Life-Lived Out

By Dr. Jonathan C. Ford

A collection of life experiences, highlighting the positive, with the added bonus of scripture applied to them; in short, life - lived out.
Not only does this book encourage the reader to live with optimism, but it encourages the seeking out of the life lesson in each situation, and gaining from it.
Life is so much more than just going through the motion day after day; it is about maximizing each moment, and being better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514416402

Dr. Jonathan C. Ford

Dr. Ford was called to the ministry, and ordained as a Minister of The Gospel in October of 2007 at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, Nassau, Bahamas. He is a grateful recipient of God’s amazing grace, and is walking out the kingdom assignment on his life. As a Certified Life Coach, his focus is to help couples to mend broken relationships - fostering techniques to strengthen relationships. • A graduate of The College of The Bahamas – earning an Associate Degree, with credit, in Electronics Technology. • A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, La, earning a B. Sc. degree, magna cum laude, in Electrical Engineering Technology. • A graduate of Destiny Christian College – earning both a Masters and Ph.D in Theology (Th.D), in 2010 & 2011 respectively. • IT Professional of over 25 years. • Senior Manager, IT Technical at The Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Ltd. • Author of the book “It’s All About The Kingdom.” • A Youth Adviser, Minister of Technology, Worship and Christian Education at New Destiny Baptist Cathedral. • Academic Dean, New Covenant University, Bahamas Campus. • He is married to Michelle Ford, and the proud father of 4 children. • Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Loves to travel, share the gospel and make a

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Endorsement

This is a wonderful work for the Master to be shared with the people of God. You have a heavy gravity of a calling from God upon your life, continue to make yourself available to the Master’s call and He will show you in time! Continue to submit yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you when He is ready!

Dr H. Amos Walker

People of Destiny Church,

Nassau, Bahamas

From the start Dr. Ford has shown himself as a passionate, determined Pursuer of Christ. It has been a joy to watch his purpose manifest as a Worshipper, Teacher, Leader and NOW Author. I enthusiastically recommend his book and the nuggets of gold contained therein.

Dr. TD Leutzinger 10/2015

Life lived out is a breath of fresh air. Showing that true worship is how we live our lives on a daily basis because we are in a relationship with God through Christ. Dr. Jonathan Ford presents the right perspective that living our worship six days a week is what transforms corporate worship on the seventh day into an encounter that sustains us for the next six days of worship. We can sense the passion and fire in every chapter He writes.

Apostle Delton Fernander,

Senior Pastor

New Destiny Baptist Cathedral

Nassau, Bahamas

LIFE-LIVED OUT

Dr. Jonathan C. Ford

COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY DR. JONATHAN C. FORD.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CONTROL NUMBER: 2015916846

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 11/10/2015

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

He will keep you

In spite of…because of

Seasoned survivor

He knows…

I’m longing for God, desperate is more like it!

There is help in trouble

His joy sustains me

Set the day, worship is the order

It’s all love – worship evens it out.

Weep, then win

He cares (just for you!)

You matter…in the vastness of it all

Testify - God has been good

A sure find…

Defender of the defenseless, victor of the victims – He repays.

Keep on walking

A safe haven

Times have changed…

Uncovered…

Unshakeable – despite the troubles of life…

Keep trusting, hoping - keep fighting

The apple of His eye…

Deliberate and determined

The Lord is my strength:

There’s power in calling His name

Bearings…stay focused

Choose - you have the power

Send forth a praise - release the stress

Who do you trust?

All around - everywhere I look, His love is all around

He’s always there - looking out for you…

The Blessings of God - focused on prospering YOU!

The Blessings of God – it follows

An incentive to praise

Amidst challenges, break out in worship…

I trust Him…He loves ME

Keep your head up

Eager to trust, eager to praise, eager to prove

Clarity, fearlessness and salvation

Your life has to reflect your praise

Fearless and confident, enjoying the present

What it means to worship

Be encouraged to hang in there…

My Help!

The Love of God

Oh the joy of being heard…

Favour…I need it - you?

Not free from adversity, but safe from failing

Hope:

The joy of forgiveness

It’s ALL in The Word!

