able to continue with the Galations study. One thing that helps me is using the You Version app on my phone, so when I have a break in my day I can dive right in! Sometimes I even pull over my car on my way home from work to do my study before I walk into the craziness of the evening 🙂 I know God will show you just the right time for you to spend with Him, and remember He is always there and you can come to Him any time you are seeking peace or wisdom and prayers of thanksgiving! God Bless You, I am so grateful to Him for bringing you here!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I am so thankful to have this online bible study to order my devotional life daily. It has been an encouragement and challenge daily in the Word. I am refreshed by this Ps 119 study to give Gods Word priority in my life and trust that it is my sustenance daily that I need to hear not only in the hard times but to run to the Word and be reminded to Praise Him for my life experiences that cause me to respond more like Him that others would see He is The Answer for their ups and downs. It’s a psalm that reminds us that His Word is Life Giving to us and that we can share it with others in need. I will treasure rereading psalm 119 with new vision. I look forward to continuing with you through Galatians in September. In the meantime I will review the beginning of Ps 119 where I missed. Blessings to you as you prepare for the next study and to all the Love God Greatly community!
Stephanie,
Thank you for sharing your experience, and for being a part of this study! I am thrilled to know you have been Blessed by your time in God’s Word!! Going back through the Psalm is a perfect way to spend this break, and we are excited for you to be part of the Galatons study beginning in a few weeks! Will you be praying for others you might invite to share the experience with you?
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
The psalm opens with the Psalmist seeking God with his whole heart and ends with the Lord seeking the lost sheep. This reminds me that whenever we seek to follow the Lord, it is only possible with the Lord’s drawing us to Himself. And His Word is what draws us to Him- to know Him and to love Him because of His great love to us. I have been blessed by this study of Psalm 119, challenged and encouraged to let my roots go deeper still into the soil of Truth. Thanks to LGG for hosting. Praise to the Lord for the fruit that it will bear in all our lives and for eternity.
Holly,
Thank you for being part of this study and for sharing your experience! I pray that God will continue to draw you near to Him and speak to you through His word. I hope you will join us for the Galations study starting in 3 weeks!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
Just thank you for this study in Psalm 119. As I have read through the Bible in the past, this Psalm was only a very long Psalm to get through. This time of spending the time to go through it and unpack some of the treasures in it has been a real blessing! Thank you for this study, and a month seems too long to wait for the time in Galations. Thank you again.
Deborah,
Thank you for sharing how you were blessed by this study! I am so glad you will be joining us for Galations as well, I encourage you to stay in the Word during the break! I always miss the studies during breaks too, and have found that staying in touch with some of my group members to share whatever it is we are studying makes a huge difference. I pray you will be refreshed by God’s Word in this time and that He will prepare your heart for the next study!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I used to run to work when things got hard. Then things got harder and I ran to God. I have grown over these last few years of living with serious illness. I no longer do my daily devotions out of obligation but out of love for The Word. This study made me eager to see what each day would bring as David poured out his heart and soul to the One he loved most. I have found our daily SOAPs to really deepen the experience of daily Bible study. They enable us to think and analyze each verse, then prayerfully give back to God His Word from our own hearts and heads…although my head is pretty fuzzy at 6 am! Waiting not so patiently for Galatians!
Judianne,
Thank you for sharing your heart! I am filled with joy to hear that you are seeking God purely out of love, and thrilled that you are taking part in these studies! I too love the SOAP method, it has truly changed the way I read the Bible!! I will be praying for you to stay in the Word during this break and that your heart will be prepared for the Galations study!!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
My pastors wife shared this with me. Right now today we are struggling with our 17 year old son. One year ago he lost his best friend by suicide. He is hurting deeply as football season starts without his friend I reached out to our pastor for advice. This morning his wonderful wife shared this with me. I will be sharing it with my son. I am positive it will bring comfort to him and so glad for the words written. God is good. All the time.
