Perhaps one of the most challenging yet rewarding roads to spiritual health is the discipline of single-minded satisfaction on what has come from God’s hand. And the best way to safeguard your contentment in Christ is to ask the Holy Spirit to whisper Psalm 119 into your ear every now and then: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things.” ~ Joni Eareckson-Tada
I’m usually pretty content with my life.
That is, until I see that skinny girl on the cover of a magazine.
Or I hear of someone taking a trip to the beach in the dead of winter.
Or I flip through a furniture store catalogue while sitting on my scratched up sofa.
Or it’s swimsuit season.
Heh.
It’s crazy how easily we can talk ourselves into wanting to be more, have more, and do more. And for me, it happens the most when I let the world creep in where Jesus should reside instead.
We’re a Distracted People
The world is shiny and glittery-full of all kinds of stuff that competes for our attention on a daily basis. Without even thinking, we often pursue contentment through the number on the scales, the size of our homes, and the success of our earthly relationships. We turn our eyes to the world and let magazines and media alter our expectations and dictate our moods.
And often we are let down.
“Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.”~ Psalm 119:36-37
Things don’t necessarily start out as worthless. They become worthless when we elevate them above Christ.
Worthless things create unnecessary competition.
Worthless things promote unattainable perfection.
Worthless things produce selfish discontentment.
Worthless things lead us down destructive paths.
Worthless things take our worship away from Jesus.
Do you feel like something’s missing in your life? Maybe you’re looking for contentment in all the wrong places…
The Turning
I’ve heard it said that what you behold is what you become.
If we’re going to turn from worshipping worthless things, we must discipline ourselves instead to treasure Christ.
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” ~ Philippians 3:8
Practically…
1. We learn to treasure Christ through His Word. The Bible is an incredible love story filled with redemptive truth and reminders of God’s grace and faithfulness in our lives. Spending time in God’s Word deepens our understanding of who God is, who we are, and why lasting contentment can only be found in Him.
2. We learn to treasure Christ by cultivating a heart of gratitude. When we spend time recognizing God’s compassionate hand of provision in our lives, we’re less likely to focus on the worthless things of the world. True contentment is never far from someone who rejoices always, prays continually, and gives thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:17-18).
Have you been looking for contentment in all the wrong places? There is LIFE in God’s ways.
Turn and pursue Christ today…
At his feet,
LET’S TALK: Do you have a tendency to look for contentment from the world, or through Jesus?
Wow! That verse hit home for me this morning – not so much in terms of competing with other people or material things, but for me God spoke about they way that I spend my time and my energy.
I was convicted about the amount of time I spend on social media and (to my shame) playing games on my smart phone … I love your quote: “Things don’t necessarily start out as worthless. They become worthless when we elevate them above Christ. Worthless things create unnecessary competition.”
God definitely spoke to me this morning about the “worthless things” I’m giving my time and attention to, things that compete with my time with Him, my time in prayer, and my time in the Word.
Belinda…
I love how convicting the Word of God is. I use to play a LOT of games – at first they were just to help me on days when I was in a lot of pain but before I knew it… they were elevated above Christ. Now I use a timer when I’m on social media to keep me accountable. Praise the Lord for you hearing God speak to you this morning. Thank you for taking the time to join us today.
Martha, LGG Leadership Team
Thank you. Just loving this study.
A timer!!! What a brilliant idea! Going to do that – thanks!
Wow, worthless things hide in unlikely places! Obsession over having a clean, tidy house and great food prepared for the upcoming visit of our son and his family from North Carolina are squeezing out precious time to meditate on my LORD. Gratitude for his provision and joy in sharing my yoke with HIM will provide me with all the strength I need, yet I am robbing myself of recognizing His presence alongside me in the process. Who would have seen housekeeping as a worthless thing? Not the action itself, but the heart that accompanies it determines the value. Priceless insight in today’s reflection and teaching!
I love verse 37! I’m posting it in my house and will repeat it to myself every time I feel like I “need” to do or have something. I think I will make it my password on my media devices and also stick it in front of my bank card in my wallet. Deb, I am right there with you with the clean house thing. I will pray for you. It is one of my biggest struggles so I know ho hard it is.
