It's always a good day to list gifts of thanks with Multitudes on Mondays--a good discipline also. And first of all, I thank the Lord for Psalm 16:8, a verse I've been meditating on for the past week:
I have set the Lord continually before me;
because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Thank you Father.....rather than a spirit of fear, that leads to a sense of vulnerability and weakness, you have given me power, love, and the discipline of a sound mind . (II Tim.1:7)
".....because He is at my right hand".....In this scripture, and many others, the right hand, or right side of the body, is considered the strong side, the most dexterous or coordinated. Psalm 16:8 expresses David's need of protection from his enemies or from death. Because he has the Lord at his right side to be his strength, he is able to stand against that which could harm him.
Thank you Lord, that you stand next to me, ready to steady me, giving me Your strength when the circumstances of life are being used by the enemy to bring me down.
As a nurse, I trained fellow workers and families to stand on the strong side of one who is weak when helping to stabilize that person, and increase their mobility. The weak side of the body draws strength away from a person standing on that side and makes it more difficult for the strong one to stabilize the disabled one. But the strong side--their"right" side, will become stronger and able to overpower the weakness with the added strength of the one who stands by.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, the One who walks beside me, giving me stability, even in my weakness, the One who holds me by my "right hand" so that I will not fall headlong, for You are the one who holds my hand. Psalm 37:24
And the thought occurs to me, that I can be that same kind of support for others. When I walk alongside a friend, what support I have to offer should be given in a way that will encourage and support their strengths. Weakness is overcome by strength....just as strong muscles become stronger when stressed by use and exercise.
And more thanks.....
For my #1 grandson who, at 3 y/o, has decided he shouldn't go anywhere without his Bible.....and for his parents, who have helped him to taste and see that the Lord, He is good, and an ever present help in trouble.
For my daughter and son-in-love celebrating 7 years of marriage, always ready to share their blessings with others...and for becoming such good parents to grandson #2....teaching him manners....now saying "no ma'am" (which means "no sir" also).
And for this son-in-love who plays in the rain with his son...
good memories for this nanna...
good memories for this nanna...
For my #2 son and his special lady, sitting at the side of a special uncle at a family reunion, sharing life stories, taking time to love and respect.....
For Becky, my good friend from the past, an example of perseverance and faith through blindness, grief, and struggles of life.....thank you Lord, for giving us time together last week.....a time to support one another and renew our friendship.
For the love of Chester...our English setter...who always waits for me to pet him after I let him out of his kennel, before he runs off to find the birds in the yard. I need my Father's touch of love and affirmation, too, before I run off into the world everyday....
For fresh paint on old walls......a spiritual picture of renewal by the miraculous changing power of God in my being...
and the list goes on.....because His mercy is new everyday.....just like fresh paint!