Consider it done:

Nothing is hidden - He sees it all

It flows both ways…blessings, that is…

Always involved - no single point of failure

Hope, sometimes it’s all we have…

Double the pleasure…manifested blessings

Deliberate and sure

The secret to success

Grounded…

Simply put, God’s love is perfect.

Focused, because of your faith…

Hope in the Lord

Expecting help…

Without God I am nothing - so I worship…

Sing with me, sing a new song

Awesome - that’s what, and who, God is…

He thinks of me - I’m on His mind!

You will outlast…

Don’t be satisfied…until you find Him!

Be constant - He is…

It will work out - so I worship

Push back with worship

Push back with worship - God is on your side

He is forever

Never alone - He is always there.

Know God - no problems; No God - know problems

He is a Great King!

Keep on smiling…

When all is said and done, God remains

Praise to live…live to praise

Praise - our ultimate goal, God’s basic requirement

Built for success

Are you captivated?

The Helper helps…that’s God!

Storms come…God sustains

Praise promotes faith…trumps fear

True worship is true warfare

Reward for trusting in God

Night of trouble, but morning brings a song

Pursue God’s favour - we need it!

When His purpose reigns in you, His blessings rain down

Cease and sekkle…it’s all about God!

Worship in the wilderness

Early in the morning.

A new day - accept the assignment, face your destiny

Whatever happens, just worship…it’ll advance you

The W of Worship - the reason why I worship

A shout of triumph

DIY…bless and praise

A happy praise - count your blessings

Desperately needing you…my praise will yet break forth

A right now move…speak

Total praise…

Total praise - part 2

Perspective…

Real loneliness - the absence of God

Purpose to praise…

A Mighty God…

Sometimes you need a song…to make it through

Gratitude - true praise; lip service - ingratitude

Gratitude - true praise; lip service - ingratitude - part 2

The pain of forgetfulness…the power of praise

Right perspective - restore, return, revive…

I spell return with a W…

Under His rule

He reigns…

I really love the Lord!

Doing the right thing has its rewards…

God alone…there is none like Him

Glory belongs to God…

Worship…in spite of it all…worship

No God like our God…

No God like our God - part 2…Favour

God is eternal…

Safe in His arms

A day consumed by worship…

Steadfast and Sure

The fire burns…

Help, Hope and Heals

You are cordially invited…

Status check…pulse on worship

You forgot to RSVP!

It’s a no-brainer…Worship is a must!

Still

Thank you Lord…

Holy

The attitude of worship

Preoccupied - let your mind overrun with Worship

Habit…Disciple of Worship

A constant

ABCs:

Worship - the reason for the raised hand…

Worship - the reason for the raised hand…part 2

Don’t worry - instead, just worship - it’s all in His hands

God never fails…especially with the impossible

Mercy - proof of His goodness!

Worship - it’s required from everyone!

Worship - it’s required from everyone - part 2

Thankful Thursday:

Be steadfast in your worship…God will deliver you

The open mouth - praying or preying?

Worship changes everything - elevates…

Unforgettable

Unforgettable…untouchable…reaping the rewards…

Worship - 24/7…nonstop

Worship - remember what God has done…get ready

Trust…and worship

I Love the Lord…

In the middle of it all, Great…is His actions towards us…

Confidence in God - so I worship

Confidence in God - so I worship pt. 2

Words…

Words…pt. 2

Words…pt. 3

Distracted? Pray & Praise…

My Helper, my Sustainer…worthy of ALL my praise

Worship - a joyful experience

Don’t get distracted - get occupied with worship.

A reason to worship…

Trust and obey…an abiding confidence in God

Worship is a be

Life - it’s in God’s hands…ALL aspects of it.

