Musings

MUSINGS

Tears freely flow

From puddles to gulleys;

Grooves etched into the tree...

Inner torments,

Conflicting thoughts;

Nobody really sees "me"

Dutiful daughter, beloved friend

Words, but what do they mean?

Mother, teacher, encourager...

Now that's a pretty fine scene.

More designations, marring the canvas...

Painting an odd shade of gray,

Selfish, ugly, controlling, unkind

Even abusive, "they" say.

Do labels define me? I wonder anew,

As contradictory words are spoken...

And if they do, which ones are true?

Surely some are broken...

How can I be each of these?

"I don't understand," I sigh

I just want to be happy and free

But life simply will not comply...

"You bring it on yourself," they say;

Those who "know" more than I...

"Change your attitude, Fix your behavior"

"I would...," is my reply;

I would, but how? I silently muse,

Feeling more trapped by the day...

"You're unfixable, a mess," my mind screams to me;

Everyone else knows "the way."

More pain wells up, futility leers,

My thoughts are filled with deep shame ~

My soul turns to winter, cutting off life;

I'm surely no match for this game...

Numbing winds howl, chilling my bones

As ice slowly forms in my heart;

The cracks in the path have frozen somehow,

Roughly resembling fine art.

But oh, as they freeze, something happens inside;

With pressure that's too strong to bear...

I had forgotten how water expands

Each time it's mixed with cold air ~

Those cracks, they get wider, and light starts to shine,

Exposing what lies below ~

Rigid exterior, atop pliant fields

A tender voice beckons, "Let go."

Let go of the lies, the voice seems to say,

Ever so softly and kind

You've hurt far enough and struggled so hard,

It's time for a fresh change of mind.

This voice carries wisdom, authority,

And palpable presence, to boot...

Much firmer and clearer than any I've heard,

Quite passionate with its pursuit ~

Its tenderness ministers a new type of thought;

Whispering words, "Oh child, I have seen"

You may think you are all that they say,

But they really know not what they mean.

The other reality, behind the veil

Holds so much more than you've heard

How glorious its colors and sweet its sounds ~

How remarkable it's Word..

Not meant to be depicted by others,

Nor constrained by false words of man...

I am your Master, Creator and Friend ~

I'm in all, I'm glorious, I AM

As to the failings that you perceive,

Oh daughter, it delights me so ~

You see my child, you weren't meant to be

All that's needed to manage your show...

No, precious one, you're intended for more

Oh, so much more than you know...

You were fashioned to climb a mountain so high

And run races some choose to forego...

You were made to reflect My beauty and joy

Far beyond your external shell;

Sharing love deeper than man's understanding

A love only I know so well ~

Temperance and virtue for your resting place,

Joy and delight in your play...

Peace is your gift to My precious world

Oh Child, let Me light the way...

Lift high your head and raise up your eyes,

Know My pleasure, and dance

Rejoice as you see, you really are free;

Released from all happenstance.

Released of the burdens your labels have brought

Unconstrained by non-entity

No longer imprisoned by shackles and chains

Apprised of identity...

I Am here, I Am real, and I love you so

Stop believing the lies and the mocking...

You are precious beloved, blessed and assured,

Oh why can you not hear Me knocking?

Don't let the world deceive your sweet mind,

Don't let "them" drive you down ~

You are a daughter of the King of Kings

And within you, My heart is your crown.

Be free, my child, walk proudly in Me,

Knowing that all this is true

For I am not a man who can lie,

And I purposefully created you ~

Know you are loved, Know I am near

Find rest in Me each new day ~

Walk in My Spirit, drink of My fountain

To Me all of life is play ~

Be pleased to frolic, take delight in joy ~

You need shed not one tear;

I gave My only Son for you,

That I might draw you near.

I gave Him for you,

That you could live;

I gave to conquer lies...

I gave Him that

We might share life;

And this is no surprise...

For Artists love their handiwork;

They revel in it so;

And I love you, sweet daughter

I truly want you to know.