Love your thoughts !one are not games ,as I do not play them But Facebook, message people are So dear thanks for hitting me along with God ! 🙂 have a blessed day !
I am guilty of the same sort of thing, I’ve let myself get caught up in such mundane worthless things and they didn’t really start out that way but I’ve allowed them to take over and lost my focus on where I should be and that is on God’s word and finding my contentment and joy in Him. This really hit home with me and I have some serious changes to make in my life with the help of God. May he truly turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life in His ways.
Fantastic post today, Whitney! I especially loved what you said here: “Worthless things promote unattainable perfection. Worthless things produce selfish discontentment. Worthless things lead us down destructive paths.” Keep up the great work, and God bless you and everyone there at LGG! <3
Andrea,
Thank you so much for your encouraging words and for keeping Whitney and the rest of LGG leadership lifted up in prayer!
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
Loving Psalm 119 as it has been a favorite for years. I also struggle with worthless things, often using them as an escape from the stress on my mind. What a great reminder to take the burdens of my heart to God and let Him teach me through them rather than using games or tv to temporarily numb/ignore the issues God will use to bring me closer to Him.
Laura,
You are so right! Those stressors in our life are often the things that have the potential to enhance our relationship with God and strengthen our reliance on Him, but our flesh wants to avoid them. We are so glad you have joined us for this powerful study and that you are being blessed by it.
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
I am loving this study of Psalm 119 so much more than I even thought I would. It is so rich when you slow down! Today’s verses struck me as the prayer of someone who wants to “do life” God’s way and leave the “preserving” and promise fulfilling to Him…NOT looking to material things and depending on selfish angling to get them through life. It was such a reminder to keep my heart and eyes turned to God and His eternal ways. I don’t want my life to be focused on the worthless things of this world or on myself but on God’s promises and goodness! Thanks for allowing God to use this ministry in reminding us all of His truth!
We are so glad that you are joining us for this study. You are absolutely correct that it takes intentional focus to keep our hearts and minds aligned with God. We love hearing that the meticulous study of God’s Word has enriched your life. Blessings to you!
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
I struggle with time management . I am a quality time girl and so are my girls. Thus I struggle to manage our family time so that we get eveyrthing else done. Then I find myself stressed and distracted about the mess and clutter. I am realizing that this isn’t being a good steward of what God has given me. So my prayer is to learn to find a reasonable order for our house so that we have the time for family without the stress and we have more time to spend growing in the word and prayer. That’s where I feel God challenging me.
Lauren,
We will be praying along with you for that balance in your life. God knows the desires of your heart, so He will be faithful to ensure that every spiritual seed that you plant with your girls produces fruit…so that your family will not be left lacking.
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
What struck me was the reminder that we cannot just turn out eyes away from worthless things. We must have to something to look to, and that is Christ. Eyes notice immediate gratification, but our hearts when turned toward Christ will see eternity. If we turn eyes toward immediate gratification then our heart will follow because Christ won’t compete for our attention. His is a still small voice that just lovingly waits for us to turn our hearts back to him. Then he runs and embraced us like the prodigal son.
Stephanie,
What a beautiful visualization! Thank you for your encouragement and for joining us during this wonderful study.
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
This helped me to remember to ask God each day, sometimes more than once, to walk through my heart and my mind and remove what is not in line with Him. So often I start my day so focused and then ‘life’ happens and I get focused on the world. Putting this verse on my computer as a constant reminder.
Patty,
Great suggestion to place God’s Word in the areas that often distract us! Thanks for joining us during this study.
