I had a really powerful dream last night. My friend Mary, who is now with Jesus, came to me as I was in the bookstore, owned by her and her hubby. I was looking for a book. She said, “You need to stop reading so many books, websites, dreams and visions of other people and the interpretations. It is time to read the Word. Immerse yourself in it. You won’t go wrong with the Word. The other stuff will drain you and confuse you.” Then with a bolder tone, “LEAVE THE OTHER STUFF ALONE! GET INTO THE WORD. STAY IN THE WORD. IT IS CRITICAL AT THIS TIME FOR YOU TO STAY IN THE WORD.”

So while I’m home from work today, I knew I needed to immerse myself in the Word. I pulled out my trusty sword in the Amplified Version and Modern English Version and headed to the Psalms to soothe my weary, worn, dried-out spirit. I wanted to share what really stood out to me in case it may help someone else.

Psalm 119:51-55 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

⁵¹The proud have had me greatly in derision, yet have I not declined in my interest in or turned aside from Your law.

⁵²When I have [earnestly] recalled Your ordinances from of old, O Lord, I have taken comfort.

⁵³Burning indignation, terror, and sadness seize upon me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.

⁵⁴Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

⁵⁵I have [earnestly] remembered Your name, O Lord, in the night, and I have observed Your law.

As I look at world events, I see Christianity mocked and ridiculed on a daily basis. The PC word is tolerance, yet there is no tolerance for Christianity. To me, this can become overwhelming. Thus, like verse 52 says, it is critical for me to take comfort in the Word of God and His promises to His children. I *must* encourage myself in the Lord.

I am a news junkie. I frequently read articles online on current events. This too, can be overwhelming. If I’m not careful to guard my heart, indignation can consume my spirit. Fear and terror can assail me. I can become very depressed and sad, as mentioned in verse 53.

I must remember that this world is not my home. I must not become too attached to the things of this world. I must remember that I am in a temporary body, on a pilgrimage to my eternal home. (Verse 54)

With the constant barrage of negative news, even at midday, it can seem like night. So in that “night,” I must remember the Lord’s Name and earnestly call out to Him, as mentioned in verse 55.

If I am faithful to do the above, here will be the result:

Psalm 119:24 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

²⁴Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

I will find myself delighting in God and His Word. His Word will counsel me and instruct me in the way to go.

Psalm 119:32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.(NIV)

Even in the midst of these dark days, if I keep myself soaking in His Word and running in the path of His commands, He will set my heart free.

Isaiah 3:8-11Modern English Version (MEV)

8
For Jerusalem is ruined,
and Judah is fallen,
because their tongue and their deeds are against the Lord,
to provoke the eyes of His glory.
9
The expression of their countenance witnesses against them,
and they declare their sin as Sodom;
they hide it not.
Woe to them!
For they have brought evil on themselves.

10
Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them,
for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.

11
Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him,
for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

I love how in the midst of such a strong word against the wicked, the Lord pauses to basically say, “But don’t forget to remind my kids it will be ok for them!”