“I will praise You, My God, among the peoples, I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your lovingkindness is great up to the heavens, and Your truth to the skies. Be exalted above the heavens, let Your Glory be over all the earth!” Psalms 57:10-12

 Choices

The above scripture was penned when David was running for his life from King Saul. In the midst of distress, he praised and worshiped his Lord. He knew who was worth giving his life to, and where his strength came from. Hiding in a cold, damp cave, probably crowded with his mighty men, fleeing death, he chose to worship. His heart was on fire for God.

I want to be this person. A person after God’s own heart, like David. He did make many mistakes, yet he returned always with a repentant, humble heart to his strong refuge in the Lord. This is our choice too.

Sometimes it may take waiting in prayer for long periods of time. Yet we know who our hope comes from. Nothing else—no person or thing—can truly satisfy.

It’s our choice to “set our mind on things above, not on things on the earth” and put off the old evil desires that seek to enslave us again. This takes discipline and practice and a choice to obey. Scripture memory is very helpful to train our minds to focus on things above, as is remembering His love and goodness toward us. Remember He has this battle; we just need to stand still and obey, move when told, and watch His victory!

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 I find when I’m in an unfamiliar place, the world seems loud, offering many indulgences to direct my steps. More than ever, I need to step back and seek the One who created my heart, and who owns my days. I’ve committed myself to Him. I need to make His thoughts mine. I need to calm myself and listen to His still small voice by reading His Word and praying, allowing Him to fill my soul. He soothes my confusion and eventually, when given over to Him several times, He makes my desires His. It’s always a choice. “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).

Dear LORD GOD, thank You for always being very close with arms wide open. Help us to turn, look and run to You, knowing it is You who gives us strength. We choose You, Jesus, today and forever! Amen.