Esther,
I praise God that you were brought here to read these words, and pray that your son is comforted by them. I will be praying for you, him and all those touched by his friends suicide, for comfort and peace as you mourn and that God’s presence will be with you!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
It was a wonderful study….what a wealth of good instructions. I really enjoy using the SOAP method on the Scriptures. What a great learning tool. It makes me really think and helps me to understand what God is trying to teach us through his Word
Gloria,
Thank you for joining us, I am glad you have enjoyed the study! I hope you will join us for the Galations study starting in 3 weeks 🙂
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I’ve read Psalms 119 a few times before and at different times, different things spoke to me. Reading Psalms 119 through this bible study has helped me to better grasp what this chapter was all about as a whole. With doing this bible study with a group a women, there’s was a sense of community.
Angelicia,
Thank you for sharing, and being part of the study! I too find that the community of my group really adds to my understanding of God’s Word…He definitely made us to have community! I hope you will stay a part of your group for the Galations study starting in 3 weeks 🙂
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
All your studies have been great! But psalm 119 has been a lifeboat for me ,things have been tough, but I know as long as I stay close to God and continue to praise him and keep his word on my lips at all times, and remember God is in control, he has already won the victory,just don’t lose focus!!Thanks for your great studies ,keep up the kingdom work. In his name. Jane
Jane,
Thank you for sharing! I will be praying for you as you walk through a tough time, and ask God to help you keep your focus on Him!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I have loved camping in Psalm 119. To take the time to really let each verse soak in rather than taking it ‘by the sections’ has given me such a sense of peace in knowing that my Father loves me, continually teaches me His Word and wants our relationship to grow. That thought astounds me! Thank each of you dear sisters for your obedience in leading so many through His Word and giving us new insights. Blessings to each of you. I, along with many others, eagerly await our journey together through Galatians.
Joan,
Thank you for your kind words! It truly astounds me too that God actually wants our relationship to grow, and it’s so exciting to be so loved! We are so glad to have you in this community and I am also eagerly awaiting our time together in Galations 🙂
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I never read Psalm 119 before because I thought it was too long. I am glad I read and studied it this summer. I had no idea how rich, beautiful and profound it was. I am grateful to Love God Greatly for this opportunity to learn and be nourished by the message found in Psalm 119.
Janine,
I am happy that you were able to join us for this study and that God’s Word nourished you! I hope you will join us for the Galations study starting in 3 weeks 🙂
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I have a much greater appreciate for God’s word. I never thought that God’s word would make me rejoice or that I would look forward to spending time and finding peace and home and God’s word, even His commands and correction. I know realize how multi-faceted God’s law it. It revives me. It rescues me. It brings me joy. It brings me peace. It provides shelter and protection from my enemies. It is power. It is truth. It is pure love. It is wisdom and understanding. It is the Solid Rock. It is worthy of all praise, worship and obedience. I am so grateful for His word, where I don’t know if I could or would have said that before this study. Thank you and God bless all who are involved with LoveGodGreatly. May God’s blessings run you down and overtake you!
