As I listen to those around me worry and debate about the election and world events, I find the only way to settle my soul is by reminding myself it is God alone who is in control of all things.
These matters are beyond my understanding and control. Quieting myself brings the assurance that God will take care of His people no matter what occurs in our country and in our world.
Opening to Psalm 133 brings back a flood of memories. Our women’s leader was my son’s 6th grade Bible teacher. She had them memorize this psalm that year. As I practiced it with him, it began to fall on me with a preciousness I have not forgotten.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, For brothers to dwell together in unity!” (verse 1, NASB)
There is such a lack of unity in our world, our country, our churches, and even at times, our families.
This psalm reminds us there is blessing which comes from living in unity. It is no wonder the enemy works so hard to disrupt our lives and bring about division.
Living together will require us to be other-minded. We will need to put others first, and think of what is good and best.
The word picture painted in this psalm is of a flowing down.
Unity does just that – it flows down – from the top through to the bottom. From the greatest to the least.
And then the psalmist reminds us:
“For there the Lord commanded the blessing — life forever.” (verse 3, NASB)
Unity —> blessing —> life forever.
Disappointment. We all face it at some point in life. “Handling disappointment is never easy but we always have a choice. That choice leads to success when we trust in the One who created us.” You will find much wisdom and encouragement in this post by Pam Ecrement: A Measure of Success HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
The verse, ‘Be still & know that I am God’ came to mind as I was reading your words above Joanne.
God indeed is in control.
Blessings to you sweet friend,
Jennifer
I can identify so much with your first two paragraphs, especially. There are so many needs and concerns in our world, and so many of them too big for me. Knowing God is in control is the only thing that brings me peace.
I have been dismayed by the factions in our country, but even more so by the infighting between Christians. May we look to Him and love each other as we should, by His grace.
I’m receiving Psalm 133 as a prescription. So thankful for the Word of God.
Reading this was a comforting way to start my morning, Joanne. Your second paragraph brings to mind Isaiah 26:3, which I learned as a kid in the KJV: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Hugs, friend.
I think in a community that strives to live up to Jesus’ great commandments – and the ten commands, too – but love others as you love yourself – you cannot help but have unity. Yet, in a world that has turned their backs on the creator of the great commandment, it is impossible to have that unity we remember growing up in. Thank you for reminding us that we can have peace when the world does not – only because of our Father.
Joanne, it is indeed a time of turmoil in which we live, when most days it seems people care more about advancing their own agendas than truly helping those in need, never mind unity. I am reminded of the verse in Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
God calls us to do “good” to all men; imagine if everyone chose to do that to even just one person today? It certainly would change our immediate worlds, let alone the world at large. Doing good to others doesn’t take a huge amount of time or resources, but it does take intentionality and self-denial.
I’m so thankful we have the peace that passes understanding, Joanne, and not as the world gives. His peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 133 verse 1 is a prayer of this momma’s heart two sons as they grow older and live a great distance. Thank you Joanne for the reminders. Our hope is not in the election of man or woman. Our hope is in the King of Kings.
The Psalms offer me great comfort and direction when my emotions are stirred. Enjoyed this one today.
Oh, Joanne… God knew that I needed to read your post today! My husband and I had spent some time earlier today talking about this same subject and the many ways in which we, as a society, aren’t living in unity, The readings you shared provide a beacon light of hope and comfort! Thank you!
Thank you, Joanne…comforting words this morning.
Seeing unity as flowing down is a fresh perspective, Joanne. Needed, too. A wise observation explaining one of the reasons our country has shifted so drastically in the last decade …
This is hard to do in the current culture but Psalm 133 seeks to remind us of the path we are called to take even if what we believe does not align with someone else. The big challenge in that comes when the issue is a moral one where the biblical path trumps any other choice. May we carefully tune in to Him each day for his direction, words, and choices as we are appointed to be salt and light.