Know in your heart, and in your mind...

Discern from head to toe~

So when the storms of life appear,

Your tears will have new flow;

They'll flow of life,

And flow of hope,

They'll flow in peaceful joy~

For in your trials and sufferings

You'll come to know

My Boy ~



Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

     Isn't it funny that sometimes we don't realize how much has changed in our lives or spirit until we look back and review where we once were, as compared to where we are now? 2 Corinthians 3:18 We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit. 


    For instance, recent efforts at signing in to my blogger dashboard took me an inordinate amount of time. I didn't realize I had somehow created two different sign-ins for my Google accounts, and couldn't figure out why the dashboard I was logged into did not have my blog accessible.  The last time I posted on this page, save for the most recent posting on surrender, it was still affiliated with BlogSpot; Google had not yet assimilated the program. It probably would have been easy for another person to discover the glitch, but, because of my limited clarity with computer information and ease of confusion, it took me quite a bit longer.




  I was talking with a dear friend about the many changes in life, and how we are able to walk through them even when they were not just confusing, but produce deep feelings that can be difficult to bear, let alone understand... This man is a friend who has many verses committed to memory from his years in bible study and walking with the Navigators, so I had followed up by texting him, asking for a verse that he might share with me that I could find rest in...one that would speak to my particular need we had been discussing.  I was finding it challenging with the vacillation between being 100% at peace some days, and then walking in the dark places on others ~ forgetting "who" I was and to Whom I belonged. We were at odds in opinion about my desire for scripture to draw me back to truth, and his belief that we need to not limit ourselves with scripture in and of itself, which many people do, but to go beyond that into Whom is being expressed, and to what the verses are pointing - that being relationship with our Lord...the deep things of the Spirit ...




He expressed to me something I found quite encouraging, so wanted to share it here ~




You see, my dear, once those "goads" have settled into the region of the heart - we receive "eyes to see" with ...eyes to see things too wonderful to put to words ...and one day, when we've grown accustomed to seeing His words show up illustrated in a moment that wows us, we just keep looking for more...He never ever ceases. But then, we forget now and again, don't we - all of us. And in that place we're in need of reminding. It comes back to us in special ways and in special moments, fitted for our unique soul's pining and our need in that particular space of time. And when we realize - are reminded of - can once again see - He becomes all the more precious to us. We are either light or impediments to the light for others, aye, even we, to see His heart for us and a love so deep. We are drowning in it at any moment...if we stop long enough to listen, to see His heart for us.

 
"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you - For I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you - surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 
Isaiah 41:10                            


The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit 
Psalm 34:17-18                                                       

 "The Lords loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassion never fails. They are new every morning. How great is Thy faithfulness.          

Lam. 3.22-23

 "Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you. And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of Justice, how blessed are all those who long for Him"          

 Isaiah 30.18

 These are a few of the apples of gold on settings of silver tucked away in my heart, to remind me "He ain't a gonna  go no where's"   

I hope these bring encouragement to anybody reading as well - they sure did to me in that moment, and continue to as I read them again right now.


Not too many years ago I would not have considered looking to the Word for my source of value, security, adequacy, love and acceptance.  Nor would I have sought encouragement from friends who walked so closely with God.  When I was hurting or confused. I would have turned to other things to answer my heart's cries.  However, I have come to discover that those things were always, ultimately, empty vessels providing "peace in moment" or assurance as long as they were present, but they didn't answer the deep longings of my heart... I was seeking the One who provides all answers, and fills our every need.


 I am ever so grateful for the changes He has wrought in me, as I walk from glory to glory in His presence, surrounded by His love, guided by His Spirit within who continues to speak ever so tenderly to me in a moment...."this is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)


May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
²⁵ May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’ (Numbers 6:24-26)

Walking in Surrender

I have been really seeking to understand "surrender" the past few months...and what that really means in light of life in Christ...