Path to blessings - it’s in worship

He knows, and He acts - so I worship

Hopeful wait = extended worship

Worship…is a state of mind

On a mission…Worship

An upward Worship creates unity…

Worship - calling out in the darkness

Turn up your worship - God deserves it

Worship - for His mercy endures forever

Worship is always expected…even at your most difficult times

Worship…I will…

His thoughts, His love, demands my worship

Sure…standing sure

Your deliverance is in your worship…your worship in your words…

At your weakest, have your deepest…

Worship…no matter where, no matter what

Worship is all I know - for I am your servant

Worship is warfare…the true art of war - Part I

Worship is warfare…the true art of war - Part II

A praise break…a worship intermission…

Worship is my friend - tried and true

There is always a reason to be thankful

All of creation worships

Just worship Him…

Everything, every praise - make worship to our God

Worship has gotten ahold of me - I’m done!

After the Psalms – what next?

…It came to pass…

Be ready to move…

Because He lives…take the limits off.

Repeat…when God does it…

I see Christmas differently…

Let the child in you come out…

knowing is half the battle

On the way…to where?

You’re good to go…

On your marks…

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Acknowledgements:

It only takes a spark to get a fire going – many thanks to the Worship Team at NDBC – Dexter, Renee, Charlene, Wilma, Bessley, Cindy, Kendal, Kelsey and Steadman; your support is unbelievable.

My Senior Pastor, Apostle Delton Fernander, you saw what even I didn’t see – your support is an unending source of inspiration.

Pastor Tyrone Knowles – you are definitely a firestarter…always ready to stoke the flames of worship; your continued push to take worship higher is fuel for the fire.

Dr. Paul Crites, as my Spiritual Father, you are a blessing and necessary source of wisdom.

Dr. Thornton Leutzinger – the prophetic in you spoke to the worshipper in me; I thank God for our connection.

The lovely folks at New Destiny Baptist Cathedral, Nassau, Bahamas – your willingness to travel and elevate in worship encourages me everyday.

Dr. Hilliard Walker – you flipped the switch; life has never been the same since!

My family – Simone (Simmie/Pookie), Samantha (Sammie/Pookums), Savannah (Savvie/Pumpkin), and Michael (Baby Boy/Mikey) – you inspire me and provide opportunities for me to see the gospel manifested in life. Michelle, I am grateful for our connection and walk together – your support is immeasurable.

To the rest of those I’ve connected with on this journey – too many to name, I bless God for you…continue to take worship to the next level.

Blessings…

Get set…

getset.jpg

Greetings Worshippers,

At some point, after spending a weekend in worship, I started a walk through the book of Psalm. After singing with some worship partners during a Faith Alive Weekend at St. Ambrose Anglican Church, Nassau, Bahamas, the worship bug got ahold of me. I found a focus on praise…and decided to take you along for the ride. Some of my colleagues came willingly, some were dragged complaining, some quit, some probably stayed back and never ventured out. I trust that this bug gets ahold of you. Thank you for allowing me to invade your space – I don’t believe you will regret it.

This journey has made worship my aim. I understand the focus of the Psalmists - whether times were good or bad, happy or sad, they found their release, their way and their answer in worship. It was a reminder, an anchor, a path, a shelter and a hiding place - as life happens, it can’t be avoided but it can be ridden. Worship will allow you to hold onto your sanity, ride out the storm and come out stronger, better and ready… Ready with an encouraging word, ready for the next wave, the next assignment - ready to seek more of His glory, desperate for His presence. When all is said and done - it is worship that matters, simply because it is God who really matters. In our relationship with others, we’ve got to understand that we will fail each other - but God never fails. So, if there’s one person we’ve got to stay connected to - that’s God.

Whatever season you’re in, be encouraged. Whether you’re being talked about, plotted on, just trying to make it through the days - in the middle of a storm, just came out of one, heading for one - all in all, just being challenged with folks not being who they should be - be encouraged that you will last. You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last - but YOU MUST LAST…you must be victorious - you can be, you will be!

I stand in agreement with you today; I speak life, favour, blessings and success over you and your situation(s) - in the Mighty Name of Jesus! I trust that the words contained within this book encourage you, and helps to set your days. Just remember, whatever happens - someway, somehow - I encourage you to give God your best praise, your deepest worship. As for me - worship has gotten ahold of me…I’m done!

