He is solid Rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul. (Ps. 62:2)
It has been said that the Bible can be seen as a love letter to our hearts from the heart of God.
I have never forgotten a piece of advice that our pastor once gave us from theologian Tremper Longeman III: “It is helpful to read the Psalms as if they are about Christ and are spoken by Christ.”
This makes perfect sense. Jesus was the Word of God in the flesh. (John 1:1). The Bible is His Story, His heart on a page. It is the primary way that He speaks to us and reveals who He truly is.
I have been doing this exercise for years and it has been life-changing. I have seen and known and discovered the heart of my Savior in His own words. As a result, my faith has soared. I can tell others who He is and what He is like. I am captivated by His beauty, which is more wondrous that I could have ever imagined. I am courageous. I can look life square in the eye and take whatever comes because Jesus lives and He reigns.
He knows me! And I get to know Him!!! Wonder of wonders! Ultimate joy!!!
Yesterday was full of bad news (the Malaysian jet being shot down and the Israeli ground forces advancing into Gaza). It was just another reminder of how fragile life on this war-torn planet really is. As I thought about what to write, I realized that nobody needs to read words from me. What we all need is to hear what Jesus has to say.
So, I am beginning a series entitled Letters From Jesus where I will write out a psalm as if it is spoken by Jesus Himself. Because it is. I will begin today with one of my favorites, Psalm 27.
I hope that this blesses you. Try it for yourself. Be willing to leave behind any preconceived notions that you have of who Jesus is. When you see who He is, as revealed by His own words, those illusions will be (rightfully and necessarily) shattered into a million pieces. Seeing Him as He truly is will lead you deeper into His heart…and deeper into true joy and peace.
Psalm 27, Spoken By Jesus
“I am your Light and your Salvation. So whom should you fear or dread? I am your Refuge and your Stronghold. Of whom should you be afraid? I will cause your enemies to stumble and fall.
Because of My Presence with you, your heart does not need to fear; even if war rises against you, you can be confident in Me.
I desire that you would ask one thing of Me: to live with Me forever; to gaze on My beauty and to seek My face.
I will hide you in My shelter when you are in trouble. I will hide you in the secret place of My tent, just you and I. Sing to Me there. Offer shouts of joy to Me. Thank Me.
I hear you when you cry out. I am full of mercy and grace and I will answer you.
Seek My face. Require Me as your most vital need. I will never hide My face from you. I will never turn away from you in anger. I am your constant help. I save you. I will never cast you off. I will never reject you. I will never forsake you, even if your father and your mother do.
I will teach you My ways and I will lead you in a straight path, even in the midst of your enemies who lie in wait for you. I will never give you up to your adversaries who break out in cruelty and violence against you.
You will see My goodness in your life, not just in eternity but here in time. Here is the attitude I want you to have: Wait for Me. Hope in Me. Expect Me to act. Be brave and full of courage. Endure.
Yes, wait for, hope for, and expect Me.”
Power Of A Moment 