Integrity and Uprightness

“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” Psalm 25:21

Integrity is one of my favorite words because there is so much wrapped within it, honesty, uprightness and principle.  I have always desired to be a person of integrity but at the same time I have always found myself wanting.  

There is division on this verse as to the one it speaks of concerning “integrity and uprightness”.  Some say it is David and others say it is the LORD!  We know this, in order for it to be David’s it wasn’t of his own but because of his dependence on the LORD.  If I were to take a side, it would be speaking of the “integrity and uprightness” of GOD!

GOD is wrapped in integrity to the fullest and He can’t be anything other.  In reality God is the definition of both words, “integrity and uprightness”!  He is what He is and never He changes.  Therefore we can rely on what He says, He is bound to His Word! 

So there is no need for the believer to run or fear. GOD knows your every need.  By patiently waiting on Him we exhibit our trust and faith in Him.  He will never let you down!

I am held by Your power.

Sealed in Your love.

Preserved by Your grace.

Your Word I’m sure of.

Nothing will distract me,

As I wait for Your assist.

I know You are watching.

And to run I will resist.

“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” Psalm 101:1-2

The Most Great Prayer

“O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.” Psalm 25:20

The greatest prayer a person will ever pray is, Save Me, “O keep my soul”. It is the one prayer that will bring deliverance, “deliver me”.  Remove my sin from before me, “let me not be ashamed”.  It is the first prayer for the child of GOD, “I put my trust in thee”. 

I have a problem when hearing one say, they somehow entered the grace of GOD by another means.  Like, I was brought up a Christian or, I kinda accepted it and evolved.  They may say they believe the Bible or they love the teachings of JESUS, but if they have not cried out to GOD by heart and mouth, I have strong doubt of them being in the family of GOD.

This most great prayer is not only the beginning of joy and happiness for the one that prays it but it is the prayer that continues with them, over and over again, each time bringing deliverance from their trouble.  

Instantly deliverance came,

When I cried out to CHRIST.

No wondering or waiting

I cried once and it sufficed.

But I have learned not to quit

When I’m in need of care.

Always asking for deliverance, 

And JESUS is always there! 

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 10:9-11

Watch, Look and Listen

“Consider my enemies; they are numerous, and they hate me violently.” Psalm 25:19

LORD, You have looked at me and seen my dreadful state.  Now please look at my enemies, there are so many, I can do nothing about them unless you intervene.  My enemies are hitting me from every side, they hate me with vengeance.  Their desire is to see my collapse.

My only hope is with You my LORD, only You.  I’ve tried to handle this on my own and it has never worked. My efforts are without merit, my response is to weak to deliver myself.  I’m at my wits end, I feel as though I’m about to collapse, even as my enemies surround me.

I can’t read the mind of David but I can feel his heartache, I’ve been there and I’m sure you have too.  I’ve often thought of David being called, “a man after GODs own heart” and have come to the conclusion, one of the main reasons is his total reliance on GOD.  Yes, he had his sins just like we do but what he did that was so important, he repented and called upon GOD, every time!

Out of power, my might was lame.

Circling around, my enemies came.

I had no hope, so it seemed to me

I fell on my knees, and made my plea.

GOD saw my sorrow and my sin.

He saw the dreadful place I’m in.

He heard my heart and my plea.

JESUS came, and He rescued me.

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Isaiah 55:1-3

Instant Action

“Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.” Psalm 25:18

I’m convinced more today than any other time in my life, GOD always answers the prayers of those that are the members of His family!  I not only believe this because of the faith I put in Him, but also from the answer GOD gives by honoring my faith. Sometimes it seems as if the answer is delayed but we have to understand with GOD there is no time, there is only instant action.

It always comes to my mind while praying for something, is it wrong to ask over and over again? Is this a lack of faith?  This is the second time David asked the same of GOD in this Psalm and I believe he honored GOD by doing so.  This is not the, “vain repetitions” that is spoken of in Matthew 6:7, it is our cry out to our FATHER.  The infant doesn’t stop at one cry to the mother when in need, but it continues to cry until the need is filled.  The baby cries out because it knows there is someone that loves it, and will care for it.  So ought we cry out to the FATHER!

I know GOD hears my cry for help.

I know His answer will surly come.

But I will cry till my need is filled,

More today, than when first begun.

At times impatient when I feel faint.

I continue pray even more and more.

I know He heard me when I first cried,

But I’ll wait until I am fully restored.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Train of Pain

“The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.” Psalm 25:17

When we find ourselves in the depth of despair we only have one thought, get me out of here.  No one ever wants to be in this sad place of sorrow.  No one wants to buy a ticket for this train of pain.  Yet it seems as if we find ourselves in its station from time to time.

There are many reasons we arrive in this horrid place. Perhaps something has triggered the ride, like a disaster in your life or even a failure that has happened.  There is one thing for certain once you’re aboard you begin to add cars to the train.  Sins and trials from the past catch a ride in your mind and the train gets longer and harder to see an end to it all.

The answer to this dilemma is remembering who the conductor of our lives is, and quit trying to drive the train ourselves.  You will find the train of pain is shorter when you trust the conductor!  Let go and let GOD have control of your life and your arrival at Peace Haven will come sooner then you think!

Gripped by the sorrows of my heart.

Sins dark secrets has torn apart.

Mind wandering out of control.

Thoughts chained together,

GOD help my soul!

Encumbered with fear, I cannot rest.

Please help me JESUS, if its a test.

Take my hand and lead me away.

From manifold sorrows,

My JESUS I pray!

 “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Psalm 40:2

The Sun Always Shines

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16 

Ever felt destitute and all alone?  I must say this is one of the most miserable conditions we can be in.  We can even have these feelings of despair when we are in the presence of others. Nothing seems to help.

I know some will read this and think I must be a weak Christian for having a thought like this.  But if the “man after Gods own heart.” had an occasion to feel this way I suppose, I can also.  

Our feelings are not always as accurate as we think.  In David’s mind, he felt as if GOD had his back to him and wanted Him to turn and look.  When the sky is covered with clouds you may not see the sun, but it’s still there.  

There are many reasons we can find ourselves in this condition but there is only one way to solve it!  Turn to GOD, just as David did.  You might say I have, and nothing is happening.  “The just shall live by faith”  We live by faith and hold to the promises of GODs Word. He isn't slack in keeping what He has promised. The evidence of our faith is the answer to our prayers.

O my GOD look upon me,

I’m desolate and in need.

You will see a broken man,

Grace is for what I plead.

I feel so alone right now.

I don’t feel, You are near.

Turn to me and face me,

Save me from this spear.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

The Habitual Fanitic

“Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.” Psalm 25:15

Have you ever been called a fanatic because of your love and devotion for the LORD?  I know I have.  From the very begging of my walk I have had others tell me I was weak because of my dependence on CHRIST.  My first Bible teacher stood up in class and told everyone, “If Delle doesn't stop reading his Bible and praying so much, he will go crazy!”.  Well, if I’m crazy, I’m crazy for the LORD!

The fact is, I don’t understand how anyone who has found CHRIST can be anything other than a fanatic for Him.  I mean totally dependent on Him!  I don’t know about others but as for me, I couldn’t make it without the LORD. Am I weak? YES! This is why I came to Him in the first place and things haven’t changed. I’m still weak and I still need Him.

It isn’t only because of the wonderful way He guides me and helps me that causes me to be so habitual about Him, I just love JESUS!

I know I’m weak so I’m habitual,

Habitually leaning on the LORD.

The way I walk, I often stumble.

I look to JESUS, my true reward.

He guides my steps so I won’t stumble.

He keeps me from the tempters net.

Without JESUS, I’d be nothing!

This is why I’m habitually set! 

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8

The Living Room of GOD

“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” Psalm 25:14

I find it very pleasant sitting in a room with friends talking about things.  Often the subject doesn’t matter, it is just having a good conversation that does.  A couple just left our home where this very thing happened.  Some of the conversation contained sadness but the outcome was very pleasant and reassuring.  The LORD was in our presence.

To often we think of our GOD in a way that is actually not true.  I suppose we get this from the Old Testament when the High Priest was only allowed into the Holy of Hollies once a year.  We tend to think of Him as distant instead of close and we are unworthy to come into His presence. 

Yes, we are unworthy but JESUS changed our unworthiness when He took our sin upon Himself and opened the door to the living room of the FATHER.  GOD has invited us to have conversation with Him, not once a year by His priest but everyday and every hour.  

I just sat down with JESUS

To have a little talk.

He was there to listen

And help me in my walk.

Such a pleasant conversation

When He began to speak.

He taught me of His way

Brought vigor where I was weak!

I didn’t want to leave the room

Where we sat and spoke.

He said don’t worry friend,

Our bond is never broke.

“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;” Matthew 27:51

Home Sweet Home

“His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.” Psalm 25:13

There is nothing sweeter than a home where peace dwells. It is more than a comfortable couch and a nice dinning table.  It is a place of safety where the one that dwells within its walls feels no anxiety or pressure.

Like many of you, I have lived in homes where there was no peace, often it was more like a pressure cooker ready to blow its top. They are dwellings of fear, where you just exist. I have also seen homes once filled with all the turmoil change. When CHRIST becomes a part of the home things begin to transform from anxiety to peace.  

There is a saying, “home is where the heart is”.  This is true when a heart is given to CHRIST!  Did you know when your heart is at home with JESUS, even though your surroundings are not perfect, you can have perfect peace!

I have found a place that’s home to me.

Where peace runs like the river.

Never worry or  dissatisfaction found,

Where GOD’s the only giver. 

When I lie upon my bed at night, 

Sweet sleep comes soon thereafter.

Dreams of the tender love CHRIST gives,

The joy of my heart brings laughter.

Nothing to rob me of such grace,

That the LORD so freely gave.

This home I have in CHRIST you see,

Is forever, even through the grave.

“For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.” Isaiah 66:12

Let Go and Let GOD

“What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.” Psalm 25:12

Mans knowledge is never a requirement for GOD to choose a person for His service, He chooses whom He will!  There is only one credential GOD requires, he or she “must be born again”.  Along with this credential we must lean totally on GOD and not ourselves.

The world wants to see what we know and where we’ve been, but GOD says, forget what you know and leave where you’ve been, “Come follow Me”.  GOD teaches the teachable.  He doesn’t care how smart you are or who you know, other than His SON.

Along with mans knowledge comes pride.  In order for GOD to use anyone, pride must go out the door.  GOD’s knowledge comes by the process of faith and with it the assurance of His presence.

I’ve forgotten what I know

To learn about the LORD.

Trusting what GOD says,

To be of one accord.

He has enlightened my soul

To such a great degree.

Teaching me of His way.

So He can make use of me.

“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:25-31

GOD Does We Don't

“For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” Psalm 25:11

I have been told that the haunting I have over sin past is sin itself because I’m showing a lack of trust that GOD has forgiven me.  While I understand the thought behind what they speak, I remain in disagreement with them.

There is never a doubt in my mind of the grace GOD has given me and the forgiveness I have through CHRIST.  The character of GOD makes me confident of this and because His SPIRIT lives within me I have total assurance of this fact.

Just as David, I remain in disgust over the sin that has taken place in my life.   All the sin, sin before and after my salvation.  Little sin and big sin, every little lie and every bit of pride that has caused me to stumble.  If I wasn’t haunted by my sin, I would repeat it more often then do and I would elevate myself to where I don’t belong.

I know one day I will stand before my GOD perfect without sin or the remembrance of it, but while in this body of flesh I will constantly be in battle with it.  A good defense is never to forget what I am, and what JESUS went through for me!

The chains of sin wrapped around my flesh

Brings thoughts of shame to me.

This is a constant reminder of my weakness

And the SAVIOR I need to see.

I know He has  forgiven all I’ve done,

From the beginning to the end.

But I’m reminded of how sinful I am,

And on how JESUS I must depend.

“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah 43:25

Loosing Direction

“All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25:10

I think all of us have made the mistake of making wrong turns, I know I have. It is one thing when you do this while on a trip for the day and quite another when in our walk with the LORD.

Stop and think of how much time was lost by your decision to go the wrong direction. Think of the aggravation you had and if someone was with you, what you had to hear from them.  It is never pleasant to go the wrong direction.

If the believer would keep their eyes on the direction GOD has given instead of taking their own routes, the path would be much easier and precious time would not be lost.  Aggravation would not be present but mercy and truth would!

I have wondered off from the path

Tempted by what I thought good.

Not knowing how awful it would be.

I just wish I would have understood.

There’s only one path of mercy and truth,

The one GOD has set before every soul.

If we will keep His covenant and Testimonies,

We’ll be safe if we make them our goal.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13

The Know It All

“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” Psalm 25:9

Who are the meek? While the word rightly expresses one that is gentle and quite, it means much more.  Allow me to give some adjectives from the Apple dictionary on my PC, “submissive, yielding, obedient, compliant, tame, biddable, tractable, acquiescent, humble, deferential, timid, unprotesting, unresisting, like a lamb to the slaughter.” I was delighted to see the last six words Apple used to define “meek”!

Meek is surrounded with the idea of submission, total submission.  The meek person lets go of themselves and puts total trust in GOD.  “The meek will he guide”!  We must forget our ways and yield to GOD’s.  

The LORD will never guide the haughty or the one that can’t be instructed by His Word.  He is willing to teach His way but we must be teachable.  GOD won’t use the person that is caught up in themselves.  The unteachable one that constantly interferes with His Word, dividing it with their interpretation. “The meek will He teach His way”! 

I thought I knew everything,

My life was such a mess.

I was full of my own wisdom,

Most obnoxious, I confess. 

No one could tell me anything,

You see I knew it all.

I lived in my stupidity 

I was ready for a fall.

My fall was not shameful

I fell upon my knees.

No longer was I haughty.

JESUS help me please!

“O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.” Jeremiah 10:24  

What More Could You Want

“Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.” Psalm 25:8

GOD is good and upright, He stands above all others!  He is all good, overflowing in goodness.  More goodness is unavailable, GOD holds it all! GOD stands tall in all He does.  His way is perfect in every respect.

The decisions of GOD are not bias or unfair, you can always count on Him.  He has order and never breaks it.  He never changes or goes to another direction, His path is straight with no curves or wonderings.  GOD never says one thing and means another.  GOD’s Word is GOD, and is plain and easy to understand by the beholder. 

With every decision the Father makes

He has us on His mind.

I never worry about what He does

He’s upright and very kind.

He watches over this sinful soul

He teaches me by His love.

His way is alway rich and pure

Not as mans, but far above.

“I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12b