Daily Reading 1-30-17
Psalm 37:3-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
When our son, Joe, was eighteen, he preached a sermon on Psalm 37. I will never forget it. Every time I read Psalm 37, his sermon rises up in my heart. The sermon involved three simple words: Trust, Delight, and Commitment.
Joe taught about the value of trusting the Lord; trust is the root that upholds and nourishes the tree of the Christian life. He highlighted the word “delight” and encouraged everyone “to bend toward” or “be inclined toward” pleasing the Lord; submitting to His way and working for the salvation of others. When we set our hearts on pleasing the Lord, the Lord brings us blessings in return. Joe shared a cute story about commitment that drove a deeper meaning of that word home, too. I will share it with you now:
Once upon a time, a chicken and pig lived on a farm. The farmer was very good to them and they both wanted to do something good for him. One day the chicken approached the pig and said, “I have a great idea for something we can do for the farmer! Would you like to help?”
The pig, quite intrigued by this said, “Of course. What is it you propose?”
The chicken knew how much the farmer enjoyed a good healthy breakfast. He also knew how little time the farmer had to make a good breakfast. “I think the farmer would be very happy if we made him breakfast,” said the chicken.
The pig replied, “I’d be happy to help you make breakfast for the farmer! What do you suggest we make?”
The chicken understanding that he had little else to offer suggested, “I could provide some eggs.”
The pig knew the farmer might want more, “That’s a fine start. What else should we make?”
The chicken looked around, scratched his head, then said, “Ham? The farmer loves ham and eggs!”
The pig, very mindful of what this implied said, “That’s fine, but while you’re making a contribution I’m making a real commitment!”
As you read our passage from Psalm, today. Please examine your level of trust, delight, and commitment to the Lord. Blessings for your day!
Psalm 37:3-5
3
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
Prayer: Lord, you are looking for me to trust you with my whole being. May I delight or lean toward pleasing you moment by moment. And Lord, help me to be sold out in my commitment to love you and my neighbor, because it is you mission in the world. Spill your favor and love over me and everyone who reads this prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.