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
Here is a piece from journal entry today (I’m reluctant to post as it is raw and true to where my heart is at today and it’s not “post worth” but I feel that it is the sharing of the truth and allowing Christ to work in me through my difficult seasons that He is changing me and may even use it to draw others to see their season is a time of drawing them to Him)
“Lord,
Today I am having trouble even focusing on Your Word and Your Truths…I am distracted, tired, not motivated and just plan blah. I want to have a passion for You and Your commands as the Word says today-‘to have an eagerness for it and desire for You more than anything else’. My prayer is that You change this heart that You put a spark and a renewal of Your Spirit in me that I would want to grow more in more in You and not this world. It is so easy to just vegetate and be numb to anything and to not even care about You or even those around me that You have placed for me to shower love on. Forgive me Lord for my complacency and for not caring, for not having any drive or passion for You and for just not bothering to work hard for You. I need your strength, Your Desire and Your Holy Spirit alive in me again. Show me Your truths that I may walk humbly in them and to trust You in all things and to live my days to Worship You and You only, not myself!”
So many times I must think “I am a broken record to God” but then I’m reminded of His great love for me – All of me and I am brought to my knees and humbled. It truly is amazing Love and I am grateful that He never gives up on me! Praying for all of us that we would have a renewed hunger and love for Him this day…
I’m right in the same place! Distracted, exhausted, blah, but saying the same prayers!
Thanks Heather for your standing with me on this! It can be a lonely road and to know we have others joining us to draw closer to Christ is a Blessing. I’ll be praying or you today as I give this season of life to Christ….Blessings Sister!
Heather,
Praying in agreement with you & for you for renewed spark in His Word, for strength and for the Holy Spirit to be alive in you again.
Martha, LGG
Nancy,
May I start by saying AMEN! Your post and especially your prayer could have been mine. This is my first study and I find eveyday a renewed desire to grow closer to our Lord and to walk in his ways and not the worlds’ –
Thank you for sharing.
Doreen-Thanks! I agree this group of accountability Sisters is assisting me in my growth as well. I never had a true daily quiet time until I was asked to be apart of it by a Dear Friend in Christ. That was almost 4 years ago. I find the enemy tries to steer me back to following my own way, but just like the Shepherd to his sheep-The Father above finds me again and again and draws me back.
Praying for strength and Joy for you this day and a renewed love for Him…Blessings
Nancy,
I loved reading your post as it sounded so much like my situation and what i go through. Life and time gets away from us and it is a struggle to fit in the word. I am trying really hard. I love the idea of an accountability partner(or spiritual partner as ive also heard it called), i just seem to be finding the hardest time finding one. I have to just keep praying and one day I will get it together. But until then I know that My Lord still loves me unconditionally and this is a wonderful feeling.
Jennifer, Thank you for your encouragement…I’m amazed how Great our God is-in sharing my journal entry today I have received Sister’s in Christ standing beside me/with me in this journey of connecting with The Father. He is meeting me and I know it’s because of all of you and those who “stand in the gap” for those who are weak. I have felt His strength today and my heart is filled with worship-more than it was this morning when I entered that entry on the blog. I would encourage you to find that accountability person you feel you can be real with and who will speak in love and truth when needed. I could not have asked for a more perfect women than the sister I call mine. She has been a true blessing and on that I will treasure has one sent by God! I will be praying that God speaks in this area of your life boldly and quickly…
Blessings
Jennifer,
Lifting you up in prayer for a accountability partner that you can rely on. There are some great women here that will help with accountability three days a week. Yes ma’am – it s a truly wonderful feeling knowing God’s love!
Martha, LGG
Doreen,
Thank you so much for joining in with us! Praying in agreement with you (and the other gals in this thread) & for you for renewed spark in His Word, for strength and for the Holy Spirit to be alive in you again.
Martha, LGG
Nancy,
Thank you for being so transparent. Those seasons of spiritual dryness do occur, and when they happen, they seem to hit very hard. The thing that encourages me is that I constantly see God in His Word doing extraordinary things in the routine and mundaneness of ordinary people’s lives. God doesn’t need extraordinary faith, supernatural miracles, or spiritual perfection to show up. He shows up big and strong when one woman pleads, “I need your strength, Your Desire and Your Holy Spirit alive in me again.” and He makes it happen. We will be praying with you. Thank you for your boldness to encourage so many who are going through the same thing today!
