Tag: spiritual help

Music to my Soul – God is the Song

Have you been in a situation that might have typically sent you into a period of anxiety, but instead, you found yourself at peace and with a song in your heart? Just as negative emotions can draw us to God, positive ones, unexpected ones, can do the same. We find ourselves glad in stressful situations, and we thank and praise God. Or maybe we must make an intentional choice to trust God in spite of looming feelings. Either way, Isaiah has something to teach us.

As I pondered Isaiah 12:2 recently, a few ideas began to develop. Questions from another resource guided more thoughts toward application. I modified the questions for this blog.

Isaiah 12:2 says,

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD Himself, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.

I serve a God who saves. This salvation is eternal. It is also daily. He helps me to take up my cross daily (Luke 9:23-24). He saves me daily from my own weaknesses and wandering. When I put my trust in His power, then my flesh and sinful nature no longer have to control me. I choose to walk in the Spirit. When I don’t, that’s on me because 2 Peter 1:3 tells me that He gives me all I need for a godly life.

What concepts are important to remember about this verse?

Only the LORD can perform these acts

-Only the LORD can provide strength.

-Only the LORD can provide my song.

How does the verse help your faith to grow?

I notice two “I will” statements.

I will trust –

I will not be afraid-

Isaiah is confident that because God is His salvation, then his response is trust in God. Isaiah chooses not to be afraid. Because fear, as overwhelming as it can be, is still our choice. Again, God gives us everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3).

Which concepts come to mind that apply to you?

He has always been.

He has my salvation sealed.

He has delivered me from darkness.

He has shown me His love.

He has been faithful to me.

I think when God strengthens me, He leaves me with a song. Isaiah records that God was his song. The song has strength before it and salvation after it. That sounds like a defense against the evil one and darkness. One translation says, “ Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.

My prayer:

Dear Lord,
You are my strength and my song. Your salvation is my foundation. Your song is the celebration and worship in between, which gives me strength for the journey. Help me focus on you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reader, you will answer these questions differently. The Holy Spirit will speak to you in personal ways for your need. After you study this, share it with another Christian who needs encouragement. Tell them what this verse means to you and about the power of God’s Word.

©Valerie Rumfelt

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Scripture Writing Now

untitledScripture Writing became a habit for me a few years ago. It was then I discovered people who combined their creativity with intention to produce countless options of monthly guides for writing the Holy Scripture. I was interested, and years later, I still love it.

At any time in your life, new things may be beginning, routines being established, challenges occupying our time and our minds. Do you need a new spiritual habit that promises to yield instant results? Scripture writing is for you!

Here are 10 reasons why you will love scripture writing:

  1. Interacting and writing God’s Word is supernatural and transformative.
  2. Writing God’s Word gives your brain time to capture the meaning.
  3. Writing God’s word is inspiring and encouraging.
  4. Reproducing the scripture in your own handwriting gives a personal sense to it, helping you own the verses.
  5. Focus is put on God at the beginning of the day, and you sense His presence.
  6. Peace comes as writing slows you down to think and ponder your life.
  7. Order and focus are added to your quiet time as you write that day’s scripture.
  8. It doesn’t take long since only a few verses are written each day.
  9. Exposure to passages may lead you to memorize a small portion of God’s Word.
  10. God will reveal Himself to you.

Before you begin, find a notebook and pens just for this spiritual practice. Find a scripture writing for the month here. Print it. Find a favorite spot in your home where you can practice this uninterrupted.

Now you are ready to begin:

  • Set your alarm to add this to your schedule
  • Get your coffee or tea or breakfast
  • Go to your special place
  • Locate the passage in the Bible
  • Look at the passage for that day
  • Read it silently
  • Write it
  • Read aloud(your quiet voice is fine)
  • Diagram the passage – go here for a printable list here… Diagramming Scripture~
  • Ponder what God is saying and begin your prayer time

By the time those steps are taken, insight comes.

Before you leave to get busy with your day, take time to write a few thoughts or a prayer to God. You may have questions or a prayer of thanks, confession, or a commitment to obedience.14918789_571951203016021_4591130726022028919_o

WARNING:

If you haven’t had a very intentional quiet time with Jesus, expect obstacles and opposition, but don’t allow those to discourage you. Hearing from the Lord and praying to Him are the most important things a Christian can do. These are the essence of who we are as His people. These practices develop us into who we can be for His Kingdom’s use. Don’t give up.

BLESSING:

You will feel accomplished and have new freedom in your spirit as you put this practice in your life. Interacting with God’s Word is a win. Even if the Spirit convicts you of sin, just confess it. Ask Him to help you be more like Him. Jim Elliot said, “Why do you need a voice when you have a verse.”

“the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

If you have a Bible that’s falling apart, you’ll have a life that’s not. Adrian Rogers

©Valerie Rumfelt

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. If you aren’t one of my faithful readers, it’s easy to become one. Just add your email below, and hit subscribe, and each time I publish, you will receive the article in your email first. Blessings.

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