So many truths have resonated within me ... truths that I am not my own...I was bought with a price ... God has purpose for me that is beyond my comprehension, and He desires to do more than I could ask or imagine...

But I don't always like the path

I don't always enjoy the plan...

His ways are definitely not my ways, and when He is doing a work in my life, as I place it in His hands, it can be a difficult process...for both of us.  For me because of the struggle to let go and yield, for Him because I know He doesn't desire the pain I end up creating in my own life when I struggle with the choices ~

As I have grown in my ability to hear God (through consecration, intimacy, time in the Word and prayer journaling), my willingness to surrender my life and desires to Him has expanded...but I have discovered something ~ God always wants more.  He is jealous for us.  He desires ALL of me...not just what I desire to give, not just what I am "willing" to do, but ALL...

This is a steep request.

It is one I rail against at times...

Especially when it is making me vulnerable and open to things I would rather avoid walking through; I often ask if there is a different way.  Surely, it would seem, there is an easier path...

Some days I want to go back to how it was before my heart got so deeply connected with His.

Some days I wish I could return to being the child of God who lived in love and trusted fully in His grace, but didn't know what I now know...so I could live a more self-absorbed life...

He holds us accountable to what He has revealed; the higher the willingness, the more is asked (of course, the more we are given as well)...

I asked to be One with Him.

I called out "Whatever Thy will is, Lord, may my will be Thine ~ Thy will be done..." Over and over during my last marriage and beyond...I said this to God day after day, year after year...

And, I have had some wonderful times celebrating Life in Him. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I have had some difficult times choosing to remain faithful to the call to love beyond understanding, thought His Spirit, versus retaliating, turning bitter, staying angry, retreating into self-protection or self-indulgence.  I wouldn't trade these either, for what I have learned and the intimacy that learning has afforded...

Oh, I have succumbed to times of retreat; days or months of falling off the path of "holiness" and indulging in sinful living, self-serving and self-comforting behaviors that felt good for a time and kept my mind off pain or hidden heart issues that threatened to knock me down...

But I always end up turning back to what is real ~ the source of Life; God.  He is the only One who brings true joy and true peace...and even when I am wrapped up in my self-indulgence and serving my own appetites and desires, there is a part of me that is not at rest.  Ultimately, I choose again to surrender.

It is at these times that I then have to walk through making the decisions being called for; the consequences of my running ~ peeling away from whatever choices I had been making, and re-submitting myself to His ways.  The process can be so painful ~ memories of previous times have kept me from falling as often in the recent years, the more I have grown in my understanding.

God really DOES have our best interests at heart.

Recently, I had asked Him to relieve me of a calling He had placed upon me.  What was once a wonderful thing that I had celebrated with Him and been tremendously blessed by became muddied.  The enemy of our souls got involved...began derailing my partner, and then myself.  God allowed this; I am sure for some type of training, though it really was NOT okay with me...

He told me to trust Him.

I wanted to run.

He said "No, abide in Me and I will give you the peace. I will give you the love. I will walk you through."

STEEP challenge...My heart was ripped out so many times, but each time He mended it back and covered me in His amazing Love. 

I re-submitted over and over rather than stepping my own way ~ I can imagine it was like trying to keep a hot-headed horse tethered; every couple of days, sometimes daily or hourly, I would cry, "No, Lord ~ Please let me avoid this path...I can't do it," and then a few breaths and prayers later ~"But You can ~  I don't really want to, please give me another way...but not my will, Lord, Thine."

It was a dance of intimacy and trust ~ I chose to believe His Words and visions (both scripture and Rhema He continued to provide) while walking in constant prayer, battling fear and hurt regularly, and barely making it in the natural some days...

His will actually began manifesting in early December ~ I was astounded that what He had shown and spoken to me was actually coming to pass.  What looked impossible in the natural, what I doubted and often asked Him to let me be free from, began to take shape. 

Chains were broken.

Captives set free.

Truth began to come forth ~ Light...