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
Terria-awesome encouragement there Sister in Chris!
Thank you for the reminders and for standing with us in the “days” we find ourselves in…. Blessings to you and all of the LGG team for your many ways you are serving the Father!
Nancy,
Thank you for sharing your heart.
What a blessing to know that we serve a God that hears our cry and meets us right where we are. I would like to join with you in prayer that God’s Word would speak renewed life and joy into your spirit. That you would feel His presences and direction in your life. May you grow deeper in love with Him as you spend time in His word and as He ministers to you through this study.
Carla, Thank you so much for your prayers-I feel them this day…I am experiencing a real peaceful spirit today and one that is at rest in Him. I may not have it all put “together” whatever that looks like:) but I am on a journey I believe that He is deepening my understanding and focus on Him. I think part of this is what you are calling a “spiritual darkness” – I’m finding this season is one of nothing is satisfying me and what was filling my life was much of this “worthless” things the scripture was speaking about this morning and so I’m coming to this place of truly understanding it all is nothing. So, in that emptiness I have come to a place of surrender and letting go and allowing in those places to empty making more room for Him. It’s just a learning and growing thing for me as I was one of great distraction with little for God. At times I would say I’m bored because I’m not using those empty places yet to soak in Him and be in His presence, in His Word and in His Moment for me. But, I do believe it’s a good place to be as I’m moving towards that Spiritual Awakening that I desire and see a great need for. It’s being on that mountain looking down waiting to enter…I’m at that place where He is saying “GO” and I just have to enter and He is there!
Blessings on your Journey and growing more in your love for Him…Thank you Sister!
Carla,
Thank you so much for joining in with us! Praying in agreement with you (and the other gals in this thread) & for you for renewed spark in His Word, for strength, that you feel His presence and for the Holy Spirit to be alive in you again.
Martha, LGG
Nancy thank you so very much for your prayer. It bus refreshing to know that I am not the only one struggling in that area.
I receive your prayer and I will use it for myself.
Thank you also ladies at LGG for this awesome bible study.
Be blessed
Olivia-I am humbled that my pray is one that you will use and that is one that you want to draw near to Christ with. I am grateful that we are not alone – that He gives us just what we need in our time of need and that includes an encouraging word from another Sister-Thank you for your response! It is a blessing,
Blessing to you…
Olivia,
Thank you for stopping in and joining us. Praying in agreement with you (and the other gals in this thread) & for you to have a renewed spark in His Word, for strength and for the Holy Spirit to be alive in you again. We are thrilled you are participating with us and enjoying the study.
Martha, LGG
This is exactly how I feel. Sometimes I think something is wrong with me because I feel like I’ve lost the ability to feel anymore, if that makes since. I want to have this love and passion for God that these other women are talking about but it just doesn’t seem to happen. I love your prayer and will be praying it along with you. Thank you for sharing.
Heather-my husband shared with me recently when I was at a pretty low spot, “you my Love are at a good place…” I wondered why he would say that as I was feeling completely empty (as you speak of) and lack of any kind of drive. He said, “you are in a place where only God can fill you!” So that is my word for you of encouragement…You are in a good place…only He can fill you Heather!
Blessings and prayers that He will be your Rest in this season you are in.
Heather,
Praying in agreement with you (and the other gals in this thread) & for you to have love and passion for God, for the Holy Spirit to be alive in you again. Thank you for being transparent and sharing your heart here. We are so glad you are with us on this journey through Psalm 119.
Martha, LGG
Nancy,
Thank you for sharing. You may not have realized just how many of us feel exactly the same way as you do, not just “at times” but right now. I feel that complacency, that “blahness” too and that is why this Psalm in particular is so relevant. You put into words so clearly what I have not been able to voice, thank you. I pray also for a renewed hunger for our Lord and His Word.
Alison-What a comfort to know there are others praying this prayer of Renewal with me! I do believe in all of this and through this season of “blah” and “complacency” He is Here and He is Moving. I am so grateful for His Love and I am so thankful for those of you who are joining me on this journey of Truly Seeking Him even in a time of Dryness!