Monica,
It is such a privilege for me to be a part of this community, and stories like yours fill me with such joy and gratitude for our Creator! I am so thrilled for you that you have found through your time in this study a home and a gratefulness for God’s Word, and I pray that He continues to show you His love and grace through it! I hope you will join us for the Galations study starting in 3 weeks, and will be praying for your heart, eyes and ears to continue to be open for what God has for you!!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
Thank you so much for doing this study. It had been one of my very favorites! I have a renewed sense of awe for Hod’s Word and how precious a treasure it is. God’s Holy Word is the greatest treasure I will ever have while on this earth. Thank you Jesus
Amers,
You phrased it beautifully, “God’s Holy Word is the greatest treasure I will ever have while on this earth.” AMEN!! Thank you for sharing and being here, I hope you will join is for the Galations study 🙂
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I thank you for your bible studies I am so blessed that my daughter showed me this when u were doing Esther. I have learnt so much from these studies and Psalm 119 has taught me so much before doing this study I used to think oh what a long one but now reading and studying it through your site I look at it with a different perspective Praise God for your website and for Joy Whitney and Angela’s input I look forward to September and Galations gbu all love in Him
Valerie,
Thank you for sharing, I am glad your daughter introduced you to this community!! I am glad you have found a new perspective on this Psalm, I know we were all touched by approaching it this way 🙂 We look forward to having you join us for the Galations study!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
My family has been through some very hard times for the last 6 months. We were so high! All my children had graduated from college. Everyone had gotten jobs they loved. We were happy and looking to the future. Then BAM! One daughter arrested and accused of something she didn’t do. Another child’s job became unbearable. My hours at work were halved! What in the world! God has a way of bringing you home. This spoke to me in so many ways. Hard is an understatement for the last 6 months. But God has used the hard to bring us home! He has given us His peace! He has shown us His love through His people! He has blessed us in so many ways! He sustains us! He will prevail in all of this! We have learned like the psalmist in this passage that His ways are perfect and He loves us and wants the best for us! Thank you for all you do Lord! I am nothing without you! I will trust in you and Your word always!
Mary,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us, and being a part of this community! I will be lifting up your family, God will certainly prevail in all of this and I ask Him to continue to draw you near to Him and reveal His presence to all of you. God Bless You all!
Blessings,
Stacy, LGG Encourager
I have absolutely loved this study. I actually challenged myself to break it down verse by verse journaling on each verse.I am so thankful to have that to look back on. It’s renewed my LOVE for the Lord and shown me just how much I need that daily time with him. I am a runner so I LOVE all the running parallels. ‘I run in the path of your command and you set my heart free.’ Thanks for all of your heart to heart blog posts and for all of the challenges you gave. I am praying we’ll grow more as a family as well in the word, prayer and praise. You’re a blessing in my life!!!
Lauren, Thank you for sharing how this study has impacted you. We are very glad you are part of our community.
Blessings, Amy A, LGG Encourager
I have been fighting a battle for a very long time. Five years ago it intensified. I have had my ups and downs, but at the beginning of this summer I was worn and weary. I had lost my passion for doing anything – my job, ministry, house work, even doing my job as a mom. I cried out to God for help & I found this study starting. God’s timing is perfect and it has refreshed me. I am still fighting the same battle, but I feel strengthened and I know though His Word I can continue to be refreshed, renewed, encouraged, and equipped. Thank you for your work and ministry.
Michele, What a beautiful testimony of God’s grace even in the battle! Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings, Amy A, LGG Encourager
The Psalm Study has meant so much to me. These past weeks have made me realize how much I need God in my life. I recognize I am not in the word as I should be (with an open heart and mind to take in what I’m reading). I learned that in His word I can get to know Him, and understand what true joy is. I don’t make that much time for God. I put my thoughts and emotions before God. The Psalmist walked in the ways of the Lord despite life’s struggles. He did not let life’s struggles overcome him. Instead he prayed , was in the word, obeyed the word, and Praised God. He was Faithful. He seeked the Lord with all his heart. I soo want to do this, I want to do all of it. I want to also, praise the Lord even in the hard times in my life. I want to live and keep God’s word. When I was reading these verses, I felt horrible because I am no where near as faithful as the Psalmist. He praised God 7 times a day. I barely praise Him once a day. I need to make changes, in my life. I want to be a true follower of God. I want to put Him first, pray to Him thanking Him even during the hard times. I want to be in His word. I want to see the Wondrous things of His Law. I want to experience the Lord’s law, and live it. I want to live in truth and not a lie. There is much truth and hope in God’s word. I want to experience a new life in God’s word. I want this so much… This study has made me want more of God in my life. I noticed in chapter, it repeatedly said REVIVE ME!!! I want to be REVIVED according to God’s Word, and in his righteousness and lovingkindness. God is soo good and faithful and I’m so thankful for this study. Thank you God for your word and for those who share your gospel.
” Let my cry come before you O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word” (Psalm 119: 169 NKJV).