I began to breathe a bit less strenuously again, believing this season was finally coming to a close and I could resume an "easier" path once more, whatever that might look like.  No longer would I have to travail in intercession for this situation, daily placing my heart on the alter of His will, trusting God for all things and allowing Him to have His way in me ...His way appeared to be complete.

However, free will is real.

We all have choices.

Though He won the battle, He did not "win" the heart He was fighting for... As He fought, using myself and a friend as His instruments, the skirmish victorious, or so it appeared ~ but then darkness returned in greater measure.

God kept me on the path for a bit longer. I prayed for changes, I prayed for release, I prayed He would bring another to take my place ~ that His will would still be accomplished for each of our lives, but that I would not have to walk in the pain any more ~ it was just too much...

He would not release me.

He has recently changed His mind ~ not only releasing me from where He was holding me, but calling me to a 180 from where I was ~

I am grateful to be out of the midst of torment, but also extremely saddened by the cost and the outcomes.  I can only imagine how broken-hearted God must feel when we choose to not surrender to Him, as I am deeply and sorrowfully grieved for what has transpired.

 I known HE is the God of redemption.

He is the God of the impossible.

It isn't even His plan for me that is not being fulfilled ~ There is always a plan B for those who are submitted to Him...and, as a friend reminded me once, if plan A does not work because people choose not to get on board, He does not give us a steak knife in exchange for a Cadillac, He brings us the next "Best" thing ~

He can do anything ~ and will work all things together for good in my life, no matter others' choices, for I am wholly submitted to His purposes.

But surrender is hard.  So is resting in knowing that my friend has walked away from a calling, and will not be able to fulfill it in the direction they are headed

I am fighting against the desire for self-indulgence; for running and assuaging my grief and hurt in ways that would bring blessed relief for a time ... respite ...  There are many options presented before me. 

I was discussing them with God this afternoon while out in my yard collecting sticks for my wood stove.  I was kind of trying to coerce Him into seeing things my way, asking for a time of self-indulgence; after all, what could it hurt?...

I railed a bit when He impressed upon me the call to holiness and consecration, asking why others could do certain things yet I was not allowed to.

He reminded me that I was allowed to do anything I desired...He was not going to control me, nor stop me, if I would rather walk away...

I knew this was truth.

BUT, I also knew it was not His desire for me.  I got angry at the feeling of injustice. I got angry that He wouldn't make my life easier (I knew He could), and then I submitted to truth.

I LOVE GOD.  He has provided my life with so much meaning...Every day is much richer, more beautiful, more hopeful, and more joyful because God is my Father and King...

And I love serving ~ it brings joy to my heart.  It brings satisfaction to my life.  We are called to be servants; true and meaningful life is discovered in the many interruptions of pouring out for others...  As we yield our lives to giving sacrificially of ourselves, we discover Christ's love...our hearts become more like His.  It is an amazing transaction of grace.  

So, again I choose to surrender.  It isn't easy. The changes offered before me are not what I had anticipated, nor what I had hoped.  They are not what God had planned, either ~ but He will not force others, and I have learned not to manipulate situations or people to suit my preferences. 

God does not coerce, manipulate, nor control.  Any time there is time pressure, urgency, or a sense of coercion, we can know it is not of the Lord.  He is a gentleman in every sense.  His gentle whisper can be ignored, or it can be allowed to influence us to press in and trust more; to follow and see where He leads ~ no matter the cost.

I choose to follow, to walk surrendered...   How about you? 

When God Shows Up

Found this in my drafts...didn't realize it hadn't published...

Over and over lately the LORD has been dropping little notes of love into my lap as I walk through daily life.  So very many things have "gone wrong" in my home, with my car, in struggles with children, financially, emotionally...I can easily see that if I were the person whom I was a few years ago, life right now would be a very different reflection from my home ~

But, God has shown up again and again and again in my world. HE is so very faithful and true. I am so incredibly blessed and grateful...