Blessings and Prayers for you my Sister…
Alison,
Praying in agreement with you & for you for renewed hunger for our Lord and His Word. Thank you for joining us.
Martha, LGG
i am right there with you. i feel numb and just blah too. i have become complacent and uncaring. I want God to work in me so he can work thru me. thank you for your “not post worthy” comment. i know now i am not alone in the struggle. God bless
Rhonda-Thank you for replying with your comments and acknowledging where you are at in your journey with Christ. In all of this He is present and I am thankful that there are those of you who are joining me in being “real” with our Father. In doing this I believe we are going to “Rise” with Him and be changed for His Glory.
I will be praying for you and those of us that are desiring to be filled with more of Him-that the Holy Spirit would just Rain down on us and release a freshness and a beauty that is just awesome!
Blessing to you…
Nancy,
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and prayers, beautiful thread to read through and seeing so many women praying in agreement with you for you and for themselves.
Martha, LGG
Martha-Thank you for standing with us ‘gals” for interceding for those of us who are finding our days to be “blah” yet desire to be filled by Him! You along with the LGG team are being used in Big ways for the Kingdom and I can’t thank you enough for boldly going out and serving the one who is so worthy of it! Blessings on this day…
Rhonda,
Thank you for sharing about feeling numb and just blah. It’s so hard to dig ourselves out of those places on our own but with God, we can come to a place of caring and contentment. Praying in agreement with you (and the other gals in this thread) & for you to have a renewed spark in His Word and for the Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in you.
Martha, LGG
Nancy,
Praying in agreement with you & for you for renewed spark in His Word, for strength and for the Holy Spirit to be alive in you again. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing with us today.
Blessings,
Martha
As believers, we tend to be making choices that are all “good.” A friend once encouraged me by reminding me that although all things I am choosing amongst are “good,” they are not necessarily of added value (kingdom value, that is). It is a slippery slope, coming from one who started pursuing fitness and “clean” eating 20+ years ago. It slipped into a huge focus and became an eating disorder/image disorder. This post was spot on for me as we need to renew our mind on the things of Christ throughout the day. Praise God for His equipping us for battle and going before and behind us all along the way! Press on!
MaryBeth,
I’m glad that you fight the battle daily to keep God in His rightful place on the throne. Our hearts are deceitful and will attempt to elevate the things we focus on above Our Heavenly Father. We have to be so mindful of keeping Him in the center of our lives. Thank you for your encouragement this morning!
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
Like Whitney, I have the most tendency towards discontent when I see what others have or what they get to do. But there are breaks…times when I feel very content with whatever my lot…and that’s when I turn to gratitude. As a psychotherapist, it is part of my job to know what research says about happiness, and gratitude comes out on top. In a study focused on college students who reported to the counseling department because of depression, having them think of 3-5 things daily they were grateful for made a significant long-term difference in lowering their depression rates. As Christians, we see all good gifts as coming from our Father above, and contentment turns to peace and helps us turn our focus back to others and to God Himself. I am loving this study of Psalm 119! Thank you so much!
Linda,
What an interesting study! Years ago, my daughter and I did a gratitude journal together for a year. It transformed our relationship and interaction with each other. Thank you for this poignant reminder, as she enters college this fall, that this may be a wonderful opportunity for us to journal our gratitude again together. Thank you for joining us during this study and thank you for your encouragement!
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
Love this word this morning. It can get so easy to rush along in life and not focus on the most important part of our lives. I pray for myself the same zeal that I had when I was a new believer.
Loving this study.
Lesa,
Thank you for joining in! Praying in agreement with you & for you that you have the same zeal that you once had as a new believer.
Martha, LGG
So loving this study 🙂 and this morning found a “wealth” of information in Whitney’s words. I realized that by focusing on what we don’t have makes us angry and resentful even when we don’t always realize it and by staying focused on God we are more able to be joyful and at peace…I want to feel joy much more than anger!! And be contented with all my Lord has lovingly provided than feeling discontent because of all the world says I need instead.