Blessings,

Go…

woship.png

When

Ordinary

Response

Shifts

Headlong

Into

Prolonged Praise

He will keep you

Worship Warriors, Peace Keepers,

It seems like whatever we make is never enough - there’s always another bill to pay, someone you’d like to bless, someone in need of help - always more opportunities than your dollars… At any given time of year it rears its head – the obvious contrast between how much you earn, and how much you’d like to spend - it seems like everyone is out to separate you from your money. If you have children, then you understand this all too well.

God is our Father – he understands the process of caring for – Psalm 1 is such a reminder.

Blessed… – what a way to start…even in the worst of situations, it’s a reminder that you are blessed.

As I was thinking about this, I was reminded that God will provide; in fact, if you pause and think for a moment, you can identify - He did it before, He’s doing it now, and He will do it again. If He took over a million people through the desert, and kept them - surely He can do it for you. Deuteronomy 8 reminds us:

"And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way…to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

So He humbled you…that He might make you know that man…lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years."

Just as God made a choice to bless and provide, you must make a choice in what you do:

Blessed is the man who does not… Choice.

But his delight is… Choice – it’s about the choice you make.

Tools in different hands mean different things, much like words being said by different people. To a child, it’s as simple as what others say versus what parents say. Siblings saying No simply means a time-to-seek-out-mommy moment…and if need be, seek out daddy.

A promise – words – makes all the difference: cut and bleeding, but daddy says it’ll be alright – tears are dried up; failure at a task, but mommy says what a big boy you are – biggest smile…

His words will keep you – His words matter most – His description makes all the difference.

So when God says Blessed… I sit up and take notice – everything after that is tied to it. I’ve done some comparisons and discovered that His idea of Blessed… is so much greater than mine…I’m sticking with His word – He has kept me…time and time again.

My encouraging word to you today is be at peace - worrying won’t change your situation, but God can and will! Instead of elevating your problems with worry, elevate God with your worship. He has it all, and will give it all, if you will just give Him your all! Open your mouth and give him your best praise, your deepest worship…today!

I leave you with this reminder: If He did it before, He can do it again….same God! (Tye Tribbett)

Blessings…

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In spite of…because of

Worship Warriors, Seekers,

Some days are really trying - those are the days when the blanket of life settles in snugly around you and you really feel like staying in bed, and under the (other) blanket. Today was such a day for me…allergies fired up - stuffy, congested, difficulties breathing - I just didn’t feel like making it into work today…and the dreary weather seemed to lend agreement to my melancholic state.

In spite of how I felt, and because of responsibilities I have, I trudged on - with that question at the back of my mind: Lord, isn’t there an easier way; can’t you come quickly and end all this?

God really does have a point of turnaround…life was about to prove it to me, as well as the scripture would remind me:

I dropped off Michael; Maria (Pumpkin) was next. As we walked to the gate of her school, there was a big puddle in front of us - big enough that I couldn’t cross it, and definitely too big for her to traverse. So, I scooped her up in my arms - laden down with her all bags and crossed through the puddle. As I scooped her up, she remarked. Yeah, I’m taller than daddy!, and burst out into laughter!

That moment changed the course of my day… It was in that instant that God chose to remind me that when life gets too rough, He will carry me. Should I come across mountains that are too high to climb, rivers too deep to cross, valleys too lonesome to traverse, He’ll carry me in His arms.

My heart was lifted - yes, my allergies were still bothering me, but since my outlook had changed, it didn’t matter anymore.

Yes, I know the vicissitudes of life will still assail me, but now I face the day with a mindset that in spite of what I have done (my past), because of His love for me (present), He will keep me (future).

I’m covered today…

Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

The turnaround time is the appointed season – it’s just a matter of when. The added blessing is that even until that appointed time – in spite of what else happens, because of God’s grace, you will make it!

Your status will change, and you will be on your way to better days…Hallelujah!

The Prophet Isaiah provides a reminder – Isaiah 43:19-21:

Behold, I will do a new thing…I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert,To give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.

Today, I’m declaring His praise… Let me declare to you today, in spite of what you’re going through, He’s got you covered; because of His love for you, you will make it! Do enjoy your day…worship Him.

