This is a testimony of God's mercies and goodness to me in my endeavour to understand and manage bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness (a medical condition that can be treated) and other challenges in my life, by God's grace. Thank God that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! (Romans 8:37)
Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Dear Friends,
Thanks for stopping by. Thank God that He is our refuge and strength.
Thanks for all your visits, prayers and encouragements.
Thank God for preserving me daily. I have been feeling very tired in the recent weeks due to various commitments and have to limit the amount of time I spend on blogging. I do missed all of you very much and hope to return to more blogging and visitation soon.
Please continue to remember me in your prayers, if you can. Pray that God may grant me wisdom to seek and serve Him daily, to pace myself moderately and to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness.
I will continue to remember you in prayers too.
Thank God for the wonderful assurance in His Words of His love for us and His care upon us. He is our present help at all time and especially in time of trouble and need. Therefore let us go to Him always, casting all our cares upon Him for He cares for us.
May this lovely Psalm 46 from the Scottish Metrical Psalter brings encouragement to you as you remember afresh that God is our refuge and strength.
Psalm 46 Scottish Metrical Psalm 1650
To the chief Musician, for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alomoth.
1 God is our refuge and our strength, in straits a present aid; 2 Therefore, although the earth remove, we will not be afraid:
Though hills amidst the seas be cast; 3 Though waters roaring make, And troubled be; yea, though the hills, by swelling seas do shake.
4 A river is, whose streams do glad the city of our God; The holy place, wherein the Lord most high hath his abode.
5 God in the midst of her doth dwell; nothing shall her remove: The Lord to her an helper will, and that right early, prove.
6 The heathen raged tumultuously, the kingdoms moved were: The Lord God uttered his voice, the earth did melt for fear.
7 The Lord of hosts upon our side doth constantly remain: The God of Jacob's our refuge, us safely to maintain.
8 Come, and behold what wondrous works have by the Lord been wrought; Come, see what desolations he on the earth hath brought.
9 Unto the ends of all the earth wars into peace he turns: The bow he breaks, the spear he cuts, in fire the chariot burns.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; among the heathen I Will be exalted; I on earth will be exalted high.
11 Our God, who is the Lord of hosts, is still upon our side; The God of Jacob our refuge for ever will abide.
Thank you for stopping by and all your encouragements!
May God grant you a very blessed Lord's day and week ahead.
Thanks for stopping by my Fearfully Fabulous Friday and Then Sing My Souls Saturday.
For Fearfully Fabulous Friday I am sharing this wonderful verses from Psalm 147 and a very encouraging commentary from Matthew Henry on these verses:
Psalm 147:1-11
1 Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. 2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. 6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: 8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. 9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. 10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
The following is an excerpt taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary:
Psalm 147:1-11
Here,
I. The duty of praise is recommended to us.
II. God is recommended to us as the proper object of our most exalted and enlarged praises, upon several accounts.
1. The care he takes of his chosen people, Psalm 147:2. The Lord builds up Jerusalem. The gospel-church, the Jerusalem that is from above, is of this building (the church and all who truly trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ is the spiritual Jerusalem). He founded it by the preaching of his gospel; he adds to it daily such as shall be saved, and so increases it. He gathers His people by giving them repentance and bringing them again into the communion of saints.
2. The comforts he has laid up for true penitents, Psalm 147:3. They are broken in heart, and wounded, humbled, and troubled, for sin, inwardly pained at the remembrance of it, as a man is that is sorely wounded. Their very hearts are not only pricked, but rent, under the sense of the dishonour they have done to God and the injury they have done to themselves by sin. To those whom God heals with the consolations of his Spirit he speaks peace, assures them that their sins are pardoned and that he is reconciled to them, and so makes them easy, pours the balm of Gilead into the bleeding wounds, and then binds them up, and makes them to rejoice.
3. The sovereign dominion he has over the lights of heaven, Psalm 147:4, Psalm 147:5. The stars are innumerable, many of them being scarcely discernible with the naked eye, and yet he counts them, and knows the exact number of them, for they are all the work of his hands and the instruments of his providence.
4. The pleasure he takes in humbling the proud and exalting those of low degree (Psalm 147:6): The Lord lifts up the meek, who abase themselves before him, and whom men trample on; but the wicked, who conduct themselves insolently towards God and scornfully towards all mankind, who lift up themselves in pride and folly, he casteth down to the ground, sometimes by very humbling providences in this world, at furthest in the day when their faces shall be filled with everlasting shame.
5. The provision he makes for the inferior creatures. Though he is so great as to command the stars, he is so good as not to forget even the fowls, Psalm 147:8, Psalm 147:9. Observe in what method he feeds man and beast.
(1.) He covereth the heaven with clouds, which darken the air and intercept the beams of the sun, and yet in them he prepareth that rain for the earth which is necessary to its fruitfulness. Clouds look melancholy, and yet without them we could have no rain and consequently no fruit. Thus afflictions, for the present, look black, and dark, and unpleasant, and we are in heaviness because of them, as sometimes when the sky is overcast it makes us dull; but they are necessary, for from these clouds of affliction come those showers that make the harvest to yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness (Hebrew 12:11), which should help to reconcile us to them. Observe the necessary dependence which the earth has upon the heavens, which directs us on earth to depend on God in heaven. All the rain with which the earth is watered is of God's preparing.