Vicki,
Oh boy, you hit the nail on the head.. ‘focusing on what we don’t have makes us angry and resentful’! I hate to admit it, but I’ve been there more than I care to count.
Praying that through this journey through Psalm 119, you will find more joy and contentment with what the Lord has so lovingly provided. Thank you for stopping in and sharing.
Martha, LGG
This has been a fantastic study!! Thank you for everything you’ve done so far! I have come to understand the Psalms just that much better. I love these verses for today, and are verses I really need to write out and keep within reach at all times, so when I start to get down about lacking, either materially or physically, I can revert my eyes back to what matters–and that is finding fulfillment and my worth in God. He wants me to desire him, not in “stuff” he sees as worthless.
Sarah,
I am truly enjoying this study too and I needed the reminder about the worthless ‘stuff’ in my life. Goodness, I have read these verses before but at a faster pace and slowing down and meditating on them has helped me a great deal in realizing where I need to change. Thank you for joining us!
Martha, LGG
Thank you for this study. I know my contentment is in God alone, however, my human self looks to other things at time for contentment. Food, money, stuff too often are in my thoughts. God is the provider that I need to acknowledge and thank. Thank you, God, for your many blessings. 🙂
Melissa,
Thank you for stopping by and blessings us. It’s hard to admit that we look to ‘stuff’ for contentment but we all do it from time to time. Thankful for God and forgiveness when I fall short of the glory!
Martha, LGG
I’m going to print this verse out and stick it next to my computer to remind while I’m searching online that not everything (in fact most) is not worthy to be looked out. It reminds me of Isaiah 55:2 “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” Filling my mind with things that are worthless and that are not bread will bring discontentment and frustration. Daily it’s a choice to either spend time in the Word or spend time searching for something that will not bring satisfaction.
Lorna, I love that passage from Isaiah. Thanks for pointing us toward it today. I often write out verses and have them handy to “help me remember.” It’s a great practice — because I am prone to forget and get whiny!
Blessings,
Lyli, LGG Encourager
It’s funny that just yesterday I was whinning over my weight. Just the other I was at my doctor’s visit and they weighed me. I was not happy with that number at all. Above all my over all health is good. My blood pressure my oxygen level my heart rate everything about my body was fine other than that number that what “I assume” defines me a person. When in reality it’s not the case. It’s my persue in Christ that defines me and who I am. A child of God.Because he loves me 155lbs and all he still loves me and that right there is happiness in it’s self. I have been looking at that as if i’m in competion with myself when i should be happy as I am. This is all a Learn as I go walk but I will tell you what so far I’m beyond Happy and I’m beyong content.
April, thanks for reminding us of who we are in Christ. He is more concerned with my heart attitude than with what size I am currently wearing. It is a constant struggle to remember that I don’t need to let this world’s values define me — God wants me to love well. This is what matters most to Him.
Lyli, LGG Encourager
Many times I found myself looking to the world for contentment and every time I found that more you seek in the world, the more the world offers you to distract from God and His word. Because of these bible studies I am truly understanding the importance of keeping my mind stayed on Jesus. Someone once referred to the bible as, Basic Instructions Before Life Ends, B I B L E. Now I get it.
Wanda, I love that acronym for the Bible. It reminds me that I am a soldier, and the Bible is my marching orders. I need to stick to the game plan and keep my nose in that book!
Blessings,
Lyli, LGG Encourager
I love this study of 119, it has truly made me look and accept the season I am in right now. I felt so much emotions and feeling worthless but the Lord has shown me that I am not worthless. I pray this morning for Him to continue to show me through His Word, His goodness. To continue to give me the strength I need to continue to get deeper into His Word. I thank everyone of you that post because it encourages me to keep on and not give up. Thank you.
Jacqueline,
Love hearing that you are enjoying and loving the study. Praying in agreement for strength and digging deeper into His Word as you look and accept the season you are in at this moment.
Philippians 4:13 (NLT) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Martha, LGG Leadership Team
Whitney,
Thank you for a thought provoking post today.