Blessings…

Seasoned survivor

Soldiers of The Cross, Worshippers,

Most times we get caught up focusing on the changing scenery of life, rather than focus on the established. A tree, is a tree throughout all seasons – ever noticed that? In autumn, the leaves fall off, and are gone; in winter, against the harshness of the cold, it appears dead; in spring, that same almost dead tree comes alive – sprouting new buds, leaves and a lively colour; in summer, it is laden with fruit – it’s time to reap.

Yet, it wasn’t so much the seasons that kept it; rather it’s the established roots that allowed for survival – even when the leaves were gone. Very important truth – it’s what you’re anchored in that keeps you when life happens.

Are you a warrior or a worrier?

Do you pray or become the prey?

Do you live by faith or succumb to fate?

Are you living a fair life or a life of fear?

The reality is that you cannot live your life looking at circumstances – they don’t define you…simply because things are not what they seem…they seldom are.

Living in a hurricane belt, I am amazed to see massive trees being uprooted – fully upended with all their roots in the air; while smaller, less strong looking trees survive – they might bend, but they don’t break.

Trees come in all shapes and sizes – much like life. Life doesn’t define the trees, rather the trees, based on their placement, determine how they live. Roots, like faith, determine your survival – don’t go by looks, but rather by substance.

Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water

Doesn’t matter what happens – the outcome will be as though it is sturdy and connected to a life-giving flow of water. Even in the midst of a dry spot - …shall be like…planted by…; hottest day - …shall be like…planted by…; everything else failing and falling apart - …shall be like…planted by…; even when circumstances and opinions say no - …shall be like…planted by…

Time and time again, God has proven Himself faithful… After having lived life a little, I’ve come to realise that we should never underestimate the power of ordered steps, and a favoured existence – simply put, don’t minimize a maximized God with boxed-in thinking.

Being planted means not just survival, but thriving – excelling with less than, and exceeding to more than! Being planted means depending on a deeper authority, than what seems to be bothering you.

Those that are not planted are at the mercy of the wind: (verse 4) …are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

The secret to survival is in being planted, secured, established – there’s nothing like worship to take your mind of circumstances, situations, the adversities of life – and to focus on the God who controls the seasons, the elements and your future. Let others be affected by the vicissitudes of life – you focus on victory through worship.

Blessings…

He knows…

Worshippers of The Most High God,

Every adult, I believe, has had that ah-hah moment – when it comes to the little people in our lives…our children. There comes a moment when they say, or do, something that leaves us scratching our head thinking Have they been here before?! How did they know that?

Invariably, it comes down to exposure – what have they been exposed to? Sometimes when we think they’re not listening, or paying attention, they really are. There’s no doubt that having older siblings around does progress the education of the younger ones – one way or the other. How many times have dinner been compromised because they knew of a dessert treat? Or bedtimes were adjusted because they knew of an upcoming trip, and were sooo excited?

In that same breath, how would your perspective change if you knew otherwise? What if I told you that He knows where you are, and what you’re going through?

Psalm 1:6 For the Lord knows… and if you’re walking in His will, the Psalmist goes a little further: For the Lord knows the way of the righteous…

Let the English major in you step out for a minute – For the Lord knows… speaks to a perpetual state, not a one time fluke. For the Lord knows… present continuous…means always knowing. For the Lord knows… - has a good command, has personal experience, able to distinguish…

Of the 7 billion plus people on this planet, He knows your name, your address, exactly what you’re faced - your struggles, the circumstances; in short, He knows you, and the plans He has for you – the end He has appointed and ordained for you! (No ifs, ands or buts about it!)

It speaks to His sovereignty, His omniscience, and the completeness of His will – a determined end, even before you began.

That same scripture, worded in the NIV records it this way: For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous…

Not only does He know, but He’s watching…watching with a plan and a purpose… Simply because of that, He has my devotion, and my attention – in short, He has my worship. I invite you to give yours.

Blessings…

I’m longing for God, desperate is more like it!

Worship Warriors, Seekers of His Presence,

One night, after hearing an awesome sermon by Pastor Delton Fernander, I was sitting watching a bit of TV - minding my own business, or so I thought!