(2.) By the rain which distils on the earth he makes grass to grow upon the mountains, even the high mountains, which man neither takes care of nor reaps the benefit of. The mountains, which are not watered with the springs and rivers, as the valleys are, are yet watered so that they are not barren.
(3.) This grass he gives to the beast for his food, the beast of the mountains which runs wild, which man makes no provision for. And even the young ravens, which, being forsaken by their old ones, cry, are heard by him, and ways are found to feed them, so that they are kept from perishing in the nest.
6. The complacency he takes in his people, Psalm 147:10, Psalm 147:11. In times when great things are doing, and there are great expectations of the success of them, it concerns us to know (since the issue proceeds from the Lord) whom, and what, God will delight to honour and crown with victory. It is not the strength of armies, but the strength of grace, that God is pleased to own.
(1.) Not the strength of armies - not in the cavalry, for he delighteth not in the strength of the horse, the war-horse, noted for his courage (Job 39:19,. etc.) - nor in the infantry, for he taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man; he does not mean the swiftness of them for flight, to quit the field, but the steadiness of them for charging, to stand the ground.
But, (2.) God is pleased to own the strength of grace. A serious and suitable regard to God is that which is, in the sight of God, of great price in such a case. The Lord accepts and takes pleasure in those that fear him and that hope in his mercy.
Observe, [1.] A holy fear of God and hope in God not only may consist, but must concur. In the same heart, at the same time, there must be both a reverence of his majesty and a complacency in his goodness, both a believing dread of his wrath and a believing expectation of his favour; not that we must hang in suspense between hope and fear, but we must act under the gracious influences of hope and fear. Our fear must save our hope from swelling into presumption, and our hope must save our fear from sinking into despair; thus must we take our work before us.
[2.] We must hope in God's mercy, his general mercy, even when we cannot find a particular promise to stay ourselves upon. A humble confidence in the goodness of God's nature is very pleasing to him, as that which turns to the glory of that attribute in which he most glories. Every man of honour loves to be trusted.
Thank and praise God that He has called us to Himself and place us in the church which is the body of Christ that we can worship Him, grow in Him and enjoy His love through the fellowship of His people. As we converse one with another and recount God's goodness and mercies to us, we shall find many reasons to praise the Lord!
God heals us when sin broke us by sending His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to die for us on the cross and wash away all our sins. He reconciled us to Himself and bless us with every spiritual blessings and provide also for our temporal needs. Though in this life, we have our portions of ups and downs, being sinners saved by grace and still living in a fallen and imperfect world, God is showering His love and mercies to us daily that we may know His love and know that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
Thus afflictions, for the present, look black, and dark, and unpleasant, and we are in heaviness because of them, as sometimes when the sky is overcast it makes us dull; but they are necessary, for from these clouds of affliction come those showers that make the harvest to yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness (Hebrew 12:11), which should help to reconcile us to them.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
For Then Sing My Souls Saturday I am sharing this video on Psalm 147:1-11 posted on Youtube:
Psalm 147:1-11
1 Praise ye the Lord; for it is good praise to our God to sing: For it is pleasant, and to praise it is a comely thing.
2 God doth build up Jerusalem; and he it is alone That the dispersed of Israel doth gather into one.
3 Those that are broken in their heart, and grievèd in their minds, He healeth, and their painful wounds he tenderly up-binds.
4 He counts the number of the stars; he names them ev'ry one. 5 Great is our Lord, and of great pow'r; his wisdom search can none.
6 The Lord lifts up the meek; and casts the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing to the Lord, and give him thanks; on harp his praises sound;
8 Who covereth the heav'n with clouds, who for the earth below Prepareth rain, who maketh grass upon the mountains grow.
9 He gives the beast his food, he feeds the ravens young that cry. 10 His pleasure not in horses' strength, nor in man's legs, doth lie.
11 But in all those that do him fear the Lord doth pleasure take; In those that to his mercy do by hope themselves betake.
May God enable us to sing praises unto Him daily as we remember and experience His goodness and mercies.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a blessed weekend!
For more participants of Fearfully Fabulous Friday, do visit Jill.
For more participants of Then Sing My Souls Saturday, do visit Amy Wyatt.
Thanks for stopping by my Fearfully Fabulous Friday and Then Sing My Souls Saturday.
For Fearfully Fabulous Friday I wish to share this encouraging portion from CH Spurgeon's devotional, Morning and Evening, February 28, Evening.
The Faithfulness of Divine Love
“The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.” 1 Kings 17:16
See the faithfulness of divine love. You observe that this woman had daily necessities.
She had herself and her son to feed in a time of famine; and now, in addition, the prophet Elijah was to be fed too. But though the need was threefold, yet the supply of meal wasted not, for she had a constant supply. Each day she made calls upon the barrel, but yet each day it remained the same.