Talk about reaffirming reminders, the sermon on Sunday dealt with checking our focus and taking time to withdraw from the world and to seek God. To shut out the distraction that vie for our attention and prioritize God and pursuing Him.
God has spoken to me through the sermon on Sunday and again through your post today. It is my prayer that I not only hear but also obey.
Thank you again.
Carla,
Thank you taking the time to share with us today. I love how when God wants our attention, we find reaffirming reminders everywhere. I love how you are listening to Him. Praying with you and for you.
Martha, LGG
Last night I realized that I was still afraid to give up the dreams and plans I had for my life in order to give God full control and be submissive to His plans for me. Before I was diagnosed with this disease, I had so many goals and aspirations. Now I feel like things have been completely derailed. It is strange because I keep telling people that this is just another part of my testimony and that God using me, but deep inside, I am still struggling with allowing God to have his way in my life. I prayed, cried, and asked God to forgive my doubt and lack of trust in Him. I was completely honest and told Him that I was scared and didn’t see how things could possibly work out for the better. He reminded me that I can only see a limited viewpoint, just a humans can only see a limited portion of the color spectrum. He sees the entire picture. I also began reading the book of Job this morning and God reminded me that if I keep the faith, He will restore and even multiply everything I have lost. I had been looking for contentment in my plans, my pride and my own sense of intelligence, knowledge and understanding. Today’s blog and verses are another timely reminder to rebuke that vanity and that to do so is even good for my health. God bless you all!
Monica,
I love the book of Job! I live in chronic pain and that book helped me a great deal to gain perspective in my illness’. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, it’s not easy to admit when we are doubting but I see hope and that you are listening to His reminder to rebuke the vanity. Lifting you up in prayer for strength and understanding.
Martha, LGG
Nancy,
I loved reading your post as it sounded so much like my situation and what i go through. Life and time gets away from us and it is a struggle to fit in the word. I am trying really hard. I love the idea of an accountability partner(or spiritual partner as ive also heard it called), i just seem to be finding the hardest time finding one. I have to just keep praying and one day I will get it together. But until then I know that My Lord still loves me unconditionally and this is a wonderful feeling.
Hello Jennifer,
I’m not sure if you are in a private group with LGG, if so, you might ask for an accountability partner from one of the members. Or maybe ask a long time friend or family member ~ I have an accountability partner that I keep in touch with via text message, email, phone and in person. We’ve been friends for over 40 years – and I rely on my hubby to keep me accountable. Lifting you up in prayer that God will send you the perfect accountability partner to help keep you in the Word.
Martha
Great verse and great post. My husband and I have returned to the States from living in Africa recently. One of the things we are told so often is “Aren’t you so glad you are back.” There are things we love about being back and things we miss so much. Things move slower in Africa. Load Shedding (aka power turned off on purpose to conserve it) days force you to be still and be quiet. Here I get overwhelmed by technology and all the choices at the grocery store and all the stuff we “need”. I get pulled back in. Some days I long for the power to be off so I can unplug. My quiet times over there were amazing. It has been harder here with all the distractions. I need to make it more of a priority.
Jenny,
Thank you for sharing, I can see that there would be struggle with all the distractions of stuff the ‘world says we need’. I sought quiet time with God a few years ago – longed for it to slow me down. I practice silence and solitude – unplugging/turning off electronics (no talking, no music), just spending quiet alone time with God. It has given me a peace that I so needed and it has taught me to guard my tongue as well. I pray that you find that quiet time with Him!
Martha, LGG
Thank you for this post. I’m just reading it now and wish I did this in the morning as my whole day (and thoughts) were kind of dedicated to worthless things. Thanks for this study and improving my understanding of Psalm 119.
Thank you for joining us Chizzy and sharing how your day went! I hate it when it dawns on me that I’ve wasted my days on worthless things. But I’m guilty of it too.
Martha, LGG
This post hit me! Made me realize how easily I can get distracted but the “world” always looking at Pinterest and other material things. I’ve been praying and asking the Lord to remove the thought of buying a new car- not like I need. But the thought always lingers…. It wont make me happy after all.
