Psalm 119: 137-144

Scripture:
Righteous are you, O LORD, 
      and right are your rules. 
You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness 
      and in all faithfulness. 
My zeal consumes me, 
      because my foes forget your words. 
Your promise is well tried, 
      and your servant loves it. 
I am small and despised, 
      yet I do not forget your precepts. 
Your righteousness is righteous forever, 
      and your law is true. 
Trouble and anguish have found me out, 
      but your commandments are my delight. 
Your testimonies are righteous forever; 
      give me understanding that I may live. -Psalm 119:137-144, ESV



Observation:
-The LORD is righteous, and all of His ways are right-and it is a solid foundation because His righteousness lasts forever. 
-The LORD is faithful.
-The LORD's commandments are right, have been "appointed in righteousness, are true, are a delight to those who love the LORD, are righteous forever.

Application:
"Trouble and anguish have found me out, but..."  But.  It is an interesting word.  No matter what precedes it, "but" overrules the previous statement.  No matter how bad it gets God is greater.  The thing about trouble and anguish, they do find us out.  They reveal our weaknesses.  They shed light on who we truly are when it really matters.  Do you have character flaws?  Trouble and anguish will find you out.  But God.  He gives us understanding.  He lights our way.  God uses His word to instruct us, to guide us.  We have the best teacher in the world, and it is God.  

This is a day that is full of emotions for me.  This is the anniversary of my younger brother's death and my mother's death a year later.  It has been several years now, but  these early days of February always bring me back to those days of trouble and anguish.  I found the strength to carry on in God's Word.  I find the strength to continue to fight the good fight in God's Word.  His promises are true and He is faithful forever.  I love the Psalms.  They have sung to my heart at its lowest points.  There is a power in these words that is unlike any others we may read.  When I open up my Bible I open up my heart and mind and soul to God.  He waits for me there within its pages.  His words bring life, peace, hope, and love.  My life is full of "but Gods."  Today is a day that brings emotions of all sorts, but God gave life where there was death.  He gave my mother and brother the ultimate victory for they placed their faith in Jesus Christ and on His death and resurrection.  Their earthly bodies failed, but on this day many years ago they joined Christ in paradise.  The greatest "but" of all.

Grace, peace, and mercy,
Deb

My brother, Jeff _____________________________________ Mom with her grandsons.