Let me tell you about the most recent time ~ this weekend. I went out of town this weekend on a Ladies' retreat with some friends from a nearby church.  The teaching was on Isaiah 61: 1-3


1THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound,


2To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] [a]and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

3To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

It was a wonderful weekend; the speaker, Judi Rossi was a wonderful testimony of what God can do with a willing and submitted heart. She blesses women from coast to coast with her "Enhancing Your Marriage" ministries and Bible studies that she has written.  The worship leader was a young gal from Arizona who had a sweet and tender heart that just ushered God's Spirit into the room each time that she lifted her voice in prayerful petition...it was beautiful. 

I wasn't sure I could go on this retreat; things at home were pretty overloaded and chaotic, I was behind with my work tasks, and well beyond my need for sleep ~ but the LORD allowed me to complete some of my work on Friday through a series of unexpected events, and He encouraged me to travel. 

I left later than I was supposed to (the main group left at 11:30 a.m.; I was supposed to leave by 4 in order to arrive in time to check in and get set up for the first teaching session, I didn't depart my home until well after four and needed to stop by my office, which was on the way, before continuing the journey).  Because I was late, I didn't want to stop and gas up; I figured I had enough (nearly half a tank) to get me to the location and would worry about gasoline for the trip home. I even debated just quitting all together as I began to drive and hit some slow traffic; I thought my best bet would be to hole up at home and "pretend" to have gone so that I could get things accomplished without interruption...

God had other plans, so I continued onward on my journey.  My GPS did not register the town where the retreat was being held, so I programmed an intersection about ten miles from my destination and started on my way.  As I was nearing the intersection, my gas light went on in the car.  There were no other gas stations to be found at that point, and as I entered the last leg (after the intersection) I was on unlit, windy, mountainous roads ~ and not at all sure I was heading 100% in the right direction.  I phoned the facility but their telephones had been turned off for the night, and then I lost service to my cell...so I pressed on and prayed for God's provision.

When I arrived at the correct road, I discovered that the "camp" I was headed to was six miles up the road (I discovered this about 1/4 of the way up the mountain).  I prayed that the LORD would give my car good bearings (there was a beautiful drop off, with a peaceful river flowing below, to my right) and my gasoline would last long enough to get me there, as well as to bring me back to the nearest town the following day.

God brought me straight to the door of the retreat center. Check-in was amazingly easy, I was well in time for the session, and very blessed all evening.  I also discovered we had some free time scheduled for Saturday afternoon in which I could run the car down the mountain, find a gas station, and fill up (in case things in that area were not open on Sunday morning). 

Lunchtime Saturday - thus far a very meaningful encounter with the LORD in the teachings and fellowship and small groups, as well as a blessing of fellowship and relaxation....I asked the cafeteria staff about the nearest gas station. As they were discussing it, they decided upon a place called "The Junction" (which had recently begun taking credit cards so I wouldn't need cash, which was a praise).  However, within seconds, the gentleman whom I was speaking with shifted the topic and said to me ~ "You are really on empty?" I told him the story of the prior evening and how I just wanted to get there and then worry about it in the daylight, and he then offered to give me gas from their small tank that was used to fill the small vehicles they used around the facility...in thirty minutes (after he finished his chores), he was leading me to this small garage where he proceeded to fill my tank with 3 1/2 gallons of gas...I was blessed beyond measure and delighted with God's loving provision ~

Because of HIS provision I was also able to participate in the loosely structured afternoon activities (and witness an AMAZING testimony of God's faithfulness and love) as well as rest...the gas I received was actually enough to get me completely out of the mountains and back into a smaller town (about sixty miles) before I stopped at a "regular" station to fill the tank. I probably could have gotten almost home, but wanted to be more diligent on my return trip :-) 

He is just so good to us...and we miss it if we don't pay attention ~ I am so very thankful to have the LORD as my Savior, provider, and friend ~