Blessings
Brenda,
I do love Pinterest but I have found myself over there dreaming and leaving there with a great deal of discontent. 🙁 I need to view that site in moderation and be happy with the ‘things’ I have. Lifting you up in prayer as you struggle with distraction with the ‘world’.
Martha, LGG
I need to be honest. I never really spent time in Psalm 119. When I saw this was the next study and after briefly skimming over it I thought this doesn’t seem like an interesting study! I decided to participate as to not be left out! Boy was I wrong! I can feel the power of the Holy Spirit in this study! Thank you LGG for being more dedicated than I am! Now to get busy being more deligent in worshiping God instead of concentrating on things, people, problems and wants! God bless each of you as you prepare this study letting God be the author!
Our hearts and eyes!!! I tell you! This is something that I have to check daily! Incline my heart…and turn away my eyes… Lord, I desire nothing to be above you! I loved today’s reading. Thanks LGG ! ❤️
Angela,
Great to see you here! Ooh my friend, yes, I have to check myself daily and sometimes it’s not pretty! Praying with you! <3
Martha, LGG
Patti,
Thank you so much for dropping by and being so transparent in sharing. So very glad to hear that you feel the power of the Holy Spirit (I have goose bumps)! Thank you for joining in to participate and being so willing to let the Holy Spirit guide you ~ it’s a beautiful thing! So love hearing you are being more diligent in worshiping God instead of concentrating on things, people, problems and wants! Bless you!
Martha, LGG
Several things jump out at me in these verses but in verse 36-37 I noted a couple things I want to share and pray I myself remember in the day to day…
1) I can’t just look away from whatever it is that is distracting me…I must also look at Christ. There is a looking away and a looking towards taking place.
2) The order…”incline my heart towards your testimonies” first. I think naturally verse 37’s “turn my eyes from…” will begin taking place when we gaze on Truth.
Andrea,
Beautifully said! Thank you for jumping in and sharing what jumped out at you. I love your wording, ‘looking away and looking towards’. Yes ma’am – I believe when we gaze on the Truth, we will turn our eyes from.
Martha, LGG
The first thing that stood out to me was in the very first sentence of the blog – the word “discipline”. Something I lack greatly in…..and it is really sticking out to me more and more. It takes discipline to be IN His Word daily, to walk with Him daily, to eat right, to exercise, to clean and all those other things that are a part of our daily lives. Ugh…..why is this one word sooooo hard?? Thanks for the blog today – it really spoke to me!
Leah,
So very glad to hear that the blog post really spoke to you! One of my favorite verses is…
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
I have that Scripture posted in several places as a reminder how hard discipline is and how rewarding it is. You are right, it’s so hard!
Martha, LGG
I do struggle with looking to the world for contentment. It is a regular decision I need to make to look to Jesus for everything, instead of the world. Jesus is eternity, but the world is only temporary.
Ann,
My friend – I think that is my love/hate relationship with Pinterest. I love to go there for ideas, then I find that I come away feeling extreme discontent, because I can’t afford the dreams/ideas I see there. Ooh it’s a cycle I need to work on, change my focus! So glad you dropped by today!
Martha, LGG
I know I struggle with contentment, a lot more than I likely realize. It’s crazy to consider a circumstance (even) and contemplate what I must be doing *wrong* – because that circumstance or treated invisibly by certain others are there. I wrote this in my study today, and I need to think on it…
‘Though taunted, which is defined as – to expose or defame, David continued to walk in God’s Word. God’s Word gave David comfort and freedom to diligently handle all that is properly placed in his life by our Sovereign God. He knew to turn to God.’
Just need to focus on being with my Jesus, and His great desire to BE with me… and continually pursue me.
Stacey,
Thank you for joining us and sharing your thoughts! ‘God’s Word gave David comfort and freedom to diligently handle all that is properly placed in his life by our Sovereign God.’ Beautifully said!
I need to keep my focus on being with Him and His desire to be with me as well!
Martha, LGG!
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