You, dear reader, have daily necessities, and because they come so frequently, you are apt to fear that the barrel of meal will one day be empty, and the cruse of oil will fail you. Rest assured that, according to the Word of God, this shall not be the case. Each day, though it bring its trouble, shall bring its help; and though you should live to outnumber the years of Methuselah, and though your needs should be as many as the sands of the seashore, yet shall God’s grace and mercy last through all your necessities, and you shall never know a real lack.
For three long years, in this widow’s days, the heavens never saw a cloud, and the stars never wept a holy tear of dew upon the wicked earth: famine, and desolation, and death, made the land a howling wilderness, but this woman never was hungry, but always joyful in abundance.
So shall it be with you. You shall see the sinner’s hope perish, for he trusts his native strength; you shall see the proud Pharisee’s confidence totter, for he builds his hope upon the sand; you shall see even your own schemes blasted and withered, but you yourself shall find that your place of defence shall be the munition of rocks: “Your bread shall be given you, and your water shall be sure.”
Better have God for your guardian, than the Bank of England for your possession. You might spend the wealth of the Indies, but the infinite riches of God you can never exhaust.
In the midst of much economic uncertainties, natural disasters and afflicting illnesses, thank God that we can rest in the faithfulness of His Divine Love!
For Then Sing My Souls Saturday I am sharing this "The Lord is My Shepherd" video which is posted on YouTube. This is one of my favorite Psalm and I am reminded of it daily now. Thank God that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Shepherd and we shall not want/lack!
Psalm 23 (Scottish Metrical Psalter)
1 The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want. 2 He makes me down to lie In pastures green: he leadeth me the quiet waters by.
3 My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness, ev'n for his own name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, yet will I fear none ill: For thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.
5 My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes; My head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
6 Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me: And in God's house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.
May the knowledge that the Lord is our Shepherd and He will provide for all our needs brings peace, comfort and assurance to us everyday as we look to Him, Who loved us and gave His life for us.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Psalm 23:6
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a blessed weekend!
For more participants of Fearfully Fabulous Friday, do visit Jill.
For more participants of Then Sing My Souls Saturday, do visit Amy Wyatt.
Psalm 23 (King James Bible)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Great grief prays with great earnestness. Prayer is not a collection of balanced phrases; it is the pouring out of the soul. What is love if it be not fiery? What are prayers if the heart be not ablaze? They are the battles of the soul. In them men wrestle with principalities and powers...The prayer that prevails is not the work of lips and fingertips. It is the cry of a broken heart and the travail of a stricken soul. ...Samuel Chadwick
Psalm 130 Scottish Metrical Psalm
1 Lord, from the depths to thee I cried. 2 My voice, Lord, do thou hear: Unto my supplication's voice give an attentive ear.
3 Lord, who shall stand, if thou, O Lord, should'st mark iniquity? 4 But yet with thee forgiveness is, that feared thou mayest be.
5 I wait for God, my soul doth wait, my hope is in his word. 6 More than they that for morning watch, my soul waits for the Lord;
I say, more than they that do watch the morning light to see. 7 Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with him mercies be;
And plenteous redemption is ever found with him. 8 And from all his iniquities he Isr'el shall redeem.
This video is posted on YouTube:
May you continue to know God mercies and grace in very special ways today and everyday!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a blessed weekend!
For more participants of Fearfully Fabulous Friday, do visit Jill.
For more participants of Then Sing My Souls Saturday, do visit Amy Wyatt.
Thank God for the joy of worship and fellowship again in church today. We also partook of the Lord's Supper together, and remember afresh our Lord Jesus Christ's great sacrifice on the cross of calvary to redeem us from sins, and our union together in Him as a church.
I thank God that He is with me through all the changing scenes in life. The past years have been difficult but the Lord's grace has been sufficient for me. The Lord has provided for all my needs (both temporal and spiritual) in His many wonderful ways, assuring me that He is my Shepherd, I shall not want (lack).
What a comfort to belong to the Lord and to know His love and goodness daily. Though coping with bipolar with its manic and depression can be very trying and difficult, the Lord has sustained and delivered me time and again. Sometimes I do fear the future as I fear relapses of severe depression again but I reminded over and over again that the Lord is in control. He will take care of me as I strive to take care of myself. Should I suffer a relapse again, despite all medical and other help, He is still with me. He will guide and lead me, and deliver me in His time. And I can serve Him even in my difficulties or sufferings, as I learn to rely more and more upon Him, and testify of His goodness and deliverance, so that all His people may put their hope in Him too.
Thank God that He is our Shepherd.
Psalm 23 (King James Bible)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23 (Scottish Metrical Psalter)
1 The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want. 2 He makes me down to lie In pastures green: he leadeth me the quiet waters by.
3 My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness, ev'n for his own name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, yet will I fear none ill: For thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.
5 My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes; My head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
6 Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me: And in God's house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.
You will enjoy Psalm 23 recited by this cute little girl posted by brimo on Youtube :-)
This Psalm 23 is posted by tsaiwaiming at Youtube.