Right in the middle of watching TV, I felt this desperate need creep over me to worship God… I rolled up into the fetal position right there on the carpet, on my knees - and cried out in worship. I felt such an awesome presence that I had to cover my head with my arms… about 15 seconds later, I was normal again…. I guess that was a shadow of how the night was going to go…

All through the night, even in my sleep - I keep singing/hearing this song - I didn’t know all the words, but the tune kept going around and around in my head, in my spirit - ….Lord, hear my heart’s cry…..For your glory I will do anything….

Even when Michael (4-years old at the time) woke me up several times during the night, as I walked up and down the stairs, I was humming and singing the words that I thought I knew - half-asleep… I was even adding in my own words!! :-)

When I got up that morning, I googled it - sure enough: Bishop Paul Morton’s For Your Glory:

Lord if I find favor in your sight,

Lord please hear my hearts cry,

Desperately waiting, to be where you are.

I’ll cross the hottest dessert, I’ll travel near or far.

Chorus:

For your glory, I will do anything,

Just to see you, To behold you as my king…

For me, it had to be more than just the song – it sure was! I read Psalm 2 and these words, in verse 7 and 8, solidified the connection:

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, "You are my son; today I have become your father.

Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

Like a son looking for his father – like Michael does sometimes…searching the entire house – upstairs, downstairs, loudly calling my name…I’m desperate for God…I mean really desperate for Him.

I know that when I find Him, like I need to, the amazing will happen!

In my search for more of God I got started on a midday 10 minutes of Appreciate God session…guess which song I sang that day?!

Sing the song that He has placed in your spirit - take a few minutes and just worship Him…let His presence fall over you…love on Him…He deserves the glory, the honour, the praise, ALL of it!! I speak peace to you…do enjoy your day.

Blessings…

There is help in trouble

Worship Warriors, Gap Menders,

Even when life gets tough – in the midst of trouble – there is help…Psalm 3 serves as a reminder.

I think back to one day when I was very young – not able to go to school one day, I stayed home while my other 2 brothers (3 of us stayed with mama at the time) went to school. I was home alone while mama went for a few hours on the farm – in the field as we called it.

She had left a thermos with some hot tea, and a piece of cornbread, in case I got hungry. Well, I knew food was available so sooner, rather than later, I was hungry. The details are fuzzy, but somehow, as I poured the tea, I managed to get some on my tummy and burned myself. To this day, I don’t know how I managed to hide that from mama – for several months I hid it, until it healed completely.

Fast forward to about 40 years, and my son, Michael, while at school, got burned on his tummy with hot water. Little people stepping around sometimes get underfoot. He had stepped behind a teacher and she didn’t see him – he had ventured into the kitchen area when he shouldn’t have.

I remembered seeing him at home that evening – not crying, but tears welling up and fear in his eyes. I sat him down, and recounted my experience of going through the very same issue – even showing him how, like him, I had gotten burned on the left side of my belly button. It had healed so well that there wasn’t even a scar. It was such a relief to see the fear leave his eyes, and to confidently tell him that it was all going to be okay, and he would be just fine.

Now, months later, it’s as though it never happened – it has healed quite well, almost completely.

In Psalm 3, we see major trouble, but the troubled is not hopeless – let’s learn from the Psalmist. David suffers as he deals with betrayal of his beloved son Absalom – even as king, he had to run for his life – his anguish is captured in verses 1 and 2:

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.

Many are they who say of me, There is no help for him in God.

Despite his position, he didn’t lose hope – he knew where his help was…he focused on that source (verses 3 and 4):

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill.

When trouble tries to lay you out, remember that God is the lifter of your head!

Don’t stress – choose rather to rest in God…after all, He controls the outcome (verses 5-8):

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around…Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people.

He is our help, especially in trouble – so instead of being worried, get busy in worship…it shows you’re resting in God – in the midst of trouble. I saw Michael lift his head that evening after we spoke …I encourage you to do the same – lift your head, your heart and your hands in worship – there is help!

Blessings…

His joy sustains me

Glory Carriers, Joy Extenders,

Most times people need a reason to be happy – very few people have the insight to be happy just because…