Put You High Beams On

The past couple of months have been a bit overwhelming for me ~ I had long-term houseguests, repairs inside my home, extra work that impacted my already tight schedule, and several losses that have been emotionally draining...putting one foot in front of the other and keeping faith that the Lord is in control of all things has been my approach to each morning's greeting of sunrise ~ .  Needless to say, I have not been able to keep that mindset 100% of the time, and have found myself drifting off many a day into mulling ~

One evening a few weeks ago, when I was particularly tired and over-extended, I found myself driving very cautiously along a narrow, two lane road not far from my home.  My eyes were straining to monitor the edge of the road as I was feeling anxious about keeping the car from going too close (it drops off pretty sharply a few inches and can cut a tire or cause other challenges to safety). I do not always feel this way, on this particular road, though I do keep note of the boundaries, but that evening I was constrained in spirit.  My body was tighter and my eyes were straining as I was on severe energy drain. This posture was adding to my fatigue and causing more mental exertion which I was noticing from a somewhat secondary perspective ~

As the Spirit continued to prompt me to recognize what I was doing, and how it was actually making things worse instead of better, I was struck with the thought ~ "Put your high beams on" (I had avoided this earlier because I had met several other cars on the road when I had begun that stretch of driving)...as I flipped my high beams on, I found myself following the light ~  looking up and ahead, rather than just to the  front of my van.  My posture instantly relaxed as my hands loosened upon the wheel, and tension melted away. I found it much easier to drive again. 

Given the immediate change in perspective, I sensed the Lord's gentle whisper in my mind, carving a point out in the moment ~ "See, when you keep your eyes fixed on Me ~ looking up from your problems and allowing Me to show you the bigger picture, you are freed from the binding and tensions that come when you catch yourself fixated on things that are right front of you; tunnel vision is limited...take My perspective and Trust Me." 

What a blessed relief it was to be reminded that our Lord is always there, and He is larger than everything we face daily.  He delights in overseeing our lives, desiring to guide and direct at all times for our good and His glory.  If we would just choose to take our eyes off what is binding us down, in our limited vision, and look up, seeking for a fresh point of view ~ broader and more encompassing vision of what is truth around us, we would be much more able to face each day's challenges with relaxation and open focus.  How wonderful is our God!

In His Grip

So, I have been on an incredible faith-building portion of my journey over the past several months of life...and I must say, God has been alongside of me every step of the way; giving strength for the weary, shelter from the storms, supply and provision, and comfort as well as joy ~

Now, this may not come as a surprise to anybody, it certainly does not really "surprise" me - but it surely blesses my socks off..in so many tangible ways.  I can't even begin to list the number of things that have been thrown my way in a curve ~ and the Lord has been one step ahead of every single one; when I have turned my face toward Him, He was always already there :-)

"...I am not alone because the Father is with me."  John 16:32

"...The Lord is the strength of my life"  Psalm 27:1

"...The joy of the Lord is my strength"  Nehemiah 8:10

"...Be gentle to all, able to teach, patient..."  2 Timothy 2: 24

He Will Not Forsake His Saints

A Psalm of David

37:1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. [2]
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11 But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.

12 The wicked plots against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him,
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose way is upright;
15 their sword shall enter their own heart,
and their bows shall be broken.

16 Better is the little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous.

18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
and their heritage will remain forever;
19 they are not put to shame in evil times;
in the days of famine they have abundance.

20 But the wicked will perish;
the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.

21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back,
but the righteous is generous and gives;
22 for those blessed by the Lord [3] shall inherit the land,
but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
26 He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.

27 Turn away from evil and do good;
so shall you dwell forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice;
he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land
and dwell upon it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.

32 The wicked watches for the righteous
and seeks to put him to death.
33 The Lord will not abandon him to his power
or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep his way,
and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,
spreading himself like a green laurel tree. [4]
36 But he passed away, [5] and behold, he was no more;
though I sought him, he could not be found.

37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace.
38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
~Amen

Footnotes
[1] 37:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each stanza beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet